I figured out what the "L" bracket is for. Ikea sells an extension that increases the height of the bookcase. The bracket help secure that extra level. Seems to me it should be included with the height extension unit! Confusing!
The instruction manual looks like they want that L bracket connected to the top shelf. Which is exceedingly strange, since that shelf is just resting on those little knobs. It doesn’t make any sense to me. I’d love to hear what someone else understands about this.
The heigh extension unit is attached to the main billy using 2 dowels at the front side, if you connect the corner bracket at the top, there will be pull force and may result to a gap at the back side of the extension. thus this L bracket will counter that pull force.
Thank you for this video! So helpful and clear, and I appreciate the tips about the sockets. Reminded me to get an extension cord before I started filling the bookcase with books!
can you think of a reason why and how the same configuration would not work with the short cabinets? the v shaped metals come in a pack themselves. the most I could think of it the top connector bracket could not be utilized since there is no holes there. also, they are actually not that high for posing a tipping risk. I am working it in my head before I make a purchase and I thought I could have your input to help me out. thank you.
You can either buy wooded shims ( but they could shift)or get adjustable feet at the hardware store. Just make sure the cases are plumb becomes connecting them. As for the walls, that’s not a big deal since they do not attach to the walls other than the safety bracket. Make sure that the bookcases are level and you should be fine.
Can you please tell me what the of the width of the wall measurements are on the wall once the bookcases are in place? I need a ruff idea because the wall space I’m using might not be wide enough. Thanks.
@@jorgeamars There’s not that much, only about 1/2-3/4”. It’s the thickness of the baseboard. There’s a larger space behind the corner unit and that’s just empty space. Hide whatever you want back there.
Can those Billy bookcases be assembled without the back and still be structurally sound? I'd rather be able to see the wall behind than the back of the bookcase.
It's all about alignment. Assuming your floor is level, and you are aligning the cases properly, it should be relatively even. If not, I'd try floor shims.
Height extensions are an additional purrchase that adds one additional shelf to the top. There are pre-drilled holes on top to accomodate a height extension.
I think it would be easier (and cheaper) to cut the bookcase to fit the baseboard, but yes, you could do that. I don't want to make that permanent of an installation.
It’s a shame you put the “lids” on upside down. Next time, when you build, make sure the holes face up to the ceiling rather than downward where you can see them.
@@AverageMethey are the locking cams, but the top shelf is supposed to be reversed to hide them. Just finished putting a few together and the instructions show it flipped, be the base and middle. Great video though 😊
I figured out what the "L" bracket is for. Ikea sells an extension that increases the height of the bookcase. The bracket help secure that extra level. Seems to me it should be included with the height extension unit! Confusing!
The instruction manual looks like they want that L bracket connected to the top shelf. Which is exceedingly strange, since that shelf is just resting on those little knobs. It doesn’t make any sense to me. I’d love to hear what someone else understands about this.
Are these units attached to the wall for stability?
The heigh extension unit is attached to the main billy using 2 dowels at the front side, if you connect the corner bracket at the top, there will be pull force and may result to a gap at the back side of the extension. thus this L bracket will counter that pull force.
I really wish that IKEA would include a top dust-guard in the corner hardware kit. I’m definitely going to tape cardboard or something up there.
Not a bad idea. I have cardboard there
This is the most practical and helpful channel I’ve seen in a very long time. Super informative.
Thanks! But sometimes it’s just fun
Very informative, thank you- I wondered how much empty space would be behind the corner shelf
It’s quite a bit, but I haven’t figured out how to utilize that space.
Thank you for this video! So helpful and clear, and I appreciate the tips about the sockets. Reminded me to get an extension cord before I started filling the bookcase with books!
@@jenniferwebber115 -You can even tuck it away behind the bookcase and retrieve it when needed.
This is so helpful. Thank you for sharing!
U made that look easy. I'm having a hard time. Lol and I think it would be easier without carpet
Fantastic video Mark!😸
can you think of a reason why and how the same configuration would not work with the short cabinets? the v shaped metals come in a pack themselves. the most I could think of it the top connector bracket could not be utilized since there is no holes there. also, they are actually not that high for posing a tipping risk. I am working it in my head before I make a purchase and I thought I could have your input to help me out. thank you.
Appearance. You’d be able to see the top bracket. Other than that it will work fine. You’d have to drill your own holes on top.
I don't have level floors OR square corners. Is there a workaround for that?
You can either buy wooded shims ( but they could shift)or get adjustable feet at the hardware store. Just make sure the cases are plumb becomes connecting them. As for the walls, that’s not a big deal since they do not attach to the walls other than the safety bracket. Make sure that the bookcases are level and you should be fine.
Can you please tell me what the of the width of the wall measurements are on the wall once the bookcases are in place? I need a ruff idea because the wall space I’m using might not be wide enough. Thanks.
@@joaniewilder6861 the bookcase needs a minimum width of 32”
Thank you!
Hi, what did you do with the gap between the wall and the bookcase? There were a few inches if I’m not wrong.
@@jorgeamars There’s not that much, only about 1/2-3/4”. It’s the thickness of the baseboard. There’s a larger space behind the corner unit and that’s just empty space. Hide whatever you want back there.
At the corner, it’s a challange to fix billy with glass doors without any gap
what if I have the height extensions? do I do all the connection brackets on top then add the height extnesion?
Add the brackets on top of the extensions
Can those Billy bookcases be assembled without the back and still be structurally sound? I'd rather be able to see the wall behind than the back of the bookcase.
I wouldn’t trust that without attaching it to something or some kind of triangular reinforcement (diagonal cross support)
Get a Kallax. The Billy needs the backplate for structural integrity.
Can you use the doors with this configuration ?
@@Winniesminis3 yes doors will still work
@@AverageMe even with the middle piece?
Your voice reminds me a lot of Sterling Halloway (Winnie the Pooh, Kaa the Snake, Cheshire Cat).
Oh bother!
At the corners, what's your suggestion for getting the tops together without any gap?
It's all about alignment. Assuming your floor is level, and you are aligning the cases properly, it should be relatively even. If not, I'd try floor shims.
It did not come with height extensions? I juat ordered one
Height extensions are an additional purrchase that adds one additional shelf to the top. There are pre-drilled holes on top to accomodate a height extension.
What’s the measurement of each side of the wall ?
It depends on the distance you have them from the wall and how many bookcases.
Why not remove the floor molding from the portion of the wall where the book cases are. I would want a flush fit
I think it would be easier (and cheaper) to cut the bookcase to fit the baseboard, but yes, you could do that. I don't want to make that permanent of an installation.
It’s a shame you put the “lids” on upside down. Next time, when you build, make sure the holes face up to the ceiling rather than downward where you can see them.
Look again, those are the locking cams not holes. It’s the way the bookcase is designed.
@@AverageMethey are the locking cams, but the top shelf is supposed to be reversed to hide them. Just finished putting a few together and the instructions show it flipped, be the base and middle. Great video though 😊
@@AverageMe yes the top shelf is supposed to be installed opposite; I made the same mistake and am now locked in lol not the end of the world
Thank you 🙏🏼