Question about Billy shelves

[zombienixon]

I know a number of you have Billy shelves to display your collection, and I was thinking of getting a couple myself. But I have a couple of specific questions relating to some of the dimensions.  Specifically, I need to know how far apart vertically the peg holes are. I'm going to be modifying the shelves so they can fit more stuff by getting some narrow boards, drilling new peg holes and placing them above each shelf, sort of like shelf risers, but attached to the sides. Getting some rough dimensions on how far apart the pegs are, I can get a better idea of a starting point for where to place the extra shelves I'll be putting on and how to lay it all out.

I want to get started on that before I actually get the shelves so I can see if two will be enough for now.

[Baby Sugarberry]

You may have to check out your shelves in person, if possible, for that kind of information, because BILLY is actually a product line rather than a standard one-size-fits-all shelf.  The dimensions and construction methods have changed over the years, as I recently found when adding some more space to our downstairs library.

Or pick out a specific shelf size you're considering, and see if anyone's bought that one recently?

[ringwraith10]

My mom has some of those shelves and she might be able to do some measurements and let me know when she gets home from work. She says there are "a lot of holes" though.

Maybe you could call IKEA and ask them directly? They're all about customization, so they probably wouldn't mind talking to you about your modification project.

[LadyMoondancer]

Speaking of Billy shelves, how heavy / light are they for their size?  (I know size varies with them.)  Are they easy to move around in case of redecorating?

[Beldarna]

Billy shelves have a lot of pin holes with about an inch between and you can buy extra loose shelves and pins to put in if you need it.

LadyMoondancer: I can't lift the largest one by myself but I can push it with no problems if I remove the shelves.

[Alzatia]

If you're referring to the large Billy shelves, I can get you those measurements

[BlushingBlue]

You're talking about the standard 5-shelf BILLY bookcase? I don't have one at hand to measure, but I'm pretty sure the peg holes are ~3cm apart vertically, not counting the hole-less portion around the middle fixed shelf. Hopefully someone can check theirs and get you the exact measurement.

Although, if I understand your project's goal correctly, have you considered the BESTÅ bookcase instead? It's similar to the BILLY in volume and price, but it has a middle row of peg holes pre-drilled and matching half-depth shelves you can buy. I applaud your willingness to DIY, I just want to make sure you know you don't have to do it yourself.

[hathorcat]

I will second the fact that they can change! I have had Billy bookcases as long as they have been available I think and I also bought a couple in the last year and they have certainly changed a touch in measurements. The most current set have 3cm between the peg holes but the holes do not run the entire height of the book case there are various different positioning around the "common" places for the shelves (probably for balance reasons). I would also recommend simply buying additional shelves and pegs - the only shelves you cant move are of course the base and the middle shelf but the additional shelves will allow you to make the rest of the display bespoke to your purposes.