rough costs for built-in bookshelves?

Could anyone give me a cocktail-napkin idea of the costs of built-in bookshelves in Brooklyn?  This would be for a wall 8.5 feet long, 7 feet high, 12″ deep.   I’m not looking for anything architecturally funky or unusual or any high end finish — just straightforward, solid, bookshelves.   I actually don’t know anybody who has done this (a few friends have done much higher end jobs than me), so have no idea if I am thinking of a $1200 project or a $5,000.  Any ideas?  And what are my big swing factors (e.g., “$1K if all you want is X; $8K if you want Y.”)  Thanks much.

Suzanne

in Carpenters and Woodworkers 12 years and 8 months ago

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cmu | 8 years and 9 months ago

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You can also check out amazing-looking things made out of inexpensive IKEA bookcase by adding molding, etc., if you’re handy (or have a handyman). IKEA hacker websites are a good start.

teedoism | 8 years and 9 months ago

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If needed some home improvement and repair materials including DIY stuff, you can check this out [http://www.sunlinemesh.com/mesh-pricelist/](http://www.sunlinemesh.com/mesh-pricelist/).

needmtg | 12 years and 8 months ago

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It was 10 years ago, but I had a primed-for -paint bookcase of almost exactly that size built & installed by a PS woodshop for $2,500\.  4 adjustable shelves above, and a fixed wider section at about 3′ off the floor with one more shelf below, making it look more architectural. I had two smaller built-ins made by a carpenter, for comparable cost. 1000/ft must be super-high-end, but then look at the website.

etconstruction | 12 years and 8 months ago

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visit et construction and look into the closet album and let me know if this is more or less what you are looking which is all simply plywood construction, keep me posted and good luck

urbanexteriors | 12 years and 8 months ago

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I’ve built a lot of built-in bookcases/closets. A project like yours would cost $4000-$5000, depending on logistics. That would be furniture grade birch ply with a face frame, unpainted, but paint ready. Doors and drawers will drive up the price. Steve

builtinstudio | 12 years and 8 months ago

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My basic rule of thumb for custom full height millwork is $1000/linear foot.  If it is super simple, painted finish, not high gloss, you can probably get away with a little cheaper.  I can put you in touch with a couple millworkers if you want to get real prices, please feel free to email me.  Gary Eisner, BuiltIN