Your Fitted Bookcase Cost Guide for 2023

Fitted bookcases can finish off the look of a room. Custom shelves that fit exactly in the spot you want them to go will help you maximise space and reduce any untidy gaps or corners.

It'll obviously set you back more than a standard bookcase, but how much will a fitted bookcase cost? We'll go through it in our guide.

How much do built-in bookshelves cost?

How much built-in bookshelves cost will depend on how big you need them to be, what material you want them to be made from and where you live, but here are the average costs:

Item	Average cost
Hardwood shelves	£230 per metre
MDF shelves	£36 per metre
Glass	£126 per metre
Carpenter day rate	£300-£350

The exact cost of a built-in bookshelf will depend on its size and what material you want it to be, but here's an example:

For a 2m x 2m hardwood built-in bookcase that has 4 shelves, expect it to cost at least £3,000 plus at least two day's labour. That means you could spend up to £3,700.

These costs are based on UK averages. For a more accurate idea of how much a carpenter will cost you in your area, take a look at the table further down the page. HaMuch has a large database of rates for carpenters across the country to help you get an accurate estimate for your project.

Types of fitted bookcases

The benefit to having bespoke bookcases and bookshelves means you can dictate exactly what they look like! But sometimes that can make it difficult to decide on the best design for your home. Here are some of our ideas:

Fitted bookcase with shaker cabinets

If you're short on storage space, a fitted bookcase with shaker cabinets at the bottom can solve your problems.

Shaker doors are usually square or rectangular with straight edges and feature a smaller, recessed square or rectangle inside. They usually have a single doorknob on one edge. They look stylish and unassuming and can look fantastic in many styles of home.

By having shaker cabinets at the bottom of your fitted bookcase, you can still display all your lovely books and trinkets but have storage space to hide away those bits and pieces you’d rather people didn’t see. It's a win-win!

Scaffolding board bookshelves

Reclaimed scaffolding boards are an on-trend way to add custom bookshelves to your home. They can be fitted as stand alone floating shelves or with brackets; often people choose to add black metal brackets to add an industrial look.

Custom-made scaffolding bookshelves look great around a fireplace or in an alcove. Bold without being too much of a statement, they can add a touch of class to any room.

Fitted bookcases with a media centre

Fitted bookcases can look fabulous with a space left for a TV, games console or music centre. Keeping your TV and entertainment tech all in one place can help keep your home neat and tidy, and helps your TV blend in with the rest of the room rather than standing out.

You could have bookshelves in the middle that are a similar width to your TV with smaller shelves either side to create a sleek, modern look.

Floor-to-ceiling shelves with ladder

If you're lucky enough to have lots of space and high ceilings, you could have bespoke floor-to-ceiling shelves made along with a charming wooden ladder to create the ultimate library space.

While you'd need quite a big space to have the need for a sliding ladder, if you've got the room, you can create a luxurious area to spend time in.

Do built-in bookcases add value?

Yes, built-in bookcases will add value – as long as they're done properly. Hire a good carpenter that produces fantastic results and your bespoke bookshelves will impress prospective buyers.

It's also worth remembering that the way you style your built-in bookcases will affect what buyers think when they view your home. If your bookshelves look cluttered and unorganised, this could put buyers off – and they might make a lower offer, or not make one at all.

Are built-in bookcases still in style?

Yes – built-in bookcases are absolutely still in style! They're one of the few home furnishings that are almost sure to never go out of fashion.

What might change is the style of shelves, cupboards or decoration that go with your bookcases. In the past, shelves with glass doors were fashionable, but this has changed in recent years.

At the moment, it's the trend to paint the cubbyholes of square shelves in a bold and bright colour. If you want to do this, remember to factor in the cost of paint and a painter and decorator – expect to spend between £2-£8 per litre on a good quality paint and up to £60 per hour on a decorator.

Do built in bookcases have to go to the ceiling?

No – not at all! Lots of people have built-in bookcases that don't reach the ceiling. The best thing about custom-built bookshelves is that you can tell your carpenter exactly what you want them to look like. Anything goes – as long as it’s possible for your carpenter to do it!

Can I make my own built in bookshelves?

We'd always recommend getting a carpenter to build your custom bookshelves. It's a skilled profession, meaning it's difficult to do a good DIY job. If you try to make fitted bookcases yourself and it goes wrong, you could end up spending lots of money on wasted materials.

If you're ready to have bespoke bookshelves fitted, post your job on HaMuch. We'll put you in touch with local carpenters that are ready to do the work.

Estimates for common carpenter & joiner jobs;

Rates for other trades