
Shelf Material | Maximum Span |
1-1/4" wide face strip on edge | 36" |
1-1/4" wide face strip on side | 32" |
Aluminum strip underneath | 36" |
How wide should a bookshelf be?
- - Small size (suitable for paperbacks, notebooks, CDs ...) Storage 22 cm high and 17 cm deep.
- - Medium size (suitable for novels, travel guides...) Storage 25 cm high and 17 cm deep.
- - Large size (suitable for art books, comics...) Storage 34 cm high and 26 cm deep.
What is the standard height for a bookshelf?
- Standard Bookshelf Dimensions Average Shelf Spacing Standard Bookshelf Depth Standard Bookshelf Width
- Bookshelf Dimensions by Numbers of Shelves Two-Shelf Bookcase Three-Shelf Bookcase Four-Shelf Bookcase Five-Shelf Bookcase Seven-Shelf Bookcase Double-Wide Bookcases
- Should You Buy or Make a Bookshelf?
- What to Look for in a Bookcase
What is the average space between shelves on a bookshelf?
Shelf spacing varies depending on the size of the books you plan to keep in the bookshelf. A good average spacing for shelves is between 8 and 12 inches. If you have oversize books to store, you might prefer to increase the spacing to 15 inches.
How deep is the average bookcase?
When this is the case, the best bet is to work creatively with fitted joinery and build a shelf into the run of wardrobes – the minimum recommended depth for a laptop is 60cm – which can act as a desk.

What is the standard width of a bookshelf?
What is the standard size of a bookshelf? In all, a standard bookshelf will be on average 31 inches wide with a depth of 12 to 13 inches, and height will depend on how many shelves the bookshelf has.
How deep should Built in bookshelves be?
11 to 12 inches deepHow Deep Should Built in Shelves Be? Take stock of what you'll be storing on them: trim travel guides or oversize art books, bulky board games or lidded baskets, collectibles large or small. Most shelves are built a minimum of 11 to 12 inches deep, but this is your chance to customize: Go for it!
What size should bookshelves be?
A typical bookshelf will have 9- 12 inches of spacing. Depending on the types of books stacked, standard bookshelf depth should be between 10 and 12 inches while the width is from 31 to 32 inches, though you can find other bookshelf widths of between 24 and 48 inches.
What is a good width for a shelf?
Typically, shelves with a depth of 12 inches and a width of 14 to 16 inches should suffice.
Should bookshelves go to the ceiling?
The bookshelves give you a simple and effective option to keep all the copies neatly organized and easily accessible. But bookshelves can also play a role in dcor and in fact, floor to ceiling bookshelves will be great in this regard. Wood and its classic brown appeal will simply accentuate any wall or ceiling.
What is the average space between shelves?
A good average spacing for shelves is between 8 and 12 inches. If you have oversize books to store, you might prefer to increase the spacing to 15 inches.
What depth should shelves be?
The most desirable depth for any wood or laminate closet shelving is 14-inches. The reason for this centers around closet accessories. Tie racks, scarf organizers, built-in hampers, slide-out wire baskets, and various closet organizers of all sorts are all available to fit inside a standard 14-inch-deep closet section.
How deep should a wall shelf be?
As far as shelf size, a depth of 10 or 12 inches fits most functions without concern of drooping in the middle, while length should be determined based on where you want to install yours. If you want a long span but are concerned about weight, install adjacent, identical floating shelves, or opt for bracket supports.
How do you calculate the space between shelves?
1:153:23How to get even spacing / Equal distance / Calculate ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMinus the total width of the items that are going to go in between.MoreMinus the total width of the items that are going to go in between.
What is a standard shelf size?
The standard depth of most shelves is 16 to 20 inches deep. The highest shelf should be shallower, like 12 inches deep, to make those items easier to access. If you find that stuff seems to get pushed to the back and forgotten about, you should consider even shallower shelves.
How tall is a small bookshelf?
The standard height for this small bookshelf is 32 inches, although you may even find one that’s 36 inches tall. Meanwhile, the standard width is 31 inches. The depth may vary from 12 to 13 inches.
How much does a bookshelf weigh?
Always check the weight capacity of the bookshelf before buying it. For reference, remember that a one-ruler row of books can weigh up to 20 pounds. Now that you have learned about the standard sizes of a bookshelf, you can now start shopping for one that you can put in your room or home.
How tall is a 3 shelf bookcase?
Like the two-shelf bookcase, the three-shelf bookcase has variations in terms of height. You may find one that’s 41 inches tall and even come across one that’s 48 inches in height. The width may also vary, from as narrow as 30 inches to as wide as 36 inches. The depth is similar to the two-shelf bookcase as well, between 12 and 13 inches. If you’re buying one, look for a three-shelf bookcase that would let you adjust the shelves to various heights so you can keep or store large books and hardcovers.
Why is it important to check the dimensions of a bookshelf?
You must also check the dimensions to ensure that the bookshelf you are interested in will fit comfortably in your room. The weight capacity is equally important as you don’t want the bookshelf to collapse because of the combined load or weight of the books.
How deep is a bookcase?
The width also varies, ranging from 31 to 37 inches. Meanwhile, the depth is the standard 12 to 13 inches. But there are also specialty five-shelf bookcases that are just five inches deep, making them ideal for storing small paperback books.
How many shelves are there in a bookcase?
Bookshelves vary on the number of shelves. There are bookshelves with two shelves; others have more than five. Continue reading to know more about the standard sizes of the various types of bookshelves. In This Article.
What materials are needed to make a bookshelf?
These include cabinet-grade plywood, wood glue, construction adhesive, hinges, and high-grade latex paint or stain. You should also take into consideration the time you’d be spending on creating a bookshelf.
How wide is a bookcase?
The width will range from 31 inches to 37 inches , and the depth will be the standard of 12 to 13 inches. Taller five-shelf bookcases are often found in European stores, such as Ikea. Specialty bookcases, made for paperbacks, are also available that have a small, paperback-appropriate depth of about 5 inches.
How tall is a 2 shelf bookcase?
The standard height for a two-shelf bookcase is 32 inches. The standard height for a two-shelf bookcase is 32 inches. The standard width is 31 inches. The depth will range from 12 to 13 inches. However, it's not hard to find a two-shelf bookcase as tall as 36 inches.
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How to add strength to a bookcase?
Another way to add strength to bookcases is by adding a back. For economy and efficiency, use either 1/4-inch hardboard or 1/4-inch hardwood plywood for the back. Apply glue around the perimeter of the bookcase unit and the back of the shelves.
What is the strongest bookcase?
Bookcase shelves that include face frames are the strongest. Build any bookcase using 3/4-inch plywood or hardwood solids. Stay with the correct spacing, and the bookcase shelves will not sag, but if you attempt to slide or move the bookcase, it can weaken joints on the frame.
Why does my bookcase sag?
The most common cause for bookshelf sag is the use of wrong materials. The culprit is almost always particleboard, says Popular Woodworking. Even if high-density particleboard is used it can sag. There is one exception to this rule, however; medium-density-laminate – which has a particleboard core – can be used effectively.
Can you cut a book shelf with a table saw?
It can be cut with any table saw and is available in almost any species of hardwood. Other options include hardwood solids. Single pieces of hardwoods that are wide enough for a bookshelf are sometimes available , but this application is not recommended due to the propensity of single pieces to split or crack.
How deep should a book shelf be?
12" deep shelves are too deep for most books, again most books. I would make the bookshelf a "breakfront", the 2 lower shelves 12" deep above a 4" base or toe space, and step the front back at the 30-32" height and make the remaining shelves, 8, maybe 10" deep.
Why are coffee table books called coffee tables?
They are called coffee table books for a reason. People don't put them on shelves. Still, in my base cabinet with shelves on top project, laying those books down with the spine out on the lowest level of the shelf structure, directly on top of the base cabinet top, is a useful and attractive way to store them. Share.
What is the span limit for shelving?
The span limit is defined as the maximum distance apart that you can place the shelving supports. Glass, particleboard, solid lumber, plywood, and other common shelving materials can have span limits that can range from 18 inches to almost 5 feet.
What are the considerations when installing wall shelves?
There are two important considerations when installing wall shelves: first, making sure the material used for the shelves has an appropriate span capacity; and second, considering the vertical spacing between the shelves—a decision that is based on the types of objects you will store on the shelves.
How thick should particleboard be?
Like plywood, particleboard can be glued and screwed together to create thicker shelves. Single-layer shelving made from particleboard should be at least 5/8 inch thick. The longest recommended span between wall supports for 5/8-inch particleboard is 24 inches.
How thick is plywood for shelves?
Plywood for shelves should be 3/4 inch thick or thicker. Standard sheets of plywood come in 1/4-inch, 3/8-inch, 1/2-inch, 5/8-inch, and 3/4-inch thicknesses. Plywood panels over 3/4 inch in thickness are usually special order products. Thinner sheets of plywood can be glued together (laminated) to make a thicker panel for cutting sturdier shelves.
How to prevent shelves from sagging?
To prevent the shelves from sagging under the weight, you need to know the relative span limitations of different shelving materials. Span in this instance means the distance between supports for the shelf. Span limits are based on the strength of the material—the stronger the material, the more space you can put between wall supports. ...
What is particleboard shelf?
Particleboard Shelves. Particleboard is a manufactured product that is made from sawdust and other wood by-products bonded together with glues and resins. It is commonly sold in thicknesses of 3/8 inch, 1/2 inch, 5/8 inch, and 3/4 inch.
How thick is 1x lumber?
Be aware that the actual thickness of standard lumber is less than the nominal measurement by which it is categorized. All 1 x lumber is about 3/4 inch thick. When choosing 1 x lumber for shelves, it's best to use select-grade lumber, which has fewer knots and other flaws that can weaken the wood.
