Looking for input, developing bookshelves for sale

[jwatriss.livejournal.com]

Hi all.

I've been working on putting myself out there as a furniture builder. One thing I keep hearing in here is that there's a sustained need for GOOD bookshelves/ bookcases.

You guys are my current target market... I'm trying to stay local for now. I know there are a lot of academics and bibliophiles in the area, so I wanted to put this in the Davis board to see what you all had for ideas and requests.

So far, I have the following things that I think should be incorporated somehow.

-Solid wood, no plywood, particle board, or MDF. It costs a little more, but it's more durable, looks nicer, and the shelves are much stronger, meaning less sag over time.

-No drywall screws. I know that the unfinished furniture shops have plenty of quickly bolted together shelves from who knows where. I'm going for something a little nicer than what I used to have in my college bedroom.

-Modular. I've seen plenty of tall bookcases, and my one gripe is that they really don't move very well. I think that most of my friends move at least every few years, and I'd like to put out something out that is readily movable, and will work with all the old spiral staircases we have to deal with around here.

-Some fixed, some adjustable shelves. I know adjustability is always a desired feature, but a few fixed shelves in there will help make for a much sturdier, durable bookcase.

-I've been bouncing around the idea of a separate pedestal base, with adjustable casters/feet, and a built in level...because who in here actually has level floors? This way the base can be put in and leveled out, before putting up a huge heavy pile of books.


Pricewise, I've been told that the primary choices right now are either $60 target garbage, or super high end $2500-ish custom stuff. I don't think that I'll be anywhere near the $60 mark. I need to make a living. But I think it's possible to build solid, lasting bookcases for less than $500.

So, ignoring pricing for the moment, what are you all looking for in a bookcase/ bookshelves?

Comments

[stormsdotter.livejournal.com]

Hello! I'm a member of the science fiction community, and like many fans, I own lots of books. I am thrilled to see someone asking for input on bookshelves!

Casters to adjust for un-level floors would be wonderful, but I would really like to see a book case that has a 1.5" gap from a wall that would run up a foot or so, to allow the book cast to rest against the wall but go over the board that runs along the base of the and protects it from being kicked. You might also want to consider building custom book shelves that will fit around chair-rails, but almost all homes have kick protectors, while only soem have chair rails.

I would suggest making modules that hold four shelves of paperback books with secured shelves, a module that holds four shelves of hardbound books with secured shelves, and a module the size of the hardbound shelves with adjustable shelf holes. Then all you would need is a way to interlock the modules, and people could buy as many of them as they need to hold their books of all shapes and sizes.

Also, I suggest making corner-modules that would interface with the four-shelf modules, so people could use two shelves for books without loosing space between them, or wrap their book shelves around a corner or piece of furniture. (I can sketch and draw plans for this if you would like; my e-mail is my username at gmail dot com.)

[thespian.livejournal.com]

Ikea's Billy bookcases have a divot cut at the bottom so you can run cables and put them flush to the wall over the baseboard, but it's only about 4", and I never have seen a need for more than that.

[stormsdotter.livejournal.com]

I've seen old houses where the molding goes up a good 10". Cut it at 12" and you're sure to be safe.

[prunesnprisms.livejournal.com]

I've lived in a place with over 8 inch molding around the floors, yup.