How to Build Garage Shelves

How to Build Garage Shelves

1. Gather Your Parts

   Gather your parts. The table below will help you organize the parts and label them for use while building your garage shelves.

   Wood	Quantity	Cut Details	Purpose	Part #
   2x4s	5	Full size. Do not cut	Back braces	A
   2x4s	5	Full size. Do not cut	Front braces	B
   2x4s	20	29 inches	Lateral braces	C
   2x4s	2	Site-determined	Side vertical posts	D
   2x4s	1	Site-determined	Front vertical post	E
   3/4-inch plywood	5	8 feet by 32 inches	Shelves	F

   Shut Off Power

   Shut off power at the electric service panel to all circuits that run through the garage wall where you intend to install the shelves.

   Check Garage Floor Slope

   Measure the floor slope. All garage floors should have a slope, but most building codes do not specify the amount of slope. Generally, garage floors are sloped at about 1/8- to 1/4-inch per foot—acceptable parameters for this project.

   • Lay the bubble level on the garage floor under the intended shelves.
   • Place the level in different directions 90 degrees to each other to check for a slope in both directions.

   Mark Stud Locations

   • Use the stud finder to find the locations of the studs on the garage wall.
   • Mark the top of the stud near the ceiling and make a second mark close to the ground.
   • Run a chalk snap line down the center of each stud.
   • Snap the line to create a faint chalk line down the stud.
   • Repeat for six studs across.

   Tip

   Marking studs from top to bottom saves time when attaching multiple items to a wall. Run the chalk snap line with a helper (one holds the top, and the other holds the bottom). If doing this yourself, tap a nail into the top center of a stud, hold the bottom of the line at the bottom center, and then snap.

   Dry-Fit Shelf Frame

   Lay out the pieces for one of the frames on a flat, level surface. Five frames for the shelves will be built from 2x4s.

   • Place one full-size 2×4 (A) on its edge.
   • Place another 2×4 (B) parallel to the first board on its edge, with the two panels about 29 inches apart.
   • Set the four lateral braces (C) between the two 2x4s and perpendicular to them.
   • Shift two of the lateral braces to the ends of the 2x4s.
   • Place the remaining two lateral braces in the middle, spacing them about 32 inches apart.

   Tip

   The two end lateral braces should remain between the two 2x4s. They should not be placed at the very end.

   Build Shelf Frames

   Use 2-1/2 inches screws to assemble the frames.

   • Begin with pilot holes to prevent the wood from cracking.
   • Screw from the outside to the inside. Do not use pocket holes.
   • Repeat four more times to produce five complete shelf frames.

   Attach Bottom Shelf

   • Mark up from the garage floor 17 inches.
   • Place one of the shelf frames against the wall so its bottom rests on top of the 17-inch mark.
   • Ask a helper to hold the frame in place.
   • Drive a pilot hole halfway across the back rail of the frame (48 inches).
   • Drive a 3-inch screw through the pilot hole and into a stud.

   Tip

   Do not position the shelves with one side against a wall since a brace must be added later. Instead, leave at least 2 feet of open space on each side of the garage shelves.

   Level and Secure Bottom Shelf Frame

   Level each shelf from side to side.

   • Run a horizontal laser line across the top of the frame or rest a bubble level on top of the frame.
   • Tap the frame up or down on either side to slightly rotate and level out the frame.
   • Once the frame is perfectly level, secure the frame to the rest of the studs. Aim for at least four attachment points per frame.

   Add Side Vertical Posts

   • Place the two side vertical posts (D) against the sides of the shelf frame with their bottoms resting on the garage floor.
   • With the bubble level, check the front-to-back level of each shelf frame before driving two 2-1/2-inch screws through the side vertical posts and into the side of a shelf frame.
   • Fix minor slopes by having a helper slightly push the shelf up as you screw it into place with 2-1/2-inch screws.

   Secure Remainder of Shelf Frames

   Work upward to secure the other four shelf frames to the wall and side vertical posts. Measure 17-3/4 inches upward from the top of each shelf frame, make a mark on the wall, and attach the next frame to the top of that mark.

   Marks will be placed at:

   • 17 inches
   • 34-3/4 inches
   • 52-1/2 inches
   • 70-1/4 inches
   • 88 inches

   Add Shelves

   Place shelves (F) on the shelf frames and screw into place with eight 1-1/2-inch screws per shelf.

   Add Front Vertical Post

   • Place the front vertical post (E) at the center-front (48 inches) of the shelf frames, pressed against all five frames and with its bottom resting on the garage floor.
   • Secure with 2-1/2-inch screws through the front vertical posts and into the front of each shelf frame.

   Cut Vertical Posts

   Cut off the tops of the three vertical posts with a handsaw, using the top shelf as a cutting guide.

   DIY Garage Shelf Variations

   • The garage floor under the bottom shelf can also be used for storing items. It’s the best spot for heavy or oversized items.
   • If you have different height needs, size each shelf individually as you progress. Not all shelves need to be the same height.
   • Use storage totes as spacers for each level. First, lay down a sheet of shelf plywood. Then, place two totes on the shelf, one on each end. Place a scrap piece 2×4 on top of each tote as a spacer to create 1-1/2 inches of buffer room.
   • To create a lip on the front of the shelves to keep items securely in place, nail or screw down one-by-two boards.
   • If tall items need to protrude from one layer to the next, install just a partial section of plywood. Make sure that the plywood touches lateral braces on each end. Don’t leave an end hanging.

   When to Call a Professional

   Call a professional carpenter or a contractor to build garage shelves if you cannot meet the structural requirements. A professional can build strong shelves that remain securely in place and other types of shelves, such as garage loft shelves.

   FAQ

   • What kind of wood should I use for garage shelves?

     Hardwoods like oak, maple, and birch are more durable and strong. Softwoods like pine and fir are less expensive but are not as sturdy; however, they are more sturdy than plywood, particle board, or fiberboard.

   • How much does it cost to build garage shelves?

     One garage shelf measuring about 8 feet by 8 feet is about $100 to $250 to construct, depending on the wood you use.

   • What is the best depth for garage shelves?

     Garage shelves vary significantly by what you need to store. For large tote boxes, plan to a depth of 32 inches. However, shelves about 16 inches deep are standard for garage shelving.

   6 Expert Tips for Creating a Neat and Efficient Drop Zone in Your House