Freestanding storage

Bookcase & Shelving Assembly in London

We build the side panels, base and top before fitting the back and shelves. We check the shelf supports, spacing and stability, and discuss any manufacturer-required wall restraint before the build is completed.

We assemble flat pack bookcases and freestanding shelving. Give us the model, number of bays and position of the unit so we can discuss your build.

Installer fitting the side of a freestanding oak bookcase
  • Freestanding bookcases
  • Single units and shelving bays
  • Doors, drawers and shelf inserts

Tell us what the shelving will hold

Some customers are furnishing a living room with a single bookcase. Others need a set of matching bays for files, stock or everyday storage. The model tells us the size and structure of the unit. The room plan shows where the finished pieces should stand. Send both if the arrangement matters, particularly when the bays share a wall with a door, radiator or window.

For a simple bookcase, include the finish and height if the retailer offers several versions. For a wider shelving run, count each individual frame and add any extension pieces, doors, bins or inserts. A product photo of the entire arrangement may not show which parts are sold separately. The item list is the best way to identify the packs involved.

Tell us if the shelves are fixed at set heights or adjustable. If you have chosen adjustable shelves for taller folders or oversize books, mark the positions you want. You can use a photo or a rough sketch. We can discuss your intended layout alongside the manufacturer instructions.

Freestanding storage and details to send
TypeInformation for the quote
Single bookcaseModel, height and number of units.
Cube storageNumber of cubes and any doors or drawer inserts.
Multiple shelving baysFrame count and whether they are designed to join.
Office shelvingProduct dimensions and the room or floor for each unit.
Installer fitting the side panel of a bookcase

Decide where the units will stand

A low unit can fit below a window, while a tall bookcase may need enough clear height to be assembled and turned upright. If the unit goes in an alcove, include the width at the bottom and top and note any skirting that projects into the space. Tell us if the room has a sloped ceiling or a deep recess.

Where several bays will stand in a line, show us the order of the units. Identify which end needs space for a door to swing and where you want shorter or taller pieces. If the bookcases have adjustable shelves, decide which should align across the row. If there is no firm preference, let us know before we start so the layout can be reviewed in the room.

A freestanding assembly enquiry is different from asking for a shelf fixed directly to a wall. If your product comes with a manufacturer fixing requirement, send that information before booking. Include any restrictions on drilling and tell us whether you have permission at the property.

  • Share the exact model or retailer link.
  • List bays, inserts and separate doors individually.
  • Measure the intended space and mention skirting or low ceilings.
  • Tell us about any manufacturer fixing requirements.

What to have ready for the assembler

Keep the packs together by item and leave space to lay the longest panels flat. You do not need to sort every piece in advance. If the boxes have been opened, keep the small hardware bags with their matching carton. Shelf supports, screws and joining pieces can look similar even when they belong to different products.

Show us where the units will go and tell us which arrangement you want. The build uses the parts supplied for the model, which may include the side panels, a back, fixed shelves and adjustable shelves. If there are separate inserts, make sure their instructions are available as well. Tell us beforehand if a panel is damaged or a carton is still on the way.

Once the unit has been built, check the shelf positions and the operation of any doors or drawers. If several units were ordered, check which room each one is meant to serve. A layout with folders in one bay and large books in another may need different shelf heights even if the frames match.

Preparing for the build
CheckWhy it helps
Complete cartonsEach unit needs its correct panels, back and fixings.
Space to assembleLong panels may need to lie flat.
Shelf positionsA marked layout helps place shelves and inserts.
Wall requirementsSend the product instructions and any building limits.
Installer checking alignment of a bookcase back panel
Installer reviewing a finished freestanding bookcase

Request a quote for one unit or a row

For one bookcase, send the model, postcode and final room. For multiple units, count how many frames and add-ons you need built. Tell us which units are identical and where the different ones go. If the furniture is for an office, include room and floor numbers and say whether the boxes will be at reception or in the work area.

Mention a lift booking, a narrow staircase or restricted delivery access when the packs are not yet in the room. It is useful to know if a long panel cannot turn on a landing. If you have already taken the furniture out of its packaging, tell us where it is and whether all the assembly parts are still with it.

If the retailer still has your shelving, ask us about collection when you enquire. Send the branch and order details. If you are expecting separate deliveries, check that the frames and inserts will all arrive before the visit, or tell us exactly which pieces will be on site.

What affects a shelving enquiry
FactorDetails to include
Unit countEvery frame and bay, including any repeat models.
FittingsDoors, drawers, baskets and joining pieces.
RoomWidth, height and location of the run.
Collection or accessWhere the boxes are and how they reach the room.

Storage as part of a larger room setup

A bookcase is often one part of a room order. If you are furnishing a home office, list the desk, shelf units and drawer cabinet separately. Keep the instructions and fixing packs with each piece. If you want a shelf bay to line up with the desk, mark the intended side and check that chair movement will still be possible.

If someone else will be at the property during assembly, share the layout with them beforehand. A simple room list can show which frames are for the living room and which belong upstairs. If the units will stand next to different items, include photos so the final positions are clear.

Before asking for a visit date, compare the delivered labels with the retailer confirmation. If any shelf supports or doors came as an extra pack, keep them alongside the appropriate frame. If the retailer is sending a replacement for damaged parts, give us its expected arrival date when you get in touch. For an open-sided unit, check that the side meant to face the room is clear of other furniture and that you can reach the shelves from that position.

Bookcase assembly FAQs

For work booked alongside this service, see wardrobe assembly.

Can I book for a single bookcase?

Yes. Send the model, postcode and the room where the unit will stand.

Can I choose shelf heights during the build?

Tell us the heights you want if the model has adjustable shelves. Check the manufacturer layout for any fixed shelves.

Can I add doors or drawers to the request?

List every insert or extra pack you want fitted and send the compatible frame details.

What if the unit needs wall fixing?

Share the manufacturer instructions and describe the wall and any permission restrictions so we can discuss it before booking.

What do you check before fitting adjustable shelves?

We check that the supports are seated at matching heights and that each shelf fits its intended frame.

Get a quote for bookcase or shelving assembly

Send the model, number of bays and postcode. Include any doors, inserts and room access details.

Call 020 3404 5905