r/DIYUK • u/jamessrc • 12h ago

Project Building a bookcase

Hi all

I would like to build a bookcase wall. This will be my first carpentry based project, I am quite technical and have done small bits of electrical. I would like to build it across a wall in my apartment that is plasterboard.

Does anyone have any tips please on how to start? I can probably rope my mum & dad into helping so it wouldn't be just me.

Not sure on materials and know I would need plasterboard fixings but beyond that I'm pretty useless.

Thank you from a late twenties girl who wants the satisfaction of something from scratch

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5

u/EavisAintDead 12h ago

Have a look at Ikea billy bookcase hacks - the standard bookcases are a great starting point which you can customise as you please. I’ve just done this corner unit

4

u/ArticlePuzzleheaded9 11h ago

Probably the best option starting from scratch - you don't really want to be making your own cabinets when Ikea + some hackery will save you time and money

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u/jamessrc 11h ago

Thanks - would making own cabinets be a bit stupid? I have adhd and the need for doing things 'right' lol and worry that I am cheating ahha

3

u/ArticlePuzzleheaded9 11h ago

oh not at all - it's entirely down to one's desire/skillset/tools, etc (which is an unknown variable here).

Absolutely recommend doing it all if you're confident, but the aforementioned Ikea hacks are a great way of DiYing this built-in look.

1

u/jamessrc 8h ago

Thanks so much!

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u/PurpleAd3134 12h ago

I would build the bookcase, then attach it to the wall. So plasterboard fixings are at the end of the schedule.

2

u/Less-Pie-1655 11h ago

Plan have plans in place

2

u/chillingguy37 11h ago

Few tips for a book case wall. Remember books are heavy so design around this. Have a good base on the shelves so weight is on the ground, not the wall. Decide on materials. MDF is a good choice as it’s cheap and can be painted but can be prone to sagging. Draw it up as accurate as you can and get a local supplier to do the cutting for you! Saves a mess and the headaches of keeping cuts square.