How To Build Billy Bookcase – What started as an IKEA Billy shelving unit is now a DIY custom bookcase that looks like a custom cabinet.
Kylie wrote: This DIY project is being done in my home office. At one end of the room, the ceiling is lowered to allow plumbing in the second-floor bathroom, and the partition ceiling creates the perfect angle for built-in bookshelves. As expected, LED downlights were included in the bulkhead during the renovation, but the budget was not enough for the cabinet.
How To Build Billy Bookcase
After 2 or 3 years (more like 4 years) we finally got tired of the stacks and paperwork and decided to jump into the bookshelf project. We shopped for cabinet deals and experienced a sophisticated adhesive shock case when the cheapest returned under $4,000. That’s when we decided to make the bookshelf ourselves. There’s no better place to start than with our favorite Scandinavian Flat Pack!
Built In Billy Bookcase Hack
We sketched out the space and chose a combination of Billy bookshelves that fit the width and height of the space. In our case, we chose:
When assembling the unit, we chose to use the plain white backing supplied by IKEA, but you can either leave the backing to reveal the painted wall behind it, or use an alternative finish such as wallpaper.
To get the built-in look, we recommend lifting the unit off the floor so it has a wood finish and kickboard on the front.
We removed the old molding from the wall and put it aside to be used again later in front of the bookshelf.
Ikea Billy Bookcase Archives
The side wall molding is then measured and trimmed. We cut the board at an angle of 45 degrees using a multi-functional tool.
We built a basic wooden frame for the base. See photo above. Adjust the height of the stand according to the finish you want to use and/or the size of your kickboard.
Billy’s IKEA unit will finally look built-in, as the finished wood hides the gaps between each shelf and the walls and ceiling. But first you need framing lumber so you can install the finish lumber.
Once the base is made, now place the bookshelf in place and make sure it is level. In our case, there is a gap of 5 cm between the wall and the shelf on both sides. Here, we attached the structural wood strips to the wall with anchors and drywall/gyprolock screws. Do not worry. The finish wood will eventually cover the structural wood. Structural timbers are also attached to the ceiling and back wall.
Assembling A Billy Bookcase
This is where the project really comes together! We placed the Billy shelves on the base, making sure they were level, then screwed them in using the IKEA anchors supplied with the unit.
Before adding the formwork to the front, a 145mm piece of finished timber is nailed to the base to cover the frame and base of the unit.
Note: The bottom shelf of the Billy unit is slightly shorter than the sides. This left a narrow gap which I closed with Selley’s ‘No More Gaps’ before painting. Another option is to cut the back of the board, but that seems like too much work.
Step 6 is repeated with the end plate on top of the device. While attaching the end plates to the structural frame, I nailed some scrap pieces in place to help position the end plates.
Orc Week 2: Ikea Billy Bookcase Hack
For the trim finish on the front of the unit, you want to choose the right width to cover the gap between the unit and the end of the wall. In our case, we chose 65mm pre-primed wood.
We bought a length of crown molding that was cut to length and attached with crown cement.
Then I filled all the nail and screw holes (too many holes!) with wood filler and sanded all the wood surfaces.
We sealed the larger gaps with Selleys ‘No More Gaps’ and then primed all the wood before applying two coats of semi-gloss acrylic paint to all the exposed finished wood.
How To Make The Ikea Billy Bookcase Into Built Ins To Add Value And Style
This is it! Estimated savings around AUD 3000. Yes, it takes some focused weekend effort, but no major carpentry skills. We had fun and the results were definitely worth it! You are here: Home / Home / IKEA Billy Bookcase Hack: How to Make a DIY Built-in Bookcase
I love a good Ikea Billy bookcase hack and today’s DIY is one of our favorite projects we’ve done at home! I’ve wanted built-in bookshelves for a long time, but found custom work out of my budget. After browsing Pinterest, I came across a great looking and inexpensive Ikea Billy Bookcase hack. In our living room, we chose a wall opposite the section to balance the depth of the room and add contrast.
We bought and built three Ikea Billy bookshelves and leveled them against the wall. We spaced the panels 11.25 inches apart to eliminate wasted space. From there, we cut boards and nailed them between each bookshelf. Each panel measures 75 inches tall by 11.25 inches wide and was purchased from Home Depot. We also added lower trim that matches the existing base trim in the living room to give it a custom built-in feel.
To add a nice surprise to our built-in bookshelves, we added three Provence candlesticks from Dashing Trappings. Dashing Trappings offers the most beautiful, unique and classic home furnishings. This beautiful lamp matches the color, look and feel of your home and is perfect for this space. The Provence lamp was designed to be wired, but here we used the magic lamp trick and attached the lamp to the top, cut it, nailed it and added custom trim.
Awesome Diy Ikea Billy Bookcase Hack Built In With Oxberg Glass Doors In 8 Steps
After assembling the Ikea Billy bookcase, I started adding trim to the front of the board. We filled all the nail holes with putty and sanded them. I also filled the holes in the bookshelf to make it look more custom. We chose Simply White for the bookshelves to match the color of the walls in the room.
The wait to design the DIY Ikea Billy Bookcase was too much. I have a selection of pictures, books, storage boxes, candles and greenery. We’ve included a variety of textures, prints and elements to keep things fun and consistent. I like empty space, so I also left some shelves empty. I have a feeling I’ll be playing and reusing it all year long.
What do you think of Ikea Billy Bookcase Hacks DIY? Do you do something similar? miss you! We all love a good Ikea built-in hack. Really?! Of course, this Ikea Billy bookcase hack is my favorite!
This is my first time trying to make a bigger build and I’m not comfortable using a drill either. My DIY experience is very limited and I certainly don’t consider myself a “builder” of any kind. Afraid to try this DIY? Yes for sure But are you glad you made that decision? Yes for sure
The New Billy Bookcase Is A Beloved Friend Born Again
I’m also happy to report that many people have been using my Instagram Stories to include their own custom looks!
I made a built-in for a home office (a very small room), but it would look great in a living room, bedroom, or even a chic library wall with stairs! There are so many options and you can’t beat the extra storage!
This post contains affiliate links. This means that when you buy something from a link I provide, I get paid a small commission. This is at no additional cost to you
I have little pieces of “printing” all over the house (I don’t know if you can call it that, it’s just a piece of baseboard a few inches below the ceiling) and I finally removed it from the rest of the room. Because I work on the wall works on the other side of the built-in wall as well.
Billy Corner Fittings, Galvanised
This part is easy! First, cut the seam with a utility knife (to cut the gasket). Place the painter’s tool over the seam and gently tap the handle with a hammer until the plinth begins to separate from the wall. When this happens, move down about a foot and relax as you go down. If you try to remove a full board without loosening the length, it will probably just break.
I actually love coasters, so I always try to carefully remove them for reuse.
You definitely want the platform to be the same depth as the bookshelf. The Ikea Billy bookcase is 11 inches deep. at
How to build bookcase, how to build ikea billy bookcase, how to build bookcase wall, how to build a billy bookcase, alternative to billy bookcase, how to build barrister bookcase, how to paint billy bookcase, how to build bookcase door, similar to billy bookcase, how to build corner bookcase, how to build bookcase shelves, how to build simple bookcase
