Custom Built-In Libraries • Bookcase Installation • Artisan Carpentry • Portland, Oregon
How I Price Custom Bookcases & Built-In Libraries
Every home deserves a beautiful space for books.
I build beautiful, one-of-a-kind built-in bookcases and home libraries — and I’ve been getting a lot of questions about how I price my work. Fair question! So here’s a breakdown of what I consider when creating a custom quote.
- 🧠 Design time. Some projects are as simple as floor-to-ceiling shelves flanking a fireplace. Others are more complex: an entire wall, room, or integrated layout that requires planning and refinement. More design = more hours, but better results. I’m happy to work collaboratively or lead the creative direction.
- 🪵Materials. Bookcases are material-efficient, but quality and scale matter. Materials include: structural and finish-grade wood, trim and molding, paint/stain, clearcoat, hardware, brads, caulk, etc. Custom sizing and details determine how much of everything we need — so every quote is tailored 100%.
- 🎨Paint grade vs. stain grade. This is a big one. Paint-grade allows for patching, putty, and more forgiving material choices. Stain-grade requires flawless wood, exacting precision, and a lot more care in both selection and finish. It’s gorgeous — but it’s also labor-intensive and often pricier in both materials and time.
- ✨Custom details vs. off-the-shelf. Want unique moldings, decorative shelf edges, glass-paneled doors, or artistic touches? I can create those — but custom means more time and cost than off-the-shelf parts.
- 🔧Upgrades: Want to go next-level? I’ve done: custom stained glass cabinet doors, built-in lighting or hidden safes, integrated audio/TV systems. I love these kinds of projects — just know they add cost and planning time.
- ⚡Electrical & Prep Work: Sometimes installing a built-in requires electrical changes, minor wall work, lighting, or other prep/finish. I’ll walk you through that if needed and include it in the quote.
- 👷🏻Additional Labor. Depending on the size of the job, it may require additional people, which is fine (I’m glad to know many talented and experienced helpers).
- ⏳Timeline. Project length depends on size, scope, your space, finish level, and coordination. I’ll work with your schedule and be transparent about the build time. But the timeline itself may affect the quote.
🎯Final Thoughts
My goal will always be this:
To build something beautiful that stops people in their tracks.
I approach these projects more as an artisan than a contractor, and my pricing reflects the care and attention I put into every build. If you’ve seen the photos on my carpentry page, you know these are more than just bookcases — they’re functional art that adds lasting value to your home.
I’m based in Portland, Oregon. If you’re local and want to chat, reach out!
📞 Jim: (503) 891–7153
🌐 JPD3.com/carpentry
