Shelf for the garage. Practical homemade products for the modern garage. Drawings for workbenches of various designs

Shelf for the garage. Practical homemade products for the modern garage. Drawings for workbenches of various designs

In garages, usually not only the car “lives”, but also the most important economic task is solved - storing all kinds of useful things, from canned pickles to working tools, from building materials to equipment for fishing and hiking.

Most garages are quite spacious. The walls of the room, if you do not place a functional structure with many sections and shelves on them, are actually idle. So why not occupy them with rows of shelves? Any rationally thinking person understands that shelving makes life easier, helps keep the room in order, and eliminates the chaos of things around the user.

One of the fastest and technically simplest solutions is to purchase ready-made modules. Financial costs will be required, which is hardly profitable for many garage owners. But for those who do not like to tinker with a drill, hacksaw and are generally far from design work, this option is ideal.

Video - Rack made of ready-made modules

The advantage of this method is that assembly is extremely simple, and dismantling is no less simple. You can buy such shelving modules in hardware, furniture and repair and construction stores. Initially, the buyer determines which material suits him best and what sizes (the sets are completed in different ways). He pays the money, brings the product to the garage and installs it in just a few hours.

Advantages: speed, simplicity, elegance of execution (every detail is created using high-quality equipment).

Disadvantages: very significant financial costs. Some part of the family budget is “cut off” from food, clothing, entertainment, etc.

Creative experiment and personal participation

To make a rack yourself, no special skill is required. The materials used are those that are affordable, and often those that are simply at hand (these can be found in a closet or in the same garage): scraps of pipes, metal profiles and corners, pieces of plywood, chipboard, thick elastic plastic.

Video - Rack based on a metal corner

Some craftsmen came up with the idea of ​​using ordinary polyethylene canisters instead of sliding drawers. When the canister assumes a horizontal position, its top handle becomes a side handle. Each drawer is pulled outward by it when you need to pull it out and replenish its contents or, conversely, take an item from it.

Attention! If you like the idea of ​​canisters, make sure they are clean. It is unacceptable to use used containers that contain traces of aggressive chemicals, radioactive and flammable substances.

Advantages of homemade structures: saving money, incredible tone from the creative process.

Disadvantages: It takes a long time before the rack is ready.

DIY metal rack. Manufacturing procedure

Step 1. Preparation. To make your own garage rack, you will need material and tools. Let's consider the average option (metal frame and wooden shelves).

Procuring materials does not require fuss - plan your design in advance, nurture the idea for a couple of months, no less. Otherwise, it may turn out that not all of your user needs will be taken into account (width of shelves, their pitch in height, readiness to accept weight load, etc.).

As for the tools. The garage always has the necessary technical equipment. But it is still advisable to prepare them immediately before starting work. The list looks something like this:

    electric drill;

    grinder (will help cut thick, durable bars or you may have to use it to remove brick protrusions on the walls);

    screwdriver;

  • wood hacksaw;

    hacksaw for metal;

    nails, screws, dowels (everything that may be needed to attach parts to each other, as well as to the brick/concrete/metal walls of the garage);

    bubble level;

    measuring angle (will help you check 90-degree angles);

    pencil or chalk for size marks;

Step 2. Measurements and drawing. Carefully check whether your shelving will be an organic element of the decor. Sometimes it is necessary to deviate from the desired dimensions so as not to narrow the space for the vehicle to pass through and the approaches to it. In addition, in some heated garages, thermal communications are laid inside (in other words, a pipeline), as well as electrical panel equipment and overhead wiring.

Attention! Under no circumstances should the rack come into close contact with hazardous electrical components. Following safety precautions will protect you and your family from fires, health risks, and loss of property due to fire.

    first - external dimensions (height and width of the entire structure);

    Next, determine what will be “inside” these dimensions: the number of horizontal levels (shelves), their height relative to each other. It is advisable to do not equal intervals, but different ones. Accordingly, you will be able to place both large and smaller items on the shelves;

    then check how many vertical sections your rack should have for your convenience.

Attention! It is not advisable to make sections that are too wide. Rarely placed supports are a direct threat of structure collapse. Even if this does not happen, a shelf that is too long will quickly bend under the influence of the load of items stored on it. This means that the functionality of the rack will suffer, and so will your convenience.

Having figured out the number of sections and levels, sketch out the drawing on paper. Let it be a sketchy picture without artistic refinement. The main thing is that it is clearly visible and understandable: what length and how many parts need to be prepared before assembly.

Step 3. Cutting vertical parts. Add 1 to the number of sections that you approved in your directive and multiply by 2. Exactly as many vertical parts you will need. Why "+1"? From left to right: support, section, support, section... support. In other words, strong supports are needed at the edges, and when alternating sections there is always one less.

Where does "x2" come from? Between the sections, the shelves “converge” on a vertical plane, which in a garage rack is not solid, but is conventionally designated by stiffening ribs from bottom to top. And, naturally, there should be at least two such ribs at each flange joint. It doesn’t make sense to do three, and one vertical part at a time is clearly not enough (the stability of the rack is in doubt).

Ideally, all your parts will be the same if a metal angle or profile is sufficient. If it’s not enough, it means that stitching sections are possible in certain areas, that is, the part is made up of overlapping scraps. Make sure that the connection point is of sufficient quality. Use lag bolts or rivets (screws are less effective).

Step 4. Cutting horizontal parts. When you drew the diagram, you determined the number of shelves and their width. Logically, you will store lighter items on narrower shelves. On wider and more substantial ones - something heavy, difficult to lift (disassembled engines, equipment, various units, heavy metal blanks, etc.). This means that high-strength materials are preferred.

By the way, wooden slabs based on shavings are not an option. They have very little resistance to direct weight. The pressed board is quite fragile and will not support much weight if the shelf is wide and does not have intermediate support. The maximum width of shelves, which is recommended when using chipboard, is no more than 55-60 cm. Multilayer plywood with a thickness of 0.9-1.2 cm is much stronger. But it’s better not to take risks.

Is there a way out? Of course have. Once you have taken up a hacksaw and a saw, cut out the edging for each shelf - additional elements that will serve as a reinforcing “frame”. In such a shell, even chipboard or plywood will be great. They won't bend from the weight.

In general, garages are characterized by clutter and considerable weight of parts stored on shelves. Where there is a car, there are always all kinds of metal chains, arches, engine parts, batteries, disks and other spare parts. Therefore, it makes sense not to waste time on trifles, but to immediately create a solid rack, as they say, for centuries.

Step 5. Assembly. The first step is to install the vertical supports. The side wall parts are fixed first, the rest later. The question of how to attach it to the floor, ceiling, or walls is individual. Doesn't cause any particular difficulties. The only thing you need to remember is the super strength of this particular fastener. Use long, thick screws for walls and ceilings; for the floor, they or massive dowels without threads are suitable.

Attention! Remember to use a level to avoid curvature and distortions.

Now all that remains is to screw on the horizontal shelf frames. Marking the fastening points could have been done in advance, but this is not important. Acting carefully and slowly, you can measure each horizontal level during assembly. Place wooden shelves on the finished frame. The DIY garage rack is ready!

Surely, for many car owners, garage racks are an integral part of the premises. You can put various items on them - necessary and not so necessary: ​​tools, garden utensils, screws, spare parts, children's things and more.

If you wish, you can make shelves in the garage with your own hands to suit every taste and any type. Let's look at what designs there are and what the installation process looks like.

Rack assembly drawing.

There are several types of garage racks that are perfect for this type of room:

  1. Stationary.
    Made in the form of a frame of vertical posts and transverse partitions on which shelves are attached. The design is considered quite durable and suitable for almost any type of item. If you leave the crossbars without shelves, it will be convenient to place the wheels on them. Metal racks are most often used, due to the convenient ability to attach the racks to the wall using brackets, you can easily place heavy things on it. If you plan to store light items, wooden shelves are suitable.
  2. Prefabricated and dismountable.
    This kind of design is often used in garages; racks and shelves can have different heights and widths. The product is assembled on site, made of a metal angle on “legs” and has holes for fastening, which allows you to mount the racks at a convenient height. If necessary, you can completely dismantle it and assemble it in another place. There are plenty of prefabricated structures on the market, so you can choose the right option for every taste.
  3. Mobile.
    The racks are equipped with wheels, which makes them easy to move from place to place. They are sold both ready-made, assembled, and those requiring self-assembly, such as a construction set. Among the disadvantages, it is important to note the weight limit - it is hardly suitable for storing too heavy items.
  4. Rotating.
    A small vertical structure is designed for storing hand tools in the garage and other small items: bolts, nails, screws and more. The rack scrolls, allowing you to get convenient access to the things you need. Depending on the size, it is possible to place it on the floor or desktop. The main drawback is its low functionality, which is why it is only suitable as an addition.

The most popular types of garage shelving are listed above; there are many other types. For example, some people like hanging shelves in the garage, which are attached almost to the ceiling and can be placed even around the entire perimeter.

However, they are designed only for light objects and are not suitable for rooms with low ceilings. If you have a strong desire and ideas, you can make any convenient shelving for your garage with your own hands.

Required tools and materials

During the installation process, you will need a set of tools, which depends on the material of the rack equipment.

Mainly for the following designs you need:

  • metal - a welding machine that fastens the rack or special metal corners and bolts;
  • wooden - drill, self-tapping screws, screwdrivers, also attached with special glue;
  • combined - a grinder or a hacksaw, they are required for cutting parts and the materials for fastening indicated above.

At the preparation stage, as well as during the installation process, it will be necessary to use measuring tools - a tape measure and a level. The products are fixed using brackets or anchors and dowels.

An example of assembling a garage rack.

To attach hanging shelves to the wall or under the ceiling in the garage, you will need iron hangers or studs as additional materials. Thus, you also need to add a hammer to the set of basic tools.

Do-it-yourself finished shelving in a garage must be treated with special solutions if metal or wood materials do not have anti-corrosion properties. In the first case, a rust preventative is used, in the second, varnish is used.

Material selection

When planning to make shelving in the garage with your own hands, you should first of all decide on the material. In this matter, you need to start from the purpose of the design, that is, what items it will be used to store.

Depending on this, various options are suitable:

  1. Metal.
    Metal racks often consist of steel or stainless steel plates. The material is not cheap, but is distinguished by its durability and long service life, can withstand heavy weight and is excellent for storing almost any type of item. In addition, the design will be fireproof. Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting the possibility of corrosion if there is high humidity, which is not uncommon in a garage. But the problem can be prevented with the help of special means.
  2. Tree.
    To make wooden shelves, oak, pine and ash are most often used. The material has a number of advantages, the key ones being the ability to easily adjust wooden shelves to the desired size or remove excess and relatively simple installation, since there is no need to use a welding machine. However, there are also many disadvantages - high humidity has an extremely negative effect on wood, changing its shape and structure, there is a high risk of fungus formation and, in addition, the material is a fire hazard.
  3. Plastic.
    Plastic structures are not particularly popular among car enthusiasts. They have the main disadvantage - a weight limit, so you can only store relatively light, small-sized items. But despite this, making such a rack with your own hands is not difficult; plastic is a lightweight material and does not require special skills for installation.
  4. Combined materials - using several materials at once.

It should be noted that often, in attempts to save money, shelves made of chipboard and OSB are used, but this is not the best choice, the material is relatively weak and wears out quite quickly.

How to design shelf structures?

Before assembling the rack, first of all, you should choose the correct location of the product.

Drawing of a rack for garage tools.

Usually shelves are placed along one wall, but it is important to pay attention to several points:

  • quick access to the racking equipment must be provided;
  • you should note in advance what items will be stored, this is important when making a drawing;
  • if you plan to store heavy and large items, it is recommended to allocate lower shelves for these purposes so as not to damage the car or injure a person, especially if the garage is small and the product will be mounted too close.

As with the manufacture of any structure, you first need to develop it on paper or use ready-made diagrams and drawings. Correct development of a drawing begins with measurements; measuring tools are indispensable here.

The location of future elements is marked on the wall, which is especially important when installing a stationary product.

If you need to make a rack in the garage to store “small things”: books, small tools, cans, then a simple design with shelves 25-40 cm wide is quite suitable. The height of such racks depends on the height of the room and the amount of storage space required.

It is also necessary to determine the distance between the shelves. Often the lower ones are made higher, since it is on them that it is better to place large objects.

In the case of saving another type of item, you will need to build on their size and take into account the load. The choice of material and fastening also depends on this; it is important that the rack structure can withstand the load well.

Manufacturing a metal rack with wooden shelves

After determining the location for the garage shelves and making a drawing, you can safely begin installing the structure. The most durable and popular option is a metal frame with shelves made of boards. Rectangular profiles are used as racks, and the frame itself is made from a corner.

Shelf manufacturing diagram.

In addition to the materials, you will need to prepare the following tools:

  • level, tape measure and materials for marking the location;
  • electric drill;
  • grinder;
  • hacksaw for metal and wood;
  • screwdriver;
  • hammer;
  • materials for fastening: nails, screws, dowels, etc., which will help secure the product to the wall and to each other.

At the next stage, the parts are cut, let's start with the vertical ones. The quantity depends on the number of sections selected at the preparatory stage. You need to add 1 to this number, since its edge is also taken into account.

If there are enough materials, then it will be possible to make the elements the same, but if not, it is quite possible to “sew” some areas together using strong connecting materials, for example, tightening bolts.

Next, we cut the horizontal elements according to the diagram. If you are planning to create a shelving unit in your garage with your own hands to store different types of items, then it will probably have shelves of different sizes. It is preferable to place heavy items on a solid base.

Products made from boards based on chips such as chipboard or OSB will not be suitable in this case; they are only suitable for the upper shelves, where it is better to store small items, but multilayer plywood will be a good option.

And finally, you can move on to the final stage - assembly. It begins with the installation of vertical supports - prepared metal elements are fastened by welding or bolts and a frame is created. Afterwards a primer and anti-corrosion agent are applied to it.

Next, you need to wait until the product dries. Then the cut wooden elements are “tried on” and inserted across the structure. Wood boards should be processed and attached to a metal frame.

Depending on the preferences of the car enthusiast and the purpose of the frame product, it can be simply assembled without additional support or attached to the wall using steel brackets. If you are not confident in the strength of the structure, it is better to choose the second option, this will prevent the homemade rack from accidentally falling.

Making a wooden rack

Some people prefer to make their own wooden shelving in the garage. It will cost less than metal, but will not be as durable and the service life may also be shorter. In addition, you will have to tinker a little with wood.

A wooden rack is best made from oak or other hardwoods; pine is often used, but it has lower strength. Please note that the material must be dry and free of fungus, mold or cracks. This is a must.

The vertical racks of the product are made of beams measuring 10 by 10 cm and 5 by 10 cm. As mentioned above, it is better not to use low-strength material for wooden shelves. The size of the boards depends on the objects that will be stacked on them; the optimal depth is 50 cm, the width is no more than 1.5 m, the height between tiers varies from 30 to 50 cm.

However, here it is better to start from personal convenience. As with metal frame construction, when making shelving out of wood, it is also important to plan the shelves to store large, heavy items underneath.

Drawing for assembling a shelving unit in a garage.

Before you make a rack in the garage from wood, you need to prepare the tools:

  • measuring tools and a pencil or marker for marking;
  • electric drill or screwdriver;
  • wood hacksaw, saw or machine;
  • fastening materials – bolts, nuts, screws, special glue;
  • grinding machine or sandpaper;
  • metal corners are optional, but will help further strengthen the wooden structure.

In addition, you will need tools for processing wood: primer, varnish, spatula and brush.

The assembly process begins with cutting the wooden elements into pieces of the required size, let's start with the bars for the frame. Then the parts need to be sanded, and then the metal corners must be screwed to the posts using self-tapping screws and a screwdriver.

If the corners are not used, then it is quite possible to replace them with pieces of timber with a section of 5 by 5 cm. The next step will be attaching the transverse bars, they will serve as the basis for future shelves.

The next step is to manufacture the shelves according to the previously prepared drawing. Paint is applied to the finished boards and, after drying, they are attached to the “skeleton” of the product with self-tapping screws. The rack is placed on “legs” and attached to the wall for reliability. Be sure to treat it with a fire retardant, which will protect the wood product from fire.

Bottom line

Surely, almost every garage owner needs to install shelving equipment. It is used to store various items, from spare parts and wheels to various small items, such as books, cans of preserves, tools, garden utensils and more.

When planning to make a structure yourself, you should first decide on its type. Then you need to allocate a place for it, select the appropriate material and create a drawing according to which the product will be assembled.

So that the “goods” in the garage do not interfere with movement, it is necessary to somehow organize its storage. Garage racks are the most convenient. If there is enough space, they can be made on the entire wall or even on several walls. If there is no space below, you will have to move upstairs and make shelves under the ceiling. Not the best option, but sometimes the only one. Still, garage shelving that sits on the floor is safer, especially if it is securely attached to the wall (to avoid unpleasant situations).

Which rack is better: welded or bolted

Garage shelving is made of wood and metal. Wooden ones are mostly non-removable - on nails and screws. They are usually installed permanently, attached to the wall. Metal racks can be welded. Then they are inseparable. There are racks with bolted connections. These structures are mobile and can be disassembled if necessary. Their disadvantage is insufficient rigidity, since there is always some play in such a connection. To make the structure more stable, it is attached to the walls. To do this, metal plates with a hole can be welded (bolted) to the outer posts. Drive a crutch into this hole (after drilling a hole of a slightly smaller diameter in the wall).

One of the options is a frame made of profile pipe and plywood shelves

Both welded and bolted garage shelving work well, but welded structures are more common. The collapsible option is chosen in two cases. The first is that it is possible to move to another garage and all the equipment will need to be transported, but the structure weighs hundreds of kilograms, so moving it entirely is problematic. The second is that there is no possibility or desire to use welding (if you make the garage racks yourself). The rest usually prefer welded ones - they are more stable and, if you have experience in welding, they can be assembled faster.

There are also metal racks made from perforated corners on sale. They are also mobile and can be disassembled, but they are connected using hooks (on the crossbars) and grooves (on the racks). Such storage systems are convenient - you can rearrange the shelves to the desired height. Their disadvantage is that they are expensive.

Designs and sizes

Structurally, garage racks consist of racks, crossbars and shelves. Sometimes, to increase rigidity, transverse ties are also made on the back side - two steel strips welded/screwed to the outer posts diagonally. They compensate for lateral loads, increasing overall stability and reliability.

The dimensions - the height and depth of the shelves - are chosen almost arbitrarily, depending on what you intend to store. The only thing that needs to be selected carefully is the span length - the distance between the racks in one section. It depends on the rigidity of the material that you decide to use: the shelves, even under full load, should not bend. For heavy things/objects, the span is about 1.5 meters; if the load is not too large, the distance can be increased to 2 meters, but it’s definitely not worth doing more. If you need a longer garage rack, install intermediate racks, the distance between which still cannot be more than 2 meters.

A few words about the height of the shelves in the rack. The lowest shelf can be raised from the floor level by 50-70 cm (even more if desired). The heaviest items are usually placed here. The remaining shelves can be made at different heights; 30 cm is inconvenient and impractical. In general, a 1.5 liter plastic bottle should optimally fit on the shelf, which is 35-37 cm. This distance is convenient for use.

What are they made from?

As already mentioned, garage shelving is made of wood and metal. Wooden ones are lighter in weight, it is easier to work with wood, but they do not withstand such heavy loads. Metal ones are heavier (many times heavier), but you can lay an elephant on them.

There is also the issue of price. Rolled metal is not cheap at all these days. If you buy everything at the market or in a store, one rack (including consumables) will cost you almost the same amount as a finished one. The only real way to save money is to buy metal at a metal warehouse in whole lengths (there are 6 m and 12 m), and then cut it into pieces of the required length. The cutting can be done directly at the base; you will have to pay additionally for the services, but the amounts are quite small. In this case, you will be able to reduce costs by about 20-30%.

Lumber costs less than metal. But don’t think that the costs will be small: you will have to buy graded wood without knots, and this is the “elite” or “premium” class with a corresponding price tag. So it won't be very cheap.

Made of wood

Operating conditions in the garage are far from the best - high humidity, frost, alternating freezing/freezing, and sometimes heat. Not very good for wood. Therefore, all material must be treated with antibacterial and protective compounds before work. Use wood products for exterior use, as conditions in an unheated garage are more similar. You can choose a product that simultaneously tints the surface being treated and your product does not need to be painted. After processing, the materials are dried and only then work begins.

When connecting parts of a wooden rack, you can use standard methods for carpenters - quarter-foot or half-foot. If this is difficult for you, you can also butt nail and use metal angles and/or overlay plates to reinforce the joints.

Another point: it is better to connect with nails, not with screws. The result is more stable and fewer connections become loose. If you choose the option with reinforcement with plates, they can be mounted with self-tapping screws.

Now in terms of size: for racks they usually use 50*50 mm timber, for crossbars you can use the same timber or a little thinner - 50*30 mm. Flooring is made from:

  • boards with a thickness of at least 21 mm;
  • moisture-resistant plywood with a thickness of 10 mm;

The cheapest are boards and plywood. Laminated chipboard is much more expensive, but it does not need to be painted, which is a good plus. In order not to spend a lot, you can take the first and last sheets in a pack at the bases - they are scratched and are much cheaper.

Wooden shelving for the garage - drawing with dimensions

Another point: the side cut of chipboard shelves remains open. If it is not treated, as humidity increases, the chips will swell and the shelf will begin to warp. To prevent this from happening, coat the edges with silicone. With this treatment, nothing will happen to the chipboard.

Metal

If you decide to make metal shelving for the garage, the choice of materials is wider - there are two options for rolled metal, plus standard solutions for warehouses (perforated corners). You can also use metal parts intended for other purposes - for example, steel cable racks or cable channels that are used in communications are suitable.

Cable channels and shelves - convenient and not very expensive

So, what is the frame of a metal garage shelving made from:

  • From a metal corner with a metal thickness of 3-4 mm. The width of the corner shelf is 25-45 cm, depending on the planned loads. Durable, but metal-intensive material, weighs a lot, and is expensive.
  • Profile pipe (rectangular in cross-section). With less metal consumption (less wall thickness), compared to a metal corner, it has better elasticity characteristics (more difficult to bend), and is more resistant to torsion. Approximate dimensions for racks are 50*50 mm or 40*40 mm, for crossbars 50*25 mm or 40*25 mm, respectively.
  • The racks are made from corrugated pipe, and the crossbars are made from angle iron. The thickness of the metal is 2-3 mm, the width of the shelf is 25 mm or more. Unfold the corner so that the laid flooring looks like it is in a “nest”.

The flooring on the shelves is made from the same materials as for a wooden rack (board, plywood, OSB, chipboard), only sometimes non-standard options are added, which are used with a wooden frame because of their high weight - sheet metal.

The board remains optimal for most regions - a reliable, not very expensive material. You need to take wood, without knots (with a minimum of knots) with a thickness of 21 mm. Treat with antiseptics, then paint.

The advantage of metal shelves is high reliability with a small thickness, the disadvantages are price, weight and “loudness”. They also need to be painted, but first clean them of rust, then go over them with a rust converter and primer, then paint them, preferably in two layers. Also, by the way, the metal frame must be processed. Then the rack in the garage will not rust.

Features of assembling metal shelving

Metal racks can be welded or assembled with bolts. There are usually no problems with welding. If a corner is used, the joints can be overlapped - a difference of 3-5 mm when laying shelves is unnoticeable. If you wish, you can cut out the excess in one of the shelves and butt weld, but trimming takes a lot of time, and you still won’t see much of a difference.

When assembling a frame for a bolted shelving, the order is as follows: first, assemble the squares of the sidewalls and shelves separately, then screw them together. It is advisable to have at least two bolts for each connection - for greater rigidity (less play).

If you assemble garage racks from a profile pipe with your own hands, the procedure is different. First, the sidewalls are assembled, and short crossbars are attached to them. You get two rectangles with crossbars. Then they are connected by crossbars.

See the photo for how to make connections. In one case, welding is still needed - weld the heel pad, in another you can do without it - cut out the "ears", bend them and cling to them.

There is another way - special crab systems. These are metal plates with recesses molded to fit the profile. Pipes are placed in the grooves, then the two plates are bolted together.

Such a connection is unlikely to withstand very heavy loads, but there is an undeniable advantage - you don’t have to drill a bunch of holes in the metal. In a profiled pipe this is certainly easier than in a thick-walled corner, but it still takes a lot of time and effort.

By the way, the bolts used are M8 or M6, so large holes are required for them. It is easier to first drill with a thin drill, then expand to the desired size with a thick one. But even with this order, you will need a significant number of drills. To make them overheat less and break less often, place a jar of water nearby and periodically lower the drill into it.

Layout, diagrams, drawings, ideas

In the garage you need not only a rack, but also a workbench and a stand for hand tools - all kinds of keys and other small things, of which there are a lot and it is difficult to come up with a specific convenient storage place.

The workbench can be made in the center of the rack. This is convenient - everything you need will be at hand, you won’t have to constantly go to the shelves.

The workbench can be part of the system, or you can make two separate modules, between which you can install the required table. If you don’t like this arrangement, you can change the configuration - at least put it at an angle.

As for the tool stand. There is a factory option - a perforated sheet of metal with holders hung on it. The idea is very good except for the price.

As usual, there are several homemade projects (what would a garage be without them) on the same topic. The ideas are simple to implement, maybe not so elegant, but convenient:


And if desired, all this can be put on wheels - to make the tool stand mobile. This is the case if during the warm season you prefer to work with the machine outside.

Well, and for inspiration... so that all the tools are in place))


I was tired of paying rent for a storage unit and I wanted to get my garage in order, so I decided it was time to make some shelving. At first I thought about purchasing them, but after calculating how much they would cost, I got the idea to make them myself.

Shelving design



In between working on two projects, I tried my best to come up with the most functional design. About two weeks later I had an idea. I started by measuring the garage, calculating how many shelves I needed and how to divide the space between them. My garage is 5.5m long, but given local timber size standards, the decision was made to make a 5m rack. The distance from floor to ceiling was 2.75 m. The closest board length to this measurement was 2.45 m. Naturally, I didn't want to leave a 30 cm gap between the top of the rack and the ceiling, so I will use a 3 meter board , cutting it to the required length. While deciding on the height of the shelves, I thought about the main purpose: storage drawers to keep things more organized. My drawers are 42cm high but I wanted to leave some space at the top so the shelf height was chosen at 45cm.
I also need to store some equipment (for climbing, diving, hiking), and I wanted to put it on a rack. To avoid piling one thing on top of another, I decided to make one shelf 30 cm high.
At the moment, like most homeowners, I have accumulated a lot of different things (rakes, shovels, snowboard, wetsuit). I also needed to find a place for all this. So I needed a compartment where I could hang hooks and hang everything there or just hide it.
At this point, my tool collection had grown from a small red box to three drawers and one tool bag. I wanted to make a workbench for them so I could work in the garage where it was dry and warm. Ideally it should be 1.5 m wide.
I also have a dog who loves to chew everything. My little friend also needs a small place where he can hide and stay warm. The entire lower left part of the rack was assigned to him.

What you need for a wooden shelving unit


After I made the drawing, I needed to calculate how much lumber I would need.
I counted:
  • 8 boards 5 x 10 x 500 cm.
  • 23 boards 5 x 10 x 300 cm.
  • 6 sheets of plywood 1.2 x 2.4 m.
  • Screws.

Let's start making the rack



A couple of months ago I leveled the walls because the previous owners did a good job of making them look terrible. After puttying and painting, they began to look pretty good. When I started working, I realized that I hadn't thought through everything enough about where or how I wanted things to be placed. I had good thoughts, but overall I was poorly prepared. The plan was to secure the shelving beams to support beams in the wall. In general, I did not know how to easily determine their location. Luckily, one of my neighbors had a special electronic device that he shared with me for one day. First, we screwed three 500 cm beams: one under the ceiling, another a meter from the floor and the third at the very bottom. After that, we took 300 cm of boards and cut them to the height of the ceiling. We cut them at one time so that they would definitely come out the same length.

Making the outer frame


After securing the inner frame, we began making the outer frame. Since its structure was the same, we used the inner one as a template.
Once the outer frame was complete, we pulled it out to find that the ceiling was sagging a bit and was resting against it. Using a hammer, the frame was positioned in the right place, where we secured it to the ceiling. Next, the lower part was installed using a level so that the racks stood vertically.

Fastening the shelves



After the frame was level and vertical, we secured it securely in the ceiling, floor and in the middle.
Now the difficult part of the work remains - turning my project into reality. I had to give up 30 cm of the shelf, since when attaching the beams, at least 10 cm of height is lost for each.
After installing the shelf brackets, notches were made in the boards near the walls so that the plywood would fit snugly and nothing could fall behind the shelf.

Addition


Now that everything was assembled, I didn't want to spend any more money and didn't buy the doors I originally planned to install. The idea is that you can install doors with horizontal fastening on beams. And when the garage is open, nosy neighbors will not see my collection of things.

Many men use the garage for more than just parking. Often, tools or old things are stored in the garage that are a pity to throw away, and there is no room for them in the apartment. Also, the building often undergoes repairs or other work that requires tools and bulky materials. Thus, the structure often becomes similar to a warehouse.

Wall or hanging shelves in the garage are a great way to store many things without cluttering the usable space of the room.

Durable and reliable material designed for heavy loads. Metal shelves can withstand a lot of weight and are convenient for storing parts and tools. The metal is also durable and wear-resistant. If the material is coated with a special composition against corrosion and rust, then structures made from it can last for many decades.

Unlike metal, wood is more affordable. Easy to process and does not require welding. Wooden shelves can also serve for a long time; the only drawback is their low resistance to changes in temperature and humidity conditions.

To improve the wear resistance and durability of wooden shelf elements, it is necessary to periodically coat the material with special covering paints. This will help the wood avoid rotting, deformation and damage by pests.

Other materials, such as plastic, plywood, stone, are rarely used for making shelves.

Design variations of suspended shelves

Can be open or closed. With or without back wall. Most often, a metal corner and a wooden base are used to make such structures. Suspended on the walls with anchors. The type of fastening can be permanent or dismantled.

These structures are made of a metal corner, a wooden base, and a special cable or a metal round profile attached to special anchors is used as the side walls.

These shelves are hung on special hooks driven or welded into the ceiling beams. The advantages of ceiling shelves are quick dismantling if necessary. Disadvantages - rather shaky design, which can sway when touched.

It is not recommended to store expensive tools or fragile items on such shelves.

Shelf in the form of a shield for tools

This design is equipped with small shelves for storing small items and special hanging fittings. The shield consists of a strong back wall, fixed to the wall with anchors. Shelves, special hooks or tool holders are mounted on the wall.

This shelf is very convenient for carpentry and plumbing work. Most often, such a shield is hung in front of the workbench so that all the necessary tools are at hand. Sometimes the shield is equipped with additional lighting in the form of a lamp on a movable leg.

If you want to save useful space in the room, you can make a hanging shelf with your own hands and attach it to the ceiling.

Materials required for the manufacture of the structure

Tools for work

  1. Drill with a drill bit for wood. The diameter of the drill must match the diameter of the stud.
  2. A hammer drill for drilling holes in the ceiling for mounting anchors. The drill should be slightly smaller than the diameter of the anchor.
  3. Wrenches, their markings must match the size of the nuts used.
  4. Jigsaw.
  5. Screwdriver.
  6. Bubble level.

Work order

Step 1. To begin with, a shelf of the required width and length is cut out of a sheet of plywood or fiberboard.

It is worth knowing that it is recommended to place load-bearing studs at an average load on the material every 60-70 cm. If the shelf is longer, then over time the plywood or fiberboard sheet will noticeably bend and sag.

Step 2. To enhance the strength of the material, you can attach a metal profile equipped with internal stiffeners to the ends of the slab.

Step 3. Holes for pins are marked along the edges of the shelf. It is worth knowing that it is advisable to drill 5-7 cm from the edges of the slab. If the holes are located too close to the ends, the material may crumble under the weight of the items placed on the shelf.

Step 4. After the holes are drilled, you need to attach the shelf to the ceiling and use a pencil to transfer the location of the holes to the ceiling. This way the structure will be positioned without distortion and you won’t have to worry about the studs becoming deformed.

Holes for anchors are drilled in the ceiling and dust is removed from them. The anchors are driven into the concrete all the way and the nuts are tightened.

Long metal studs connect to anchors placed on the ceiling. The connection is secured using coupling nuts. It is also advisable to secure the connection with an additional regular nut, which is screwed onto the thread of the stud.

Step 5. After the studs are firmly fixed to the ceiling, the period of installation of the shelf begins. A nut is screwed onto the stud, then a washer. After this, a shelf is strung on the ends of the studs.

The shelf is fixed using a Grover washer and a control nut. The washers protect the shelf holes from breaking under loads. The bushing serves as protection against loosening of the fastening nut. You can use two nuts for safety and greater structural strength. The final adjustment of fastening fittings is carried out according to the level.

This hanging shelf will significantly save space in the garage. The only drawback is the mobility of the structure. You can eliminate it using a special metal corner. One edge of the corner is attached to the wall, the second - to the base of the shelf. This way the entire suspended structure is fixed. Also, a metal corner will strengthen the shelf, which will affect its durability.

DIY tool shelf

In order to have all the small tools at hand during plumbing or carpentry work, you can think over and make a special shield. Shield shelves are not distinguished by their high load-carrying capacity and durability; heavy tools cannot be stored on them, but for small and necessary things that always get lost, this design will be ideal.

It is important to know!

  1. It is advisable to hang a shelf with a tool on a plastered wall, otherwise condensation will accumulate between the brick or block surface and the wall of the shelf. Constant high humidity will negatively affect the shield material and can cause it to deform or rot.
  2. The average load per square meter of the shield surface should not exceed 14 kg. Weighting the structure will lead to rapid destruction.
  3. The height of the shield is determined by the height of the garage owner. The top edge of the shelf should not be higher than human height. Otherwise, it will be inconvenient to take tools from the shield.
  4. If there are shelves on the shield, it is not advisable to make them closed. This will also make the job more difficult. All small tools and parts must be in the public domain.

How to make a shield with your own hands

Materials and tools

Step 1. First you need to select the dimensions of the shield. Most often, such a shelf is fixed in front of a workbench, behind which a person is engaged in repair work. It is desirable that the width of the shield is not much larger than the dimensions of the workbench.

Step 2. Then a shield is cut out of plywood or other material. Places for small shelves are immediately marked on it.

Step 3. Then, using a jigsaw, the shelves with side walls are cut out. The side walls of the shelves can be made the same size as the length of the shield. Next, using long self-tapping screws, the shelf structure is assembled and attached to the surface of the shield. A place for storing jars and boxes with nails and other small things is ready.

Step 4. Attaching hooks. To do this, holes are drilled in the shield and dowels are driven into them and special threaded hooks are screwed in. It is advisable to think in advance where and what kind of tool will be located. Based on this, the hooks are drilled.

Lugs or brackets are then attached to the back wall to secure the shelf to the wall. The last stage is mounting the shelf on the wall. Holes are drilled using a hammer drill and anchors are driven into them. If the shelf is fastened “tightly”, then you can strengthen the fixation of the structure using a special washer, which will prevent the eyes from sliding off the anchor.

A simple and convenient shield for tools and parts is ready. If you have all the tools and materials, you can make it in a few hours.

Video - Small shelves on the wall for storing keys and other tools