How to Build a Custom Built-in Shelving Unit | House One

DIY Expert & House One editor Jenn Largesse shows how to build custom shelving units around an existing fireplace mantel for a custom, built-in look.

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The fireplace wall in our new home is the main focal point of our open-living kitchen and family room, but because it’s sandwiched between the opening to the dining room and a wall of windows, it creates an awkward layout for the television and seating. To give it a purpose and de-emphasize the un-centered fireplace, I’m adding a full wall of built-ins that will house the television, hide cords, and create a beautiful focal point for the space.

In part one of this project, I removed and updated the mantle with new molding, demo’d the tile around the fireplace, and replaced it with new marble mosaic and subway tile. To view the videos showing those parts of the process, see below.

Cost: $300 and up
Time: 8 days
Skill level: Moderate

Shopping:

Tools:

Steps for building custom built-in shelving units:
1. Size the parts
2. Mark the sides
3. Layout the pieces
4. Assemble the pieces
5. Add the dividers
6. Add the shelf supports
7. Size and install the back panels
8. Build the face frames
9. Finish the cabinets and prep for install
10. Install the cabinets
11. Add the face frames and molding
12. Install the central panel
13. Install the doors
14. Enjoy your new built-in!

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How to Build a Custom Built-in Shelving Unit | House One

[jens]

OMgosh! This looks stunning. Love the walk through on production & installation as well...

[flooesch]

This is just a rough overview of the built. Would be nice if there was a more detailed video with tips and tricks for all the different pieces. But looks awesome in the end for sure.

[michaelhulle]

Really great idea and execution. Looks fantastic!

[Thatisaduckyo]

So inspiring seeing a woman build this! Looks so beautiful!

[leticiaruvalcaba-arballo]

Wow! That was amazing, turned out so beautiful.

[mgumby]

Finally a shelfish person I can get behind

[iyunoluolawuyi]

This is lovely. Hubby and I will attempt to recreate it. Thank you for sharing this dear

[fjcoughlin]

really nice job, great tone/presentation, great momentum on the video. Thanks,

[swansong]

Looks really great. Only question is the shelf strength. Those right shelves are pretty long. I doubt 3/4 plywood with pocket screws would hold a bunch of heavy books. Am I wrong?

[richardjones]

That's a beautiful job! I'm curious as to how much your cost was?

[onetruesoldiervt]

Wow that came out awsome I want to do the same now lol

[alexiserickson]

How much do you think hiring someone to do this would cost?

[jarodreebel]

Nice design. You are using the nail gun at the wrong angle. If you rotate is 90 degrees you'll never have another nail come through the side of your project. The shape of the nails cause them to veer left or right, but not up or down.

[casid]

I didn't know anyone would paint maple.

[raymondchow]

Many problems with this design and I hope no one follow this idea because they will be sorry
1. TV above the fireplace is really dated look. TV above a linear fireplace might be okay but not the tradistional fire place.
2. The TV is so high off the floor which mean you have to either sit very far away. But the TV is so small you won't be able to see a thing.
3. This room will look much better if you put a painting where the TV is.

Lastly I hoped no one follows this idea and ruins their family room.

[davidbeiler]

terrible spot for a tv and the tv isi too tiny for that space

[oldcountryman]

Everybody need a place to store their wicker balls and empty wire baskets.

[rdaws]

A lot of work just to have fake plants and unused baskets to just sit.

[oldcountryman]

Next week. How to tear out built in shelves, de-clutter your space and re-mount your TV at eye level.

[vodiak]

Are you sure you don't want to build it out of dental floss? 😆