The cost of a built in shelf depends on a variety of factors, such as the size, quality of materials, design and finish of the shelf, as well as the labor and installation cost. Typically, simple built in shelves cost anywhere from $250 to $2,000 and above, depending on the size, style and customization.
For instance, a three-foot, single wall shelf made of medium density fiberboard that’s not customized may cost around $250 – $300, while a custom-built, eight-foot-long unit made of wood and PVC may cost up to $2,000 or even more.
In addition to the cost of materials and construction, installation costs may also be factored into the overall cost of the built in shelf, depending on the labor involved. On average, professional installation of built in shelves may cost from $300 to $1,000, on top of the cost of materials.
DO built in shelves add value?
Yes, built in shelves can add value to a home. Built in shelves add a unique, custom look to any room, from decorating the living room to increasing storage in a bedroom or bathroom. In addition, built in shelving can blend with the existing architecture and layout of the home, creating a unified appearance and saving space.
Not only can they increase the available storage, but they can also free up floor and tabletop space. With built in shelves, you can create an organized and functional display area, showcasing items like books, photographs, and keepsakes.
Another benefit of built in shelves is their longevity. They are sturdier than freestanding shelves and are more likely to stay in place for many years without needing repair. Built in shelves can also add value to a home by increasing the overall aesthetics and resale value.
How do you build built in shelves around a fireplace?
Building built in shelves around a fireplace requires some planning and preparation. Before you begin, consider the type of shelving you’ll need, the size of the fireplace, and the materials you intend to use.
To begin, measure the dimensions of the area in which you’ll be building the shelves. If you plan to use pre-built shelving, take the measurements of the shelves you’ve selected and adjust the dimensions of the area to accommodate them.
Make sure all shelves will be large enough to hold the items you intend to store, and note any obstructions that may prevent you from installing certain shelves. You may also need to consider fire safety when installing the shelves, ensuring that doors, vents, and other features remain unobstructed.
Next, outline the dimensions of the shelves you plan to build on the wall. Mark the area and make sure your measurements are accurate before you begin. Cut studs according to your measurements and position them in place around the fireplace.
Secure each stud in place with nails or screws, ensuring that they won’t come loose.
Now line the shelves with plywood, making sure to use an adhesive to secure it in place. Finally, add a veneer to the shelves and secure it with caulking. Once all of the steps are complete, you’re ready to decorate your new built-in shelving around the fireplace.
Are built ins worth it?
Whether or not built ins are worth it is largely dependent on the individual buyer’s needs, preferences, and lifetime goals. Built ins can provide a great way to maximize the space in a home, as well as giving an area a sense of cohesion, style, and character.
Built ins can also be beneficial in the long term, as they raise the value of the home and create a more efficient use of space. Because well-constructed custom built-ins are designed to last a lifetime, they will consistently add to the value of the home from year to year, as opposed to certain home furnishings which depreciate in value within a few years.
On the other hand, built ins are generally much more expensive than typical furniture pieces and can be a significant investment. Additionally, custom built ins need to be planned out in advance and generally require the work of a professional carpenter or contractor.
Therefore, buyers should consider how much money they are willing to invest and how comfortable they are with the idea of a professional coming into the home to install these products.
Ultimately, built ins may or may not be worth it, depending on the buyer’s needs and preferences. Therefore, it is important that the buyer carefully examine their home, lifestyle, and budget to decide whether built ins make sense for them.
How deep should shelves by fireplace be?
When deciding how deep fireplace shelves should be, there are several factors to consider. First, you need to make sure they are sturdy enough to hold whatever items you will put on them. Generally, shelves should be at least 9” deep so they can easily accommodate books and other items.
Additionally, make sure that the shelves are at least 2-3 inches away from the fireplace, as this will help protect them from heat and flames. You may also want to consider the depth of the mantel when determining the depth of the shelves, as you want them to be symmetrical.
Finally, keep in mind that the deepness of the shelves should match the overall style of the room. Consider the design of the room and the other elements in order to ensure the shelves will enhance the existing decor.
How do you make a fireplace look built in?
To make a fireplace look built in can require a few steps. First, you want to build a wall around the existing fireplace. If you do not want to create a full wall, you can simply add wood paneling or trim around the perimeter, making it look as if it were a separate piece from the wall.
Once you have the structure of the wall built, you’ll want to make sure the wall is properly insulated. You will also want to make sure that the design of the wall is consistent with the overall design of the room.
You can then cover the wall with drywall or drywall paneling. Make sure that all seams are sealed properly to create a seamless look. You’ll also want to prime and/or paint the wall to make it blend in with your existing color palette.
Finally, you may want to add decorative trim to the edges of the fireplace. This can be simple crown molding, wainscoting, or other decorative elements to enhance the look and feel of the fireplace. You may also want to add a mantel or shelves to finish off the look.
With these steps, you can make your fireplace look like it is a built-in part of your home.
What kind of wood should I use for built in shelves?
The best type of wood to use for built in shelves is typically hardwood, such as oak, maple, or cherry. While softwoods like pine or cedar can work for built-ins, they may not be as sturdy or long-lasting as the hardwoods.
Alternatively, engineered wood such as plywood or medium-density fiberboard (MDF) can be used for built-in shelves, making it more durable and helping to hide the woodgrain. When it comes to finishes, a good choice for built-in shelves is a durable coating, such as a polyurethane.
This finish is applied in a few coats to provide a protective, lasting layer against dirt, dust, and other environmental damage. Ultimately, it’s important to choose the right type of wood and finishing material to ensure your built-in shelves last for years to come.
How do you attach shelves to an old entertainment center?
Attaching shelves to an old entertainment center can be a bit tricky, but it’s doable with the right tools. Firstly, you’ll need to make sure that the entertainment center is strong enough to hold the weight of what will be placed on the shelves.
The type of material the entertainment center is made of and the construction of it will help to determine if it will hold the desired shelf weight. If not, you will likely need to upgrade the entertainment center before adding shelves.
Once you have determined the entertainment center is fit for shelves, you will need to gather the necessary tools and supplies. You will require a measuring tape, drill, wall-mounting screws, and anchors.
Additionally, you may want to choose your shelving materials and pick up any additional hardware necessary for installing them, such as shelf brackets and clamps.
Once you have the necessary tools and supplies, begin by measuring the length and width of the entertainment center and the desired shelves. This will ensure that you purchase shelves that fit properly.
Next, use the drill to create pilot holes along the walls of the entertainment center. Be sure to drill each hole slightly larger than the size of the wall-mounting screws and anchor bolts.
Now it’s time to start installing the shelves. Place the shelves on top of the pilot holes, and use the wall-mounting screws and anchor bolts to secure them in place. Start from the bottom and work up, making sure to evenly space each shelf.
Once secure, you’re done. Congratulations, you have successfully attached shelves to your old entertainment center!.
What can I put in my unused fireplace?
If you have an unused fireplace in your home, there are a variety of things you can do to make it functional and aesthetically pleasing. You can fill the fireplace with candles and other decorative items to create a unique focal point in the room.
Shelves can be added to store books, photographs, and other decorations. You can also transform the fireplace into an indoor garden with plants, succulents and even a terrarium. If you’re feeling creative, you could convert the fireplace into a faux hearth or breakfast nook, with pillows and small tables to create a cozy atmosphere.
You can use the fireplace as a home office, with a desk and comfortable chair, to get you into the perfect work atmosphere. Finally, if it’s safe to do so, you could turn the fireplace into a showpiece, with colored tile accents and a mantel to display your favorite artwork or family photos.
With creative ideas, an unused fireplace can be transformed to fit any design style and make your home more beautiful.
Are built in bookshelves outdated?
It’s hard to say whether built-in bookshelves are outdated or not. It really depends on the style you’re going for in your home. If you’re looking to create a more modern, contemporary look, then built-in bookshelves might feel a bit outdated.
However, if you’re going for a classic, timeless style, then they can still be a great choice.
Things like the material you choose, the design of the shelves, and the styling can all help you to create a modern look with built-in bookshelves. For example, if you choose metal materials, like stainless steel, and incorporate contemporary accents, like geometric patterns, then your shelves can still have a modern feel.
In the end, it’s really about finding the right balance for your home. Built-in bookcases can be great if done tastefully and can be a timeless addition to any home.
