ᐅ What should I pay special attention to when assembling BILLY shelves?

Hello everyone, I am currently planning to assemble some Billy bookcases from IKEA and have a specific question: What should I particularly pay attention to during assembly to ensure optimal stability and durability? I am especially interested in the best way to secure the bookcases to the wall, if there are any special considerations when installing the back panel, and if there are any tips for dealing with uneven flooring. I would also appreciate any advice on common mistakes to avoid or recommended tools.

For assembling BILLY shelves, proper wall anchoring is essential because the shelves are generally not stable enough and may tip over without being secured to the wall. Always use the supplied anchors and spacers to mount the back panel flush against the wall. On uneven floors, it is advisable to place small leveling wedges under the shelf feet before finally aligning and fastening the shelf. Make sure all connections are tight, especially the shelves, to prevent sagging.

Great question! Missing wall anchors are the biggest pitfall with BILLY. I almost ended up with my cat trapped under a tipping shelf once. ;-) So, safety first—better to double-check that all screws are properly fastened. Oh, and always make sure the back panel is aligned correctly, otherwise the glass will go in crooked later on—not only does that look bad, but it also affects stability.

Here is a brief guide that I recommend for properly assembling BILLY shelves:

1. Preparation: First, check your wall – is it concrete, wood, or drywall? Depending on the wall type, you will need appropriate anchors.

2. Floor check: Measure the floor height where the shelf will stand. Small unevenness can be compensated with furniture shims.

3. Assembly: Assemble the shelf roughly, but do not fasten the back panel yet.

4. Positioning: Place the shelf against the wall and level it using a spirit level.

5. Back panel: The back panel is usually attached directly to the wall for stabilization. Make sure it lies completely flat to brace the shelf.

6. Fixing: Always use the supplied screws and anchors, and check whether additional screws are necessary, especially for tall shelves.

7. Shelves: Be careful not to overload the shelves and distribute weight evenly.

Common mistakes include loose screws, neglecting wall fixing, or ignoring floor unevenness.

It is important not to skip the instructions and to first lay out all parts. Wall mounting is essential; otherwise, the shelf will tip over easily. If the floor is uneven, use small wooden wedges. Secure the back panel properly; otherwise, everything will be unstable.

Thanks for the responses so far, especially the tutorial was very helpful! Regarding the back panel: Is it better to screw it on completely, or are just a few fixing points enough? In my experience, the back panel is often only loosely attached, which doesn’t seem stable enough to me.