ᐅ Adding Additional Shelves to a Billy Regal: What Dimensions Fit?
Created on: 2 Aug 2024 14:37
L
Leokin45
Hello 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!
Jensson schrieb:
If you want, I can also send you a list of preferred products (primer, paint, tools).Cool thing, Jensson!
I also used MDF for my Billy shelves once – and I can only confirm that the early layers of primer are really important. Otherwise, the MDF soaks up the paint quickly and your shelves start to look worn out fast.
Also fun: the paint smell lingering in the room (not just for wood enthusiasts 😉)
@Leokin45: Also remember to check the dowels carefully when assembling, and if needed, use some paper or felt as cushioning so nothing rattles later. Sometimes you only realize later how annoying those little noises can be 🙂
Oh, and when it comes to tolerances, it’s better to sand a bit more than to cut too large – less frustration!
Good luck, fingers crossed for you!
dijan schrieb:
When it comes to tolerances, it’s better to sand a bit more than to cut too large – less frustration!\Thank you, dijan, I will definitely keep that in mind.
I measured yesterday: the interior space is 79.8 cm (31.4 inches) wide and 27.9 cm (11 inches) deep, the dowel pins are all intact but somewhat loose.
I will cut the MDF to 79.5 cm (31.3 inches) in width and reduce the depth to about 27.7 cm (10.9 inches) to allow sufficient clearance.
I will probably start with the primer next – if anyone can recommend an affordable but good quality brand, I would appreciate it.
Thanks again for the detailed responses! 🙂
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