Custom Shelving

Scope of Works

• Design & survey – on-site measure-up, discuss style (floating, bracketed, alcove, media-wall), load requirements and finish (paint, stain, lacquer).

• Produce sketches/CAD drawings and agree timber, board or metal shelving specification plus fixings.

• Workshop fabrication – cut, joint and sand shelves or carcasses; pre-fit concealed brackets or pocket-hole fixings.

• Finishing – spray-paint, oil or wax in a dust-free booth; add LED strip channels or cable grommets as specified.

• Delivery & installation – protect floors, set laser levels, locate studs/solid masonry, install brackets and shelves, scribe edges for a seamless fit.

• Final snag-check, clean, issue care sheet/warranty, and remove all packaging/off-cuts for recycling.

Typical Cost (incl. VAT, 2025)

Time on Site

• Installation: ½ – 1 day for up to two alcoves or a 3–4 m run of floating shelves.

• 3 – 4 days if units span a whole wall, need on-site spraying or work above 3 m.

• Workshop lead-time: 3 – 6 weeks from deposit to delivery (no disruption at home).

  
  

Factors extending time: masonry drilling into lintels, hidden pipes/cables, latearrival of LED strips or premium hardware.

Questions to Ask Your Tradie

1. Will you supply scaled drawings/3-D renders and how many revisions are included?

2. What board or timber grades will you use and are they FSC/PEFC certified?

3. Is the quote fixed-price or hourly after the first day—and does it include VAT?

4. Where will finishing (painting/oiling) take place—workshop or inside my home?

5. Do you handle electrics for integrated lighting, or will a qualified electrician attend?

6. What workmanship and hardware warranty do you provide?

7. How do you protect floors, walls and existing furniture during installation, and is parking/permit time charged?

How to Avoid Surprises

• Measure doorways & stair turns so long shelves actually reach the room.

• Approve a finish sample under your lighting before fabrication.

• Clear the installation area and fragile items; supply dust-sheeting if needed.

• Reserve a parking bay near the entrance for unloading long boards.

• Confirm lead-times for paints, brackets and LEDs—delays push back install dates.

• Ask if freshly painted units need off-gassing time before loading books or décor.

  
  

Armed with this guide, you’ll know exactly what bespoke shelving involves, the realistic 2025 UK cost range, and the smart steps to keep your custom-storage project smooth and on budget.