ᐅ Assembling the BILLY Shelving Unit – Sanding for a Perfect Edge?

Hello everyone, I am about to assemble my Billy bookshelf and wondering if it’s really necessary to sand the edges beforehand to achieve a perfect result. Some say that the edges of the shelves, especially at the cut areas that are not factory-sealed, can be rough and this can affect both the appearance and durability. Others claim that with the usual assembly process and the supplied screws and dowels, you can do just fine without any sanding. I am especially interested in whether the extra step of sanding is worth it and, if so, what kind of sandpaper or sanding methods are recommended. Does anyone have experience with assembling the BILLY bookshelf and can offer specific tips on how to treat the edges to improve both look and longevity?

Sanding is not strictly necessary but helps to remove sharp edges. I recommend light sanding with fine sandpaper (grit 180 or higher). Afterward, wipe clean.

The BILLY shelf is made from particleboard with a melamine-coated surface. The visible edges are usually sealed at the factory, but the cut edges are not always sealed. Therefore, lightly sanding rough cut edges can be recommended to remove splinters and achieve a more even surface. It is important not to sand too aggressively, as this can damage the decorative layer. Fine to medium-grit sandpaper (180 to 240 grit) is best suited for this. Afterwards, any sanding dust should be wiped off with a damp cloth to ensure a clean surface.

GIPAPO schrieb:
Sanding is not necessarily required

Exactly. Only sand if rough edges bother you or if the surface is damaged. Otherwise, you can install the boards directly.

I actually find it a pity how cautious many people are when it comes to sanding. Of course, too much can cause damage, but an edge that still looks like a raw panel edge appears cheap and unfinished. I would even argue that anyone who skips all sanding work on BILLY is missing out on real potential in terms of appearance and durability.

Juan31 schrieb:
Factory edges are usually sealed, but the cut edges are not always

means that those exact areas need attention. Anyone who looks closely here and takes their time will be rewarded. Sanding is not a luxury, but the small effort that creates a true finish.

I understand the discussion about sanding well, as I was uncertain myself before installation. For me, it was important that the shelf still looked good after years. That’s why I carefully treated the edges with fine sandpaper (220 grit) and am satisfied with the result. Especially the cut edges showed less wear after installation, and handling was more comfortable. Perhaps it also depends on how precise you work and how much time you want to invest. But from my own experience, I can say that I wouldn’t want to skip sanding anymore.