ᐅ Replacing BILLY bookshelf shelves – original parts or custom-made?

Hello everyone,

I have a fairly specific question about replacing the shelves in the IKEA Billy bookcase: My original shelves are somewhat worn, and I’m considering replacing them. Now I’m wondering whether it’s better to buy original IKEA shelves, which of course fit perfectly but can be quite expensive, or to make custom shelves myself, which can be individually designed (e.g., with 18mm (0.7 inches) MDF boards or plywood) and potentially made more durable.

I’m especially interested in experiences regarding load-bearing capacity and fit when using non-original shelves. Do the IKEA shelf supports only work with original shelves, or can you easily install your own custom shelves as well?

Also, how does it look aesthetically—does it make more sense to build your own shelves for functional reasons only, or are there decorative advantages too?

I want to avoid compromising on stability or having the shelves slip. Has anyone had experience upgrading BILLY shelves, especially regarding the pros and cons of original versus custom-made shelves?

Thanks in advance for your insights!

Hello lijosau,

You’ve raised an interesting question that many BILLY users consider at some point. Generally, original shelves are precisely designed and tailored to the shelf’s structure. The holes for the metal pins that support the shelves are already drilled in IKEA shelves, which makes installation very easy and secure.

lijosau schrieb:
I’m particularly interested in the experience regarding load capacity and fit when not using original shelves.

In this case, it’s important to say that custom-made shelves can definitely be just as load-bearing—especially if you choose a sturdy material like plywood or laminated wood. However, the main challenge is usually the fit in terms of depth and the exact position of the holes for the pins.

That’s why many people use original shelves when only replacing single ones, to keep the effort low. But if you have carpentry experience and can drill the holes precisely, custom shelves offer much more design flexibility. For example, you could select thicker shelves or paint them individually.

My recommendation: If you don’t expect heavy loads and want to minimize effort, stick with IKEA shelves. But if you want customizable and potentially thicker shelves, go for custom-made ones—you’ll just need to invest a bit more work.

I hope this helps!

Drill the dowel holes yourself if you want to build it yourself. Check for precise fit, otherwise the pieces won’t hold. Original panels are more accurate and easier to work with. Load capacity increases with thicker boards, but only if the shelf remains stable.

I would like to add some technical details regarding this question:

BILLY shelves are usually 16 mm (about 5/8 inch) thick, made of particleboard with a melamine finish, and have precisely pre-drilled holes for the shelf pins. These ensure a secure fit and prevent slipping.

Custom-made shelves are often made from thicker engineered wood panels, but the challenge lies in the exact positioning of the holes for the support pins. Even a slight deviation can cause the shelf to not fit properly or become unstable.

lijosau schrieb:
What about the appearance – is custom-made more worthwhile for functional or also decorative reasons?

From a decorative perspective, custom shelves can definitely offer advantages since you can personalize the surface – for example, by painting, veneering, or using plywood to achieve a wood-like look. This depends on personal taste.

Functionally, I recommend protecting the edges when building your own shelves (with laminate edging or paint), as the panels may otherwise absorb moisture and swell. Also, a somewhat greater thickness is advisable if you want higher load capacity, for example 18-19 mm (about 3/4 inch) plywood.

Another option for custom shelves is using thick boards with grooved channels to prevent bowing under prolonged load.

Overall, original shelves score higher on precision fit, while custom shelves offer more adaptability and aesthetic options – it depends on what you prioritize.

lijosau schrieb:
whether it is better to buy original IKEA shelves, which of course fit perfectly but are relatively expensive, or whether to simply make custom shelves yourself

From my perspective, the original shelves are unbeatable in terms of fit; they fit with millimeter precision and require no adjustments. However, the price is indeed significant, especially if you want to replace several.

Custom-built shelves are excellent if you have special requirements, such as needing higher load capacity or a specific look. But as Je_nau58 already mentioned, precisely drilling the holes for the metal pins is essential. A template or very careful measuring is recommended here.

I have made tall MDF shelves myself with 18 mm (0.7 inch) thickness and combined them with IKEA insert sleeves. This works well as long as the drilling is accurate. The load capacity is better than that of the original BILLY shelves.

It is also worth considering whether the shelf is loaded across its width or depth. For heavy loads, you might want to add a central support or avoid making any shelf too long.

My conclusion: For simple standard applications, go with the originals; for custom solutions, build your own with precise drilling.

Hey!

I think the question of original versus custom-made shelves for BILLY bookcases is a bit like choosing between elementary school and high school – simple or challenging, but with the right plan, both work out well. 😉

batabe schrieb:
Custom-made shelves can be just as load-bearing – especially if you choose a sturdy material like plywood or laminated wood.

Exactly! I made my shelves from plywood panels, and with a bit of paint, I actually find them much nicer than the originals… and they’re strong, too.

Sure, it takes some measuring and drilling, but with a good drilling template and a little patience, it turns out great. The advantage is that you get something truly customized, instead of just following the IKEA grid.

You just have to decide what’s more important to you: saving time by buying originals or crafting your own (which you can also be proud of). 😉

Personally, I’m a fan of DIY, but I also understand the argument that buying originals is faster and safer.

Good luck with your decision!