All Mr. Handyman franchises are locally owned and operated and may offer fewer or more services than those listed here. To learn more about custom shelving services offered in your area, contact your local Mr. Handyman for details or a customized on-site assessment.

Custom Shelving FAQs

Mr. Handyman has been helping homeowners repair, maintain, and enhance their spaces for over 25 years! We are the one-stop solution for everything on your to-do list. This includes answering your questions about home repairs, maintenance, and improvements. Here are answers to some of your most frequently asked questions about custom shelving.

What is bespoke shelving?

Bespoke shelving is any type of customized shelving built specifically to suit your needs and work within your space. You can opt for simple, modern floating shelves or a customized bookshelf. On the other hand, bespoke shelving can also encompass floor-to-ceiling built-ins that take up an entire wall—or cover every wall in the room, like in a home library or workshop.

Bespoke shelving is a convenient addition to any home or office space, thanks to the amount of storage it can provide. But it does more than eliminate storage needs. Custom shelves can function as an eye-catching addition to your interior design and add instant resale value to your home. They can also be used for hidden storage; for instance, you may customize the interior of your existing cabinets, pantry, or closets to include shelving with organizers and insets that keep all your necessities tidy.

Are built-in shelves worth it?

Many homeowners and business owners agree that built-in shelves are worth it, especially when installed by an experienced team like ours at Mr. Handyman. While it may be tempting to buy premade shelves and make do, here are some benefits of investing in custom bookshelves and other shelving systems for your space:

• Enhanced durability: Handmade custom shelving may be more durable than some manufactured shelving, especially if your builder designs it with specific items in mind. For instance, if you order a media cabinet for your television, gaming setup, speakers, or oversized bookshelves for a home library, your builder can utilize heavy-duty materials that will prevent warping or cracking when holding even the heaviest objects.
• Customization and design options: Rather than scouring the web for shelving that suits your taste, you can request specific design styles and customizations. Want to add a wine rack to a built-in for your living room? Interested in organizers to hold crafting essentials? Let your local Mr. Handyman service professionals know what you need, and we’ll work with you to build a shelving system that works for you.
• Designs that enhance interior design: Another benefit of bespoke shelving is the option to create a truly masterful piece that enhances your interior design. Whether you want a craftsman-style built-in for your vintage bungalow or live in a modern home and are looking for light, bright, and airy installations, you can get a shelving system that elevates your space rather than detracting from it.
• Added home value: Custom shelving and built-ins can add substantial value to your home, especially when fitted with storage solutions and other personalizations.
• Perfect fit to your space: With custom shelving from Mr. Handyman, you won’t have to make do with a premade solution. Instead, we’ll build shelves specifically to your specifications and make them fit your space perfectly.
• Options to tailor your shelving: Custom shelving is just that—custom! You can adjust the design as needed, incorporating storage solutions, organizers, and insets that keep everything from cooking supplies to kids’ toys clutter-free.

What are the disadvantages of custom shelving?

Generally speaking, custom shelving offers a range of benefits. However, the downside may come with the investment. Custom shelves are typically more expensive than a manufactured system from a big box store. However, with custom shelving, you can count on higher-quality materials, expert craftsmanship, and designs that suit your space for years to come. Plus, you can tailor the design to suit your needs rather than making do with pre-built options.

Can you install shelves without drilling?

Yes! There are a few ways to do so, including:

• Adhesive strips: Adhesive strips can secure lightweight floating shelves to the wall. The maximum capacity of adhesive strips can vary, though. Some may only hold up to 20 pounds, while others can hold up to 65 pounds.
• Wood glue: Wood glue can work well in enclosed spaces. For instance, you may be able to glue it to the cabinet shelf, especially if you plan to store lightweight items on it. However, your shelves may only be able to hold up to 20 pounds, so keep that in mind when considering this option.
• Velcro: Velcro strips can also be a handy way to hang shelves in your home without worrying about drilling, nails, or floating shelf systems. Like adhesive strips, velcro may only be able to support 10-20 pounds, which makes it a poor match for shelving intended to hold heavy items.
• Tape: Extra-strong tape can be a suitable temporary fix for lightweight, decorative shelving, but this solution is likely the least effective in the long term.
• Tension rods: If you’re in a pinch, you could install tension rods in a closet, cabinet, or pantry, then place wood shelving on top of the rods for a quick, drill-free installation. However, stability may come into question, and tension rod strength varies depending on the type of rods you use. In general, tension rods can only support a maximum of 30 pounds.

How many inches should shelves be?

The size of your shelves depends largely on where you plan to put them. However, the general depth of a general-purpose shelf, like a bookshelf, is 10 to 12 inches deep. Cabinet shelves may be up to 26 inches deep on average.