Garage Shelves

When I make shelves, I attach them to the wall and put the vertical support legs on last. I'll make simple rectangular frames with 2 or 3 support stringers, set in place against wall, and put a screw in the center into the wall, preferably a stud. Then put a level on the frame and screw into the rest of the studs. Stand a stud on the floor at the center of the frame, level front to back, level vertical stud, clamp together. Do same with remaining shelf frames.

After all shelf frames are attached level to wall and clamped to vertical stud; start at bottom frame, check level of frame and vertical stud, then screw them together. Repeat with remaining shelf frames. Then add two more vertical support studs at the ends of shelves in same manner. Now measure the rectangular areas for the actual shelves, cut plywood to size, and lay in place on frames. No complicated measuring, notching, etc.

The plywood doesn't even have to be screwed down, the items on the shelves will hold it down. But a few screws won't hurt either.

There ya go, simple/solid/sturdy/cheap! I like to make 'em 24"x 96", that way I can cut one sheet of plywood down the center and have two shelves. Boom - one cut, throw 'em on. You can make the frames any size you want/need, of course. I prefer 2ft. X 8ft. for simplicity. I make my frames out of 2"x2" pine studs, verticals can be 2"x2" also, or 2x4 if you prefer. 1/2" particle board is great for the shelves.

Ron I think I'm going to try that for my next shelf that is up against the outer wall with studs to drill into.

On a whim, I finished my other shelves tonight. Jim had some great ideas about securing to ceiling instead of the wall, and I was planning on doing that until I got an idea to just secure studs to the wall, then secure the shelf unit to the studs. That's essentially what I did. It worked MUCH better than the other way I was trying to do it, but I still swore more tonight than at any other point during all these other projects. Here are some pictures.

Stud secured to wall. I countersunk the driver bolts like I was talking about earlier.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-P...28HDR%2529.jpg
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Q...28HDR%2529.jpg
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-M...28HDR%2529.jpg

At one point I was climbing on the shelves and fell off onto my scrap wood bucket. My gun even fell out of my holster. I'll have to check the tension.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7...28HDR%2529.jpg

Finished and I can finally start to see the rest of my garage. Next shelf will be replacing the shelves at the end of the work bench. They are only 10" apart and not very deep.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-B...28HDR%2529.jpg
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-O...28HDR%2529.jpg
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-G...28HDR%2529.jpg

Looking good! I like your wood stud piece idea, it looks real secure.

Looks like you need a lumber cart like me. Is that going to be the next project? I really need a lumber cart or way of storing all the leftovers or lumber awaiting projects.

I've got an attic full of wood and am building these to use up the stuff that won't fit up there.

Okay, built the next shelf using Ron's method of just building it directly onto the wall. Shelves are 39x16.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-M...28HDR%2529.jpg
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G...28HDR%2529.jpg
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-p...28HDR%2529.jpg
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_...28HDR%2529.jpg

I was standing there looking at the water in the racks, thinking about how I can still only fit three racks in the same space, and now they are way higher, so I didn't really accomplish anything. Then I realized I could just remove the racks and fit ALL of my water on one side of the garage, instead of both.I can fit 35 standing 2 liter water bottles on each shelf. 3 racks is only 24 bottles. More when I lay some across the top. Much better now, although with shelves on both sides, it's starting to make the garage feel smaller.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d...113_234510.jpg
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-y...28HDR%2529.jpg
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-P...28HDR%2529.jpg

Plan was to replace one more shelf unit, then build a second 8 foot long shelf along the other wall. I think I'll leave out the 8 foot shelf though, as it will make the garage feel more cramped.

Looks good Stu. Seems like the corner shelf that you built directly into the wall gave you a lot less trouble.

Yeah, it really was a lot easier to only have to install front legs.

I put mine up today. They're 8' wide, 24 inches deep, and 6'6" tall. I wanted to go freestanding at first but decided to work off the wall due to ease and they'd be more compact that way.

Attachment 39861

Attachment 39863

Yeah, having done both, I'd work off the wall every time if possible. They look great, the raw plywood really pairs well with the finely finished rosettes in the corners. :p

My wife tried to tell me to stain the shelves. Yeah, not going to happen. The PO "finished" our basement. The wall to the left in that picture is about a half an inch out of plumb. I wasn't too worried about tearing up walls after I realized that.