How Do I Choose the Best Wooden Bookcase?

Before going out shopping for a wooden bookcase or bookcase kit, be sure to consider where in your home you intend to place the unit. You will need to measure the space so you know how large of a unit you can place there, and you will also need to consider what you will be storing on the bookcase. The amount of books or other items you intend to store will also help determine the size of wooden bookcase you will need for a particular room. Once you have figured out the size, think about your budget for purchasing the unit.

The price of a wooden bookcase can vary significantly based on its size, the type of wood used to construct it, and the store selling the unit. Carefully consider what type of wooden bookcase will work best for you, and do a bit of research into the different types of wood available. The least expensive wood will most likely be pine, which may come finished with stains and sealants, or it may be sold unfinished. Unfinished bookcases may be less expensive, but pine will need to be finished or otherwise protected with sealant or paint to prevent damage from moisture such as mold, mildew, cracking, splitting, and so on.

More expensive woods like teak and cedar will be naturally beautiful and also resistant to water damage; they will require little or no finishing, though the cost of these woods tend to be higher than others. Hardwoods like mahogany and oak will also be more expensive, since they are especially durable and beautiful. The colors and tones of each type of wood will vary as well, so be sure to do a bit of research to find out which color or tone will work best with the current decor of the room in which you intend to place the wooden bookcase.

Think about what additional features you might want or need from your wooden bookcase. Some cases, for example, feature cabinet-style doors to conceal the items inside, and some of these doors are made of glass to allow onlookers to see the contents without opening those doors. Such a bookcase is likely to cost more money, but it is an exceptionally beautiful choice that will also help protect any fragile items you may be storing on the bookcase. Some bookcases feature cabinet doors at the lower portion of the case, which can be useful for storing larger items or items you do not wish to display.