I have carpeting in a room where I would like to install built-in bookshelves. How should I secure them to the floor? Do I need to remove the carpeting or can I set them on top?
If the built-ins are going to be permanent, remove the carpeting in that area. If you want to un-install them when you move, leave the carpet and securely attach the shelves to the wall behind.
If this a book shelf that will be moved in the future then put a couple of ceder boards underneath it and secure the shelf to the wall. If it going to be permanent then remove the carpet underneath and still put some ceder or oak boards under it for the height of the carpet. This will keep a flush look on the floor and not something motley looking.
I would really remove the carpet underneath them, put down a tack strip and re-kick the carpet to it and end it with a tidy roll. The major problem with putting them on top of the carpet is leveling. I have some built-ins in my office and library both on top of carpet. As the carpet and padding compresses, it changes the leveling. Also, there is a tack strip along the baseboards which causes the units to pitch forward because it doesn't compress. If I had to do it over, I would strip out the carpet underneath because I'm constantly checking the level as the house settles, too.
