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How Much Do Built In Bookcases Cost? [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $1,000 - $2,000
Built in bookcase cost averages $1,400, with most homeowners paying between $1,000 to $2,000. Your price depends on size, materials, customization, and labor rates.
How we get this data
Photo: By undrey via iStock Photography / Getty Images Plus
Photo: By undrey via iStock Photography / Getty Images Plus
Cost Insights
The main factors affecting how much built in bookcases cost are size, material, and customizations.
Professional installation runs between $70 to $150 per hour and ensures safe and durable results.
Built in bookcases offer a strong return on investment, especially when well-designed and skillfully installed.
Small units are the most affordable, while full-size bookcases demand higher investment.
This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by an Angi Editor in accordance with our AI policy.
Built in bookcases cost an average of $1,400, with a typical range from $1,000 to $2,000 depending on size, materials, and customization. Homeowners can expect to pay $900 to $5,000 per linear foot for installation, with costs varying by region and design complexity.
Built in bookcases add lasting beauty and function to any space. This guide will help you understand what drives the cost, how to budget, and what to expect from installation through maintenance.
Built In Bookcase Cost Factors
A number of elements combine to determine your built in bookcase cost. Understanding these factors can help you plan and avoid surprises.
Size
The size of your built in bookcase is one of the most important factors in determining total cost. Larger bookcases require more materials and labor, while smaller units are less expensive. Whether you’re planning a compact alcove shelf or a dramatic wall-to-wall installation, understanding how size affects price can help you make confident decisions.
| Bookcase Type | Dimensions | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Small alcove | 3–5 feet wide, 4–6 feet tall | $1,200–$2,000 |
| Medium single unit | 6–8 feet wide, 7–8 feet tall | $2,000–$4,000 |
| Large wall unit | 10–15 feet wide, 8–10 feet tall | $3,500–$7,000 |
| Custom wall-to-wall | 15+ feet wide, 8–10 feet tall | $5,000–$8,000+ |
Choosing the right size for your needs and space will help you balance cost and functionality. Accurate measurement is key to a seamless installation and reliable cost estimate. Start by measuring the height, width, and depth of your intended space, noting any trim, outlets, or vents. Measure at multiple points in case your walls are uneven, and record the smallest measurement for each dimension. Avoid common mistakes like rounding up or skipping obstacles—precision prevents costly adjustments and ensures your bookcase fits perfectly.
Style
The style you choose for your built in bookcase not only shapes the aesthetic of your room but also affects the total project cost. Some designs are simple and straightforward, while others demand intricate carpentry or specialty materials Traditional built in cabinets, floating shelves, library walls, corner units, and window seat bookcases each come with distinct price points and benefits. Custom designs, especially those that incorporate unique architectural features, are more expensive than prefabricated options. Simpler styles or modular designs cost less.
| Style/Type | Description | Average Cost | Cost Impact | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional | Framed, often with trim/molding | $3,500 | Moderate | Timeless look, versatile | Can be bulky |
| Modern | Clean lines, minimal trim | $3,000 | Moderate | Sleek, matches modern decor | Less decorative |
| Floating | Wall-mounted shelves, no visible supports | $2,000 | Low | Airy, space-saving | Lower weight capacity |
| Library wall | Floor-to-ceiling, often with ladder | $6,000 | High | Dramatic, lots of storage | Expensive, requires space |
| Corner unit | Fits into a corner, compact | $1,800 | Low | Maximizes small spaces | Limited storage |
| Window seat | Bookcase flanks a built in bench | $3,800 | Moderate to high | Adds seating and storage | Custom cushions add cost |
Style and design complexity can increase the price, especially with intricate trim, built in lighting, or custom paint finishes.
Customization
Upgrades like built in lighting, glass doors, cabinets, drawers, and adjustable shelving all add to your built in bookcase cost. Decorative trim, crown molding, and specialty finishes elevate the look but require extra labor and materials. Integrating your bookcase with entertainment centers or desks increases complexity and price. For example, built in bookcase lighting may add $200 to $1,000, glass doors can range from $400 to $2,000, and custom cabinetry or drawers can add $500 to $3,000 depending on features selected.
Location
Where you live and where you install your built in bookcase within your home both affect your final price. Labor and material rates vary widely by region, and different rooms present unique installation challenges.
Urban areas see higher built in bookcase cost due to increased labor rates and overhead, while rural locations may be less expensive. High-cost states or metro areas, such as California or New York, can see prices 20% to 40% above the national average. In contrast, regions with lower costs of living may offer more affordable installation.
These differences reflect both labor and material costs, as well as local demand for custom carpentry.
Labor
Professional installation involves skilled carpenters, finish carpenters, or general contractors. Hourly rates range from $70 to $150, with minimum project fees sometimes applied. Labor costs are often calculated per linear foot or as a flat project rate. In high-demand regions, rates can exceed $200 per hour. Labor includes assembly, finishing, securing the bookcase, and site cleanup.
Permits
Permits are rarely needed for a straightforward built in bookcase, but may be required if structural changes, electrical work, or wall modifications are involved. Permit fees range from $50 to $250 depending on your location. Always check with your local building authority to ensure compliance—your contractor can help you navigate this process.
Additional Features
Special features like built in lighting, electrical outlets, integrated cabinets, or custom hardware all add to your built in bookcase cost. For example, adding electrical outlets or lighting will require a licensed electrician, which can add $100 to $500 per feature. Specialty finishes or glass doors may also require additional labor, raising the overall price.
Additional Considerations
Other factors include project complexity (such as curved shelves or intricate trim), accessibility, and site prep. Moving furniture, wall prep, or demolition of existing shelving can add $100 to $600. Delivery fees for materials ($50 to $200), post-construction cleanup, and debris removal ($50 to $300), as well as design fees for custom plans ($200 to $1,000), might also impact your budget. Some areas require inspections, which can add further costs.
DIY Built In Bookcase Cost vs. Hiring a Pro
Many homeowners consider a DIY approach to save money, but it’s important to weigh the real costs and risks before deciding. Material costs for DIY projects are $500 to $2,000, depending on wood type and finish. You’ll also need tools such as saws, drills, levels, and safety gear, which can add $100 to $500 if you don’t already own them. DIY installation requires intermediate to advanced carpentry skills and may take several weekends. Risks include improper installation, structural issues, or safety hazards, which can increase costs if a pro is needed to fix mistakes.
DIY projects save on labor but may result in higher expenses if errors require professional correction. Hiring a pro ensures safe, high-quality results and can actually save money if you lack experience. It’s best to hire a local bookcase installation pro for complex or large bookcases, installations involving electrical work, or when your home’s value is a priority.
Built In Bookcase Replacement vs. Repair
Deciding whether to repair or replace your built in bookcase depends on the extent of the damage and your budget. Minor issues like scratches, loose shelves, or chipped paint often justify repair. However, significant structural damage, outdated design, or extensive wear may make replacement more cost-effective. Consider the age of your bookcase, warranty status, and how well it matches your current needs.
Repairing a built in bookcase costs $75 to $300 per shelf or $200 to $800 per unit, depending on the problem. Replacement costs for a similar size and style start at $1,200 and can exceed $8,000 for elaborate designs. The 50% rule is a helpful guide: if repair costs exceed half the price of replacement, opting for a new bookcase is often the better investment.
Does Built In Bookcase Add Value to Your Home?
Built in bookcases can offer a strong return on investment, especially when well-designed and skillfully installed. Homeowners often see a return of 50% to 70% on built in bookcase installation, thanks to the added storage, improved aesthetics, and increased appeal to buyers. Compared to other projects like kitchen cabinets or closet systems, built in bookcases offer a balance of function and style. Quality, design, and location within your home all influence ROI. Safety, efficiency, and universal design features make your investment more attractive, while a built in bookcase’s custom look can set your home apart at resale.
Does Built In Bookcase Add Value to Your Home?
Built in bookcases can offer a strong return on investment, especially when well-designed and skillfully installed. Homeowners often see a return of 50% to 70% on built in bookcase installation, thanks to the added storage, improved aesthetics, and increased appeal to buyers. Compared to other projects like kitchen cabinets or closet systems, built in bookcases offer a balance of function and style. Quality, design, and location within your home all influence ROI. Safety, efficiency, and universal design features make your investment more attractive, while a built in bookcase’s custom look can set your home apart at resale.
Tips to Reduce Cost While Installing Built In Bookcase
There are many ways to keep your built in bookcase project budget-friendly without sacrificing quality. Taking these steps can help you save money and get the features you want:
Get multiple quotes from local pros to compare built in bookcase cost
Choose budget-friendly materials that offer durability and style
Handle demolition or site prep yourself if safe and feasible
Opt for standard sizes or prefabricated units to save on customization
Bundle your bookcase project with other upgrades to take advantage of package discounts.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
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