PS we are looking, ideally, for 2 tall shelves (5-6 shelves), w/ a short (2 shelf or cabinet) to go in between.

I can completely relate to your frustration. We moved into a new house a few months ago and want tall bookcases to flank a brick fireplace in our family room, one on each side. We had a few carpenters give us estimates to build them and we were looking at $10,000 to $15,000 -- way out of our price range. To make a long story short, we happened to see a bookcase in a Thomasville store from their new Soliloque line, which cost us under $3500 for the pair (without the optional ladder which the kids would have loved, lol). I know Thomasville's quality isn't what it used to be, but they look beautiful in out room and I think they will suit us fine. We also have no experience in woodworking, and I can't imagine my husband trying to build something like them. Here's a link in case you're interested. Good luck!

Here is a link that might be useful: Soliloque Bookcases

Without any furniture making skills or tools, making your own might be a challenge. Even if you decide to do it, you may not be happy with the results (only you can decide that). I suggest looking at your local library for issues of "The Family Handyman" magazine. They regularly run how-to articles on building bookcases, both free-standing and built in.

Another option would be IKEA. They carry budget lines of RTA (ready to assemble) furniture. Honestly, I have been impressed with their stuff. I know what to expect if I'm only spending $89 on a bookcase and it compares favorably with stuff costing much more.

What is your price range? What type of wood? I work for a furniture store that carries unfinished bookcases in oak, maple and pine..in just about any size you need...with your choice of several trims..then you could finish the color you want! Perhaps the company we buy from is available in your state. I could help you locate a store if you are interested.

How about this one?
http://www.homelement.com/products/Accent-Furniture/Curio-and-Display/DaVinci-Library-Bookcases-Parker-House_6268.html
I think there are a couple more on this site.

Good luck!

Here is a link that might be useful: Bookcases

This seems to be my night for advocating checking out an unfinished furniture place--because you might be able to buy from a place like that AND not have to stain them yourselves. I was able to order the exact sizes of bookcases I wanted with the finish I wanted, for quite a bit less than $5000. In fact, I got four bookcases for a lot less than that.

The manufacturer for my bookcases was Collegewood. I've put a link to their website below.

Here is a link that might be useful: Collegewood

A friend told me that she bought hers at something called "unpainted furniture" and claims they are solid wood, and that she could pick from various stains or paint finish and they did it for her.

Also, if you live in an area where there is an Amish community, many are very talented at furniture building, and I imagine they too would build solid wood bookcases. If you ask, they might know someone who would be happy to build them for you.

Don't do it yourself unless you are talking about just getting the unfinished and going from there. Also, don't go with Thomasville either, it is usually particle board and may look nice for a short time, but wait until the books come crashing down. The Amish option stated above is probably your best. Where do you live at? I work in the furniture sales in the Chicago area. If you would like I could give you some suggestions on where to find what you are looking for.

Good Luck
Bob
rsmit@pmbedroomgallery.com

I got lucky and found a local artist couple and the husband made a simple table/desk (no drawers) and 2 bookcased for me. He did custom carpentry to supplement their living while making art.
Solid Oak, Simple but very well put together.
Check for wood hobby stores - the kind that sell nice wood and lots of wood tools for people who make things. Yellow pages. Amish stores - usually have books with the carpenter's normal line of furniture - find one that's close and for an upcharge they will customize a little. You can usually find an Amish Furniture store anywhere in the country with the catalogs and they ship.

I've had pretty good luck painting the unfinished bookcases, or staining them.

And the unfinished-furniture guys here don't charge very much extra for making a bookcase to YOUR size instead of their standard sizes. They figure, they'd have to cut the wood anyway, what do they care if it's a little longer? It's only if they need more wood.

Once upon a time, Knape&Vogt made this little L-shaped clips that you could use to slip over precut pieces of wood. Hammer a nail in through the holes in the front, and bingo--bookcases. But they stopped making them. I had some sort of tall stuff that was strong enough.

I sometimes think you could construct bookcases using the corner braces, etc. Not as easy as the other version, but maybe....

Your lumber yard could precut the plywood, you could buy iron-on veneer edgebanding to cover the front edges, and you could measure carefully and use a drill to help install. Use the braces for top, bottom, and as many shelves as you can, and it'll be strong enough. They'd look a little less than "finished," but they could look pretty decent.

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=354&filter=bracket

And this company ships free--how's that for odd.

http://www.multimediashelves.com/paperback-solid-wood-bookcases.html

(also, don't turn your nose up at plywood--it's pretty strong, stronger than pine, I believe, and the front edge can be covered with edgebanding)

Here is a link that might be useful: reinforced corner braces--Use for any right angle joint on cabinets, bookcases, shelving

if you need something fast, don't forget the "bricks and boards" approach from college--you can't go TOO tall, but it would get stuff out of the boxes.