Built-In Shelves/Bookcases - IKEA vs Built

Question

I come from a family that is not shy about woodworking, so I am not scared of building a carcass with dados for shelves, tacking on a face frame, then trimming it out; however, I would love to hear others' views on the advantages and disadvantages of these two popular methods. Instead of the traditional build I just described, the many homeowners will take a pre-fab bookcase from IKEA ( IKEA Billy ) and trim them out to make them look custom.

• Which method is considered more valuable to a home's value?
• Which method is stronger?
• Which method is easier to finish (paint or stain)?
• Etc.

I plan on doing a series of these built-ins as my next DIY project, and the IKEA Billy method intrigues me. It would so super fast, but I am wary of it. The adjustable shelving with the pins makes me ponder them, but I am not sure how much they would really be used to adjust the height of the shelves.

Answer 1

I have experience with both. I'll try to answer your bullets and then some other thoughts.

Which adds more to a home's value? Well, typically bookcases don't add to the value because some people want them and some don't. If you wanted to build them in, you're typically going to go custom with that and build it yourself. The rigid dimensions for a pre-made bookcase will normally not allow it to look truly built in. Also the particle-board-covered-with-paper finish is not going to look good in the long run and could actually detract from the home value because of the cheapness.

However... I have used the more modular Bestä system to make a built in TV entertainment area that looked very custom and fit the area well. The reason this worked better is that the "lower quality" IKEA frames were mostly hidden by doors that have better materials and finishes. I wouldn't have ever built in a Billy.

Which method is stronger? This is going to largely come down to your building skills and materials, but custom can be stronger. However, Billy bookcases when properly assembled will be strong enough for their purpose. Any weakness will only show when it's time to move the bookcase. They don't hold up to twisting and racking forces as well because they are not glued and only use a few locking fasteners. They are great for sitting in the corner and holding things tho!

Which is easier to paint or stain? Custom is going to take the lead here for sure. IKEA uses a particle board covered with a paper-based finish. This can't be sanded or easily repaired if scratched, nicked or drilled. It's designed for you to leave it the color it was made, and they do come in a variety of colors. I'd worry about adhesion issues and what happens to the paper finish when it gets wet (if using water-based paints) and it can't be stained because it's not wood. There are a few solid wood items that IKEA makes, so none of this applies to them. They are just wood and you can do whatever you want.

So, you say specifically you want a built-in project. Unless this is a very low cost home I wouldn't consider Billy bookcases. They can't be easily painted and can't be easily repaired (like if a shelf peg breaks out). They just are not intended to be that type of furniture.

As far as stand-alone shelves go - they are great and I've found that you typically can't build your own for less money. What you pay for lumber and hardware/fasteners might be a little less expensive, but not by much. You'll end up with a nicer custom product in the end, but not cheaper.

Answer 2

If you want strong bookshelves, you need to consider sagging. I can highly recommend playing with the sagulator (http://www.woodbin.com/calcs/sagulator/) which helps calculate expected sag.

I have an alcove approximately 90cm wide, and I originally used an 80cm billy bookcase which fitted near perfectly. The shelves sagged, and it looked tired after just a couple of years. However, I liked the adjustable shelf option.

I replaced it using bookcase shelving strips (eg https://www.toolstation.com/bookcase-shelving/p87119) screwed directly to the side and back walls, and solid pine shelves. This wasn't significantly more expensive or time-consuming than the billy bookcase, but looks much better.

The key difference is that I've got supports on both sides (1 each), and supports at the back (2, equally spaced). It's still only 4 points of contact, but by distributing the weight on the shelves across the back I've eliminated any sagging, even though it's loaded with heavy recipe books.

Answer 3

The Ikea Billy adds no value to the home since it's obvious to anyone that it's just Ikea furniture. Built-in shelves add some value if well-executed.

Which is stronger is entirely up to you.

Ikea is well-engineered particle board and cardboard honeycomb (which is strong), but the backs are simple pressboard and are the weak point of Ikea furniture. The backs are vital to keep the furniture from tramming. Consider replacing the backs with 1/4" or 3/8" plywood and fasten it very securely with screws into pre-drilled holes.

Which is easier to finish? Ikea Billy, as it comes finished.

Billy is 1000 times easier. Measure, buy, knock together. Any self-respecting woodworker who can follow directions will be able to assemble an Ikea kit while watching TV. You know perfectly well what it takes to design, build and finish shelving from scratch.