Finally finished the built-in bookshelves I’ve been planning for two years. Sharing the full project details for anyone considering custom millwork.
The space: Living room of a 1958 North York bungalow. Standard 8-foot ceilings, 14-foot wide wall (fireplace in the centre). Goal: flanking bookshelves on either side of the fireplace with a TV niche above the fireplace.
Materials chosen: Painted MDF with solid wood face frames (maple). Shaker-style doors on the lower cabinets for hidden storage. Open shelves on upper section with LED strip lighting at the top of each bay.
The process:
- Got 3 quotes from local custom millwork shops
- Quote range: $8,400 to $14,200 for identical design
- Selected mid-range shop (Etobicoke, family-owned, been operating 25+ years)
- 4-week fabrication lead time after deposit
- 2-day installation, 1 day painting trim/caulking
Final cost: $11,600 installed and painted (they subcontracted the painting to their regular painter)
What I learned:
- MDF is the right choice for painted built-ins — it takes paint beautifully
- Solid wood face frames are worth the extra cost (edges and corners hold up better)
- LED strip lighting inside shelves is inexpensive and transformative
Highly recommend getting proper custom work over flat-pack if your budget allows. The result is completely different.
Photos available on request — just reply.