Bookcases

bouicca21

I have a lot of books ... One of the first things I need to do in my new flat is to buy some decent bookcases. I probably need something like a 10 foot run. And lots of the books are hardback so the shelves need to be robust.

Any advice on where I can get full height shelving that is totally adjustable? I've tried IKEA billy bookcases but the non-adjustable middle shelf creates problems.

So far the only suitable thing I have come up with is http://www.shelfstore.co.uk
Various library suppliers obviously have suitable shelving but none of them indicate prices.

There surely must be other suppliers out there?

essjae

Hi bouicca21,

If you are looking for a reasonably cheap option, I would suggest sticking with Ikea - maybe try their Expedit range rather than Billy.
If you are a confident DIY-er, you could build bookshelves yourself, they're not a particularly difficult project if you keep the design simple (I remember making some in school woodwork classes!).

A bit more expensive, Jali (www.jali.co.uk) does a similar thing to the website you linked to, but a bit more decorative, and more options.
More expensive again would be to get a local carpenter/joiner to build some built-in bookcases/shelving - for a large run of bookcases this would probably be the option I would go for, as it will maximise the space you have.

Personally, I would get a few cheap/free second-hand bookcases to keep me going to start with, then save up to have made-to-measure ones done.

Hope this helps!

daveyjp

Billy system is a self build. Whilst it may have a fixed shelf there is no requirement to build it as the instructions advise.

A fixed shelf in tall bookshelves does however give structural stability as the back is only hardboard. Fixing the shelves to the wall will solve this problem.

jackomdj

We bought from this supplier on eBay
http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Heartland-Interiors-Ltd/_i.html?_nkw=bookcase&_trksid=p2045573.c0.m57
They made us a bespoke bookcase made to fit our recess. They then made a bookcase with filing cabinet, to fit in quite a tricky space with curved detail at the end. It was really well made, great communication and they put them up for us (as they needed to come in parts due to our curved stairs and tricky access to the study.

bouicca21

Presumably you were near their showrooms if they were prepared to fit them? I'm in London ...

And were the shelves totally adjustable?

Jonesya

Does it have to be a bookcase?

Twin-slot shelving is totally customisable, very robust as you chose the bracket spacing (it needs a solid wall), and relatively cheap. Use pine boarding for the shelves, stain to a colour of your taste etc.

This sort of thing:

http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Ironmongery/Shelving/White+Twinslot+Shelving+Upright+1600mm/d170/sd2230/p31030

bouicca21

I think whether that is a possibility depends on the construction of the internal walls. I've rather assumed that they would not be strong enough but I'll ask the surveyor to tell me. That kind of shelving is dodgy for external walls, I can't remember the technical explanation but if books face directly on an external wall they can get discoloured and damaged.

Jonesya

bouicca21 wrote: »

That kind of shelving is dodgy for external walls, I can't remember the technical explanation but if books face directly on an external wall they can get discoloured and damaged.

Never heard that one before. Perhaps for older properties with solid walls where damp or condensation might be a problem, can't see how it would be an issue with a modern property with sound, cavity walls.

bouicca21

Maybe it depends on how cold the external wall is? I know it happens as it has happened to books shelved against the external wall in my last (Victorian) flat. I won't risk an external wall again without proper backing. Though the new flat is In a purpose built block c. Mid to late 1960s, so may not have the same problem.

27col

The end wall of our lounge is about 4.5m long and of an exposed aspect, and completely covered with twin slot book shelves. There has never been the slightest problem with the books in over 30 years.

MerlinMags

I would be more worried about a bookcase facing a window, and all the spines of the books fading fast.

I had to curb my secondhand-book-buying habit as even £1 charity shop purchases brought with them the issue of needing somewhere to be stored. That £1 per book increases £2 if you factor in the cost of buying a bookshelf (very rough maths!).

I would make my own but wood is so expensive. I'm looking at upcycling old pallets next. They need so much wire-brushing your arm is likely to fall off.

In the meantime, I'm reading classic books on my Kindle. I've got through at least 200 so it has paid for the initial outlay, and no bookcase required! They just don't smell the same as a proper old book though...