IKEA vs DIY Bookcases: Which Is Better? 🛠️
Renee compares building DIY bookcases and customizing IKEA BILLY units to find the best and most affordable option.

Renee Renovates
411.6K views • Jun 22, 2025

About this video
Which is better—building bookcases from scratch or adapting IKEA BILLY bookcases? And which is cheaper? The answer may surprise you! Now that I've tried both for built-ins, I'll break down the pros and cons of each as well as respective prices so you can make the best decision for your next bookcase project.
DIY TUTORIAL: https://reneerenovates.com/two-walls-of-diy-built-ins-with-ikea-wardrobes-and-custom-bookcases-including-costs/
IKEA TUTORIAL: https://reneerenovates.com/diy-floor-to-ceiling-wall-of-ikea-built-ins-including-costs/
Click to Subscribe: https://bit.ly/subscribe-reneerenovates
Follow on Instagram: @reneerenovates
TOOLS & MATERIALS (links earn commissions)
✦ 3/4" birch plywood - https://rstyle.me/+ozFGR-zOsal3U12dlRd7Mw
✦ 1/8" hardboard - https://rstyle.me/+PpnJfLUQ2HXbOiXFW7Mqiw
✦ 3/4"-thick poplar - https://rstyle.me/+iWmT5Kv9W2ARdpiK-2wbdA
✦ Bondo - https://links.reneerenovates.com/bondo?store=amazon
✦ Drill - https://links.reneerenovates.com/drill?store=amazon
✦ Driver - https://links.reneerenovates.com/impact-driver?store=amazon
✦ Brad nailer - https://links.reneerenovates.com/brad-nailer?store=amazon
✦ Table saw - https://rstyle.me/+jLglwxaKY0ghFnDqvXAksg
✦ Miter saw - https://rstyle.me/+XDTJaU6pgK7uSOwbR-njnA
✦ Circular saw - https://links.reneerenovates.com/circular-saw?store=amazon
✦ Rip cut guide - https://links.reneerenovates.com/rip-cut-guide?store=amazon
QUESTIONS?
Want to know more about my tools? Designs? Drop a comment below :)
FOLLOW
✦ Instagram @reneerenovates
✦ TikTok @reneerenovates
✦ Blog https://reneerenovates.com
DIY TUTORIAL: https://reneerenovates.com/two-walls-of-diy-built-ins-with-ikea-wardrobes-and-custom-bookcases-including-costs/
IKEA TUTORIAL: https://reneerenovates.com/diy-floor-to-ceiling-wall-of-ikea-built-ins-including-costs/
Click to Subscribe: https://bit.ly/subscribe-reneerenovates
Follow on Instagram: @reneerenovates
TOOLS & MATERIALS (links earn commissions)
✦ 3/4" birch plywood - https://rstyle.me/+ozFGR-zOsal3U12dlRd7Mw
✦ 1/8" hardboard - https://rstyle.me/+PpnJfLUQ2HXbOiXFW7Mqiw
✦ 3/4"-thick poplar - https://rstyle.me/+iWmT5Kv9W2ARdpiK-2wbdA
✦ Bondo - https://links.reneerenovates.com/bondo?store=amazon
✦ Drill - https://links.reneerenovates.com/drill?store=amazon
✦ Driver - https://links.reneerenovates.com/impact-driver?store=amazon
✦ Brad nailer - https://links.reneerenovates.com/brad-nailer?store=amazon
✦ Table saw - https://rstyle.me/+jLglwxaKY0ghFnDqvXAksg
✦ Miter saw - https://rstyle.me/+XDTJaU6pgK7uSOwbR-njnA
✦ Circular saw - https://links.reneerenovates.com/circular-saw?store=amazon
✦ Rip cut guide - https://links.reneerenovates.com/rip-cut-guide?store=amazon
QUESTIONS?
Want to know more about my tools? Designs? Drop a comment below :)
FOLLOW
✦ Instagram @reneerenovates
✦ TikTok @reneerenovates
✦ Blog https://reneerenovates.com
Video Information
Views
411.6K
Likes
7.1K
Duration
6:49
Published
Jun 22, 2025
User Reviews
4.8
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