Building a bookshelf yourself costs between €20 and €200, depending on the size and type. A single floating shelf (60 cm) can be made for €20–€40. A full floor-to-ceiling bookcase wall (3 metres wide) costs €150–€300 in materials — but gives you something truly impressive. Ready-made designer bookcases of comparable quality cost twice as much. This article includes step-by-step guides for both floating wall shelves and a freestanding bookcase.
Type 1: Floating Wall Shelf
Materials (60 cm wide, 1 shelf)
| Material | Price |
|---|---|
| Solid oak shelf 60x25x4 cm | €20 – €40 |
| Invisible shelf bracket (blind shelf bracket) | €10 – €20 each |
| Wall plugs + bolts | €5 – €10 |
| Sandpaper + oil/stain | €5 – €15 |
| **Total** | **€40 – €85** |
Step-by-Step: Floating Shelf
Step 1: Decide on the height and mark the position on the wall. Use a spirit level.
Step 2: Drill the fixing holes for the invisible shelf bracket. Use a masonry bit for solid walls. Tap in the wall plugs.
Step 3: Fix the shelf bracket to the wall. Check with the spirit level that the bracket is level.
Step 4: Drill holes in the back of the shelf that align precisely with the rods of the shelf bracket (use a Forstner bit for clean, round holes).
Step 5: Slide the shelf over the rods. The shelf now appears to “float” invisibly on the wall.
Load capacity: Invisible shelf brackets (Ø10 mm steel, at least 25 cm deep into solid concrete) can hold 25–40 kg per bracket. Use 2 brackets per shelf up to 120 cm wide, 3 brackets for wider shelves.
Type 2: Freestanding Bookcase
Materials (bookcase 80 cm wide, 5 compartments, 200 cm tall)
| Material | Dimension | Price |
|---|---|---|
| MDF or plywood 18 mm (sides, shelves) | 2 sheets | €40 – €80 |
| MDF 9 mm (back panel) | 1 sheet | €10 – €20 |
| Screws, shelf pins | €10 – €15 | |
| Primer + paint | €20 – €40 | |
| **Total** | **€80 – €155** |
Step-by-Step: Freestanding Bookcase
Step 1: Cut to size
- 2x side panels: 200 cm tall x 25 cm deep
- 2x horizontal shelves (fixed): 80 cm long (top + bottom)
- 3–5x adjustable shelves: 76.4 cm (80 cm – 2x 18 mm = 76.4 cm)
- Back panel: 80 x 200 cm (9 mm MDF)
Step 2: Drill shelf pin holes
Drill rows of holes (Ø5 mm, 12 mm deep) in the inside face of the side panels at 32 mm intervals. These are the shelf adjustment holes for the shelf pins. Start 10 cm from the bottom.
Step 3: Assemble the carcass
Join the top and bottom panels to the side panels with 4 dowels + wood glue per joint. Check for squareness. Fit the back panel.
Step 4: Finishing
Primer + 2 coats of paint (always apply a base coat on MDF first — MDF is very absorbent).
Step 5: Set the adjustable shelves
Insert shelf pins at the desired height into the holes. Place the shelves on the pins. Adjust the height to suit your books.
The Floor-to-Ceiling Bookcase Wall
The most impressive option: a bookcase wall that runs from floor to ceiling and spans the full width of the wall.
Approach:
- Fit a horizontal batten on the floor and a horizontal batten at the ceiling — these are the anchor points of the system
- Build vertical uprights from MDF (18 mm) or solid wood — one per module
- Add adjustable shelves via shelf pin rails
- Fill in the empty top section with a decorative filler board if needed
Tip: Have the uprights cut precisely from floor to ceiling for a perfectly built-in look. Even a millimetre short and you’ll see the gap.
Choosing Materials
| Material | Advantage | Disadvantage | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| MDF 18 mm | Smooth, easy to paint | Heavy, not waterproof | €10–€15/sheet |
| Plywood 18 mm | Strong, holds screws well | Harder to paint | €15–€25/sheet |
| Solid wood | Warm look, durable | More expensive, moves with humidity | €20–€60/sheet |
| Chipboard | Cheapest | Less strong, not as durable | €8–€12/sheet |
Common Mistakes
- Shelves too wide without a centre support. Shelves wider than 80 cm sag under the weight of books. Add a centre upright or use thicker material (22–25 mm).
- Forgetting the back panel. Without a back panel the bookcase is unstable — it will topple with the slightest push.
- Holes not on a consistent grid. Use a drilling jig for shelf pin holes so that all holes line up at the same height.
- Not securing it to the wall. A tall bookcase will tip over in an earthquake or when children clamber on it. Always fix to the wall with a bracket at the top.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much weight can a floating shelf hold?
With two invisible shelf brackets of 10 mm steel (25 cm deep in solid concrete): 40–80 kg. Books are heavy — a row of 60 cm of books weighs 15–20 kg already. When in doubt, use more or stronger brackets.
Which wood is best for a bookshelf?
For floating shelves: solid oak, beech or pine (minimum 4 cm thick). For a freestanding bookcase: MDF 18 mm (good to paint) or plywood 18 mm (stronger, harder to paint).
How do I make sure my shelf is level?
Use a spirit level (60–80 cm long) when hanging. Always drill the fixing holes first, then check with the spirit level that the bracket hangs level. Adjust before the wall plugs are driven in permanently.
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