How Much Do Built-In Bookshelves Cost in 2025?

Built-In Bookshelf Cost Factors

How much do bookshelves cost? It depends on the type of shelving and the work required. Here are the factors that impact the total price of a built-in bookshelf installation.

Size

Built-in bookshelves come in various sizes and designs. The larger and deeper the shelves, the more expensive they are to install. A fully customized built-in bookshelf ranges from $300 to $1,200 per linear foot, while premade built-in units start at $150 per linear foot. 

Materials

When building a built-in bookshelf, you can choose from several materials. Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and plywood are the most affordable, while metal and solid wood are at the higher end. A 2-by-4-foot sheet of MDF can cost less than $20 compared to a similar piece of oak, which can cost more than $35. High-end materials like marble, glass, and hardwood are the most expensive at up to $1,300 per square foot. 

MDF

Custom MDF bookshelves, including installation, typically cost $150 to $500 per linear foot. MDF, or medium-density fiberboard, is made from wood fibers pressed into layers. This is a budget-friendly option but tends to sag under the weight of heavy books. 

Plywood

Generally, a contractor will charge $150 to $500 per linear foot to install custom plywood shelving. Hardwood plywood, which has a hardwood veneer on the face and back, costs more. Plywood, similar to MDF, is popular for custom shelving because it’s affordable and durable. 

Metal

Metal, one of the strongest bookshelf materials, costs between $450 and $800 per linear foot to install. It’s a popular option for custom shelving in commercial settings like offices and libraries and can also add an industrial vibe to your home.

Metal and Wood

Most contractors charge between $450 and $1,000 per linear foot to install custom built-in shelving made from metal and wood. With custom metal and built-in wood bookshelves, you’ll get the strength of metal with the look of hardwood. Often, you’ll see a metal frame supporting wooden shelving, which you can customize to suit any decor style. 

Hard Wood

Custom solid wood bookshelves typically cost between $400 and $1,000 per linear foot. This classic material is durable and comes in many varieties, such as cherry, oak, maple, or walnut. Some woods are stronger and more scratch-resistant than others.

Glass

Installing a custom glass shelf typically costs $750 to $1,200 per linear foot. Glass bookshelves are usually made from tempered glass sheets and supported by a wood or metal frame. These are notoriously heavy and fragile, but many homeowners like their opulent look. 

Marble

Custom built-in bookshelves made from marble cost anywhere from $800 to $1,300, including installation. Unlike glass, this high-end material is shatter-resistant and flame-resistant, making it a great choice for surrounding a fireplace. 

Construction

There are three types of shelving and cabinet constructions: premade, semi-custom, and custom. The cost of custom furniture is always more than that of prefabricated furniture. Semi-custom furniture can provide a custom look at a fraction of the price.

Design and Fit

Shelving comes in various sizes and designs. Larger, deeper shelves cost more than smaller shelves. Designs with cabinetry, doors, and custom carpentry accents come with a higher cost than bare-bones open shelving.

Additional Built-In Bookshelf Cost Factors

When installing a built-in bookshelf, consider additional cost factors, such as labor and add-ons.

Labor

Labor is one of the most significant factors when budgeting for a built-in bookshelf, accounting for 70% to 80% of the total cost. The more complex the bookshelf's installation, the higher the labor costs. Simple, prefabricated designs can be installed in as little as a couple of hours, while custom pieces can take more than a day. 

If you have already purchased the materials or are using a premade unit, a local handyperson should be able to install your built-in shelving for $30 to $130 an hour. If you want a custom bookshelf built from scratch, consider hiring a local carpenter. The average cost to hire a carpenter ranges from $15 to $150 per hour, depending on their experience level. 

Accessories and Add-Ons

Adding custom finishes to your built-in bookshelf increases the total cost. Adding features like a sliding library ladder, glass doors, or custom paint can raise the price by up to 50%. Some customizations may also require hiring an electrician, which ranges from $50 to $100 per hour. 

Cost of Built-In Bookshelves by Room

Where you install your bookshelves can impact the price. Your design choices and shelf location may require add-ons like cabinetry, a built-in desk, or flame-retardant material. A custom furniture maker can help you plan your project.

Home Office

Built-in bookshelves are a great way to organize your office and transform your space into a de facto library. Adding cabinetry, lighting, and custom built-in furniture like a desk can cost anywhere from $1,000 to over $11,000.

Entertainment Center

Most homeowners spend between $4,400 and $9,000 on a built-in entertainment center. While prefabricated options can cost as little as $1,500, paying between $15,000 and $20,000 for custom-built entertainment centers, especially floor-to-ceiling focal points, is common. 

Kitchen or Pantry

Built-in kitchen and pantry shelving costs between $1,000 and $26,000. Pantry shelving may have a bare-bones design and fall towards the lower end of the spectrum. Kitchens usually require cabinetry, and custom cabinetry costs anywhere from $500 to $1,200 per linear foot. The more ornate the design, the higher the price. 

Around a Window

Homeowners often install built-in bookshelves around windows to create cozy reading nooks. This project typically costs $2,000 to $8,000 for about five linear feet of shelving, though depending on your home, you may have more or less space.

Around a Fireplace

To build a bookshelf around a fireplace, you’ll pay between $500 for a simple design or more than $5,000 for custom shelving. Built-in shelving is a popular option, especially in Victorian homes, where it can frame a vintage mantle. 

Do Built-In Bookshelves Increase Home Value?

Built-in bookshelves can increase home value, depending on the buyer’s preferences. Some love the character, while others appreciate functional spaces. The key to making custom furniture worthwhile is to ensure a thoughtful, well-planned design and installation.

Bookshelves built from high-end materials like marble or glass typically have a higher return on investment. Provide your home appraiser with contract receipts to help them account for your updates. 

Budgeting for Built-In Bookshelves

Built-in bookshelves can fall into several price ranges. To keep your project budget-friendly, consider the following tips:

• Keep your design simple, opting for a small, pre-fabricated unit to reduce costs.

• Choose cost-effective materials like medium-density fiberboard and plywood.

• Avoid custom finishes and features to cut back on the cost of labor and materials.

• Compare prices from local finish carpenters and handypeople to find the most cost-effective option in your area.

• Before installation, prepare the space yourself to reduce labor hours.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from 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.