ᐅ Adding Additional Shelves to a Billy Regal: What Dimensions Fit?
Created on: 2 Aug 2024 14:37
L
Leokin45Hello everyone,
I am planning to add extra shelves to my IKEA Billy bookcase. I have a question about the exact dimensions the replacement shelves should have to fit perfectly. The bookcase is 80 cm (31.5 inches) wide and 28 cm (11 inches) deep, but I have seen different measurements for the shelves from various sources.
Could someone with experience please confirm the exact length and depth the shelves need to be to fit smoothly into the support rails or rest securely on the shelf pins?
Also important to me: Are there small differences depending on the production year of the Billy bookcase? And how strict are the size tolerances?
I want to cut the shelves myself or buy ready-made alternatives, but I want to avoid waste and problems with ill-fitting materials.
Thank you in advance for your tips and advice!
I am planning to add extra shelves to my IKEA Billy bookcase. I have a question about the exact dimensions the replacement shelves should have to fit perfectly. The bookcase is 80 cm (31.5 inches) wide and 28 cm (11 inches) deep, but I have seen different measurements for the shelves from various sources.
Could someone with experience please confirm the exact length and depth the shelves need to be to fit smoothly into the support rails or rest securely on the shelf pins?
Also important to me: Are there small differences depending on the production year of the Billy bookcase? And how strict are the size tolerances?
I want to cut the shelves myself or buy ready-made alternatives, but I want to avoid waste and problems with ill-fitting materials.
Thank you in advance for your tips and advice!
Hello @Leokin45,
I’m familiar with this issue, as I have retrofitted Billy shelves several times. Basically, the shelf boards for an 80 cm (31.5 inch) wide Billy shelf are about 80 cm (31.5 inches) long, and the depth is approximately 28 cm (11 inches). There are minor variations in depth, usually between 27.5 and 28.5 cm (10.8 and 11.2 inches).
It’s important to note that the shelves are not made to fill the internal dimensions of the cabinet exactly but are slightly smaller or adjusted so they fit onto the small support pins or can be inserted into the groove of the wooden frame.
When cutting or buying ready-made shelves, you should allow for a tolerance of about 2-3 mm (0.08-0.12 inches) — for example, a width of 79.7 cm (31.4 inches) instead of 80.0 cm (31.5 inches) to make installation easier.
Regarding your questions about the year of manufacture: IKEA has slightly adjusted the dimensions over the years, mostly for adjustable systems or shelf depths. If your shelf is older than 10 years, it’s often helpful to measure the dimensions directly on site.
If you need exact measurements, I recommend removing the original shelves and measuring them, or using a caliper.
I hope this helps you for now! If you like, I can also share tips on affordable material sources.
I’m familiar with this issue, as I have retrofitted Billy shelves several times. Basically, the shelf boards for an 80 cm (31.5 inch) wide Billy shelf are about 80 cm (31.5 inches) long, and the depth is approximately 28 cm (11 inches). There are minor variations in depth, usually between 27.5 and 28.5 cm (10.8 and 11.2 inches).
It’s important to note that the shelves are not made to fill the internal dimensions of the cabinet exactly but are slightly smaller or adjusted so they fit onto the small support pins or can be inserted into the groove of the wooden frame.
When cutting or buying ready-made shelves, you should allow for a tolerance of about 2-3 mm (0.08-0.12 inches) — for example, a width of 79.7 cm (31.4 inches) instead of 80.0 cm (31.5 inches) to make installation easier.
Regarding your questions about the year of manufacture: IKEA has slightly adjusted the dimensions over the years, mostly for adjustable systems or shelf depths. If your shelf is older than 10 years, it’s often helpful to measure the dimensions directly on site.
If you need exact measurements, I recommend removing the original shelves and measuring them, or using a caliper.
I hope this helps you for now! If you like, I can also share tips on affordable material sources.
Hi,
for Billy shelves with a width of 80 cm (31.5 inches), you should use a width of 80 cm (31.5 inches) minus 0.2 to 0.3 cm (0.08 to 0.12 inches), and a depth of 28 cm (11 inches). This usually fits well, whether it's a newer or older Billy.
I always use 79.7 x 28 cm (31.4 x 11 inches) when I cut them myself, and that works without any problems.
for Billy shelves with a width of 80 cm (31.5 inches), you should use a width of 80 cm (31.5 inches) minus 0.2 to 0.3 cm (0.08 to 0.12 inches), and a depth of 28 cm (11 inches). This usually fits well, whether it's a newer or older Billy.
I always use 79.7 x 28 cm (31.4 x 11 inches) when I cut them myself, and that works without any problems.
I have extensive experience with the dimensions of Billy shelves from many projects, so I would like to go into some detail.
First: The standard shelves for an 80x28 cm (31.5 x 11 inches) unit are nominally 80 cm wide and 28 cm deep – these measurements refer to the outer edges. The shelves themselves are often slightly narrower in width, as the side panels of the unit are about 1.8 cm (0.7 inches) thick and the shelves rest on small support pins or fit into grooves.
Here are the dimensions I have accurately determined for the interior space:
- Width: approx. 78.2 cm (about 80 minus 2 x 0.9 cm (0.35 inches) for the side panels)
- Depth: approx. 27.8 cm (due to the back panel and the distance to the front edge)
These inner dimensions are crucial if you plan to cut the shelves yourself. If the material is cut too large, you may have problems fitting it in, the wood edges can splinter, or the pins may need to be repositioned.
Another important point: depending on the version and age of the Billy unit, the thickness of the shelves varies – commonly 1.8 cm (0.7 inches) for the standard shelves, which also needs to be considered for the supports.
My recommendation:
1. Measure the existing shelves or the interior space carefully with a precise tape measure or caliper.
2. Subtract 2-3 mm (0.08-0.12 inches) as tolerance to allow for some clearance.
3. Make sure cuts are smooth and clean – with thin material, the support pins can otherwise become loose.
If you plan to use alternative materials (e.g., MDF or plywood), I would ask: are you planning to paint the shelves or leave them unfinished? This affects the required thickness and cutting method.
I would appreciate more information to be able to offer you more precise advice.
First: The standard shelves for an 80x28 cm (31.5 x 11 inches) unit are nominally 80 cm wide and 28 cm deep – these measurements refer to the outer edges. The shelves themselves are often slightly narrower in width, as the side panels of the unit are about 1.8 cm (0.7 inches) thick and the shelves rest on small support pins or fit into grooves.
Here are the dimensions I have accurately determined for the interior space:
- Width: approx. 78.2 cm (about 80 minus 2 x 0.9 cm (0.35 inches) for the side panels)
- Depth: approx. 27.8 cm (due to the back panel and the distance to the front edge)
These inner dimensions are crucial if you plan to cut the shelves yourself. If the material is cut too large, you may have problems fitting it in, the wood edges can splinter, or the pins may need to be repositioned.
Another important point: depending on the version and age of the Billy unit, the thickness of the shelves varies – commonly 1.8 cm (0.7 inches) for the standard shelves, which also needs to be considered for the supports.
My recommendation:
1. Measure the existing shelves or the interior space carefully with a precise tape measure or caliper.
2. Subtract 2-3 mm (0.08-0.12 inches) as tolerance to allow for some clearance.
3. Make sure cuts are smooth and clean – with thin material, the support pins can otherwise become loose.
If you plan to use alternative materials (e.g., MDF or plywood), I would ask: are you planning to paint the shelves or leave them unfinished? This affects the required thickness and cutting method.
I would appreciate more information to be able to offer you more precise advice.
Palenar schrieb:
If you’re using alternative materials (e.g., MDF or plywood), I would ask: Are you planning to paint the shelves or keep them natural?Good question! I was actually planning to use MDF panels and paint them white so that everything looks consistent. The MDF thickness should be 18mm (0.7 inches), the same as the original panels.
I will keep the 2-3mm (0.08-0.12 inches) tolerance in mind, thanks for the tip.
Tonight, I’ll measure my Billy unit carefully again, as Ramon4 also suggested. The dowels are a bit shifted, so I’d rather have a safe margin.
It would be great if someone could give me advice specifically on MDF as a material or on painting it, to make sure the surfaces are less susceptible to moisture afterward.
I have put together a short tutorial that might help you with your work on MDF and white paint:
1. Preparing the MDF:
- MDF absorbs moisture, so always apply a primer (e.g., a penetrating primer) before painting.
- Lightly sand the edges and prime them again.
2. Cutting:
- MDF can be cut cleanly with a fine-toothed saw to avoid splintering.
- The 18 mm (0.7 inch) thickness is ideal for Billy shelves, so this thickness matches the original.
3. Painting:
- It’s best to apply several thin coats, allowing each to dry thoroughly between layers.
- Use a high-quality, water-resistant paint (e.g., PU or acrylic paint).
4. Installing in the shelf:
- Keep in mind that painted MDF hardly warps, but the shelf pins should not fit too tightly.
- A tolerance of 2–3 mm (0.08–0.12 inch) is recommended.
5. Maintenance and durability:
- Painted MDF shelves are durable but not suitable for exposure to moisture.
If you like, I can also provide a list of recommended products (primer, paint, tools).
If the surface will face heavy wear, I suggest considering an additional foil coating or melamine, although this will increase the cost.
Hope this helps with your project!
1. Preparing the MDF:
- MDF absorbs moisture, so always apply a primer (e.g., a penetrating primer) before painting.
- Lightly sand the edges and prime them again.
2. Cutting:
- MDF can be cut cleanly with a fine-toothed saw to avoid splintering.
- The 18 mm (0.7 inch) thickness is ideal for Billy shelves, so this thickness matches the original.
3. Painting:
- It’s best to apply several thin coats, allowing each to dry thoroughly between layers.
- Use a high-quality, water-resistant paint (e.g., PU or acrylic paint).
4. Installing in the shelf:
- Keep in mind that painted MDF hardly warps, but the shelf pins should not fit too tightly.
- A tolerance of 2–3 mm (0.08–0.12 inch) is recommended.
5. Maintenance and durability:
- Painted MDF shelves are durable but not suitable for exposure to moisture.
If you like, I can also provide a list of recommended products (primer, paint, tools).
If the surface will face heavy wear, I suggest considering an additional foil coating or melamine, although this will increase the cost.
Hope this helps with your project!
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