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How to Build Garage Shelves: A Comprehensive Guide
Before You Begin
Before embarking on your garage shelving project, consider the following:
- Type of items to be stored: Determine the sizes, weights, and frequency of use of the items you need to store.
- Space requirements: Ensure there is sufficient space, particularly height, to accommodate your items.
- Shelving style: Choose between dense storage systems utilizing storage totes or more freeform open shelves.
Safety Considerations
Garage shelves of significant size and weight must be securely attached to wall studs. Unattached shelving units can pose a safety hazard. Use wood screws or deck screws only, not drywall screws.
Materials and Tools
Materials:
- 20 2x4s
- 5 3/4-inch plywood sheets
- Wood screws (3-inch, 2-1/2-inch, and 1-1/2-inch)
Tools:
- Electric miter saw or circular saw
- Drill
- Drill bits and drivers, set
- Laser level or bubble level
- Stud finder
- Tape measure
- Hand saw
- Chalk snap line
- Pencil
Instructions
Building the Shelf Frames
- Gather your parts: Refer to the table below for a detailed list of components and cut sizes.
- Dry-fit shelf frame: Assemble one frame on a flat surface. Position the 2x4s and lateral braces as indicated.
- Build shelf frames: Secure the frames with 2-1/2-inch screws using pilot holes to prevent splitting. Repeat for the remaining four frames.
Installing the Shelf Frames
- Attach bottom shelf: Determine the height from the garage floor and place the bottom frame against the wall. Secure with 3-inch screws into studs.
- Level and secure bottom shelf frame: Use a level to ensure the frame is level and attach it to studs.
- Add side vertical posts: Position the vertical posts and fasten them to the shelf frame with 2-1/2-inch screws.
- Secure remainder of shelf frames: Install the remaining four frames by measuring and attaching them to the wall and vertical posts.
Adding the Shelves
- Place shelves: Position the plywood sheets on the shelf frames.
- Screw in shelves: Secure the shelves with 1-1/2-inch screws.
Finishing Touches
- Add front vertical post: Place the post at the center-front of the shelves and attach it to the frames with 2-1/2-inch screws.
- Cut vertical posts: Trim the tops of the vertical posts flush with the top shelf.
Garage Shelf Variations
- Garage floor storage: Utilize the space under the bottom shelf for storing heavy or oversized items.
- Custom shelf heights: Adjust the height of each shelf as needed to accommodate different storage requirements.
- Tote spacers: Use storage totes as spacers to create additional room on shelves.
- Shelf lips: Install narrow boards to create a lip along the front edge of shelves for added security.
- Partial plywood: Leave one end of plywood sheets unsupported for items that need to protrude to the next layer.
When to Call a Professional
Seek professional assistance if you cannot meet the structural requirements for building safe and secure garage shelves. Professionals can design and construct shelves that meet specific needs, such as garage loft shelves.
FAQs
- What type of wood should I use for garage shelves? Hardwoods like oak and maple are durable, while softwoods like pine are less expensive but still sturdy.
- How much does it cost to build garage shelves? The cost of constructing an 8-foot by 8-foot garage shelf unit ranges from $100 to $250.
- What is the best depth for garage shelves? Shelf depths vary depending on storage needs. For large tote boxes, plan for a depth of 32 inches. Standard depths for garage shelving are around 16 inches.
