IKEA Built-In Bookcase Hack
This IKEA Built-In Bookcase hack post has been long awaited! After much trial and error for my first DIY project, too many trips to Home Depot to count, a couple splinters, a blood blister, tears, a couple unintentional swear words (my husband might disagree on the unintentional part)… I am finally finished!! What a wonderful relief! Honestly this has been the most rewarding thing I’ve done since giving birth, *wink*
For my benefit (and hopefully yours if you’re reading this,) I am going to attempt to write down exactly what I did to build this, along with what I wish I learned before starting this project, that way, if I attempt to do a similar project like this again, I’ll have a better view on how to start from the ground running.
Tools Used During the Project:
- Ryobi 18 gage Brad Nailer
- Ryobi drill (AND DRIVER)
- Saw (I used the Ryobi Hand Saw & the Table Saw since I don’t own a compound saw quite yet)
- Jig Saw
- Sander w/180 & 220 grit sandpaper
- Kreg Jig (optional)
- Preferred wood of choice (I used MDF wood & poplar) & shiplap (if adding a center accent)
Supplies Needed:
- IKEA Bookcases w/ optional cupboard doors
- Dowels & Drill bit for same size
- Outlet Blue Box
- Caulk
- Nail Punch
- Sander Block
- Primer
- Paint
- Wood glue
- Liquid Nails
- Ladder/Step Stool
- Carpet Shield
- Tool Kit
- Power Pro 3” screws
- An emotional support person and someone to assist with lifting …. you’ll need it lol
So! Let’s try to remember where I started shall we?
First, envision where you want this bookshelf and depending on how big or how small you’d like it to be will determine which bookcase from IKEA you’ll want to buy. For my space I chose this Billy Bookcase and added the cabinet doors to them. In total, I spent: $212 for 2 bookcases.
Once I purchased it, I realized that the bookcase had a lip on the back where if I wanted the bookcase to be flush against the wall I would need to either rip out my new baseboards OR I would need to raise my bookcase an inch. It was an internal debate if I wanted to also rip out the carpet, but I ended up deciding to built on top of the carpet.
I did not feel like making a bigger project by ripping out my baseboards so I decided to raise it an inch by creating a platform out of 1×2’s for my IKEA bookcases to sit on. I made them the same width and length of the bottom of my bookcases. During this step I used my Kreg Jig to connect the wood pieces of my platform together so that it would be a stronger hold.
Once I finished the platforms, I laid my bookcases down to attach the platforms to the base of the bookcase using Brad nails and wood glue to make sure it was secure. Before moving my bookcases back to the wall, I first needed to jump another hurdle. Outlets!! I had two outlets on this wall that were EXACTLY where my bookcases were going to go. So… I needed to cut a hole in both of my bookcases so that I could bring my outlets through them.
I have heard to measure twice and then cut whenever you work with power tools, HOWEVER I learned you should probably measure like 5 times and then cut as I went a little too big on one of the holes. It wasn’t that big of a deal however because I was able to purchase bigger outlet covers for like $1. Easy peasy.
When I measured the spot I wanted to cut, I drew the outline of the outlet box and drilled a 1/2 inch hole through the center. By doing this, I was then able to use my jig saw to cut out the square needed to fit my outlet through the bookshelf.
To prevent any type of fire hazards when bringing my outlet through my bookcase, I inserted these blue electrical box extenders through my bookcase to help bring the outlets through. They were super easy to use, and luckily they were in a 2 pack for $5.
Once I had finished with the outlets, it was time to secure the bookcases to the wall so that I could then start building along the top. We created cleats with 1×4’s and drilled the cleats through the bookcase into studs. This step I would HIGHLY suggest you use a driver so that you don’t see the construction screws popping through the wood.
With the bookcases now secured to the walls, it was time to start building the top. The top made it look more like the IKEA Built In Bookcase hack I’ve been envisioning. With much trial and error I found the best way for me to do this.
I cut 2 boards the length of my wall plus the width of the bookcases. My local Home Depot & Lowe’s did not have MDF sheets longer than 10 ft so I went to a local lumbar yard to get the size I needed. I also cut 4 pieces of MDF boards that were 15” H x 11” W. These would be used as spacers in between the top & bottom boards to make the boxed look on top.
To secure the two long boards to the 4 spacer boards, I used dowels. I ended up going to my step dad’s workshop to create the dowel holes with a machine, however you can do this on your own with a drill bit. You can use the drill bit to create holes for dowels and glue them in with wood glue. For extra security I did add a little bit of liquid nails to each piece.
(I have also seen other people on Instagram build cabinets by only securing the pieces with wood glue, so feel free to try that if you’d rather not use dowels to secure the pieces together).
Once the top was secure I also created cleats to the top to make sure that if an earthquake were to happen at least the top was secured to the wall as well.
Last was adding trim! I used 1×2 poplar for a more uniform and pristine look. I needed to obtain the poplar from a lumbar yard so I could get the length I needed. Although, if you’re working on a smaller area space, then you can always use 1×2 pre-primed MDF as seen on my Mudroom Cubbies.
Don’t forget to add your baseboards back and wrap them around the whole unit. This will give you that IKEA Built In Bookcase look.
In the middle I added Shiplap. For lighting, I added the magic light trick from @nestingwithgrace on Instagram to add these wall sconces from Wayfair. And it turned out beautifully!
Can you tell I let my husband decorate the top shelf with his World of Warcraft collection? Lol, that’s what good wives are for right? Love over decor wins haha
One thing I do know, is that if I could build this IKEA Built In Bookcase with No prior knowledge or skills in DIY, then that means you can do it too!!!
Tag me on Instagram if you end up making a built in like this! Good luck!
