Where can I buy ready assembled bookcases?

[PallasCat]

I haven't been able to find any good places to get them. I was hoping someone here might have an idea?

Thank you

[DTSBOY]

You'll be paying a decent premium for ready assembled stuff.

There are a few in the search selection below. Amazon will gladly assemble them in your home for an extra 60 quid+.


https://www.google.com/search?q=read...obile&ie=UTF-8

[darrellmaclaine]

I only ever used an assembly service once, when I was drained from a family death/funeral and just wanted them up, and the guy - from TaskRabbit - utterly messed the (very easy) job up, shearing out joints and wrecking the back boards by using overpowered tools rather than hand tools and elbow grease. They lead you to assume you're getting experts but they're just bob-a-job chancers like so many other people that work from vans, since the Uber-isation of contractor work happened. Literally anyone can set up as one of those.

And really, most flat pack bookcases are incredibly easy to put together. Billy ones most of all as they're even easier than they were before now they've altered the way the back boards attach with a plastic peg system. All you need is a decent multi-head screwdriver set and a hammer and you can do the lot.

[CouncilSpectre]

Billys are great. It took me longer to get all the pieces out of the boxes than it did to actually assemble them. As said, a hammer and an electric screwdriver and they're up in no time.

[DTSBOY]

Originally Posted by darrellmaclaine

I only ever used an assembly service once, when I was drained from a family death/funeral and just wanted them up, and the guy - from TaskRabbit - utterly messed the (very easy) job up, shearing out joints and wrecking the back boards by using overpowered tools rather than hand tools and elbow grease. They lead you to assume you're getting experts but they're just bob-a-job chancers like so many other people that work from vans, since the Uber-isation of contractor work happened. Literally anyone can set up as one of those.

And really, most flat pack bookcases are incredibly easy to put together. Billy ones most of all as they're even easier than they were before now they've altered the way the back boards attach with a plastic peg system. All you need is a decent multi-head screwdriver set and a hammer and you can do the lot.

Anybody that uses power tools on flat pack bookcases needs escorting out of the house and then to be pelted with eggs.

[PallasCat]

Thank you for the input everyone. I've got an injury which makes getting about and doing anything really difficult.You've all given me some good options to think about. It's much appreciated.

[darrellmaclaine]

Originally Posted by CouncilSpectre

Billys are great. It took me longer to get all the pieces out of the boxes than it did to actually assemble them. As said, a hammer and an electric screwdriver and they're up in no time.

Plus there are so many compatible options, you can combine them to fit your space as easy as Lego.

To the OP - a standard height Billy and two extra shelves will give you eight neat shelves of Blu-ray storage - I would avoid getting a deep one and double-stacking as it will overload the shelves. If you need to double stack and/or want a stronger solution combine half-width units - and if you ask a staff member IKEA will sell you the individual little kits to join them together (tip - use a cheap 'n' easy hand drill to make the little holes those bits need, anything powered can blow out the MDF on lightweight flatpacks, as I knew but the TaskRabbit "professional" apparently didn't. Gentle is always best, it's not woodworking, it's just modelmaking!)

But they really are easy. I have done Lego Technic sets with my daughter that were harder than furnishing my house with Billys.

Originally Posted by PallasCat

Thank you for the input everyone. I've got an injury which makes getting about and doing anything really difficult.You've all given me some good options to think about. It's much appreciated.

If I helps I also have several physical disabilities and they're well within my abilities. Not that everyone's the same, but they're a gentler job than people think!

[darrellmaclaine]

Originally Posted by DTSBOY

Anybody that uses power tools on flat pack bookcases needs escorting out of the house and then to be pelted with eggs.

Some people think that all they need to do is buy a top of the range Makita drill and they become master carpenters...

[PallasCat]

Originally Posted by darrellmaclaine

If I helps I also have several physical disabilities and they're well within my abilities. Not that everyone's the same, but they're a gentler job than people think!

That's encouraging to hear. Thank you for sharing that.

[DTSBOY]

Originally Posted by darrellmaclaine

Some people think that all they need to do is buy a top of the range Makita drill and they become master carpenters...

Very true.

As you state these things are made of mdf or fibreboard and are very delicate. A ratchet screwdriver and a ball pein hammer for nailing the back-boards is all you should need.

I have the Malm drawers and the only difficulty I had was lifting the sodding boxes to and from the car. Built to last and deceptively heavy.

Fitted full length runners from Screwfix which worked a treat.

[BudBaxter]

Some charity shops will sell you their shelving units if you ask nicely enough.

[PallasCat]

Originally Posted by BudBaxter

Some charity shops will sell you their shelving units if you ask nicely enough.

That's a good idea. It might be worth a try.

[Deadend45]

Only a extra-dimensional bookcase can hold all the BDs I have.

[BudBaxter]

Originally Posted by Deadend45

Only a extra-dimensional bookcase can hold all the BDs I have.

They're hard to find these days.

[martinyfelix]

Originally Posted by CouncilSpectre

Billys are great. It took me longer to get all the pieces out of the boxes than it did to actually assemble them. As said, a hammer and an electric screwdriver and they're up in no time.

I even assembled a Billy/Oxberg (the Billy that comes with doors) by myself, holding the door with my foot while screwing the screws. I bought two in black oak and another one in burgundy (or something like that, it is a different listing and I can't find it) and they both look pretty neat. I guess they could be slightly cheaper but they are good for the price and the IKEA instructions are pretty easy to follow.

[Ste7en]

Handy video for strengthening Billy Bookcases here:

Ikea Billy Bookcase - how to assemble and strengthen to make it last. - YouTube

[chip75]

Originally Posted by PallasCat

I haven't been able to find any good places to get them. I was hoping someone here might have an idea?

Thank you

It really depends on where you live, if you live near areas with industrial estates or enterprise parks you should have a fair amount of furniture shops to go to. They'll often have bookcases, as others have said you may pay a premium, but you might get a bargain or two. Reclamation yards might be good too, if offices or libraries have been remodelled they might have a good selection.

Something like twin-slot shelving might be easier if you've got health issues, you won't have to lift as much.

[schmutzig]

Did you already consider buying cases from private persons? Like gumtree or stuff like that? (I'm not from the UK, I don't know what sites you're using for that kind of stuff )
Maybe someone could pick it up for you or they deliver it to your door for a bit of money.

[PallasCat]

Originally Posted by chip75

It really depends on where you live, if you live near areas with industrial estates or enterprise parks you should have a fair amount of furniture shops to go to. They'll often have bookcases, as others have said you may pay a premium, but you might get a bargain or two. Reclamation yards might be good too, if offices or libraries have been remodelled they might have a good selection.

Something like twin-slot shelving might be easier if you've got health issues, you won't have to lift as much.

Some great ideas there. Thanks for sharing. I sill haven't made my mind up.

[PallasCat]

Originally Posted by schmutzig

Did you already consider buying cases from private persons? Like gumtree or stuff like that? (I'm not from the UK, I don't know what sites you're using for that kind of stuff )
Maybe someone could pick it up for you or they deliver it to your door for a bit of money.

I never thought to ask on gumtree. Thanks!