Q&A(194)
Q: Ideally I would have this bookcase be open (without the back board). Am I able to assemble it and leave that piece out?
A: No... I have this bookcase and although the material that covers the back is lightweight, it is necessary for stability. It is attached all the way around and through the structure.. I did cut holes for cords etc which was fine. You could possibly cut one or two sections.
submitted byCarla - 5 years agoA: Hi Nola - I'm glad you're checking. For the stability of this bookcase, it's best to follow the assembly instructions. It's intended to be enjoyed as it appears, with the back board. Hope that helps. –Terra
submitted byTerra - 8 years agoTarget staff supportA: You don't have to have the back on...it is plenty stable without it and if you really needed the extra stability, you could attach it to the wall.
submitted byDanaR - 5 years agoA: yes, you can leave off the back board if you'd like
submitted bySharon - 8 years agoA: Absolutely can be left out.And personally I recommend it.There are benefits to leaving it off. Seeing the he colored/wallpaper/ tiled wall behind. Access to back. Your item is just a bit too long.
submitted byCS - 2 years agoA: I believe so, we got this bookcase last night and it's just a thin piece that unfolds to be attached on. It doesn't help the structure or stability etc. I would think you could leave it off. Hope this helps!
submitted byMeagan - 8 years agoA: Has been holding my 55" TV for about five years now, have never had the back on. Works just fine and quite honestly one of the sturdiest pieces of furniture that I have ever purchased.
submitted byM - 3 years ago
Q: Can you use this piece for a 40" flat screen tv to sit on top? I like the look of this but I really need a tv stand. please someone answer my question! Thank you.
A: Hi Angie H - This is a great bookcase to show and hold some of your favorite things. It's not intended to be a TV stand. Thanks! - Shelly
submitted byShelly - 7 years agoTarget staff supportA: HI Angie, The Target Team Members response is accurate, but you should check out the Carson Media Options. There is a 43" Carson TV Stand - Threshold™ and a 44" Carson TV Stand - Threshold™ with multiple finish options.
submitted byDHU - 7 years agoA: I used mine as a TV stand and it was fine. As long as the TV is a flat screen/not heavy, it works very well for that.
submitted byNancy - 6 years agoA: I also have used mine as a tv-stand for the past 9 years. I drilled holes through the back-board to put cords through. No issues.
submitted byDee Cee from Boston - 2 years agoA: It says it holds 200 lbs. Now I am sure they mean for that to be distributed through out. But I would now hesitate to put a tv on it. Especially a 40 inch which is considered sm these days.
submitted byCS - 2 years agoA: Our 65 inch tv sits on it 6 years no issue
submitted byTy - 4 months ago
Q: Is it easy to assemble?
A: took 2 women about 3 hrs
submitted bySharon - 8 years agoA: Hi MsYan - Thanks for your interest in this bookshelf. According to other guests reviews, this item is very easy to put together, you just have to follow the directions. Hope it works in your home! - Melissa
submitted byMelissa - 8 years agoTarget staff supportA: No. it's a total pain and the holes don't line up.
submitted byHeather - 4 years agoA: I am 50 ish and have done 11 pieces by myself, taking breaks. So I can't give a time. If you go in order, and follow instructions, it is easy
submitted byCS - 2 years ago
Q: What is the back piece made of? In a previous answer you stated that it provides significant structural support, yet it folds down the center. If you can fold it, then it can't be wood.
A: The backing is make of a slightly stronger material than cardboard its thick and stands up well but honestly I just took mine off.
submitted byYukey - 9 years agoA: Hello Profe17 - Thanks for your interest in the Carson Horizontal Bookcase. The bookcase backing is made of particle board. I hope this helps. Enjoy your shopping. -Yamell
submitted byYamell - 9 years agoTarget staff supportA: I don't have this particular shelf yet (just considering it), but from experience with similar types of shelves, the backing is used to provide lateral stability by preventing the vertical sides from shifting side-to-side at an angle. Without the backing, there isn't anything from preventing it from wiggling side to side, eventually loosening the screws or pegs holding them in place. The backing provides tension to prevent that and it doesn't need to be fully rigid in compression to do that.
submitted byhiroo - 7 years agoA: I wouldn't say it's particleboard. It's a stronger, thicker, more sturdy cardboard. It's cut in two pieces held together by a thick tape, which is what allows it to fold. It doesn't wobble or sway.
submitted byCS - 2 years ago
Q: Can this hold a 55 gallon fish tank which weighs about 500 pounds
A: Hello - Thanks for asking! This horizontal bookcase offers multiple adjustable shelves you can arrange to suit your needs. The maximum top panel weight is 80 lbs.The maximum middle shelf weight is 65 lbs. The maximum bottom panel weight is 25 lbs. Have a great day! - Tania
submitted byT - 4 years agoTarget staff supportA: Hello - Thanks for asking! This horizontal bookcase offers multiple adjustable shelves you can arrange to suit your needs. The maximum top panel weight is 80 lbs.The maximum middle shelf weight is 65 lbs. The maximum bottom panel weight is 25 lbs. Have a great day! - Mia
submitted byMia - 5 years agoTarget staff supportA: These Target Support Staff answers stink. No, it cannot support a 500 gallon fish tank. A different answer says the cabinet as a whole can hold 200 lbs. One says top panel 80 lbs
submitted byCS - 2 years ago
Q: Can all the shelves be moved, especially the middle ones.?
A: The 2 on the sides, which creates those 4 compartments, are adjustable. You can see the additional holes in at least one photo.
submitted byCS - 2 years agoA: Hi Annie - Add your personal touch to this stunning bookcase. The center shelves are fixed and the outer shelves can be adjusted. It’s a great addition to any room. -Terra
submitted byTerra - 8 years agoTarget staff supportA: no. the shelves cannot be moved.
submitted bySharon - 8 years ago
Q: How much weight can the top of the bookcase hold?
A: Hi Supastah199 - Thanks for asking about the Threshold™ Carson Horizontal Bookcase. Each shelf, including the top of the bookcase, can hold a maximum of 65 lbs.
submitted byJulie - 9 years agoTarget staff supportA: The answer from a "Target Team Member" says a maximum of 65 lbs, but in the description it says max weight capacity is 200 lbs. Which is accurate?
submitted byTyler L - 9 years agoA: From what I've experienced, a lot. Of course there's a limit but so far it's been able to hold everything I have needed to put on top of it. Very sturdy.
submitted byIsabella - 9 years ago
Q: I bought the 72" bookshelf in espresso brown color. Is the espresso color on this bookshelf the same color? I am hoping they match but the images do not look like same color. Thank you!
A: Hello Jbeerman123 - Thankyou for showing your interest in this item. You can be assured that you will receive the color same as which you will be ordering. Hope this helps. - Georgina
submitted byGeorgina - 3 years agoTarget staff supportA: Hi Jbeerman123 - Thanks for your interest in this bookshelf. According to other guests reviews, the espresso color on this bookshelf is the same one you have ordered. There are different color images of the product in the page for reference but if you selected a specific color, you will receive the same one. Hope it looks amazing in your home! - Mason
submitted byMason - 3 years agoTarget staff support
Q: Can I paint this piece?
A: Hello - Great question! You can paint the item. Thank you. - Kay
submitted byKay - 5 years agoTarget staff supportA: Hello - Thank you for your question. This would be an awesome addition to your home! Yes! You can certainly paint it if you wish! Thanks! - Thomas
submitted byThomas - 5 years agoTarget staff support
Q: Which color is made of solid wood?
A: Hello Workingmom – We're glad you're interested in these Carson bookcases. Each variety is made up of a combination of solid wood, plywood, particle board and fiberboard. We think you'll appreciate their sturdiness and versatility. – Aaron
submitted byAaron - 8 years agoTarget staff supportA: none. they're all pressed wood.
submitted bySharon - 8 years ago