2x4 Garage Storage Shelf

3 Materials
$100
3 Hours
Easy
We all know there's no such thing as too much storage, so today we're building a DIY 2x4 garage shelving unit. This unit is made using nothing but 2x4 lumber that is cut, glued and screwed together and it stores almost everything I need in my garage DIY workshop! Plus, it's under a hundred bucks!
I started this project with 35 eight foot 2x4s and I only ended up using 33, and it's always nice to have left over lumber for other DIY projects! I began by building two ladder shaped sections which will make up the ends of the shelving unit. The first "ladder rung" is about 5 inches off the floor, the following ladder rungs are about 21 inches apart from each other - all the way up to the 4th, top shelf. I used four 72" long pieces for the uprights and eight 24" pieces for the brackets, or rungs of the end pieces. Wood glue then screw through the sides of the uprights and into the ends of the rungs to create a structure that resembles a ladder.
Once I had the two ladder units built, I began to construct the shelves. I laid six, eight foot 2x4's side by side, making sure the ends were all lined up even. I spaced them about 1/2 inch apart from one another and glued then screwed two 21 inch brackets across all six shelving boards. This holds them together and gives them extra rigidity.
Next I attached two 86" brackets to my wall, attached the ladder end pieces to the brackets and began to install the shelving.
I screwed each the shelves down to the end structures with one screw through each 2x4, leaving about a 5 inch over hang on either end of the unit. I think it looks nicer with the overhang. Note: I did not glue the shelves down, for obvious reasons. Once everything was assembled, I filled it up!
My garage feels so much more organized after completing this shelf - look how much stuff it holds! Tip of a lifetime: Use SPAX Wood Screws - no need to pre-drill and no cracked wood - they're amazing! Visit my blog for the nitty-gritty, use the link below to get there!
Suggested materials:
  • 33 - 2x4x8 lumber   (Home Depot)
  • 3" Spax Wood Screws   (Home Depot)
  • Wood Glue   (Home Depot)
ScrappyGeek.com
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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  • Cindy mulcahey Cindy mulcahey on Sep 13, 2016
    This gives me a great idea. A few years ago, a friend of mine moved to Florida, she was throwing away very tall huge heavy duty plastic shelve units. I asked if she minded that I take them,she said no take them all. I have three down in my basement one has all different size cans of paint stored on it. The other two are just collecting dust. First I have to invest in a dehumidifier. I do have a septic pump,but it doesn't keep up,when it rains. I can store my big kitchen stuff down there. Thank you
  • Giorgia Giorgia on Sep 15, 2016
    congrats! super
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