diff --git a/backend/drm/meson.build b/backend/drm/meson.build
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..ffddfdfc7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/backend/drm/meson.build
@@ -0,0 +1,10 @@
+wlr_files += files(
+	'atomic.c',
+	'backend.c',
+	'cvt.c',
+	'drm.c',
+	'legacy.c',
+	'properties.c',
+	'renderer.c',
+	'util.c',
+)
diff --git a/backend/headless/meson.build b/backend/headless/meson.build
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..e38ce1333
--- /dev/null
+++ b/backend/headless/meson.build
@@ -0,0 +1,5 @@
+wlr_files += files(
+	'backend.c',
+	'input_device.c',
+	'output.c',
+)
diff --git a/backend/libinput/meson.build b/backend/libinput/meson.build
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..ff78d2f84
--- /dev/null
+++ b/backend/libinput/meson.build
@@ -0,0 +1,10 @@
+wlr_files += files(
+	'backend.c',
+	'events.c',
+	'keyboard.c',
+	'pointer.c',
+	'switch.c',
+	'tablet_pad.c',
+	'tablet_tool.c',
+	'touch.c',
+)
diff --git a/backend/meson.build b/backend/meson.build
index e4a484f44..373102b6d 100644
--- a/backend/meson.build
+++ b/backend/meson.build
@@ -1,82 +1,12 @@
-backend_parts = []
-backend_files = files(
-	'backend.c',
-	'drm/atomic.c',
-	'drm/backend.c',
-	'drm/cvt.c',
-	'drm/drm.c',
-	'drm/legacy.c',
-	'drm/properties.c',
-	'drm/renderer.c',
-	'drm/util.c',
-	'headless/backend.c',
-	'headless/input_device.c',
-	'headless/output.c',
-	'libinput/backend.c',
-	'libinput/events.c',
-	'libinput/keyboard.c',
-	'libinput/pointer.c',
-	'libinput/switch.c',
-	'libinput/tablet_pad.c',
-	'libinput/tablet_tool.c',
-	'libinput/touch.c',
-	'multi/backend.c',
-	'noop/backend.c',
-	'noop/output.c',
-	'session/direct-ipc.c',
-	'session/noop.c',
-	'session/session.c',
-	'wayland/backend.c',
-	'wayland/output.c',
-	'wayland/wl_seat.c',
-	'wayland/tablet_v2.c',
-)
-
-backend_deps = [
-	drm,
-	egl,
-	gbm,
-	libinput,
-	pixman,
-	xkbcommon,
-	wayland_server,
-	wlr_protos,
-	wlr_render,
-]
-
-if host_machine.system().startswith('freebsd')
-	backend_files += files('session/direct-freebsd.c')
-else
-	backend_files += files('session/direct.c')
-endif
-
-if logind.found()
-	backend_files += files('session/logind.c')
-	backend_deps += logind
-endif
-
-if freerdp.found() and winpr2.found()
-	backend_files += files(
-		'rdp/backend.c',
-		'rdp/keyboard.c',
-		'rdp/listener.c',
-		'rdp/output.c',
-		'rdp/peer.c',
-		'rdp/pointer.c',
-	)
-	backend_deps += [
-		freerdp,
-		winpr2
-	]
-	conf_data.set10('WLR_HAS_RDP_BACKEND', true)
-endif
+wlr_files += files('backend.c')
 
+subdir('drm')
+subdir('headless')
+subdir('libinput')
+subdir('multi')
+subdir('noop')
+subdir('rdp')
+subdir('wayland')
 subdir('x11')
 
-lib_wlr_backend = static_library(
-	'wlr_backend',
-	backend_files,
-	include_directories: wlr_inc,
-	link_whole: backend_parts,
-	dependencies: backend_deps,
-)
+subdir('session')
diff --git a/backend/multi/meson.build b/backend/multi/meson.build
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..be4abfb64
--- /dev/null
+++ b/backend/multi/meson.build
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+wlr_files += files('backend.c')
diff --git a/backend/noop/meson.build b/backend/noop/meson.build
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..950c07160
--- /dev/null
+++ b/backend/noop/meson.build
@@ -0,0 +1,4 @@
+wlr_files += files(
+	'backend.c',
+	'output.c',
+)
diff --git a/backend/rdp/meson.build b/backend/rdp/meson.build
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..40259c652
--- /dev/null
+++ b/backend/rdp/meson.build
@@ -0,0 +1,36 @@
+rdp_libs = []
+rdp_required = [
+	'freerdp2',
+	'winpr2',
+]
+
+msg = []
+if get_option('freerdp').enabled()
+	msg += 'Install "@0@" or pass "-Dfreerdp=disabled".'
+endif
+if not get_option('freerdp').disabled()
+	msg += 'Required for RDP backend support.'
+endif
+
+foreach lib : rdp_required
+	dep = dependency(lib,
+		required: get_option('freerdp'),
+		not_found_message: '\n'.join(msg).format(lib),
+	)
+	if not dep.found()
+		subdir_done()
+	endif
+
+	rdp_libs += dep
+endforeach
+
+wlr_files += files(
+	'backend.c',
+	'keyboard.c',
+	'listener.c',
+	'output.c',
+	'peer.c',
+	'pointer.c',
+)
+wlr_deps += rdp_libs
+conf_data.set10('WLR_HAS_RDP_BACKEND', true)
diff --git a/backend/session/meson.build b/backend/session/meson.build
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..2c3f09c76
--- /dev/null
+++ b/backend/session/meson.build
@@ -0,0 +1,53 @@
+wlr_files += files(
+	'direct-ipc.c',
+	'noop.c',
+	'session.c',
+)
+
+if host_machine.system().startswith('freebsd')
+	wlr_files += files('direct-freebsd.c')
+else
+	wlr_files += files('direct.c')
+endif
+
+# logind
+
+msg = []
+if get_option('logind').enabled()
+	msg += 'Install "lib@0@" or pass "-Dlogind=disabled".'
+endif
+if not get_option('logind').disabled()
+	msg += 'Required for logind support.'
+	msg += 'You may need to pass "-Dlogind-provider=elogind" or "-Dlogind-provider=systemd" to ensure the correct library is detected.'
+endif
+
+logind = dependency('lib' + get_option('logind-provider'),
+	required: get_option('logind'),
+	not_found_message: '\n'.join(msg).format(get_option('logind-provider')),
+	version: '>=237',
+)
+if logind.found()
+	wlr_files += files('logind.c')
+	wlr_deps += logind
+	conf_data.set10('WLR_HAS_' + get_option('logind-provider').to_upper(), true)
+endif
+
+# libcap
+
+msg = []
+if get_option('libcap').enabled()
+	msg += 'Install "libcap" or pass "-Dlibcap=disabled".'
+endif
+if not get_option('libcap').disabled()
+	msg += 'Required for POSIX capability support (Not needed if using logind).'
+endif
+
+libcap = dependency('libcap',
+	required: get_option('libcap'),
+	not_found_message: '\n'.join(msg),
+)
+if libcap.found()
+	conf_data.set10('WLR_HAS_LIBCAP', true)
+	wlr_deps += libcap
+endif
+
diff --git a/backend/wayland/meson.build b/backend/wayland/meson.build
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..73336d203
--- /dev/null
+++ b/backend/wayland/meson.build
@@ -0,0 +1,20 @@
+wlr_files += files(
+	'backend.c',
+	'output.c',
+	'wl_seat.c',
+	'tablet_v2.c',
+)
+
+client_protos = [
+	'linux-dmabuf-unstable-v1',
+	'pointer-gestures-unstable-v1',
+	'presentation-time',
+	'relative-pointer-unstable-v1',
+	'tablet-unstable-v2',
+	'xdg-decoration-unstable-v1',
+	'xdg-shell',
+]
+
+foreach proto : client_protos
+	wlr_files += get_variable(proto.underscorify() + '_h')
+endforeach
diff --git a/backend/x11/meson.build b/backend/x11/meson.build
index 19e873abd..40530bb0f 100644
--- a/backend/x11/meson.build
+++ b/backend/x11/meson.build
@@ -6,8 +6,19 @@ x11_required = [
 	'xcb-xfixes',
 ]
 
+msg = []
+if get_option('x11-backend').enabled()
+	msg += 'Install "@0@" or pass "-Dx11-backend=disabled" to disable it.'
+endif
+if not get_option('x11-backend').disabled()
+	msg += 'Required for X11 backend support.'
+endif
+
 foreach lib : x11_required
-	dep = dependency(lib, required: get_option('x11-backend'))
+	dep = dependency(lib,
+		required: get_option('x11-backend'),
+		not_found_message: '\n'.join(msg).format(lib),
+	)
 	if not dep.found()
 		subdir_done()
 	endif
@@ -15,21 +26,10 @@ foreach lib : x11_required
 	x11_libs += dep
 endforeach
 
-lib_wlr_backend_x11 = static_library(
-	'wlr_backend_x11',
-	files(
-		'backend.c',
-		'input_device.c',
-		'output.c',
-	),
-	include_directories: wlr_inc,
-	dependencies: [
-		wayland_server,
-		pixman,
-		xkbcommon,
-		x11_libs,
-	],
+wlr_files += files(
+	'backend.c',
+	'input_device.c',
+	'output.c',
 )
-
-backend_parts += lib_wlr_backend_x11
+wlr_deps += x11_libs
 conf_data.set10('WLR_HAS_X11_BACKEND', true)
diff --git a/examples/meson.build b/examples/meson.build
index 4a6d1634b..cfc4df866 100644
--- a/examples/meson.build
+++ b/examples/meson.build
@@ -8,9 +8,9 @@ libavformat = dependency('libavformat', version: '>=58.12.100', required: false,
 
 # epoll is a separate library in FreeBSD
 if host_machine.system() == 'freebsd'
-	libepoll = [dependency('epoll-shim')]
+	libepoll = dependency('epoll-shim')
 else
-	libepoll = []
+	libepoll = dependency('', required: false)
 endif
 
 # Check if libavutil is found because of https://github.com/mesonbuild/meson/issues/6010
@@ -18,62 +18,84 @@ if libavutil.found() and not cc.has_header('libavutil/hwcontext_drm.h', dependen
 	libavutil = disabler()
 endif
 
-examples = {
+compositors = {
 	'simple': {
 		'src': 'simple.c',
-		'dep': [wlroots],
 	},
 	'pointer': {
 		'src': 'pointer.c',
-		'dep': [wlroots],
 	},
 	'touch': {
 		'src': ['touch.c', 'cat.c'],
-		'dep': [wlroots],
 	},
 	'tablet': {
 		'src': 'tablet.c',
-		'dep': [wlroots],
 	},
 	'rotation': {
 		'src': ['rotation.c', 'cat.c'],
-		'dep': [wlroots],
 	},
 	'multi-pointer': {
 		'src': 'multi-pointer.c',
-		'dep': [wlroots],
 	},
 	'output-layout': {
 		'src': ['output-layout.c', 'cat.c'],
-		'dep': [wlroots],
 	},
+	'fullscreen-shell': {
+		'src': 'fullscreen-shell.c',
+	},
+}
+
+clients = {
 	'idle': {
 		'src': 'idle.c',
-		'dep': [wayland_client, wlr_protos, threads],
+		'dep': threads,
+		'proto': ['kde-idle'],
 	},
 	'idle-inhibit': {
 		'src': 'idle-inhibit.c',
-		'dep': [wayland_client, wlr_protos, wlroots],
+		'dep': wlroots,
+		'proto': [
+			'idle-inhibit-unstable-v1',
+			'xdg-shell',
+		],
 	},
 	'layer-shell': {
 		'src': 'layer-shell.c',
-		'dep': [wayland_client, wayland_cursor, wlr_protos, wlroots],
+		'dep': [wayland_cursor, wlroots],
+		'proto': [
+			'wlr-layer-shell-unstable-v1',
+			'xdg-shell',
+		],
 	},
 	'input-inhibitor': {
 		'src': 'input-inhibitor.c',
-		'dep': [wayland_client, wayland_cursor, wlr_protos, wlroots],
+		'dep': [wayland_cursor, wlroots],
+		'proto': [
+			'wlr-input-inhibitor-unstable-v1',
+			'xdg-shell',
+		],
 	},
 	'gamma-control': {
 		'src': 'gamma-control.c',
-		'dep': [wayland_client, wayland_cursor, wlr_protos, math],
+		'dep': [wayland_cursor, math],
+		'proto': ['wlr-gamma-control-unstable-v1'],
 	},
 	'pointer-constraints': {
 		'src': 'pointer-constraints.c',
-		'dep': [wayland_client, wlr_protos, wlroots],
+		'dep': wlroots,
+		'proto': [
+			'pointer-constraints-unstable-v1',
+			'xdg-shell',
+		],
 	},
 	'relative-pointer': {
 		'src': 'relative-pointer-unstable-v1.c',
-		'dep': [wayland_client, wlr_protos, wlroots],
+		'dep': wlroots,
+		'proto': [
+			'pointer-constraints-unstable-v1',
+			'relative-pointer-unstable-v1',
+			'xdg-shell',
+		],
 	},
 	'dmabuf-capture': {
 		'src': 'dmabuf-capture.c',
@@ -83,41 +105,67 @@ examples = {
 			libavutil,
 			drm.partial_dependency(compile_args: true), # <drm_fourcc.h>
 			threads,
-			wayland_client,
-			wlr_protos,
 		],
+		'proto': ['wlr-export-dmabuf-unstable-v1'],
 	},
 	'screencopy': {
 		'src': 'screencopy.c',
-		'dep': [libpng, wayland_client, wlr_protos, rt],
+		'dep': [libpng, rt],
+		'proto': ['wlr-screencopy-unstable-v1'],
 	},
 	'toplevel-decoration': {
 		'src': 'toplevel-decoration.c',
-		'dep': [wayland_client, wlr_protos, wlroots],
+		'dep': wlroots,
+		'proto': [
+			'xdg-decoration-unstable-v1',
+			'xdg-shell',
+		],
 	},
 	'input-method': {
 		'src': 'input-method.c',
-		'dep': [wayland_client, wlr_protos] + libepoll,
+		'dep': libepoll,
+		'proto': [
+			'input-method-unstable-v2',
+			'text-input-unstable-v3',
+			'xdg-shell',
+		],
 	},
 	'text-input': {
 		'src': 'text-input.c',
-		'dep': [wayland_cursor, wayland_client, wlr_protos, wlroots],
+		'dep': [wayland_cursor, wlroots],
+		'proto': [
+			'text-input-unstable-v3',
+			'xdg-shell',
+		],
 	},
 	'foreign-toplevel': {
 		'src': 'foreign-toplevel.c',
-		'dep': [wayland_client, wlr_protos, wlroots],
-	},
-	'fullscreen-shell': {
-		'src': 'fullscreen-shell.c',
-		'dep': [wlr_protos, wlroots],
+		'dep': [wlroots],
+		'proto': ['wlr-foreign-toplevel-management-unstable-v1'],
 	},
 }
 
-foreach name, info : examples
+foreach name, info : compositors
 	executable(
 		name,
 		info.get('src'),
-		dependencies: info.get('dep'),
+		dependencies: wlroots,
+		include_directories: [wlr_inc, proto_inc],
+		build_by_default: get_option('examples'),
+	)
+endforeach
+
+foreach name, info : clients
+	extra_src = []
+	foreach p : info.get('proto')
+		extra_src += get_variable(p.underscorify() + '_c')
+		extra_src += get_variable(p.underscorify() + '_h')
+	endforeach
+
+	executable(
+		name,
+		[info.get('src'), extra_src],
+		dependencies: [wayland_client, info.get('dep')],
 		build_by_default: get_option('examples'),
 	)
 endforeach
diff --git a/include/meson.build b/include/meson.build
index d16d6ef46..e2428e8d9 100644
--- a/include/meson.build
+++ b/include/meson.build
@@ -1 +1,14 @@
 subdir('wlr')
+
+exclude_files = ['meson.build', 'config.h.in', 'version.h.in']
+if conf_data.get('WLR_HAS_X11_BACKEND', 0) != 1
+	exclude_files += 'backend/x11.h'
+endif
+if conf_data.get('WLR_HAS_XWAYLAND', 0) != 1
+	exclude_files += 'xwayland.h'
+endif
+
+install_subdir('wlr',
+	install_dir: get_option('includedir'),
+	exclude_files: exclude_files,
+)
diff --git a/include/wlr/backend/meson.build b/include/wlr/backend/meson.build
deleted file mode 100644
index 47de62d27..000000000
--- a/include/wlr/backend/meson.build
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,17 +0,0 @@
-install_headers(
-	'drm.h',
-	'headless.h',
-	'interface.h',
-	'libinput.h',
-	'multi.h',
-	'noop.h',
-	'session.h',
-	'wayland.h',
-	subdir: 'wlr/backend',
-)
-
-if conf_data.get('WLR_HAS_X11_BACKEND', 0) == 1
-	install_headers('x11.h', subdir: 'wlr/backend')
-endif
-
-subdir('session')
diff --git a/include/wlr/backend/session/meson.build b/include/wlr/backend/session/meson.build
deleted file mode 100644
index 21b5a96b5..000000000
--- a/include/wlr/backend/session/meson.build
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1 +0,0 @@
-install_headers('interface.h', subdir: 'wlr/backend/session')
diff --git a/include/wlr/interfaces/meson.build b/include/wlr/interfaces/meson.build
deleted file mode 100644
index 7d4d811d3..000000000
--- a/include/wlr/interfaces/meson.build
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,11 +0,0 @@
-install_headers(
-	'wlr_input_device.h',
-	'wlr_keyboard.h',
-	'wlr_output.h',
-	'wlr_pointer.h',
-	'wlr_switch.h',
-	'wlr_tablet_pad.h',
-	'wlr_tablet_tool.h',
-	'wlr_touch.h',
-	subdir: 'wlr/interfaces',
-)
diff --git a/include/wlr/meson.build b/include/wlr/meson.build
index 8874dbc7d..032c08d2f 100644
--- a/include/wlr/meson.build
+++ b/include/wlr/meson.build
@@ -8,19 +8,15 @@ version_data.set('WLR_VERSION_API_CURRENT',  so_version[0])
 version_data.set('WLR_VERSION_API_REVISION', so_version[1])
 version_data.set('WLR_VERSION_API_AGE',      so_version[2])
 
-install_headers(
-	configure_file(input: 'config.h.in', output: 'config.h',configuration: conf_data),
-	configure_file(input: 'version.h.in', output: 'version.h', configuration: version_data),
-	'backend.h',
-	'xcursor.h',
-	subdir: 'wlr'
+conf_h = configure_file(
+	input: 'config.h.in',
+	output: 'config.h',
+	configuration: conf_data,
+)
+ver_h = configure_file(
+	input: 'version.h.in',
+	output: 'version.h',
+	configuration: version_data,
 )
-if conf_data.get('WLR_HAS_XWAYLAND', 0) == 1
-	install_headers('xwayland.h', subdir: 'wlr')
-endif
 
-subdir('backend')
-subdir('interfaces')
-subdir('render')
-subdir('types')
-subdir('util')
+install_headers(conf_h, ver_h, subdir: 'wlr')
diff --git a/include/wlr/render/meson.build b/include/wlr/render/meson.build
deleted file mode 100644
index 06ebcc371..000000000
--- a/include/wlr/render/meson.build
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,10 +0,0 @@
-install_headers(
-	'dmabuf.h',
-	'egl.h',
-	'drm_format_set.h',
-	'gles2.h',
-	'interface.h',
-	'wlr_renderer.h',
-	'wlr_texture.h',
-	subdir: 'wlr/render',
-)
diff --git a/include/wlr/types/meson.build b/include/wlr/types/meson.build
deleted file mode 100644
index aee5c6d90..000000000
--- a/include/wlr/types/meson.build
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,53 +0,0 @@
-install_headers(
-	'wlr_box.h',
-	'wlr_buffer.h',
-	'wlr_compositor.h',
-	'wlr_cursor.h',
-	'wlr_data_control_v1.h',
-	'wlr_data_device.h',
-	'wlr_export_dmabuf_v1.h',
-	'wlr_foreign_toplevel_management_v1.h',
-	'wlr_fullscreen_shell_v1.h',
-	'wlr_gamma_control_v1.h',
-	'wlr_gtk_primary_selection.h',
-	'wlr_idle_inhibit_v1.h',
-	'wlr_idle.h',
-	'wlr_input_device.h',
-	'wlr_input_inhibitor.h',
-	'wlr_input_method_v2.h',
-	'wlr_keyboard.h',
-	'wlr_keyboard_group.h',
-	'wlr_layer_shell_v1.h',
-	'wlr_linux_dmabuf_v1.h',
-	'wlr_list.h',
-	'wlr_matrix.h',
-	'wlr_output_damage.h',
-	'wlr_output_layout.h',
-	'wlr_output_management_v1.h',
-	'wlr_output.h',
-	'wlr_pointer_constraints_v1.h',
-	'wlr_pointer_gestures_v1.h',
-	'wlr_pointer.h',
-	'wlr_presentation_time.h',
-	'wlr_primary_selection_v1.h',
-	'wlr_primary_selection.h',
-	'wlr_region.h',
-	'wlr_relative_pointer_v1.h',
-	'wlr_screencopy_v1.h',
-	'wlr_seat.h',
-	'wlr_server_decoration.h',
-	'wlr_surface.h',
-	'wlr_switch.h',
-	'wlr_tablet_pad.h',
-	'wlr_tablet_tool.h',
-	'wlr_tablet_v2.h',
-	'wlr_text_input_v3.h',
-	'wlr_touch.h',
-	'wlr_virtual_keyboard_v1.h',
-	'wlr_xcursor_manager.h',
-	'wlr_xdg_decoration_v1.h',
-	'wlr_xdg_output_v1.h',
-	'wlr_xdg_shell_v6.h',
-	'wlr_xdg_shell.h',
-	subdir: 'wlr/types',
-)
diff --git a/include/wlr/util/meson.build b/include/wlr/util/meson.build
deleted file mode 100644
index ee72cbd64..000000000
--- a/include/wlr/util/meson.build
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,6 +0,0 @@
-install_headers(
-	'edges.h',
-	'log.h',
-	'region.h',
-	subdir: 'wlr/util',
-)
diff --git a/meson.build b/meson.build
index 18528df26..87af465ec 100644
--- a/meson.build
+++ b/meson.build
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ project(
 	'c',
 	version: '0.8.1',
 	license: 'MIT',
-	meson_version: '>=0.49.0',
+	meson_version: '>=0.51.0',
 	default_options: [
 		'c_std=c11',
 		'warning_level=2',
@@ -88,8 +88,6 @@ conf_data.set10('WLR_HAS_XWAYLAND', false)
 conf_data.set10('WLR_HAS_XCB_ERRORS', false)
 conf_data.set10('WLR_HAS_XCB_ICCCM', false)
 
-wlr_inc = include_directories('.', 'include')
-
 # Clang complains about some zeroed initializer lists (= {0}), even though they
 # are valid
 if cc.get_id() == 'clang'
@@ -99,66 +97,21 @@ endif
 
 wayland_server = dependency('wayland-server', version: '>=1.16')
 wayland_client = dependency('wayland-client')
-wayland_egl    = dependency('wayland-egl')
+wayland_egl = dependency('wayland-egl')
 wayland_protos = dependency('wayland-protocols', version: '>=1.17')
-egl            = dependency('egl')
-freerdp        = dependency('freerdp2', required: get_option('freerdp'))
-winpr2         = dependency('winpr2', required: get_option('freerdp'))
-glesv2         = dependency('glesv2')
-drm            = dependency('libdrm', version: '>=2.4.95')
-gbm            = dependency('gbm', version: '>=17.1.0')
-libinput       = dependency('libinput', version: '>=1.9.0')
-xkbcommon      = dependency('xkbcommon')
-udev           = dependency('libudev')
-pixman         = dependency('pixman-1')
-libcap         = dependency('libcap', required: get_option('libcap'))
-logind         = dependency('lib' + get_option('logind-provider'), required: get_option('logind'), version: '>=237')
-math           = cc.find_library('m')
-rt             = cc.find_library('rt')
+egl = dependency('egl')
+glesv2 = dependency('glesv2')
+drm = dependency('libdrm', version: '>=2.4.95')
+gbm = dependency('gbm', version: '>=17.1.0')
+libinput = dependency('libinput', version: '>=1.9.0')
+xkbcommon = dependency('xkbcommon')
+udev = dependency('libudev')
+pixman = dependency('pixman-1')
+math = cc.find_library('m')
+rt = cc.find_library('rt')
 
-wlr_parts = []
-wlr_deps = []
-
-if libcap.found()
-	conf_data.set10('WLR_HAS_LIBCAP', true)
-	wlr_deps += libcap
-endif
-
-if logind.found()
-	conf_data.set10('WLR_HAS_' + get_option('logind-provider').to_upper(), true)
-	wlr_deps += logind
-endif
-
-if libinput.found()
-	ver = libinput.version().split('.')
-	add_project_arguments([
-		'-DLIBINPUT_MAJOR=' + ver[0],
-		'-DLIBINPUT_MINOR=' + ver[1],
-		'-DLIBINPUT_PATCH=' + ver[2],
-	], language: 'c')
-endif
-
-subdir('protocol')
-subdir('render')
-
-subdir('backend')
-subdir('types')
-subdir('util')
-subdir('xcursor')
-subdir('xwayland')
-
-subdir('include')
-
-wlr_parts += [
-	lib_wl_protos,
-	lib_wlr_backend,
-	lib_wlr_render,
-	lib_wlr_types,
-	lib_wlr_util,
-	lib_wlr_xcursor,
-]
-
-wlr_deps += [
+wlr_files = []
+wlr_deps = [
 	wayland_server,
 	wayland_client,
 	wayland_egl,
@@ -172,16 +125,37 @@ wlr_deps += [
 	udev,
 	pixman,
 	math,
+	rt,
 ]
 
+libinput_ver = libinput.version().split('.')
+add_project_arguments([
+	'-DLIBINPUT_MAJOR=' + libinput_ver[0],
+	'-DLIBINPUT_MINOR=' + libinput_ver[1],
+	'-DLIBINPUT_PATCH=' + libinput_ver[2],
+], language: 'c')
+
+subdir('protocol')
+subdir('render')
+
+subdir('backend')
+subdir('types')
+subdir('util')
+subdir('xcursor')
+subdir('xwayland')
+
+subdir('include')
+
+wlr_inc = include_directories('.', 'include')
+proto_inc = include_directories('protocol')
+
 symbols_file = 'wlroots.syms'
 symbols_flag = '-Wl,--version-script,@0@/@1@'.format(meson.current_source_dir(), symbols_file)
 lib_wlr = library(
-	meson.project_name(),
+	meson.project_name(), wlr_files,
 	version: '.'.join(so_version),
-	link_whole: wlr_parts,
 	dependencies: wlr_deps,
-	include_directories: wlr_inc,
+	include_directories: [wlr_inc, proto_inc],
 	install: true,
 	link_args : symbols_flag,
 	link_depends: symbols_file,
diff --git a/protocol/meson.build b/protocol/meson.build
index ed5491c85..c39be751d 100644
--- a/protocol/meson.build
+++ b/protocol/meson.build
@@ -1,103 +1,72 @@
-wl_protocol_dir = wayland_protos.get_pkgconfig_variable('pkgdatadir')
+wl_protocol_dir = wayland_protos.get_variable(pkgconfig: 'pkgdatadir')
 
 wayland_scanner_dep = dependency('wayland-scanner', required: false, native: true)
 if wayland_scanner_dep.found()
 	wayland_scanner = find_program(
-		wayland_scanner_dep.get_pkgconfig_variable('wayland_scanner'),
+		wayland_scanner_dep.get_variable(pkgconfig: 'wayland_scanner'),
 		native: true,
 	)
 else
 	wayland_scanner = find_program('wayland-scanner', native: true)
 endif
 
-protocols = [
-	[wl_protocol_dir, 'stable/presentation-time/presentation-time.xml'],
-	[wl_protocol_dir, 'stable/xdg-shell/xdg-shell.xml'],
-	[wl_protocol_dir, 'unstable/fullscreen-shell/fullscreen-shell-unstable-v1.xml'],
-	[wl_protocol_dir, 'unstable/idle-inhibit/idle-inhibit-unstable-v1.xml'],
-	[wl_protocol_dir, 'unstable/linux-dmabuf/linux-dmabuf-unstable-v1.xml'],
-	[wl_protocol_dir, 'unstable/pointer-constraints/pointer-constraints-unstable-v1.xml'],
-	[wl_protocol_dir, 'unstable/pointer-gestures/pointer-gestures-unstable-v1.xml'],
-	[wl_protocol_dir, 'unstable/primary-selection/primary-selection-unstable-v1.xml'],
-	[wl_protocol_dir, 'unstable/relative-pointer/relative-pointer-unstable-v1.xml'],
-	[wl_protocol_dir, 'unstable/tablet/tablet-unstable-v2.xml'],
-	[wl_protocol_dir, 'unstable/text-input/text-input-unstable-v3.xml'],
-	[wl_protocol_dir, 'unstable/xdg-decoration/xdg-decoration-unstable-v1.xml'],
-	[wl_protocol_dir, 'unstable/xdg-output/xdg-output-unstable-v1.xml'],
-	[wl_protocol_dir, 'unstable/xdg-shell/xdg-shell-unstable-v6.xml'],
-	'gtk-primary-selection.xml',
-	'idle.xml',
-	'input-method-unstable-v2.xml',
-	'server-decoration.xml',
-	'virtual-keyboard-unstable-v1.xml',
-	'wlr-data-control-unstable-v1.xml',
-	'wlr-export-dmabuf-unstable-v1.xml',
-	'wlr-foreign-toplevel-management-unstable-v1.xml',
-	'wlr-gamma-control-unstable-v1.xml',
-	'wlr-input-inhibitor-unstable-v1.xml',
-	'wlr-layer-shell-unstable-v1.xml',
-	'wlr-output-management-unstable-v1.xml',
-	'wlr-screencopy-unstable-v1.xml',
-]
+protocols = {
+	# Stable upstream protocols
+	'xdg-shell': wl_protocol_dir / 'stable/xdg-shell/xdg-shell.xml',
+	'presentation-time': wl_protocol_dir / 'stable/presentation-time/presentation-time.xml',
+	# Unstable upstream protocols
+	'fullscreen-shell-unstable-v1': wl_protocol_dir / 'unstable/fullscreen-shell/fullscreen-shell-unstable-v1.xml',
+	'idle-inhibit-unstable-v1': wl_protocol_dir / 'unstable/idle-inhibit/idle-inhibit-unstable-v1.xml',
+	'linux-dmabuf-unstable-v1': wl_protocol_dir / 'unstable/linux-dmabuf/linux-dmabuf-unstable-v1.xml',
+	'pointer-constraints-unstable-v1': wl_protocol_dir / 'unstable/pointer-constraints/pointer-constraints-unstable-v1.xml',
+	'pointer-gestures-unstable-v1': wl_protocol_dir / 'unstable/pointer-gestures/pointer-gestures-unstable-v1.xml',
+	'primary-selection-unstable-v1': wl_protocol_dir / 'unstable/primary-selection/primary-selection-unstable-v1.xml',
+	'relative-pointer-unstable-v1': wl_protocol_dir / 'unstable/relative-pointer/relative-pointer-unstable-v1.xml',
+	'tablet-unstable-v2': wl_protocol_dir / 'unstable/tablet/tablet-unstable-v2.xml',
+	'text-input-unstable-v3': wl_protocol_dir / 'unstable/text-input/text-input-unstable-v3.xml',
+	'xdg-decoration-unstable-v1': wl_protocol_dir / 'unstable/xdg-decoration/xdg-decoration-unstable-v1.xml',
+	'xdg-output-unstable-v1': wl_protocol_dir / 'unstable/xdg-output/xdg-output-unstable-v1.xml',
+	'xdg-shell-unstable-v6': wl_protocol_dir / 'unstable/xdg-shell/xdg-shell-unstable-v6.xml',
+	# Other protocols
+	'gtk-primary-selection': 'gtk-primary-selection.xml',
+	'kde-idle': 'idle.xml',
+	'kde-server-decoration': 'server-decoration.xml',
+	'input-method-unstable-v2': 'input-method-unstable-v2.xml',
+	'virtual-keyboard-unstable-v1': 'virtual-keyboard-unstable-v1.xml',
+	'wlr-data-control-unstable-v1': 'wlr-data-control-unstable-v1.xml',
+	'wlr-export-dmabuf-unstable-v1': 'wlr-export-dmabuf-unstable-v1.xml',
+	'wlr-foreign-toplevel-management-unstable-v1': 'wlr-foreign-toplevel-management-unstable-v1.xml',
+	'wlr-gamma-control-unstable-v1': 'wlr-gamma-control-unstable-v1.xml',
+	'wlr-input-inhibitor-unstable-v1': 'wlr-input-inhibitor-unstable-v1.xml',
+	'wlr-layer-shell-unstable-v1': 'wlr-layer-shell-unstable-v1.xml',
+	'wlr-output-management-unstable-v1': 'wlr-output-management-unstable-v1.xml',
+	'wlr-screencopy-unstable-v1': 'wlr-screencopy-unstable-v1.xml',
+}
 
-client_protocols = [
-	[wl_protocol_dir, 'stable/presentation-time/presentation-time.xml'],
-	[wl_protocol_dir, 'stable/xdg-shell/xdg-shell.xml'],
-	[wl_protocol_dir, 'unstable/idle-inhibit/idle-inhibit-unstable-v1.xml'],
-	[wl_protocol_dir, 'unstable/linux-dmabuf/linux-dmabuf-unstable-v1.xml'],
-	[wl_protocol_dir, 'unstable/pointer-constraints/pointer-constraints-unstable-v1.xml'],
-	[wl_protocol_dir, 'unstable/pointer-gestures/pointer-gestures-unstable-v1.xml'],
-	[wl_protocol_dir, 'unstable/relative-pointer/relative-pointer-unstable-v1.xml'],
-	[wl_protocol_dir, 'unstable/tablet/tablet-unstable-v2.xml'],
-	[wl_protocol_dir, 'unstable/text-input/text-input-unstable-v3.xml'],
-	[wl_protocol_dir, 'unstable/xdg-decoration/xdg-decoration-unstable-v1.xml'],
-	[wl_protocol_dir, 'unstable/xdg-shell/xdg-shell-unstable-v6.xml'],
-	'idle.xml',
-	'input-method-unstable-v2.xml',
-	'wlr-export-dmabuf-unstable-v1.xml',
-	'wlr-foreign-toplevel-management-unstable-v1.xml',
-	'wlr-gamma-control-unstable-v1.xml',
-	'wlr-input-inhibitor-unstable-v1.xml',
-	'wlr-layer-shell-unstable-v1.xml',
-	'wlr-screencopy-unstable-v1.xml',
-]
-
-wl_protos_src = []
-wl_protos_headers = []
-
-foreach p : protocols
-	xml = join_paths(p)
-	wl_protos_src += custom_target(
-		xml.underscorify() + '_server_c',
-		input: xml,
+foreach name, path : protocols
+	code = custom_target(
+		name.underscorify() + '_c',
+		input: path,
 		output: '@BASENAME@-protocol.c',
 		command: [wayland_scanner, 'private-code', '@INPUT@', '@OUTPUT@'],
 	)
-	wl_protos_headers += custom_target(
-		xml.underscorify() + '_server_h',
-		input: xml,
+	wlr_files += code
+
+	wlr_files += custom_target(
+		name.underscorify() + '_server_h',
+		input: path,
 		output: '@BASENAME@-protocol.h',
 		command: [wayland_scanner, 'server-header', '@INPUT@', '@OUTPUT@'],
 	)
-endforeach
 
-foreach p : client_protocols
-	xml = join_paths(p)
-	wl_protos_headers += custom_target(
-		xml.underscorify() + '_client_h',
-		input: xml,
+	header = custom_target(
+		name.underscorify() + '_client_h',
+		input: path,
 		output: '@BASENAME@-client-protocol.h',
 		command: [wayland_scanner, 'client-header', '@INPUT@', '@OUTPUT@'],
+		build_by_default: false,
 	)
+
+	set_variable(name.underscorify() + '_c', code)
+	set_variable(name.underscorify() + '_h', header)
 endforeach
-
-lib_wl_protos = static_library(
-	'wl_protos',
-	wl_protos_src + wl_protos_headers,
-	dependencies: wayland_client.partial_dependency(compile_args: true),
-)
-
-wlr_protos = declare_dependency(
-	link_with: lib_wl_protos,
-	sources: wl_protos_headers,
-)
diff --git a/render/meson.build b/render/meson.build
index 79daba93b..9486c22de 100644
--- a/render/meson.build
+++ b/render/meson.build
@@ -1,26 +1,11 @@
-lib_wlr_render = static_library(
-	'wlr_render',
-	files(
-		'dmabuf.c',
-		'egl.c',
-		'drm_format_set.c',
-		'gles2/pixel_format.c',
-		'gles2/renderer.c',
-		'gles2/shaders.c',
-		'gles2/texture.c',
-		'wlr_renderer.c',
-		'wlr_texture.c',
-	),
-	include_directories: wlr_inc,
-	dependencies: [
-		egl,
-		drm.partial_dependency(compile_args: true), # <drm_fourcc.h>
-		glesv2,
-		pixman,
-		wayland_server,
-	],
-)
-
-wlr_render = declare_dependency(
-	link_with: lib_wlr_render,
+wlr_files += files(
+	'dmabuf.c',
+	'egl.c',
+	'drm_format_set.c',
+	'gles2/pixel_format.c',
+	'gles2/renderer.c',
+	'gles2/shaders.c',
+	'gles2/texture.c',
+	'wlr_renderer.c',
+	'wlr_texture.c',
 )
diff --git a/types/meson.build b/types/meson.build
index 6e9c2826a..4e141fb34 100644
--- a/types/meson.build
+++ b/types/meson.build
@@ -1,80 +1,69 @@
-lib_wlr_types = static_library(
-	'wlr_types',
-	files(
-		'data_device/wlr_data_device.c',
-		'data_device/wlr_data_offer.c',
-		'data_device/wlr_data_source.c',
-		'data_device/wlr_drag.c',
-		'seat/wlr_seat_keyboard.c',
-		'seat/wlr_seat_pointer.c',
-		'seat/wlr_seat_touch.c',
-		'seat/wlr_seat.c',
-		'tablet_v2/wlr_tablet_v2_pad.c',
-		'tablet_v2/wlr_tablet_v2_tablet.c',
-		'tablet_v2/wlr_tablet_v2_tool.c',
-		'tablet_v2/wlr_tablet_v2.c',
-		'xdg_shell_v6/wlr_xdg_popup_v6.c',
-		'xdg_shell_v6/wlr_xdg_positioner_v6.c',
-		'xdg_shell_v6/wlr_xdg_shell_v6.c',
-		'xdg_shell_v6/wlr_xdg_surface_v6.c',
-		'xdg_shell_v6/wlr_xdg_toplevel_v6.c',
-		'xdg_shell/wlr_xdg_popup.c',
-		'xdg_shell/wlr_xdg_positioner.c',
-		'xdg_shell/wlr_xdg_shell.c',
-		'xdg_shell/wlr_xdg_surface.c',
-		'xdg_shell/wlr_xdg_toplevel.c',
-		'wlr_box.c',
-		'wlr_buffer.c',
-		'wlr_compositor.c',
-		'wlr_cursor.c',
-		'wlr_data_control_v1.c',
-		'wlr_export_dmabuf_v1.c',
-		'wlr_foreign_toplevel_management_v1.c',
-		'wlr_fullscreen_shell_v1.c',
-		'wlr_gamma_control_v1.c',
-		'wlr_gtk_primary_selection.c',
-		'wlr_idle_inhibit_v1.c',
-		'wlr_idle.c',
-		'wlr_input_device.c',
-		'wlr_input_inhibitor.c',
-		'wlr_input_method_v2.c',
-		'wlr_keyboard.c',
-		'wlr_keyboard_group.c',
-		'wlr_layer_shell_v1.c',
-		'wlr_linux_dmabuf_v1.c',
-		'wlr_list.c',
-		'wlr_matrix.c',
-		'wlr_output_damage.c',
-		'wlr_output_layout.c',
-		'wlr_output_management_v1.c',
-		'wlr_output.c',
-		'wlr_pointer_constraints_v1.c',
-		'wlr_pointer_gestures_v1.c',
-		'wlr_pointer.c',
-		'wlr_presentation_time.c',
-		'wlr_primary_selection_v1.c',
-		'wlr_primary_selection.c',
-		'wlr_region.c',
-		'wlr_relative_pointer_v1.c',
-		'wlr_screencopy_v1.c',
-		'wlr_server_decoration.c',
-		'wlr_surface.c',
-		'wlr_switch.c',
-		'wlr_tablet_pad.c',
-		'wlr_tablet_tool.c',
-		'wlr_text_input_v3.c',
-		'wlr_touch.c',
-		'wlr_virtual_keyboard_v1.c',
-		'wlr_xcursor_manager.c',
-		'wlr_xdg_decoration_v1.c',
-		'wlr_xdg_output_v1.c',
-	),
-	include_directories: wlr_inc,
-	dependencies: [
-		drm.partial_dependency(compile_args: true), # <drm_fourcc.h>
-		pixman,
-		wayland_server,
-		wlr_protos,
-		xkbcommon,
-	],
+wlr_files += files(
+	'data_device/wlr_data_device.c',
+	'data_device/wlr_data_offer.c',
+	'data_device/wlr_data_source.c',
+	'data_device/wlr_drag.c',
+	'seat/wlr_seat_keyboard.c',
+	'seat/wlr_seat_pointer.c',
+	'seat/wlr_seat_touch.c',
+	'seat/wlr_seat.c',
+	'tablet_v2/wlr_tablet_v2_pad.c',
+	'tablet_v2/wlr_tablet_v2_tablet.c',
+	'tablet_v2/wlr_tablet_v2_tool.c',
+	'tablet_v2/wlr_tablet_v2.c',
+	'xdg_shell_v6/wlr_xdg_popup_v6.c',
+	'xdg_shell_v6/wlr_xdg_positioner_v6.c',
+	'xdg_shell_v6/wlr_xdg_shell_v6.c',
+	'xdg_shell_v6/wlr_xdg_surface_v6.c',
+	'xdg_shell_v6/wlr_xdg_toplevel_v6.c',
+	'xdg_shell/wlr_xdg_popup.c',
+	'xdg_shell/wlr_xdg_positioner.c',
+	'xdg_shell/wlr_xdg_shell.c',
+	'xdg_shell/wlr_xdg_surface.c',
+	'xdg_shell/wlr_xdg_toplevel.c',
+	'wlr_box.c',
+	'wlr_buffer.c',
+	'wlr_compositor.c',
+	'wlr_cursor.c',
+	'wlr_data_control_v1.c',
+	'wlr_export_dmabuf_v1.c',
+	'wlr_foreign_toplevel_management_v1.c',
+	'wlr_fullscreen_shell_v1.c',
+	'wlr_gamma_control_v1.c',
+	'wlr_gtk_primary_selection.c',
+	'wlr_idle_inhibit_v1.c',
+	'wlr_idle.c',
+	'wlr_input_device.c',
+	'wlr_input_inhibitor.c',
+	'wlr_input_method_v2.c',
+	'wlr_keyboard.c',
+	'wlr_keyboard_group.c',
+	'wlr_layer_shell_v1.c',
+	'wlr_linux_dmabuf_v1.c',
+	'wlr_list.c',
+	'wlr_matrix.c',
+	'wlr_output_damage.c',
+	'wlr_output_layout.c',
+	'wlr_output_management_v1.c',
+	'wlr_output.c',
+	'wlr_pointer_constraints_v1.c',
+	'wlr_pointer_gestures_v1.c',
+	'wlr_pointer.c',
+	'wlr_presentation_time.c',
+	'wlr_primary_selection_v1.c',
+	'wlr_primary_selection.c',
+	'wlr_region.c',
+	'wlr_relative_pointer_v1.c',
+	'wlr_screencopy_v1.c',
+	'wlr_server_decoration.c',
+	'wlr_surface.c',
+	'wlr_switch.c',
+	'wlr_tablet_pad.c',
+	'wlr_tablet_tool.c',
+	'wlr_text_input_v3.c',
+	'wlr_touch.c',
+	'wlr_virtual_keyboard_v1.c',
+	'wlr_xcursor_manager.c',
+	'wlr_xdg_decoration_v1.c',
+	'wlr_xdg_output_v1.c',
 )
diff --git a/util/meson.build b/util/meson.build
index dca3e9a44..c66142757 100644
--- a/util/meson.build
+++ b/util/meson.build
@@ -1,12 +1,7 @@
-lib_wlr_util = static_library(
-	'wlr_util',
-	files(
-		'array.c',
-		'log.c',
-		'region.c',
-		'shm.c',
-		'signal.c',
-	),
-	include_directories: wlr_inc,
-	dependencies: [wayland_server, pixman, rt],
+wlr_files += files(
+	'array.c',
+	'log.c',
+	'region.c',
+	'shm.c',
+	'signal.c',
 )
diff --git a/xcursor/meson.build b/xcursor/meson.build
index 31040a92e..a85051e9e 100644
--- a/xcursor/meson.build
+++ b/xcursor/meson.build
@@ -1,9 +1,4 @@
-lib_wlr_xcursor = static_library(
-	'wlr_xcursor',
-	files(
-		'wlr_xcursor.c',
-		'xcursor.c',
-	),
-	include_directories: wlr_inc,
-	dependencies: [egl] # header required via include/wlr/render.h
+wlr_files += files(
+	'wlr_xcursor.c',
+	'xcursor.c',
 )
diff --git a/xwayland/meson.build b/xwayland/meson.build
index e5f9b9bea..12c69da42 100644
--- a/xwayland/meson.build
+++ b/xwayland/meson.build
@@ -5,13 +5,24 @@ xwayland_required = [
 	'xcb-render',
 	'xcb-xfixes',
 ]
-xwayland_optional = [
-	'xcb-errors',
-	'xcb-icccm',
-]
+xwayland_optional = {
+	'xcb-errors': 'Required for printing X11 errors.',
+	'xcb-icccm': 'Required for extended X11 window manager hints.',
+}
+
+msg = []
+if get_option('xwayland').enabled()
+	msg += 'Install "@0@" or pass "-Dxwayland=disabled".'
+endif
+if not get_option('xwayland').disabled()
+	msg += 'Required for Xwayland support.'
+endif
 
 foreach lib : xwayland_required
-	dep = dependency(lib, required: get_option('xwayland'))
+	dep = dependency(lib,
+		required: get_option('xwayland'),
+		not_found_message: '\n'.join(msg).format(lib),
+	)
 	if not dep.found()
 		subdir_done()
 	endif
@@ -19,33 +30,33 @@ foreach lib : xwayland_required
 	xwayland_libs += dep
 endforeach
 
-foreach lib : xwayland_optional
-	dep = dependency(lib, required: get_option(lib))
+foreach lib, desc : xwayland_optional
+	msg = []
+	if get_option(lib).enabled()
+		msg += 'Install "@0@" or pass "-D@0@=disabled".'
+	endif
+	if not get_option(lib).disabled()
+		msg += desc
+	endif
+
+	dep = dependency(lib,
+		required: get_option(lib),
+		not_found_message: '\n'.join(msg).format(lib),
+	)
 	if dep.found()
 		xwayland_libs += dep
 		conf_data.set10('WLR_HAS_' + lib.underscorify().to_upper(), true)
 	endif
 endforeach
 
-lib_wlr_xwayland = static_library(
-	'wlr_xwayland',
-	files(
-		'selection/dnd.c',
-		'selection/incoming.c',
-		'selection/outgoing.c',
-		'selection/selection.c',
-		'sockets.c',
-		'xwayland.c',
-		'xwm.c',
-	),
-	include_directories: wlr_inc,
-	dependencies: [
-		wayland_server,
-		xwayland_libs,
-		xkbcommon,
-		pixman,
-	],
+wlr_files += files(
+	'selection/dnd.c',
+	'selection/incoming.c',
+	'selection/outgoing.c',
+	'selection/selection.c',
+	'sockets.c',
+	'xwayland.c',
+	'xwm.c',
 )
-
-wlr_parts += lib_wlr_xwayland
+wlr_deps += xwayland_libs
 conf_data.set10('WLR_HAS_XWAYLAND', true)