Need a few bookcases. Suggestions?

getmore4less

amatos wrote: »

I've heard that Billy bookcases don't hold very well with time and that eventually the shelves start to bend. Is that the case?

A lot of shelves suffer this if the runs are long and unsupported along the length
Typically adjustable are only supported at the ends.

As long as they are finished both sided you tun them over occasionally.

Front/back support also helps reduce sag.
Thicker material.


The key starting point for purchase or DIY will be do you want adjustable or fixed shelves(or mix).

For fully adjustable the use of shelf strips recessed into the uprights is an option.

http://www.screwfix.com/p/bookcase-strips-nickel-plated-16mm-x-1m-pack-of-10/23466

rosie383

Try eBay, gumtree and shpock. You could be surprised about what people sell off very cheaply as they modernise their homes.
I have just been looking at dining tables and chairs and there are lot going for sometimes less than a tenner as they are considered old fashioned.
My friend got a huge solid wood table plus six chairs for £6!

Rain_Shadow

amatos wrote: »

I've heard that Billy bookcases don't hold very well with time and that eventually the shelves start to bend. Is that the case?

That isn't my experience.


I've had them for a dozen years or more and fully laden. They aren't showing any signs of bowing.

bouicca21

Billy bookcases are fine as regards shelves bending. The real problem is that they have a fixed middle shelf which limits the usefulness of the adjustability of the other shelves.

eBay, freecycle and gumtree often have some.

amatos

rosie383 wrote: »

Try eBay, gumtree and shpock!

Ah yes, I've used them for other things. The problem with bookshelves is that I want 6 or 7 identical units and they are much harder to come by on eBay or auctions, unless I go for common models, e.g. Billy and buy them separately.

vivatifosi

I don't think a library will help you either. I work in libraries and we tend to use adjustable metal shelving. In the few very old buildings with built in bookshelves they are bespoke and won't fit standard dimensions.

Would you be able to buy singles from auction and, say, paint or stain them all the same to tie them in? Otherwise I can only see expensive alternatives.

One other place I would ask is near me there are a couple of projects which involve people who would find it hard to get a job (eg ex-offenders or people with learning difficulties) in reconditioning furniture. They may be able - for a price - to take a series of random bookshelves and make them look more similar.

amatos

I've seen someone recommending heartland-interiors co uk on another thread (sorry can't post links). Their bookshelves look fairly nice and reasonably priced. Has anyone any experience with them?

27cool

RussellMPowell wrote: »

How about Argos, Habitat or John Lewis? They have lots of bookshelves on offer.

I've assembled an Argos bookcase for my Bowls Club. Wouldn't have one as a gift. We got rid of it in very short order.
Of course, they may have improved their quality by now.

getmore4less

if you want matching a second hand office furniture place will probably have them.
2mx800x400 4 shelf as cheap as £80 new.

they will look basic/functional and the spacing tend to be file sized but better ones have adjustable shelves and extras can be obtained
also tend to be more robust than the cheaper stuff.

Domestic, the nicer looking stuff often don't lend themselves to runs as they have moldings that stick out.

amatos

getmore4less wrote: »

if you want matching a second hand office furniture place will probably have them.
2mx800x400 4 shelf as cheap as £80 new.

Thanks, that's quite interesting. Do you have any places you can recommend? Thanks.