Built-in shelving in Exeter
Professional built-in shelving services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
Quote
Typical Duration
Day+
Location
Exeter, Devon
Custom built-in shelving - designed and constructed to fit your exact space. Wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling, following your room's contours. Storage that becomes part of the room, not furniture sitting in it.
Made for Your Space
Built-in shelving transforms a room - storage that uses every inch of available space, follows the walls perfectly, and looks like original architecture rather than added furniture. For serious book collections or making the most of awkward spaces, built-in beats freestanding every time.
📚 Permanent solution. Your grandchildren could be using it. Quality built-in lasts as long as the house.
Why Built-In
| ✅ Built-In | ❌ Freestanding |
|---|---|
| Uses every inch | Gaps all around |
| Scribed to fit | Looks like furniture |
| Holds heavy loads | Weight limits |
| Lasts forever | Deteriorates if moved |
What You Get
🔧 Full Design & Build
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Design | Room measured, needs discussed |
| Plan | Shelf heights and depths planned |
| Build | Framework constructed |
| Fit | Shelves scribed to fit |
| Finish | Ready for decoration |
📦 Design Options
- Open shelving (library look)
- Mixed open/closed storage
- Adjustable shelves
- Integrated desk/workspace
- Display lighting
Pricing Guide
| Scope | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Any built-in shelving | Day+ | Quote |
Built-in projects vary significantly - I'll quote based on your specific room and requirements.
Perfect For...
✅ Living room walls - Book storage, media units
✅ Home offices - Floor-to-ceiling storage
✅ Awkward spaces - Making the most of alcoves
✅ Period properties - Working with wonky walls
Why Choose Us for Built-in shelving in Exeter?
Designed specifically for your space
Maximises every inch of available room
Looks like it's always been there
Quality construction that lasts decades
What to Expect
Step 1: Design
Room measured precisely, storage needs discussed, shelf heights and depths planned, material and finish chosen.
Step 2: Build
Framework constructed, shelves cut to fit exactly, scribed to follow wall contours, all joints properly made.
Step 3: Complete
Ready for decoration or pre-finished as agreed, loading guidance given.
🔧 DIY Tips
This is generally NOT a DIY job, but here's why:
⚠️ Why professional construction matters:
- Proper joints (not just screws)
- Adequate shelf thickness for loads
- Support at back and sides
- Scribing to fit wonky walls
- Quality that lasts
📐 What you CAN do:
- Measure your tallest books
- Think about what goes where
- Research styles you like
- Plan adjustable vs fixed positions
- Consider what closed storage you need
💡 Planning tip: Books are heavy - a metre run weighs 30-40kg. Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves hold hundreds of kilos. Proper support isn't optional - it's engineering.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🏠 Value addition - quality built-in adds house value. Buyers appreciate fitted storage, especially in period properties. Investment not just expense.
Material choices:
- MDF for painted finishes (most popular)
- Plywood for contemporary exposed edges
- Veneered for wood appearance
- Solid timber for premium look
Design commitment:
- Built-in is permanent
- Removal leaves marks
- Plan for long-term
- But can be modified later
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference vs freestanding bookcases?
Built-in shelving is constructed in place to fit your exact room dimensions, scribed to follow walls and fitted floor to ceiling. It becomes part of the room. Freestanding units sit in the room with gaps around them.
Can it be fitted in old houses with uneven walls?
Yes - that's where built-in really beats freestanding. I scribe each piece to follow your walls, no matter how wonky. Old Exeter properties with bowed walls are fine.
What materials are used?
Typically MDF or plywood for painted finishes. Veneered boards for stained finishes. Solid timber for premium natural wood look. Depends on budget and desired finish.
Can it include cupboards and drawers?
Yes - built-in can incorporate closed storage as well as open shelving. Cupboards below with shelves above is a classic combination. The design is completely flexible.
Built-in shelving Also Available In:
Get a Free Quote in Exeter
Call us today for a free, no-obligation quote for your built-in shelving job in Exeter.
01392 964094Request Online QuoteOur Rates
Got multiple jobs?
Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
Why Trust Us
Need Built-in shelving in Exeter?
Get a free quote for your built-in shelving job in Exeter today.