Hey guys!!!  I took a break from house projects, last weekend and spent a little time getting my shop set up! It’s still a work in progress but I wanted to share these easy and inexpensive shelves that I installed.  They are perfect for any garage, shop or closet and it’s that time of year – spring cleaning!

DIY-Garage-OrganizationThe lumber up top will be moved soon.  It’s just a temporary spot until I can build something cool like Whit’s rolling lumber cart!

cleatsGetting started is super easy!  I used 1×2 MDF to make cleats for the shelves.  I attached them to the wall with liquid nails and sunk wood screws into the studs behind the wall.  I put my shelves about 14″ apart.

find-studsNext, I found at least 2 studs per shelf

before-bracketsand used a piece of 1×4 MDF sunk into each stud.  This will be the spot where we attach the brackets.  I made my 1×4’s long enough for the brackets.

cut-1x12-shelvingFor the shelves, I bought 1×12 MDF with a bullnose.  Measure the length of the cleats and cut the 1×12 accordingly.

add-wood-glueTo attach the shelf, I added a line of wood glue to the top of each cleat

nail-ledge-to-cleatand attached a shelf with my Ryobi Airstrike Nailer.  I used 1 1/4″ nails.

bracketsFinally, just add a shelf bracket!

DIY-Garage-ShelvingI used 1×12 shelves on the long sides

small-ledgesand 1×4’s for the short shelves. (I made these just ledges for paint and stain).

Garage-Organization

DIY-Garage-OrganizationThat was it!  Easy enough 🙂 I’ve got lots more to do in my shop but it feels so good to get everything organized! What do you need to organize this spring?

Thanks so much for stopping by!

~Ashley

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13 Comments

  1. Built these in my garage using your plan, they are great. I put the shelf standards every 16 inches for better weight capacity.

    1. Hi Karen! They are just scrap 1×2 that I nailed and glued up there. Totally not permanent, I needed to get the scraps out of the way until I can build a permanent scrap storage!

  2. Great shelves! Are those 3 air strike nailers sitting side by side ??? If so…very cool!!

    1. Thank you Nicole! LOL! Just one Airstrike Stapler and 2 nailers. I had to buy a new nailer yesterday because my original one fell off the shelf and broke 🙁 next shop project – pegboard that will hold my tools better 🙂

      1. Sorry to here about the nailer! Pegboard in my future….I’ve had too many close calls myself :):)

        1. Yes!! I actually have dropped it several times and it’s always been fine but it fell about 5 ft. And landed right one the tip where the nails shoot:( lesson learned!