I haven't priced them lately, but maybe you could get the shelf parts already made, and "just" make the box part.. out of a nice veneered plywood, and get the iron-on veneer strips for the outer edges.

My experience in the past with that veneer stripping though, is that you will want to go ahead & glue it as well. the glue doesn't always stick, and use an older iron that you know is completely dry.

You could also make the shelves with thinner wood, put cross supports underneath, and then a lip so the supports aren't visible.

Or make the whole thing out of MDF.. heavy stuff.. but may be less expensive. You could then use moulding/trim to give it a less contemporary look, then paint it.

I remember having similar sticker shock when I had this great idea to make my own Mission-style sofa.. it's a bummer when you want to be both handy & thrifty.

OH...here's an idea... see if your area has a reuse or salvage store... maybe they would have some old doors or panels you could use.. or sometimes the one here even has used office furniture that doesn't look half bad. :)

Good luck, and keep us posted on how your project is going.

Ikea. I'm not THAT handy to do it on my own.