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Let’s cut to the chase: if you’re wondering whether to buy shelves or build them, the answer isn’t as simple as ‘DIY always saves money.’ It depends on your tools, your time, and what kind of shelves you actually need. I’ve built over a dozen shelves in my Oxford flat over the past three years - from floating wall units to heavy-duty garage racks - and I’ve also bought plenty. Here’s what I’ve learned about real costs, not just sticker prices.
What you’re really paying for when you buy shelves
Store-bought shelves look cheap because they’re mass-produced. A basic 3-shelf unit from IKEA costs £35. A wooden bookshelf from Wayfair runs £80-£120. But here’s what you’re not seeing: shipping fees, assembly time, and the fact that most pre-made shelves are made from particle board or MDF. These materials warp over time, especially in damp areas like bathrooms or kitchens. I bought a £50 shelf for my bathroom last year. By June, the bottom shelf sagged by nearly an inch. I had to throw it out.
Higher-end shelves - like solid oak or steel industrial racks - cost £150-£400. That’s a lot, sure. But they last. If you’re putting books, tools, or heavy kitchenware on them, you’re better off spending more upfront. Cheaper shelves don’t just wear out - they can be dangerous. A collapsed shelf isn’t just a mess. It’s a risk.
What making shelves really costs
Building your own shelves sounds cheap. You just need wood, screws, and a drill, right? Not quite.
Let’s say you want a simple 4-foot wall shelf to hold books. You’ll need:
- 1x 8-foot pine board (1x12) - £18
- 2x L-brackets (heavy duty) - £12
- Wood screws (2-inch, 16-pack) - £5
- Wall anchors (for plaster walls) - £4
- Sandpaper and wood finish (oil or varnish) - £10
Total: £49. That’s more than the IKEA shelf. But wait - you also need tools. If you don’t own a drill, a saw, a level, or a measuring tape, you’re adding £100-£200 to your cost. Even a basic cordless drill costs £80. And if you’re not handy, you’ll spend hours watching YouTube tutorials, making mistakes, and redoing cuts. Time has value too.
But here’s the twist: if you already have the tools, and you’re making multiple shelves, your cost per shelf drops fast. After the third shelf, I was spending under £30 per unit. I bought a 10-foot board and cut it into three 36-inch shelves. The rest of the materials? Reused from previous builds.
When buying wins
Buying is the smarter move if:
- You need shelves fast - like for a rental property before a new tenant moves in
- You’re not confident with tools or measurements
- You want a specific style - like curved glass shelves or LED-lit units
- You’re only putting light items on them - decorative items, plants, or small books
I bought a set of three white floating shelves for my living room. They cost £65, took 20 minutes to hang, and look exactly like the ones in the photo I pinned. I didn’t have to sand, stain, or worry about screw holes. And since they’re holding magazines and a few candles, the material quality doesn’t matter.
When building wins
Building is worth it if:
- You have tools already - drill, saw, level, tape measure
- You need strong, custom-sized shelves - like for a garage, workshop, or pantry
- You’re making multiple units - 3+ shelves
- You want to use reclaimed wood or match existing furniture
I built a 6-foot shelf above my workbench using old floorboards from a renovation. Cost of materials? £15. Time? Three afternoons. But it holds power tools, paint cans, and boxes of nails. No store-bought shelf could handle that weight or fit that space. Plus, it looks unique - no one else has this exact one.
The hidden costs of DIY
Most people forget the real price of building shelves: mistakes.
I once cut a board too short. Had to buy another. Then I drilled the holes crooked. Had to fill and re-drill. Then I used the wrong screws - they snapped. Another £20 down the drain. That one shelf ended up costing £70 instead of £49.
And if you’re renting? You can’t drill holes without permission. Some landlords charge £50-£100 to fix wall damage. That’s more than the shelf itself.
Also, don’t underestimate the frustration. If you’re tired after work, and your shelf is wobbling, you’re not saving money - you’re wasting energy.
What most guides don’t tell you
Online tutorials make DIY look easy. They show perfect cuts, clean finishes, and smiling people holding their new shelves. But they never show the failed attempts, the splinters, the trips to the hardware store for the third time because you forgot wall anchors.
Real advice: start small. Make one shelf. See how it goes. If you enjoy it, keep going. If you hate it, buy the next one. There’s no shame in buying.
And if you’re making shelves for storage, not decoration - go for strength, not looks. Use 3/4-inch plywood instead of pine. Use metal brackets, not wood ones. Screw into wall studs, not just drywall. That’s what matters when you’re storing tools or books.
Final cost comparison (real numbers)
Here’s a realistic breakdown for a standard 4-foot shelf meant for books:
| Item | Buy | Build (first time) | Build (after tools) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | £35-£80 | £49 | £30 |
| Tools (if needed) | £0 | £80-£200 | £0 |
| Time (hours) | 0.5 | 4-6 | 2-3 |
| Quality (long-term) | Low to medium | High | High |
| Custom fit | No | Yes | Yes |
Notice something? If you already have tools, building is cheaper after the first shelf. But if you’re doing it once, buying wins.
What to do next
Ask yourself these questions:
- Do I already own a drill, saw, and level?
- Am I making just one shelf, or five?
- Do I need it today, or can I wait a week?
- Will this shelf hold heavy stuff - tools, books, appliances?
- Do I care how it looks, or just that it works?
If you answered ‘yes’ to the first and fourth questions, build it. If you answered ‘yes’ to the second or third, buy it.
There’s no right answer. Just the right choice for your situation.
Are DIY shelves stronger than store-bought ones?
Yes, if you build them right. Store-bought shelves often use thin particle board and weak brackets. A DIY shelf made from 3/4-inch plywood with metal L-brackets screwed into wall studs can hold over 100 pounds per shelf. Most budget shelves fail under 50 pounds. Strength comes from materials and installation, not price.
Can I make shelves without power tools?
You can, but it’s harder and slower. Hand saws and screwdrivers work, but you’ll spend hours cutting and drilling. You’ll also have less precision - your shelves might not sit level. If you’re new to this, start with a pre-cut shelf kit from a hardware store. They come with pre-drilled holes and instructions. It’s still DIY, but easier.
Is reclaimed wood cheaper for shelves?
Sometimes. Salvaged wood from demolition sites or old barns is often free or low-cost. But it needs sanding, cleaning, and sometimes planing to make it flat. That takes time and tools. If you have the skills, it’s a great way to save money and get unique character. If not, it can cost more in labor than buying new wood.
What’s the cheapest material for shelves?
Plywood is the best balance of cost and strength. A 4x8 sheet of 3/4-inch plywood costs around £45 and can make three 4-foot shelves. Pine boards are cheaper per foot but need more finishing. Particle board is cheapest but weakest - avoid it for anything heavy. MDF is smooth but crumbles under stress.
Do I need to use wall anchors?
Only if you’re not hitting a stud. Wall anchors work for light shelves holding books or decor. But for anything heavy - tools, appliances, or lots of books - always screw into wall studs. Anchors can pull out over time, especially in plaster walls. A stud can hold 100+ pounds. Anchors? Maybe 20-30. Don’t risk it.
Should I paint or stain my shelves?
Paint hides imperfections and is easier for beginners. Stain shows the wood grain but needs more prep - sanding, cleaning, and even coats. If you’re using cheap pine, paint is the smart choice. If you’re using nice oak or reclaimed wood, stain brings out the character. Either way, use a water-based polyurethane topcoat. It protects without yellowing.
What to do if you’re still unsure
Try this: buy one shelf. Put it up. Live with it for a week. Then, buy a board and make one yourself. Hang it next to the store-bought one. Compare how they look, how they feel, how much they hold. You’ll know faster than any article can tell you.
There’s no magic formula. Just your tools, your time, and what you actually need.