ᐅ Assembling the BILLY Shelving Unit – Sanding for a Perfect Edge?
Created on: 3 Aug 2021 14:32
L
Lenba
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?
Hey everyone 🙂 I think the effort spent on sanding shouldn't be overdone, but when you do DIY, you usually factor in some time for it anyway. I used 240-grit sandpaper to do a follow-up sanding, and the edges looked much cleaner, especially the cut edges! Plus: no more rough spots, so you can quickly run your hand over them without worrying about paper splinters or anything like that. So yes, I’m all for a bit of sanding care—it makes assembly more enjoyable and looks better too. 🙂
To make an informed decision, it is worth examining the manufacturing process of the BILLY shelf. The boards are made of particleboard with a melamine coating. The cut edges are machine-cut and often only minimally sealed. Therefore, sanding the cut edges is a useful method to smooth the rough surface and improve the sealing, which also increases moisture resistance and reduces the tendency to fray. It is recommended to use fine to medium-grit sandpaper in the range of 180 to 220, which should be wiped carefully with a damp cloth afterward. Applying an edge lacquer afterward can also be beneficial to further enhance durability.
JEREMIAH38 schrieb:
For me, it was important that the shelf still looks good even after years That’s exactly the point! Quality shows in the details, and long-term durability—especially with affordable furniture—requires a bit of extra effort. That’s why I apply edge lacquer after sanding.And speaking of appearance: there is nothing cheaper looking than visible roughness on an otherwise good shelf. Anyone who sands thoroughly gains a huge advantage both visually and to the touch.