Ultimate Garage Shelving
to build your own garage shelving from More storage, easier to build, super sturdy, and very customizable! This garage shelving plan uses metal angle for support, increasing vertical shelf space, and distance between legs for more storage in the same footprint! Built independent, but attached to the walls for rigidness and forward tipping, this well thought out design is a must build!
Specifications
| Project type | Garage Storage |
|---|---|
| Room | Garage and Workshop |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
Dimensions
Use the size-specific shopping and cut lists below.
Shopping List
- 15 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long (each support ladder uses 3 2x4x8' boards)
- 5 - 4x8 sheets of 1/2" thick plywood
- 8 - 1" x 1" metal angle, 1/8" thick (outside dimensions), 20 feet long
- 100 - 3" self tapping wood screws
- 80" - 1-5/8" metal lath screws
Shopping list is as shown in photos and video
Cut List
- 20 - 2x4 @ 24" long, can cut at 23-7/8" if 2x4x8 boards are exactly 8' and need to consider kerf to fit cuts on 8' board length
- 10 - 2x4 @ 8' long
- 8 - 1"x1" metal angle, at 240" long
- 1/2" thick plywood tops should be measured and cut to fit
Cut list is as shown in video and photos
Tools
- measuring tape
- square
- pencil
- safety glasses
- drill
- circular saw
- level
- countersink drill bit
Step-by-step Instructions
Step 1
Build ladder supports with 2x4s as shown. The rungs should be placed 1-1/2" lower than the desired shelf heights. The rungs are vertical so you can screw into the angle later. A good span is about 5-6', so if modifying plans, build enough ladders to support these spans.
Step 2
if your space does not allow, thread the angle pieces through the ladders before installing to the wall. Position the ladders along the wall for final install. Attach to studs in the wall - center ladders can be moved to land on studs.
Step 3
Place the angle inside the ladders.
Step 4
Mark and drill holes through the angle with a metal drill bit. Screw the angle to the 2x4 uprights on the ladders.
Step 5
Measure the inside width and rip the plywood into strips to match this width. Crosscut pieces as needed. We did not screw the plywood down, but it can be screwed to the metal angle.
Finishing
Sand all surfaces, starting with a medium grit and finishing with fine. Wipe off the dust, fill any holes or gaps with wood filler, and sand smooth once dry. Apply primer if you're painting, then finish with your choice of paint or stain and seal with a durable clear topcoat. For outdoor projects, use exterior-rated primer, paint or stain, and sealer so the piece stands up to the weather.
Source (temporary): https://www.ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/ultimate-garage-shelving-plans