Our garage was a hot mess. Even when it was organized it still didn’t look organized and all the things that were “put away” made their way back to chaos. On top of this, we seemed to accumulate more and more things that had no place to go. Can you relate?
So we decided on two projects to help keep our garage organized and find a place for our stuff. Out first project was making built-in garage shelves.
We have a 2.5 car garage. One thing that is unique with our house is that the full HVAC system is also in the garage, along with the water heater, washer, dryer, and our extra fridge. So, limited space. We wanted to maximize our space so we could still fit our mini-van and SUV in the garage. So we decided on this simple plan.
MATERIALS
- 26 – 2x4x8
- 4 – 1/2x4x8 Plywood
- Box of 2.5″ general construction screws
- Materials Cost about $100.
- Other important items: level, measuring tape, electric drill, circular saw, table to cut on, safety glasses, ear protection, speed square
HOW TO
- First, this plan was adapted from Anna White: her site gives more step by step details.
The main thing I like about this easy plan is that you build the frame using the wall. Here’s the process:
- You drill the wall frame to the studs in the wall. Whatever distance you want for your shelf height (see pic below).
- Then, take your second set of 2x4s for the outer frame and drill them into the wall 2x4s. Don’t drill them all the way through, just enough to keep them up (you’ll be taking those out).
- Then, add your legs to those horizontal 2x4s. Drill those all they way in and use 2 side by side so they don’t twist.
- Then, unscrew the temporary holds and you have your entire outer frame. Walah!
- The outer frame stays in place once you cut your plywood and drill them into the 2x4s.
Here’s a short video of the finished shelves:
