Cut hole in back of billy bookcase. And it was cost saving too.

• Cut hole in back of billy bookcase Ikea Billy bookcase hack Built-ins around a Our wall is 114″ so we cut that length of pieces for the front and back and 8″ long pieces for the Note, we found it to be the most affordable to buy a second of the small Billy bookcases to cut up for this project. I do not want to lose access to the sockets as they are the only ones in the room. That part of the bookcase will have the Ikea doors on it. By Tania Griffis Originally Posted January 16, 2014 October 18, Back to books. The round hole on the flat side next to the sides that is used for the putting on to the small shelf brackets is somewhat less than 3/8 inches but what is it. Snap on back panel. And it was cost saving too. 4. BILLY bookcase, brown walnut effect, 40x28x202 cm BILLY bookcase is a beloved icon that never goes out of style. Add trim back to the bottom of the bookshelves. The Billy bookcase has a choice of heights but both are the same width of 31 1/2″ wide. Then gravity becomes your BFF! If using a tall shelf, just stand on a step-stool. Drill additional holes if necessary for additional cables. Cut out four 12-inch circles of wood. Any I'm The Eastwood bookcase library booknook personalised ladder plaque available. A subreddit dedicated to the Swedish furniture store started by Ingvar Kamprad in a small town called Älmhult Jesse made good use of the 6″ gap between the pantry cabinet and wall. The Billy system is designed to adapt to many types of spaces and uses. Step 5 Cut a hole in the back of the Billy just big enough for the electrical box, get a box extension, and put the wall plate on the inside of the bookshelf. Using an Ikea billy hack is a great way to create a stunning bookcase on a budget. He's my BFF. For our space, we used two tall bookcases (79. Photo: Petal and Ply #8 Chicken wire. 202 cm (height of the Billy) divided by 64cm (repeat) = 3,15625 rounded up 4 patterns for each Billy. 2 – 79. (Or put a book on top of it on a sheet of wax paper. I still have to trim the pocket-hole plugs off, round over some edges, sand, and polyurethane the second bookcase. Felicity used two HAVSTA base cabinets and two BILLY Bookcases for the unit. Then use some small Billy's often look bad because the shelves go bendy and I wanted to avoid that. 5″) at $59 each = $236 – 8 x Billy Height Extension Units at $25 each = $200 – 8 x Oxberg Doors at $30 each =$240. Reply reply Puzzled_Telephone852 • So we just made a “library” using Billy bookcases and added crown molding (search Billy bookcase hacks). Thanks to its versatility you can use it in many different ways at home – regardless of whether you store books or everyday items in it. Step 5 I had an outlet where I needed to put one of the bookcases, so I got one of those surge protectors with a flat plug and then I cut a notch on the back piece and fed the cable through before I nailed the back on permanently. Essentially, you are going to wrap the top and bottom of Use anti tip hardware from the Billy bookcases to attach the top of the bookshelves to the back top piece of lumber. Cut the back panel to the exact dimensions needed to fit the entire bookcase. g. 2). Keep reading [] You could also just use a single long thin strip (1 inch/2cm) running down covering them all which looks fine, like it’s a structural part of the bookcase. We also attached the bookcases to each other using 3/4in screws. It has to be precise to give the shelf stability. Then, place them back into the hole to dry-fit and see if they sit flush. In this situation- I had it at my old vintage house- you can either snug them up against the baseboard which will leave a gap between the wall and the back of the cabinet box. The lighting and some other components will not work for the 40cmx30cmx202 version. 882. The cutout is a little over 2 cm deep and 8cm high at its highest. That way, the edges of the cut as seen from the front will look cleaner, with few or no chips out of the finish). BILLY bookcases are so popular that there are millions of them out in the world. use those with liberal glue & nails to reinforce the top & bottom at This is the ultimate Ikea built in hack: use Billy Bookcases to install DIY custom cabinets! See plans, supplies, and a full step-by-step process. The amount of sag expected in Billy bookcases depends on several factors, as listed below. The bookcase needs to be fixed to the wall to avoid I also need to cut the hole for the baseboard Getting started. Skip to main content. One narrow bookcase for one kid to store backpack, jackets, boots, and more! With this IKEA hack, IKEA Billy Bookcase hack tutorial. Can't get enough of the Billy Marise We have purchased Billy bookcases for the last 10 years and Billy's often look bad because the shelves go bendy and I wanted to avoid that. Mix some Bondo with the hardener. With a utility knife To keep your space from losing out on lighting or other electric needs, cut holes in the back of a bookcase that might otherwise conceal one. Note, we have received the following question a couple of times regarding the electrical boxes: “Did Hammer the 18 nails back in place along the top, bottom and middle shelves. I'm thinking of installing an outlet extension box to move the outlet forward about 3/4 inch to mount it in the back panel of the DIY Ikea Billy Bookcase Built In Bookshelves. So you may need to replace the back with a hardboard/backer board (available at local hardware stores). Then we just slid the bookcase back into place in front of the painted portion of the wall. “Double-check your measurements before cutting in — I’ve even used a steak #ikea #ikeahacks #lifehacks #bookcase Here's a simple tip for making your IKEA Billy Bookcases look a little better by filling in the holes and painting a few parts to give a slightly more I have all the equipment necessary for cutting so I was going to cut the shelves down to 28". Measure the wall you want to place the built ins on and determine how many Billy Today is the tutorial for my biggest IKEA hack ever: building my own library wall using IKEA Billy Bookcases! I was inspired by @themakerista on Instagram's I need a new Billy for more books, The wall anchors are adjustable, so the bookcase could be 1-2cm away from the wall, and a flat plug could fit there Reply reply Belle_Requin that's OK, just don't make it a massive hole Reply reply Top 1% Rank by They will all be cut to the same size. If you rip the shelf to make it narrower, make sure the off-cut is from the back of the shelf so you can preserve the veneered edge. Use a fine jigsaw blade, and drill/saw with the back side facing up. 12 of 25. Access panel implies. We had two outlets. We’ve done the research to give you the real scoop. That’s a lot of books and tchotchkes sitting on those shelves. 5” (80 cm) to thin designs at 15. Yes, you can use an Ikea Billy bookcase without a back. However, Ikea says they are constantly improving thee shelf strength. I started out by framing out the two walls that flanked either side of the bookshelves using 2×4’s. Secure each BILLY bookcase to the one next to it. The bookcase will be very well attached to the wall and the units next to it. By the time you read this sentence, another Billy has sold somewhere in the world—that’s estimated at one every five seconds. Stack Exchange network consists of 183 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, I usually cut a hole in the back of the cabinet, and trim it out. Once dry, cut off the excess. You can use a drill to make a hole in each corner and a jig saw to cut out the rectangle sides. While the Billy bookcase comes with pre-drilled holes for shelves, there may be instances where you need to drill new or larger holes. Improve this answer. This is because the bookcase is built to be stable without the back panel in place. The back panel fixes in place with snap fittings – making BILLY easy to I am so excited to share our IKEA BILLY bookcase hack. youre going to try to hide the outlets, which is a waste of energy if there are going to be cables coming out of them most/all of the time anyhow. You can trim the original and use that, or use some sort of thin hardboard. The bottom bookcases will be very sturdy by now! Cut 16 pieces of We used a jigsaw to cut out a portion of the bookshelf for the electrical plugs. Be it the Billy Bookcase from Ikea, or any other bookshelf the cardboard back is not cute. DIY home bar BILLY bookcase hack How to Apply Peel and Stick Wallpaper to the Back of a Bookcase Step 1: Remove the Shelves. Then, cut a Shims under the left bookcase. 24. Shims under the left bookcase. This added to the decision. Share. After all Billy bookcases were connected to each other with furniture connectors it is time to close the niche. I can’t guarantee that it wont break but I’d try flexing the board longitudinally to make it narrower and then allow it to straighten out into the slots. With the help of the protruding blocks the lid can then easy be aligned. But we had a second eyesore to solve. Tip: Make sure to cut out the outlet holes on the backboards before securing the bookcases to the wall. Step 3: Cut those 12-inch circles in half. I then cut four shelves from these pieces at 37 1/4 inches. This IKEA BILLY Bookcase Hack Will Help You Maximize Your Space! Attach the pieces together by using screws at the front, then cover the back of the two shelves with ¼” plywood. I'm planning to add a row of Ikea Billy bookcases to my wall. I then taped the back to a few spots as well. Too short and they won’t be securely tied together, while too long will pierce right through both sides of the bookcases. Rub some Bondo against the cutout in the bookcase using a gloved finger. Please submit links to how-to pages and videos, pictures of beautiful and amazing works, and your own work for us to admire, or help you finish. 256 cm is the wallpaper length I need to cover one Is it necessary to use a pilot hole before drilling a larger hole in an IKEA Billy bookcase? IKEA’s Billy bookcase is a popular choice for individuals looking to add storage to their home or office. This may look unsightly from the outside, so will require caulk/filler. Fill the hole with glue and a wooden dowel. After some time, however, repeated moves, regular wear and tear, and even simple changes in This guide is for the 80cmx30cmx202cm BILLY/HOGBO. Add a comment . 5″x11″x78. It's just thin particle board; there's no reason you couldn't. Billy bookcase baseboard cutout . To get the built-in look, spacing between each bookcase is crucial. Preparation is key for a successful painting project. Ikea Billy Bookcase Hacks. How would I handle a receptacle covered by a bookcase . Because our wall isn’t huge and the built-ins couldn’t extend from end to end (it would cut off part of the doorway) I thought 2 single Billy bookcases would fit nicely, I just needed to figure out how to create the cabinets. 25” (237 cm) to short at 41. Make sure the back panel is all the Had anyone cut part of the base of their Billy bookcase? I have a space that’s 104 in height and Billy is 106 cm. I had some peel and stick but it has a Before screwing the bookcases to the wall I had threaded through an electrical extension bar so that the lights could be plugged in around the back of the bookcase. Then use some small screws to attach it to the back, 1 in each corner and then 1 spaced out every 6 inches or so Mark out the cutout on the back; Drill a hole bigger than the blade (10mm but it's not to scale. Step 2: Cut out circle shapes using a jigsaw and a piece of plywood. cutting some off the back of the frame to make it 25cm (9-3/4in) deep instead of 30cm (11-3/4in)? I realise I might chop off the back row of holes for the shelving and would need to drill new ones, but besides that does anyone know of any issues? Has anyone done something similar before? Thanks! I have an older Billy bookcase You can get a sheet of Luan plywood from one of the home stores and cut it to size,, they're used for flooring underlayment. Since its launch in 1979, the Billy has become an IKEA staple, having sold over 60 million bookcases Cut a hole in the back of the Billy just big enough for the electrical box, get a box extension, and put the wall plate on the inside of the bookshelf. Emmeline suggests 1/4″ plywood, cut to size and nailed to the back of the cubbies. That's Ikea Billy, so a reasonable particleboard Tall Billy bookcases: $59 each (I used 2) Extension unit for tall bookcases: $25 each (I used 2) Short Billy bookcases: $39 each (I used 2) Short, narrow Billy bookcase: $29 each (I used 1) Oxberg doors: $30 each (I used 8) Liberty Classic Bell Matte Black Cabinet Knob (4-Pack): under $17 (I bought 2 packs) Cord cover: under $15 An Ikea Billy bookcase can be used with or without wooden or glass fronted doors, thanks to the pre-drilled holes for the adjustable shelving. Opening doors is a breeze and the bookcases do not move or tip. Deciding that we wanted the taller of the two to help fill the wall. It will solve headaches like this. I was thinking about plugging two 4-way extension leads (with switchable sockets) into each socket on the wall before putting the bookcase in We added four pieces of wood panels on the walls ( both sides of the fireplace) as the long board that goes on the side was 12″ wide, and the Billy bookcase was 11″ so we needed to make up that 12″. 3. I’ve redecorated my home office and didn’t want the tall bookcase; I wanted to hang guitars on the wall, and this left no other suitable space for it. I bought a couple of small Billy units but they were too high for the space and just didn’t look right. How difficult would it be to replace the top shelf of a BILLY Bookcase 80x28x202 cm in white? Got a hole in the top which is glaring at me. BILLY Bookcase Height Extension – 2 wide and 1 (as we call it). IKEA Billy Bookcase Hack! February 6, 2022 / 10 Comments. Reply reply You don't need an access panel, you just need to figure out where the outlets are in relation to the back panel, and cut a hole. You could also try a kitchen knife – slide it with the blade parallel to the back, behind the shelf and twisted gently. ) To make the Billy bookcases look like actual built-in wood bookcases, I framed them with MDF, added trim, painted everything. Whether it’s white paint or a bold, moody color YOU get to pick and customize all of it; trim pieces, the back of the bookcase, and any added details that bring you joy. Check each product page for other buying options. Handcrafted and built too the clients spec requests The bookcase library was installed on three walls The ladder How to Make a Built-In Billy Bookcase. I had to cut this for each window section and used a spray bottle to get the surface adequately wet. I have two that are too tall and would 801 votes, 51 comments. I know they sell extra shelves but I think the top one attaches differently so I am not sure if it is a different part. Place the shelf exactly where you want it in the closet and anchor it to the wall using the enclosed anchor. Finally make sure to select the correct length of screw for this step. button button Visit The Spruce's homepage. Is it possible to cut down Ikea Billy Bookcase without destroying it? by Pet (IC: ) Sign Up to Answer Answer this question + 1 . The Ikea Billy bookcase is specifically designed to be used with or without a back panel. Position the bookcase against the wall. Make sure you are careful not to drill too deep here, or else you might make a hole in the other side of the bookcase. Billy Bookcase is falling apart! Managed to put it back together but it still looks very unstable. IKEA's particle board is notorious for not holding screws. She could make two shelves out of each 15″ shelf for a total of 11 shelves for her wine bottles and glasses. BILLY bookcase, white, Back: Fiberboard, Paint, Paper foil. 2. Place an electrical box extender in your outlet and then reattach your outlet plate over the top of your Billy bookshelf backing. Today, the BILLY bookcase is one of IKEA’s most popular products, with over 50 We ran led lights strips up all the doors. 4) I could shorten the bookcase - very possible. That will insure a good bond to the bookcase. To cut a hole in metal, you can use a variety of tools depending on the size and shape of the hole you need. Edit to add that the back wall of the Billy holds much of the structural integrity. With a variety of products that people love to customize for their spaces, the BILLY bookcase is a longstanding favorite. You can reassemble using long screws through the sides into the horizontal pieces, or use a pocket hole jig. Instead of following the Ikea Billy Bookcase hacks I had seen on Pinterest, Attach each of the four shelves using the 12 1/2″ guide and 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws. Cut to fit. I painted the wood boards with white acrylic paint for wood. IKEA is a favorite shopping location for those who love a good DIY project. Cut off the power supply to your room. To get started, you’ll need to make sure that your cut lines are square and level, BILLY bookcase, black oak effect, 40x28x202 cm BILLY bookcase is a beloved icon that never goes out of style. Once this was done, I installed each shelf and used my brad nailer to secure each one to the ledgers. That's Ikea Billy, so a reasonable particleboard I wouldn’t recommend using an IKEA Billy bookcase without the back unless you are planning to reinforce the A 1″x2″ happens to be a perfect match for the width of two bookcase sides pushed together. A little back story on this project - years ago (I don't even remember how long), Next, I cut two extra blocks and screwed those in vertically and spaced apart. Gathering Necessary Supplies Be it the Billy Bookcase from Ikea, or any other bookshelf the cardboard back is not cute. Reassemble Thoughtfully: When putting your bookcase back together, ensure all parts are clean and arrange your decor items for a polished look. Cancel Post comment Materials: Billy Bookcase, 2 packs of pine bead board, stain, 2 inch foam, staples, fabric, hooks Description: Buy a Billy Bookcase (Article Number: 836. 5k Gotta love a soft aqua tone that’s 100% free. Stain to your preference and assemble onto the Billy in the exact same spot Turns out you can set up a decent display with a Billy bookcase, a door, and a decent LED strip for but you could cut a strip at designated points and use connectors/soldering to maintain the connection, or you could drill a hole in the back or side of the bookcase and run the cable through there instead. We had our GC Building the DIY Ikea Billy Bookcases. Yes, the outlet cover was put back on but it is not shown in the video. Any suggestions on if Ikea Billy Bookcase Hack Tutorial Materials needed: Amy Howard at Home Pallet in a Box (I needed one box and had some leftover–this stuff is awesome because you don't have to disassemble pallets or remove nails, but you totally get the same look); Amy Howard at Home One Step Paint (I used Drama Queen); Amy Howard at Home Vintage Wood wood treatment Assemble your Billy bookcase per the directions with the shelf. These hinges should be screwed down firmly, with no wiggle room left. I really wanted If you have a Billy bookcase, then you can go on Ikea and type "Billy Bookcase" and extra shelving should pop. To make one of the cabinets you will need the following: - 1x BILLY Bookcases (80cmx30cmx202cm) - 2x HÖGBO glass doors - 2x BILLY Extra glass shelf 3. Iron the fabric, then lay it flat. The hub cut the Saw to cut trim to length (or have it cut at the lumber yard) L-brackets (2 per bookcase) Appropriate length screws. I’m looking at the three shelf Billy bookcase but wondering how high the cut out goes for the baseboard at the bottom? My apartment has high baseboards so I’d like to figure out if it will fit before I buy/assemble! Thanks! Locked post. Step 4: Mount these half circle shapes to the side of the bookcase with L brackets and screws. We then stacked these boards and cut off about 1″ from one side of them using a circular saw. Pretty impressive Back: Fiberboard, Paint In desperation I purchased the Billy/Oxberg glass door but when no one could confirm I could cut the door without damage to the glass I returned it May 28, 2019 - Built In Bookcases using IKEA Billy Bookcases. What You Need All the main parts were sourced from Ikea. The last change is what I’m most excited about. Before the bookcases can be connected to each other the positions of the switch boxes (for multimedia inserts) must be documented, as the holes in the back wall of the bookcase are to be created precisely to match the switch boxes that are Another possibility would be to cut either the supplied backing, or something thin like hardboard into strips, the width of the back and maybe a foot or so wide. Push the bit through to the other side of the wood. Thanks to its versatility you can use it in many different ways at home – I then cut four shelves from these pieces at 37 1/4 inches. Stack Exchange Network. If you prefer, you can purchase edge beading and apply it to all the edges after you're finished cutting. Make sure that the corners are lined up so that as you hammer in the nails it stays lined up and even. As for the width it includes the thickness of the doors. However, this means I would be cutting off all those specially designed holes where the pegs Before I started adding the other bookcases to the row, I measured the location of the wall outlets and cut holes in the backs of the bookcases so they could be accessed. The top cover is a chipboard of 18 mm thickness. If you cut the edges of said strips to match the profile of the floor moulding, then it will look like it was made to order. What people love about these systems is that they're the ideal basic. Repeat until all hinges are in place. Add Comment. If you want to move, you can easily disassemble and reassemble the bookcase, without fear of tearing the back panel. Follow answered Jul 1, 2011 at 15:24. Bring the measurements for the kallax and have them cut it. The best way to do this is by using a hole saw bit to safely and easily create the holes. A couple of weeks ago I posted the reveal of our Billy IKEA Hack Office Makeover reveal and prior to that I posted Part 1 – getting a built-in library home office look using the billy bookcase. Some versions of Billy come with the backboard cut into upper and lower pieces. You may opt instead to use a staple gun to staple the Take a leaf from Jessica and start assembling the IKEA BILLY bookcases. They were gorgeous! I showed it to my husband and he 13. Plus it worked really well with our blue-green sleeper sofa. Take out and reverse the saw to finish that side; To cut the other sides, back the saw away from the to fit a UK double socket (but I've since moved the bookcase to another place). Whether it’s white paint or a Is it possible to cut down Ikea Billy Bookcase without destroying it? by Pet (IC: ) Sign Up to Answer Answer this question + 1 . IKEA BILLY Bookcase 15 3/4″ by 79 1/2″ white; First, I took the white 15″ skinny BILLY Bookcase and cut the back, top, bottom, and shelves to fit into the opening, making But first, I had to do the math. But as the Billy was too small to make best use Pop one each under the front corners of each Billy, and those suckers are stable as a mountain. Two small cut-outs from a multiplex board are screwed before fitting on each side. Wipe up the dust created by the drill. Ikea Billy Built In Bookcases. cutting some off the back of the frame to make it 25cm (9-3/4in) deep instead of 30cm (11-3/4in)? I realise I might chop off the back row of holes for the shelving and would need to drill new ones, but besides that does anyone know of any issues? Has anyone done something similar before? Thanks! I cut a hole in an @ikea Billy bookcase. 5″ tall). Finally, small screws are screwed from above through the blocks into We ran led lights strips up all the doors. BILLY can be as small and humble or as big and proud as you want it to be. The cutout at the back is the same height as the toe kick on the front, so the bottom shelf is just above it. It'll look nice. I've decided to leave the outlet where it is and cut a square hole a little bit bigger than the outlet. That’s right. From there, we cut boards and nailed them in between each bookcase. 5″x79″x11″ (4) Billy Bookcase Height Extension 32″x14″x11″ (8) Oxberg Doors. I then took my time levelling the bookcases on a base of CLS framework, then screwed the bookcase units together with spacing strips in I started the hidden door project with 2 Billy bookcase and we trimmed the extension. 273K subscribers in the ikeahacks community. The instructions show an L-bracket being used to hold the bookcase to the wall. Edit . They will still fit I still haven't figured out the trick for cutting the back out perfectly yet, mostly cause the 1/4" rabbet isn't enough to let me get a pencil in there to trace around the inside so I can cut it out. This will seal the wood. The new BILLY will have a nail free back panel set to snap in and out of place more easily. Nothing’s going to fall behind the bookcase, ever. For a new BILLY, measure the inside of the top, I prefer to start with small, conservative cuts just to confirm placement and then make the hole bigger once I know how much to trim away. Removing the back panel left a dark crevice in the back of the bookcase that we could definitely do without. I worked from top to bottom filling first one row then the next. Probably a better idea to make your own shelves out When it comes to hacking beautiful storage, no other IKEA product works a room like the Billy bookcase. Avoid using the same holes, if possible. I have cut hundreds of outlets into cabinets and it's not always fun. See more ideas about ikea billy bookcase, built in bookcase, ikea billy. I secured it to the top using wood glue, and let it dry completely. Fablon is a Billy’s best friend for repairing damage and marks, I covered the back of a Billy used as a room divider with matching fablon, covered wood strips for the raw edges and glued At the top of my stairs landing I had a little bit of space where I wanted to put a bookcase. I've had to do this on multiple Ikea pieces, usually drilling a small hole onto 2 sides and 1-48 of 53 results for "billy bookcase hole covers" Results. Orient it with the nice side facing down, and slide it into the grooves bottom to top as shown. All three just have books, dvds or board games on them. If you followed the instructions, the bracket gets attached to the wall and then you place the bookcase, but you can easily cut out a hole in the back panel just large enough to fasten the bracket and then attach the bracket to the top of the bookcase. For this closet I purchased a tall narrow one (15 3/4x11x79 1/2″). Now put on a thin coat of glue, put the pieces back together, and clamp them together. Put enough tape to have about a 3-5 inch border around the cutout to protect the bookcase from the Bondo. You could then add matching baseboards on the left and front of the bookcase. Billy Bookcase Projects that Rock. The length follows the length of the BILLY bookcase. Fill shelves with whiskey and tea and books and assemble a BILLY bookcase frame without the back and bottom base and place the frame in front of the doorway to I will give one quick suggestion: when you're building the bookshelves, mark the location of the middle shelf on the back of your bookcase (before you put the solid white back panel in). I recommend checking out YouTube videos for tips and hints to make the process go quick and smoothly. If you're handy with a jigsaw, Hi, I have purchased some Billy bookcases from Ikea and want to set it up in my office. – Cut two more pieces for the sides, equal to the depth of your cabinets. Mark the measurements you took across the back and both sides. Widths range from wide designs at 31. You'll need to nail this back panel into place to secure it, and by marking the level of your shelf, you ensure that you'll get your nails into that middle shelf and that they won't be Shelves got the same treatment (2 shekves became 4) , and used the drill press to carve out the notches for the pins on the cut edge. Metal box securely mounted will be there forever. 5″ tall Billy Bookcases with Oxberg doors; 2 – 41. Height extension unit Top panel: Every hole matched up when putting together. I understand the back board is quite important structurally. Using wainscoting to replace the bookshelf backing is a quick & easy update which can give your shelf a little extra support and a lot of extra style. Customize the plan according to the enclosed wall Step 3: Cut those 12-inch circles in half. The other holes further back on the flat side for holding the screw is Our built-in library made from IKEA billy bookcases may be one of my absolute favorite things we did in our fixer upper, and was such a budget-friendly option for getting the look (and feel) we were going for. It seems as if the bottom of the bookcase hits perfectly with your baseboards, so it might come out with a clean pseudo-builtin look. They're also fairly cheap if I remember, less than $20 for for a single shelf. 5) Put the bookcase elsewhere - nope, no other place. I then took my time levelling the bookcases on a base of CLS framework, then screwed the bookcase units together with spacing strips in If I had to do it again, I’d remove the top board of the Billy bookcase so when I flipped it onto the base cabinet it would be flat. I drilled a hole in the bookcase so something could be plugged in. 4 x BILLY Bookcase, white, 80x28x106 cm; 2 x BILLY Bookcase, black oak effect, 40x28x202 cm; 6 x IVAR Cabinet, pine, 80x30x83 cm; – Cut two pieces for the front and back of the frame, equal to the width of your cabinets. 10 on Ikea site) and assemble without any shelves or the back board. And, like most things small, it grew. In fact, more than 60 million Billy bookcases have been produced since its initial design in 1978. Now take your 1x2s and cut them the length of the back wall from the wall to the edge of the shelf. Then, working from the front of the bookcase try and carefully prise the back from the back of each shelf using one of the methods mentioned above. Step 10. Materials: Billy Bookcase (80x202cm), 6 x Billy CD inserts, 24mm birch faced ply I kept my CD collection in a Billy bookcase for which I’d purchased the CD inserts (I think these are now discontinued). Plain melamine boards would have cost more. Ah Billy. Old work boxes are only good as they are securely mounted to the drywall. . Is there a way to remove it and add bracing to have a sturdy backless bookcase? This is for air flow purposes to prevent future growth. 25 inches in order to eliminate any wasted space. Only 2 chipboard things need to be trimmed - the back is much easier to cut than the 'kickboard' segment at the bottom. The back panel fixes in place with snap fittings – making BILLY easy to assemble and disassemble, so you can bring it when moving instead of buying a new one. 5. I’d also not use 3/4 mdf for the tops between the base cabinet and bookshelves, I’d get some remnant quartz Once upon a time, a little bookcase became a beloved classic around the world. Someday we will re drill the handles so they match 🤦🏻‍♀️ Here are the Led strips for those asking: I admire your tenacity, but I would have cut some foam core or even cardboard to fit those openings, covered them with a fabric I love, and called it a day! You&#39ve given me an idea for the back of my already-assembled single bookcase in my office, but I&#39ll do it may way as described above. Just buy the old type of IKEA shelf pins from a reseller on Amazon. First I need to know how many repeats I need to cover the length of my billy bookcase. Billy bookcases sometimes sag. Total = $676 plus $99 shipping because we don’t live close to an IKEA. The back panel is designed to be used with the BILLY bookcase and helps ensure that your bookshelves stay in place and prevents material from falling out or books from sliding out of their shelves. Painted MDF trim for the facing and crown, plus a bit of paint and caulk to finish it off. #3dprint #ikea #billybookcase #3dprinted #3dprinting. ~ by Stephanie W. Aesthetic Appeal: Drawers can add a touch of sophistication and elegance to your Billy bookcase. 75” (40 cm). For an industrial style, staple chicken wire to the back of the KALLAX. You still have a gap on the right side where the right bookcase is offset by the existing baseboard. That’s This includes but is not limited to brick and other baked clay products, rough or cast stone, marble, granite, cut and dressed stone, artificial stone, brick veneer and large format slabs. This setup is going to cover an outlet, but there are other easily reachable outlets nearby. Where I had cut out the back of the Billy to sit against the skirting, I added a piece of wood in an upright position to hide the cut marks and disguise the extension bar. Note that the back is critical to the stability. Pack the gap with Bondo. Skip to content. Keep the drill running as you pull the bit back through the wood. 5+ months in the making, Looking back, I am glad I had all that extra time to perfect this space because it came out better than I ever had anticipated. Contrary to popular belief, adding a back to an Ikea Billy bookcase is not necessary to give it structural support. You can either add a piece of trim to the wall to secure them at the top and keep them plumb- or you can use a bigger L Line your new piece of plywood that you just cut, up with the back of the bookshelf. How to build a “custom” looking built-in with IKEA Billy Bookcases Hack This post will go over how to build a “custom” looking built-in bookcase using IKEA Billy bookcase shelving as the base. They’re going to be the bones for the pole wrap. 75” (106 cm). so Scott carefully used a template he created to trace and cut a hole into the bookshelf it self. Answered. Turn the power back on. An oscillating tool I prefer to start with small, conservative cuts just to confirm placement and then make the hole bigger once I know how much to trim away. The doors went back together so tight. Mark out the cutout on the back; Drill a hole bigger than the blade (10mm but it's not to scale. 5 Sheets/270 Pcs Self-adhesive Screw Caps Covers, White Screw Hole Cap The back panel slides into grooves in the sides and top shelf. So for each billy back of 202 cm in length, I need 4 patterns >> 4 (patterns) x 64 (repeat)cm = 256cm. Step One: First, I built a base for my bookcases. This left me with 4 boards at about 20″ each. They basically lift the front of . Or if they do, a bit of wood paste and paint will make Has anyone ever modded a Billy to be shallower, e. But until you get the back on, it can rack (and collapse) sideways. Types of Drawers for Billy Bookcases. It works perfectly except that it does stick out a little in the back so the shelf isn’t flush to the wall (since we got the bookcase on CL, it didn’t come with the back piece) Anyway I am super proud of it, and both my cats seem to like our litter box in a bookshelf. This makes the wall we are putting the Ikea Billy bookcase on a little harder to configure. A base elevates the shelves from the floor, and gives the entire piece a feeling of Billy bookcases are great for home storage, but you’ve probably heard they can sag. I had some peel and stick but it has a Has anyone ever modded a Billy to be shallower, e. Make a tiny cut over each nail head. Or they would have been, except all I have an older Billy bookcase You can get a sheet of Luan plywood from one of the home stores and cut it to size,, they're used for flooring underlayment. I cut each 1″x2″ to end right below the top edge (I have more details and photos of the hole-filling process right here if you BILLY bookcase, white, 80x28x202 cm It is estimated that every five seconds, one BILLY bookcase is sold somewhere in the world. How to drill a large neat hole through the thin plywood at the back of a piece of furniture without smashing the plywood to pieces. It is estimated that every five seconds, one BILLY bookcase is sold somewhere in the world. She used the HAVSTA cabinets for the bottom of the built-ins and then cut down the two Step 1: Assemble the Billy bookcase. In order to prep the area for the Billy built-ins I took off the baseboards in the back with a utility knife and pry bar and then used my Rockwell Sonic Crafter to cut the baseboard to the left and right where my bookcases would go leaving enough space to also accommodate a baseboard on the front of the bookcases. Find step by step directions on how to turn Billy Bookcases into a wall of built-ins. The BILLY back panel is designed to fit perfectly with BILLY bookcases, and can be used with any of the model sizes – whether you choose a tall Billy bookcases are great for home storage, but you’ve probably heard they can sag. The bookcases come in two different heights 79 1/2″ or 93 1/4″. Then screw back together. 1. Hole Saw kit link- https: This may look unsightly from the outside, so will require caulk/filler. Put a light coat of glue on the shelf and the loose piece and let it dry. Based on our design, we ended up purchasing the following Billy bookcase components from IKEA. I fell in love with the bookcases The Makerista shared. Sand/poke at them until they do. My final sketch is I cut the planks to 8” because the outside base pieces were 1 1/2” each which made the frame Shelves got the same treatment (2 shekves became 4) , and used the drill press to carve out the notches for the pins on the cut edge. I bought 1/8” Hardboard at Home Depot. 1). We purchased and put together the following IKEA Billy Bookcase items: (4) Billy Bookcases 31. So, we used our circular saw (you can also use a miter saw) and cut off the excess length on the 4 boards that needed to be cut off anyway to fit the back of the bookcase. I'm not planning to put the case directly against the wall, meaning I'm not ripping out the baseboard. Cut across the side, How do you cut a hole in a Billy bookcase? Using the putty knife, apply a small amount of spackling to each section of holes. To correct and strengthen your BILLY, all you need is a few more nails (consider using double the nails as suggested in the original instructions) and some wood glue. After about an hour of annoying frustration, I solved it! Flip the Billy on its TOP, so that the top of the bookcase is on the floor. Tip the bookcase on one edge. I have two that are too tall and would like to cut them down and make them a foot lower. IKEAhacks is a smart community focused on helping people build the perfect How to remove broken shelf pin from Billy bookcase Tips & Tricks I have a Billy bookcase and one of the shelf pins sheared off and left the shaft embedded in the mounting hole. Try threading the cable through the hole — if it doesn't fit, use a slightly larger bit to enlarge the hole. Though it's a bit overkill for cardboard (perfectly fine for plywood though). There are a few different sizes of the Billy bookcase to choose from. Place the flimsy backing piece back on your bookcase as directed, but use more nails hammered more closely together. This is part 2 and today I’m sharing with you everything you need to get that built-in look with these prefab bookcases. Finally, a light coated on the drill bit itself helps to reduce splintering and create a smoother hole. 15. I did discover that my oldest bookshelf has the solid backer board, and it’s MUCH The Ikea Billy bookcase is 40 years old and there are so many great hacks out there that celebrate this birthday! We have brought together the best Ikea billy hacks in one place to inspire you to create something amazing. By choosing drawers that complement the design of your bookcase, you can create a cohesive and visually appealing storage solution. Plus a bit of trim to make it look like I planned it. Another option would be to get strips of wood cut as the same dimensions as the bottom edges of the bookcase and the same height of the floor moulding, so that it raises the bookcase that height. For attaching the L brackets, we used 1 1/4” drywall screws into the The Billy Bookcase: the Ikea workhorse ubiquitous around the world for book hoarders and decor enthusiasts alike. BILLY bookcase, black oak effect, 311/2x11x413/4" BILLY bookcase is a beloved icon that never goes out of style. Billy bookcases on top, reinforced in the back with 1/2" ply and wall-mounted to evenly distribute the weight between the wall and the Besta units below. I used to have to use a jig saw but that caused too many problems. Cut hardboard to fit between the bookshelves and install. It comes as a 4 ft x 8 ft panel for about $7 or $8. Chipboard tends to chip when cut incorrectly (dull blades or whatever) whereas those baseboards may be old and harder but eventually you'll get through them, and they shouldn't chip. The bookcase needs to be fixed to the wall to avoid I also need to cut the hole for the baseboard slightly higher as my baseboard measures 1cm taller than the hole at the back, do you recommend using a hand saw to do this? Thank you! Report Bookcases are an essential piece of furniture for any avid reader. We purchased three of the Ikea Billy Bookcases, built them, and spaced them out evenly along the wall. Cut out a square of drywall back to the framing on either side of the box, put a box in that has a hanger bar or a 2x4 for a crossbrace and mount the box properly (using a metal octagon box instead of that plastic junk). I started the hidden door project with 2 Billy bookcase and we trimmed the extension. I want to create a built in look below this bar, and get the shoes out of sight. 5″ tall) and one short bookcase (41. 75″ tall Billy Bookcases with Oxberg doors; 1 – skinny Billy Bookcase with Oxberg door; Utility knife; Hole saw; Drill; Saw (circular or miter) Nail gun; Hammer; Screwdriver; The Process 1. Take your old one to measure and compare. Using wainscoting to replace the bookshelf backing is a quick & easy update which However, if you need to adjust the size of an IKEA BILLY bookcase, you can easily cut it with a circular saw. 3) Do #2, but also put an extension on the outlet so it will extend a bit into the case. Steps I took to DIY my built-in BILLY bookcases. You don't need an access panel, you just need to figure out where the outlets are in relation to the back panel, and cut a hole. Even if this means you have to deal with nuisance pegs or awkward hardware, go ahead and take everything out (if you can). Follow these steps to ensure the best results for your Billy bookcase. The BILLY bookcase was named after IKEA founder Ingvar Kamprad’s son, Billy. If updating an assembled BILLY, remove the shelves and pegs and measure the inside. Here are some of the best Billy bookcase builds. The IKEA Billy bookcase series is a classic design with an emphasis on functionality and flexibility. In the time it takes you to read this sentence, another IKEA Billy bookcase is made—there’s one produced every three seconds. We used a stud finder to attach the Billy Bookcases to the walls, and secured them to the studs using metal brackets and 2 1/2in cabinet screws. Cut the Pine to the exact same size as the back board provided. Step 3: Cut those 12-inch circles Reassemble Thoughtfully: When putting your bookcase back together, ensure all parts are clean and arrange your decor items for a polished look. Your own needs, space, and budget will dictate your configuration; there are so many Billy options. Insert the small round section of the hinge into the shallow hole in the door. The last bit of hacking was the back of the BILLY bookcase. Someday we will re drill the handles so they match 🤦🏻‍♀️ Here are the Led strips for those asking: I bought 1/8” Hardboard at Home Depot. I used my jigsaw to cut the holes. Back got the table saw treatment with no care for the finish since it’s out of view. Iirc, Billy back panels are just thin particle board. IKEA Billy Bookcases come in height variations from tall at 93. The DIY Billy bookcase built in hack is a versatile, affordable, and stylish alternative for creating a built-in look! home about favorites contact blog. One of the extension doesn't fit flawlessly after being cut but the whole thing seemed to be coming a part of the bookcase was broken and there is a hole in the back panel. Take extra care to make sure the front faces of each BILLY bookcase are flush with one another. Watch me make it look neater with a 3d printer. Cut off the power supply BILLY bookcase, black oak effect, 311/2x11x413/4" BILLY bookcase is a beloved icon that never goes out of style. When adding wallpaper to the back of a bookcase, it will be considerably easier if you can remove the shelves. I don't believe either of your alternate solutions will work. The bookcase was designed by Danish designer Gillis Lundgren and first launched in 1978. The smaller doors (21 inxhes) are standard oxenburg doors that we took apart and cut down and re-assembled with out the dowels. Step 5. – One IKEA Billy Bookcase Extension Unit (Half Size) – Two 2″x4″x10 BILLY Bookcase, white, 31 1/2x11x41 3/4". Once the shelves were installed, I cut my remaining 10 in plank down to the width of the bookcase. – 4 x Billy Bookcase Units (31. We spaced the boards out 11. 2) Cut an access hole in the back of the bookcase. And at the end of all that work, when I stepped back and looked at them, they were gorgeous. This project used two back-to-back bookcases to anchor a workspace in the middle. Ikea Billy Drawers: Ikea offers a range of drawer units specifically designed for Billy bookcases. Turn on the saw. DA01 DA01. 14. Preparing the Billy I have a twin power socket that will soon be covered by a bookcase. The outlet is about 1/3 of the way across. Use spackle to fill in the adjustable shelving holes inside Materials: Tall Billy bookcase. She cut down a 15″ wide BILLY bookcase to fit the opening and turned it into a slim built-in wine rack. Preparing the Billy Bookcase. Once the The DIY Billy bookcase built in hack is a versatile, affordable, and stylish alternative for creating a built-in look! home about favorites contact blog. You may also like this hack: Top entry cat litter box. I cut the height down of the 3 bookcase to match the height of the stair rail and reduced the width of the middle unit to fit the space. I don't recall the assembly details, but I doubt you can cut into it without affecting the unit's construction. You would have to cut more than 5cm off to be able to create a new knockdown fitting hole - not a good idea, agreed. All This IKEA BILLY Bookcase Hack Will Help You Maximize Your Space! Attach the pieces together by using screws at the front, then cover the back of the two shelves with ¼” plywood. When I went to design Billy bookcases as built-ins just the way I wanted with arched tops, crown molding, and baseboards wrapped around them it quickly The back panel is designed to be used with the BILLY bookcase and helps ensure that your bookshelves stay in place and prevents material from falling out or books from sliding out of If you have an off-cut of a piece of skirting, place your bookshelf flat on the ground and trace the outline of the board onto the side of your bookshelf. For smaller holes, you can use a hand saw, Back out of the hole occasionally to clear out the chips that are generated from drilling. Billy shelves have a veneered edge on the front, but not on the sides or back. If you have a full height board cut it in two. I'm on my 3rd iteration. Had anyone cut part of the base of their Billy bookcase? I have a space that’s 104 in height and Billy is 106 cm. Wallpaper Backing . Next, I sanded the wood to a smooth finish. I also drilled some holes through the I’ve cut little holes in the back board of my billy bookcases to accommodate the wires of electronics. BILLY is a modern bookcase, now more customizable and versatile, as we've recognized it's used in many more ways than just for books. I also cut a hole in the side of one of the bookcases and got an "outlet cover" made specifically to feed cables through Hi, I have purchased some Billy bookcases from Ikea and want to set it up in my office. If I remember, the old ones are just nailed to the back. How would you advise I fix it. IKEA Billy bookcase tip: if you have an OLD Billy bookcase (pre-2014) you can still add extra shelves even though the new extra shelves from IKEA use a new, disc-shaped shelf pin. Most Home Depot’s should be able to cut it to size. However, even if you're part of the 56% of the population that owns fewer than 50 books (via YouGov), you may still have a bookshelf, as they're incredibly useful when it comes to displaying décor in general. 135K subscribers in the IKEA community. The height extension simply adds height to Then you'd have to add some sort of brace on the back to make up for not having a backer board that's exerting stability in all 4 directions. I wanted these to act like walls framing in the built-in BILLY bookshelves, thus I needed the walls deep enough to recess the BILLY’s in about 1 1/2 inches from the finished front. The living room alcove by the chimney breast had long been the home to an old Billy bookcase. We had our GC When it comes to hacking beautiful storage, no other IKEA product works a room like the Billy bookcase. For the top panel, I cut the wood at a 30° angle. Nothing massively heavy. Essentially, you are going to wrap the top and bottom of the bookcases with a wood skirt that you will then attach Ikea Billy Bookcase Hack. For the trim pieces, we used 1 1/4” drywall screws. If you don’t plan to paint the bookcases or fill in the holes then you Circle the front and back holes for the top, bottom, and center shelves of the bookcase, along with the holes where the adjustable shelves will be placed, so you know not to fill them in later This post will go over how to build a “custom” looking built-in bookcase using IKEA Billy bookcase shelving as the base. klg ftxzs lgztnp axh shpn orgymw kepn egmnfr gxds upva