How to make a shelving unit for a garage and shed
An example of a simple wooden shelving unit for a garage
Drawing of a shelving unit for a garage
Wooden frame, plywood or OSB shelves. Dimensions in inches. A very practical design, any man, and even a business woman, can assemble one.
How to make a shelving unit in the garage
Everything is extremely simple, the main thing is to secure the frame to the wall so that it does not fall.
How to make a shelving for a garage - connecting nodes
The shelving structure is held together with self-tapping screws, just take yellow ones, not black ones!
Video - how to make a shelving unit for a garage
This video shows how to make a simple shelving unit for your garage or shed.
Example of a shelving unit in a garage
You can lay the shelves with plywood, or OSB, or boards, whichever is more convenient for you. Additionally, I recommend getting plastic boxes for storing items, this way you will significantly increase the capacity of your rack.
Boxes can be labeled and everything in them can be stored in sorted form, so as not to waste time searching for the right thing.
Video - how to make a convenient shelving in the garage
A rack with many shelves for equipment will help you organize your space in the garage and put everything in order.
Hanging shelving option for garage
Hanging shelving in the garage
I can also suggest an option for a hanging rack using triangular spacers, or whatever you call them... There may be corners... Everything should be clear in the photo, but I’m giving you an idea, so, men, sorry if I called something wrong!
Supporting element of a hanging rack in a garage
A closer look at the structure of the wooden corner. It is recommended to lay boards on top for strength, or two boards on the sides, and then plywood or OSB board on them. This will also be quite reliable.
This rack design looks lighter and more beautiful due to the lack of racks, but it can also withstand much less weight. And if you plan to load your racks in the garage to the maximum, then do the first option, with racks.
Garage ceiling rack option
Ceiling rack for a cottage or garage
If your garage or shed ceilings are high enough, you can optimize storage space by additionally installing ceiling shelving. They won’t take up space, but they will allow you to significantly increase usable area for storing things.
Garage rack made of pipes and chipboard
You will need: pipes (4 pieces, diameter - 25 mm, length - 1100 mm), chipboard, flanges 28 pieces, screwdriver, screws, electric drill, bushings for legs 4 pieces, feather drill diameter 27-30 mm, ruler, compass, pencil, edge tape.
How to make a shelving unit in the garage
1. You will need to cut four shelves measuring 60 x 28 cm from chipboard. You will need to smooth the edges and use an iron to finish them with edge tape.
3. Using a compass, mark the places where the flanges and holes are attached.
4. Screw the flanges on both sides of three shelves, and screw the fourth one from the bottom.
5. Now let's start assembling the rack. Place the top shelf upside down on the floor, insert the pipes into the flanges and tighten the clamps. We put the remaining shelves on the pipes, placing them at a distance convenient for you.
6. Now insert the bushings into the pipes and screw the legs. Insert bushings into the pipes and screw the legs.
Corner shelving idea
The example shows a good option, but it can be done without guides. We're just leftovers OSB boards sawed into triangles and placed on guides screwed into the corner.
Here's a simple example I found: corner shelf for a summer house or for a garage. You can store shoes and some items. Corners are usually not used, but here it turns out to be a very practical use of space.
Storage rack for long items
A great idea for storing long items is under the ceiling. There is always plenty of space there, and long pipes and slats can be safely stored in this way.
The idea of storing screws, nails and bolts in the garage and shed
All fasteners can be stored in used oil and coolant cans. They are convenient to cut and take by the handle. Additionally, you can label each container to see what exactly is stored in each.
Power tool storage shelf idea
All power tools can be stored on this convenient shelf. Material: plywood.
Idea for a storage rack for shovels, forks and rakes
And this idea is already for the utility unit. This is how you can organize the storage of shovels, rakes and forks with brushes. Convenient and nothing will fall!
Tire storage rack in garage
Like this simple idea rack rack for storing tires in the garage. Everything is clear here even without dimensions. Make the rack a little smaller than your tires and store them vertically without any problems.
Here is another country option for a garage rack
Racks for storing household supplies, tools and other necessary things will be very useful at every dacha, especially since making such a rack with your own hands will not be difficult.
Almost any type of dry wood can be used as material for making a rack, but it is better to give preference to pine.
Required parts:
Wooden slats 1200Х40Х30 – 82 pcs.
Slats 400Х40Х30 – 28 pcs.
Slats 200Х40Х30 – 30 pcs.
Wooden stands 30X30 in diameter – 60 pcs.
Flexible APV pins 2.5 sq.m. 3Х1900 in diameter – 2 pcs.; 3Х100 – 2 pcs.; 3Х900 – 2 pcs.
Wooden parts are impregnated with an anti-humidity solution. The slats are connected to each other and to the posts with flexible aluminum pins made of wire in a vinyl chloride braid.
2 transverse slats (400 mm) are laid on the floor, pins are inserted into the holes on them, the length of which corresponds to the height of the room (in our case, 1900). Pins of 0.9 are installed on the front of these slats, while their ends at the base of the slats are bent into a knot.
A longitudinal wooden slats 1.2 m, after which wooden posts are installed on the pins in front of the slats.
In this way, a rack 0.7 m high is assembled, after which it is assembled into two opposite transverse slats 400 m long, having a distance of 180 mm from the end drilled holes, meter-long pins are inserted, the ends of which are tied into a knot to prevent them from falling out. Transverse slats of 200 mm are strung on pins.
To make shelves, longitudinal slats of 1.2 m are installed in the openings of the transverse slats at the required height.
Using this method, you can assemble racks of almost any size and purpose.
Shelf shelving ideas for an attic or attic
And this is already an idea for a rack shelf for an attic or attic. The space under the roof can also be used to store items that will not be in demand for a long time, but which would be a pity to throw away. The main thing is to occasionally audit such warehouses and still get rid of completely unnecessary things.
It is impossible to imagine a garage that does not have a shelving unit. It saves space and allows you to compactly arrange tools, parts, and all household belongings. And all this will be in plain sight and within seconds’ reach.
Of course, you can buy ready-made racks, but it’s much nicer to do everything yourself.
Besides, self-assembly allows you to assemble a structure that will ideally match the size of the garage, your needs and aesthetic preferences.
Before rolling up your sleeves, it would be a good idea to familiarize yourself with the theoretical basis.
Depending on the installation method, there are stationary, collapsible and mobile racks.
According to the material of manufacture - wood, metal, plastic, combined. In the garage, structures made of wood and steel are most often found; the former are cheaper and easier to construct. homemade assembly, the latter are stronger and more durable.
As for the size and number of shelves, this should be based on individual capabilities and needs. General rule- the larger, the more spacious, the better.
If you are just going to build a garage, we advise you to familiarize yourself with how, and also look towards more simple option, namely to the side, which can also be with various materials.
If you want to do everything yourself?
It is best to assemble the structure from steel. It will cost more, you will have to tinker longer, but it will also serve your grandchildren.
There are a lot of advantages of a metal rack:
Now let’s take a closer look at the sequence of work on assembling the racks:
Wooden shelving is cheaper and easier to assemble, but has limited strength and lifespan.
And the tree also requires more attention. It all starts with the choice of material. The most affordable is pine, but its strength is very low.
It would be good if you could get oak or other hardwoods.
The wood must be dry, free from mold and mildew, wormholes, knots and cracks.
For vertical racks you need timber - 100x100 or 100x50.
For crossbars, you can also use timber, only with a smaller cross-section, or even take a board.
The shelves themselves are board or chipboard. The general process of assembling with your own hands is the same as in the case of metal.
But there are a number of differences:
Another inconvenience of wood is that it is difficult to assemble normal collapsible racks from it. Therefore, if you intend to frequently change the position of the structure in the garage or transport it, then it is more advisable to use a metal frame and make only shelves from wood, especially if they are made loose.
Naturally, a prefabricated rack cannot be made by welding; it can only be screwed together.
Cost and time spent on self-assembly
If you have all the necessary tools, then all the work - from taking dimensions to fastening - will take only a few hours; it can easily be completed in two days.
Let's look at it step by step:
There are two problems: you can waste time waiting for the metal to be delivered from the base, and you will also have to wait for the primer and paint to dry.
If not for this, it would have been possible to cope in one day.
The cost is also quite affordable.
The table shows an approximate calculation of the costs of materials for a metal rack 2 m high, 4 m wide, 50 cm deep, shelf width - 1 m, number of shelves - 4.
To this amount should also be added the cost of paint, primer, electrodes for welding or bolts for screwing.
However, if you remember that this item will last for decades, then the costs are completely justified.
| Material | Price | Quantity | Sum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oak beam 100x100 | 500r/linear meter | 10m | 5000r |
| Oak beam 100x50 | 23r/linear meter | 42m | 966rub |
| Oak board 30mm | 140r/m 2 | 10m 2 | 1400rub |
| Total | 7300 |
As you can see, the wooden one is not much cheaper. Although you can take cheaper pine and it will turn out much more economical.
No car enthusiast can do without a well-equipped garage. Shelves and shelving systems that you can make yourself can provide a comfortable arrangement of tools and parts and quick access to them.
Design requirements
Before starting work, you should familiarize yourself with the basic requirements for a homemade design:
Reliability. Shelves and racks must be strong, as they are intended to store heavy loads under which the boards should not bend.
Minimum area. The design should be compact, since the main space is not intended for storage.
Availability. The rack should occupy a place to which there is open access.
At the same time, experts suggest adhering to established standards:
The optimal width of the shelves should not exceed a meter.
It is better to store large items on the lower tiers so that in case of unforeseen circumstances they do not cause damage by falling from a small height. This arrangement is necessary for safety reasons.
The height of the shelves in the upper tiers is usually adjustable from 25 to 60 cm, for the lower levels it does not exceed a meter.
Calculation of depth is relevant for multi-level structures and usually reaches 45 cm.
Taking into account all the parameters, you can safely begin making shelves with your own hands.
Types and purpose
You should take into account the parameters of the garage space, cash and the purpose of the future building.
Most products are needed to store tools or parts of various sizes.
At the same time, there are several types of classification, the first of which talks about the design features:
Open. Required for quick access to a certain thing. Open type shelves are divided into wall-mounted and hanging. Wooden or metal bases are hung on the wall using corners, the fastening of which can be dismantled or permanent. Special anchors must first be installed on the wall to hold the entire structure.
- Closed. The structures are used to eliminate the loss of small items.
Common materials used are wood or metal. In rare cases, the structure can be made of plastic. However, based on practice, the ideal option would be to implement a combined type design.
The following assembly options are suitable for making your own:
Removable or mobile. The shelves form a rack with wheels on the lower tier. The mobile base will ensure optimal load distribution.
- Permanent. The shelving system is designed for specific areas that need to be pre-allocated. To do this, you should initially create drawings that involve dividing the garage into several parts. IN standard option include one-time assembly and fastening of the integral structure with brackets.
- Collapsible products. They are convenient because they can be expanded and easily dismantled in case of replacement or renovation of the premises. The height and number of shelves can be adjusted, and it is also possible to rearrange the shelves to a new location.
- Attic shelf. Hanging shelves are made of a corner and a metal profile, which serves as a base. The entire structure is usually attached to the ceiling or beams, thereby saving space in the garage compartment. For fastening, you will need to install special hooks; they need to be driven in or welded with ceiling beams. This way they can be easily disconnected if necessary.
- Rotating products. These structures are not intended for storing large items. Their main advantage is saving time in searching for suitable parts. For example, self-tapping screws or nuts.
- Homemade tool shields. The shelves are hung on a strong back wall, which is attached to the wall thanks to anchors. Hooks or small stands can be installed on the shield for mobile access to any item.
When choosing a product, you should start from the parameters of the room. It is also necessary to remember that the more, the better, the more spacious and convenient.
There is no need to skimp on shelf sizes, because high-rise structures and without that they will not take up a large area.
Selection of materials
Before making shelves and racks yourself, you need to choose suitable material. This question confronts the garage owner quite acutely and can often cause confusion, because the construction market is replete with a wide selection of offers.
There are options:
- wooden;
- metal;
- plastic;
- mixed - are a combination of two or more materials to build a single structure.
Experts suggest starting from the intended purpose of operation. For example, garage shelves or a shelving system for holding heavy tools must be sturdy. Therefore, such structures must be made of boards or metal.
Chipboard is not suitable as a material, since it is relatively light and wears out quite quickly.
Metal
Unlike wood, metal is a more expensive material. However metal constructions justify the investment with durability and long-term service life. Metal racks can withstand a lot of weight and can be used to store tools and parts of various sizes.
Typically, metal shelves are made from steel or stainless steel plates welded together. This production method allows metal sheets withstand the weight of keys and wheels that exert great pressure, and not suffer in the event of a fire.
The only disadvantage is that the metal is subject to corrosion in conditions high humidity. The product is modified using a special anti-rust composition. However, if the structure is made of stainless material, then it is recommended to carry out wet cleaning only from time to time.
Tree
Wood is a material that does not require additional welding work and is easy to process. Wooden boards can be adjusted to the required size by removing the excess part.
However, this type of material also has significant disadvantages:
- with increased humidity in the room, the wood begins to swell, thereby losing its original shape and collapsing from the inside;
- wood is an organic material that is susceptible to rotting through the formation of molds;
- the material has low resistance to high temperature. In the event of a fire, the fire will easily spread to the wooden structure.
It is quite easy to avoid some unpleasant consequences - you just need to cover the surface of the product with varnish or special paint. It is important to remember that this procedure should be carried out from time to time, updating the outdated layer.
For the manufacture of boards, the basis is taken different kinds wood: oak, pine, ash.
Required Tools
Different materials require a special set of tools:
- Metal structures require welding and secluded place no flammable materials to get started. The parts of the metal frame can be fixed to each other using bolts and special angles.
- Wooden structures will not go far without self-tapping screws, a screwdriver and a drill. Wood products can also be fastened using special glue.
- Combined structures require special preparation. To cut structural parts, you will need a grinder or a hacksaw, since usually the metal component acts as a skeleton.
- Both wooden and metal materials that do not have anti-corrosion properties must be coated special compounds. For example, for wood you will need varnish, and for metal an anti-rust solution.
Fixation finished product to the wall is carried out using brackets and dowels, which can be driven in with precise blows of a hammer. An alternative to brackets are special anchors, which can be purchased at any construction market. With their help it will be easier to dismantle the structure if necessary.
For ceiling materials, you must additionally purchase studs or iron hangers.
How can I do it?
At the preparation stage, you should pay attention to the height of the proposed product. If the garage has low ceilings, then you should make racks that will not leave even a millimeter free space below the surface of the ceiling.
Before starting work, you need to measure the width and height of the shelves. The lower tiers should be spacious for large items, while the upper tiers should be lower so as not to sag and save space. This principle guarantees the stability of the structure.
A simpler option is a wooden shelf. Most garage owners choose the most affordable and simple method of making a shelving system with their own hands using wooden boards.
The choice is due to the advantages of wooden construction:
- affordable price. Metal is valued much higher in the construction market than wood;
- quick and easy assembly method eliminates the need to use a welding machine;
- natural material is much more environmentally friendly;
- the wood is quite durable and is not inferior in reliability to metal structures;
- long service life.
The material must be strong, which means choosing hardwood. For example, oak is ideal for shelving, both in terms of strength and style. Vertical boards are made with a section of 10x5 cm, and not only wooden blocks, but also chipboard sheets can act as shelves.
It is possible to prevent the risk of fire and extend the service life by treating all parts with an antiseptic before assembling the structure. Next, you need to mark the shelves on the vertical bars, which can be attached to the supporting posts with self-tapping screws or special glue.
However, the most current option is fastening with corners.
After assembly, it is necessary to carefully coat the entire structure with colorless varnish. These manipulations are necessary to prevent swelling and damage to the wood structure by mold in conditions of constant humidity.
After drying, it is necessary to install the structure in a certain place. In order to increase stability, the shelving system is fixed to the garage wall using dowels and metal brackets.
Lucky combination wood and metal - wooden shelves equipped with a metal skeleton.
The optimal and most popular option is a steel frame with wooden shelves. Materials will cost much more, but will make up for the loss of funds obvious advantages. They are resistant to moisture and fire, not requiring replacement for ten years. Wood makes the impact on your wallet easier because it costs much less than steel.
The base will require profiles or steel pipes up to 5 cm wide, which are attached to the transverse components using metal corners up to 30 mm in size. These parameters are taken with the calculation of shelves up to 2.5 cm wide.
It is more practical to fix the corners with bolts, because such a system will be easier to dismantle to change the height of the shelves. A welding option is also possible, but it is irrational.
The shelves are made from sheets of plywood or chipboard, having previously measured their parameters. However, the width should not be less than one and a half centimeters, since the shelves must be strong and strong in order to perform main function and over time do not sag under heavy weight.
Assembly must be done in a free area, strictly following the instructions:
- metal parts are divided with a grinder according to preliminary calculations and room parameters;
- on vertical supports, the future location of the shelves is marked;
- the corners are carefully screwed or welded to the vertical frame. In this case, it is necessary to strictly observe the markings so that the multi-tiered product does not warp;
- in case if purchased material, which is not resistant to rust, all metal parts are coated with a special anti-corrosion compound;
- the cut shelves are placed across the structure, cutting off excess parts;
- Next, you need to sand and varnish the wooden components;
- tightly attach the wood to the metal using self-tapping screws.
At the end of the work, the entire structure is attached to the wall. Brackets with dowels are ideal for this purpose.
A permanent storage system is a shelving structure that is assembled on site and then attached to the wall. In some cases, such an installation is much more practical and is much simpler to implement than mobile systems.
The assembly algorithm is carried out in six stages:
- markings are made directly on the wall, in which holes are immediately drilled and dowels are screwed in;
- metal or wooden frame cut according to pre-verified drawings and installed parallel to each other;
- distant wooden beams are screwed to the wall according to the markings, strictly adjusting the level position using a level;
- the skeleton of the structure is connected to each other in width using horizontal corners;
- the front (front) parts are connected to horizontal beams on which the shelves will be located;
- Vertical supports are attached last and wooden shelves are placed in the previously developed grooves.
Thanks to the effort expended, you can get a durable structure that will serve long years. However, such a structure has a drawback - in case of repair or replacement of the garage interior, it will not be easy to dismantle the strong structure.
For storing tools and various parts, the shelving system is almost indispensable.
The only requirement for the design is that the shelves do not bend under the pressure of heavy weight.
For creating wooden product You will need to follow the standard parameters:
- for the upper tiers it is required to maintain a height of 30 to 50 cm;
- the width of the shelves should correspond to the size of 1.5 m for safety reasons, thereby contributing to the stability of the structure;
- The optimal depth of niches is 50 cm.
The preparatory stage for self-production is a clearly verified drawing and approximate design. The next step is to create a frame and vertical supports from beams with a section of 10x10 cm.
Organizing a workspace and an ergonomic storage system in a garage allows you not only to effectively use the available space, but also to ensure comfort and order during car repairs or maintenance.
With the help of prefabricated garage racks, it is possible to correctly arrange all the necessary tools, auto parts, components and accessories.
It is possible to purchase ready-made structures, order a product according to certain parameters, or make racks from wood or metal yourself. With any option, you should initially decide on the location of the shelves and decide what will be stored on them.
The racks must be arranged in such a way that the car owner has easy access to the shelves. Small parts, fasteners, Consumables should be packaged in boxes and cartons.
How to make shelving in a garage
The advantage of making shelves and racks yourself is the ability to make the design in accordance with your own financial capabilities, exact dimensions, and arrangement of tiers.
You should decide on the material from which the sections and shelves will be made, the type of fastening elements, the method of assembly and fixation.
Selection of materials
The frame for the racks must be made of durable material. The best option are steel or aluminum. It is better to make shelves from a solid sheet of machined metal or wood.
Main details of the rack:
- racks. The material is profiled pipe, reinforced metallic profile or corner;
- shelves. Can be made from sheet steel, thick-walled aluminum, boards, chipboard or plywood.
Self-tapping screws or bolts are a reliable option for attaching shelves to racks. To make a rack you need a tape measure, a level, a screwdriver, a hacksaw and a metal cutting machine (grinder). After assembling the frame and installing the shelves, you need to check the reliability of all fasteners.
The metal sheet must be galvanized at the factory or painted with polymer-containing paint. As a result, a sealed barrier is formed that protects the alloy from moisture and corrosive processes.
During production wooden rack All parts should be treated with antiseptics, which will protect the wood from the formation mold fungus, impact chemical reagents in case of leakage.
Types of structures
Garage storage sections are classified into floor-mounted and wall-mounted. Hanging shelves must be securely fastened to the structure.
Floor racks are divided into:
- stationary. The sections are installed on the floor. The supports are fixed with dowels;
- mobile (mobile). The racks of the shelving units are equipped with wheels. The advantage of this option is the ability to move if necessary (for example, during car maintenance or repair). Among the disadvantages, it should be noted the instability of the structure;
- wall The rack is mounted close to the wall without the possibility of free movement. The racks are attached to the ceiling and floor.
Also, structures can be closed, equipped with standard hinged doors or have a sliding mechanism.
Features of designing racks with your own hands
Before starting work, it is advisable to take measurements and prepare a sketch of the future structure on which the dimensions will be marked. Photos of garage shelving to prepare a drawing can be found in sufficient quantities on thematic forums or other Internet resources.
The rack should not be made in the form of a bulky structure. Compact sizes save space. It is optimal if the width of the shelves does not exceed 1.5-2 m.
The depth of each tier can be in the range from 20 to 40 cm. The height of each row can be from 20 to 100 cm, depending on its purpose.
Benefits of garage shelving
Wooden and galvanized or painted metal garage shelving has the following advantages:
- strength;
- durability;
- low cost;
- light weight;
- ability to withstand high loads (metal shelves can withstand 300 kg, wooden shelves - up to 120 kg);
- availability of materials;
- possibility of height adjustment of tiers;
- ease of manufacture;
- resistance to corrosion and chemicals;
- resistance to temperature and humidity changes;
- ease of assembly and repair;
- easy care.
When making a garage rack with your own hands, you need to take into account the nuances of storing garage accessories.
For heavy and bulky items, reinforced shelves with a material thickness of at least 50 mm should be constructed. Optimal material metal will be used for storing tires, batteries, auto parts, and hardware.
Tiers for tires should be positioned in such a way as to place wheels with rims in a vertical position, and tires without rims in a horizontal position.
An alternative option for storing tires would be a sturdy beam instead of a lower tier or a rod mounted to the ceiling.
Photos of garage shelving
Ideal order in the garage: do-it-yourself shelves and racks
Over time, under the roof of any car garage, a whole arsenal of various household supplies and household items accumulates, which have no place either in the home or in the pantry.
To prevent the formation of a chaotic dump, the space inside the garage must be properly organized. And this can be done using a homemade shelf and rack system. It will allow you to carefully and rationally place things stored in the garage and thereby create the most comfortable conditions not only for car care, but also for solving everyday household problems.
- 1 Principles and possibilities of arranging a car garage
- 2 Self-production of shelves and racks for the garage
- 3 Making a racking system with your own hands
- 4 Additional amenities in the garage
- 5 Solutions Gallery
Principles and possibilities of arranging a car garage
The main purpose of a garage is to store a car. This means that first of all, the car owner must eliminate possible attacks on the property stored inside, that is, ensure the safety of the latter. No less important issue is the correct climate regime in the garage space - the condition of the car should in no case depend on the vagaries of the weather or the appetites of harmful microorganisms such as fungus or mold. Another principle of organizing the situation in the garage - ergonomics - says that everything under the roof of the structure should always stand, lie or hang in its place, without interfering with the passage, travel, cleaning or car care process. With all this, it is imperative that the premises be clean and tidy, which are the key not only to the health of the car owner, but also to his safety when visiting the garage and performing all kinds of business or repair operations.
In accordance with these principles, at the first stage of arranging a garage you will need:
- Install a reliable locking system on gates and windows, if any.
- Insulate the structure of the building or organize high-quality heating interior space in the cold season.
- Execute interior decoration reliable, durable and easy to clean materials.
After finishing finishing works you can start final stage arrangement - organizing the interior of the garage. To do this you need to create detailed plan premises and determine what and how exactly will be stored in it, in addition to the car.
Garage plan for passenger car with calculated dimensions
As a rule, the wall farthest from the entrance to the garage is allocated for racks and shelves. If the dimensions of the room allow, it is advantageous to equip the side walls with shelves. If there is a lack of free space in the garage, special attention should be paid to the space under the ceiling, as well as above the car itself. Shelves equipped on the upper level will allow you to unload bottom part premises, taking on things that need to be used from time to time.
Wooden shelves on metal frame under the garage ceiling
The configuration and dimensions of the racking system depend on the size of the garage and the needs of its owner. The materials from which the shelves will be made must be strong enough to support the weight of the items being stored. For example, tiers can be made of thick plywood or boards, and the frame can be made of metal pipes or corners, but other options are possible.
Wooden shelving system for a garage
The method of assembling and installing the racking system depends on the material used to decorate the garage, as well as design features the building itself. In many cases, shelves are hung on the walls, and racks are installed directly on the floor. However, shelves can also be hung from the ceiling, while to increase the stability of a separate rack, its frame is often equipped with fastenings for walls, floors and ceilings.
Open Hanging Garage Shelving System
When calculating the parameters of a racking system, several points should be taken into account:
- The distance from the bottom shelf to the floor is taken to be at least 20 cm. This significantly simplifies the process of cleaning in the garage.
- The width and height of the shelves must correspond to the dimensions of the items being stored.
- It is advisable to perforate the shelves in order to improve ventilation, as well as to avoid the accumulation of dust and dirt.
Self-production of shelves and racks for the garage
You should thoroughly prepare for the arrangement of the garage space. For this you will need:
- perform structural calculations;
- select and prepare materials;
- collect the tools and equipment necessary for design, assembly and installation.
When planning a shelving system, first of all you need to make at least an approximate list of items stored in the garage, not forgetting to estimate their weight and dimensions. You should also draw a plan of the garage, on which, on a scale accurate to the centimeter, you need to indicate the design parameters of the structure (height, width, thickness, pitch and number of shelves). Afterwards, it remains to carefully consider the method of assembling and installing and fixing the shelves or a separate rack.
Please note: The choice of the type of shelf and rack system and the method of its installation and fastening largely depends on the properties of the materials from which the garage is made. So, if the walls of the latter are metal, you will have to tinker quite a bit with hanging shelves, while the simplest attached shelving will save the garage owner from complex manipulations with fasteners, garage insulation etc. Most convenient option- plastered brick walls. In such a garage, you can give free rein to your imagination and install a combined shelving system with many useful functions for your household.
Material Selection: Key Points
Materials for creating a shelving system for a garage are selected based on considerations of ease of assembly, as well as reliability and practicality in operation. So, for shelves intended for storing heavy and large items, you will need a reinforced frame, for the creation of which a metal corner or a profiled pipe is best suited.
But in this case, the garage owner cannot do without the skills of cutting, drilling and welding metal. In addition, the latter needs protection from corrosion, and this is associated with additional financial costs.
Wooden blocks 40–50 cm thick can also be used as a frame for garage shelves or racks. Working with wood is much easier than with metal, but you still have to take care of protecting the material from mold, rot, humidity and other aggressive operating factors.
As for the material for making the shelves itself, the most practical solutions worth mentioning:
- boards with a thickness of 2 cm;
Edged board is one of the cheapest and easiest to use materials. Garage shelves made from planks will last for many years. But to increase ease of use and increase their service life, they must be sanded and covered with an antiseptic and paint, which will protect the material from mechanical damage, pests and rotting.
- multilayer plywood;
Plywood is a practical and inexpensive material with high strength and durability measured over decades. Working with this material is not difficult, however, when making shelves it should be sanded with fine sandpaper and covered with a protective layer of paint or varnish. This will prevent the plywood from getting wet, drying out and cracking under the influence of dampness, temperature changes and aggressive chemicals.
- particle boards.
Chipboard is a cheap and easy-to-use material, but difficult to use. When making shelves from particle board Using varnishing or painting, it is necessary to protect not only the working (upper) and lower planes, but also the ends, as well as holes for bolts and perforations, from damage and aggressive influences. At the same time, the latter require increased care when performing due to the structure of the material.
Please note: A quick but rather expensive option for arranging a garage is to purchase ready-made plastic or metal perforated shelves with factory fastenings or a prefabricated shelving frame. In the absence of sufficient funds, the most reasonable solution would be self-production structures made from materials prepared at the discretion of the garage owner.
Design calculation
First of all, it is necessary to determine the location of the racking system. If we are talking about several small shelves, you can make a sketch directly on the wall, while drawing a frame shelving will have to be done on paper.
Sketch of hanging shelves on the garage wall
When planning the structure you should consider:
- dimensions and weight of items placed on shelves;
- the necessary amount of free space for passage;
- the dimensions of the spaces between sections and the vertical spacing of the shelves;
- methods for attaching shelves to the walls or ceiling of the garage;
- the need to attach the racking system to the floor or ceiling.
Calculation of an attached shelving system for a garage
If a rack is installed in the garage, it is advisable to select its height according to the height of the room. Regarding wall or hanging shelves, it is convenient to calculate them from top to bottom. If the dimensions and layout of the garage allow, the width of the shelving tier is selected along the entire length of the wall with a margin of 5–10 cm for ease of installation. The optimal depth of the rack is 50–60 cm, although for large items ( car tires and disks, spare parts, boxes, etc.) it would be reasonable to provide wider shelves.
Closed Hanging Rack for Garage
The height of the tier can be different and is selected according to the needs of the garage owner. It is practical to place the widest and deepest shelves at the bottom. It is more convenient to store heavy and bulky items here, which are easy to reach if necessary. On the other hand, deep shelves can also be installed under the garage ceiling. After all, on upper tier It is very convenient to store large but light items or rarely used items. In addition, it is convenient to divide individual tiers into sections, which will facilitate sorting of stored goods.
Drawing of a simple shelving system for a garage
Please note: It is undesirable for the width of the shelves, especially those made of thin material, to exceed 1–1.5 m. This will lead to a decrease in structural strength and sagging of the tiers. As for the length, it is convenient to start from a size of at least 60–80 cm, otherwise the shelves will be inconvenient for storing long items. The vertical pitch of the racking system is taken according to the required storage height. For example, the height of the lower tier can be taken as 70 cm and used for storing car tires, rims, large containers, etc. If you add another 2 tiers of 50 cm each, the total height of the rack will be 1.7 m. In a garage with a ceiling height of 2.5 m, the highest top shelf such a design will have a 60-cm step, taking into account the 20-cm distance from the floor to the lower tier.
Tools and auxiliary materials
To independently manufacture, assemble and install a racking system, you will need a considerable arsenal of tools, as well as auxiliary materials. The tools for completing the task contain:
- building level;
- tape measure and marker;
- screwdriver;
- electric drill with hammer drill function;
- jigsaw;
- circular saw with metal blades (if the frame of the rack is made of steel angle or profile pipe);
- welding machine (for welding elements of the metal frame of the rack);
- hand tools (construction angle, pliers, hammer, screwdrivers and wrenches).
Please note: A welded rack frame is difficult to manufacture, so bolted connections are often preferred to welding.
Add to list auxiliary materials should be entered:
- dowels or anchors (for attaching a wooden or metal frame to garage structural elements);
- self-tapping screws for wood or metal or bolts with nuts (for attaching shelves to the frame);
- drills for concrete, wood and metal;
- primer and paint for metal and wooden structural elements;
- priming brush;
- sanding paper.
Please note: In some cases, it is more convenient to fix wooden shelves to the frame using special glue.
Making your own shelving system
Self-construction of shelves or racks for a garage is carried out with subsequent assembly. The operating algorithm is as follows:
- Using a circular saw or jigsaw, frame elements are cut from a steel angle, profiled pipe or wooden block: racks, transverse and longitudinal beams, amplifiers.
- Markings are made on the vertical posts of the rack to install transverse and longitudinal crossbars under the shelves.
- If we are talking about shelves, on the horizontal crossbars that will hold them on the wall, the attachment points are marked with dowels or anchors. Next, they need to be transferred to the wall and holes of the appropriate diameter and depth must be made with a hammer drill.
- On the frame elements for bolted connections, holes of the required diameter are made using a drill with a metal drill.
- If the choice fell on a welded frame, the elements of the latter must be joined with neat seams.
- The metal frame is sanded, primed and painted. It is also advisable to sand, prime and paint the wooden base of the shelving system to protect it from mold and rot.
- Shelves are cut from chipboard, plywood or boards the right size, after which their surface must be perforated.
- The shelf frame is attached to the wall or ceiling of the garage, after which the shelves are fixed to it using glue, screws or bolts.
- Assembling a separate rack is carried out in several steps:
- installation of side racks;
- fastening of transverse and longitudinal crossbars, as well as amplifiers;
- installation of shelves on the frame.
Homemade shelving system with a metal frame and chipboard shelves
How to make shelves yourself
If there is not enough free space in the garage to install a separate rack, the room is equipped with shelves. The latter may be:
- hanging;
- mounted.
It is rational to install hanging shelves in rooms whose walls are made of materials that are difficult to process or are unable to bear additional loads. In this case, the shelf frame, which is usually made of metal, will be attached to the ceiling. The latter must be strong enough to withstand the weight of not only the entire structure, but also the things stored on the shelves.
Please note: To reduce the load on the ceiling, it is advisable to equip the structure frame with wall fastenings.
The production and installation of hanging shelves is carried out in several stages:
- After taking measurements, three elements should be cut from a metal corner or profile pipe: the main longitudinal beam, vertical racks and horizontal bars.
- On the main longitudinal beam holes are made for mounting to the ceiling or side walls of the garage.
- They are welded to the vertical posts or using bolted connections horizontal crossbars are fixed.
- Using welding or bolting, the frame is attached to the main supporting beam fixed under the ceiling.
- Horizontal crossbars that rest against the wall are equipped with fasteners (corners) for reliable fixation.
- Shelves are cut out of boards, plywood or chipboard according to pre-calculated dimensions. Before installation, they must be perforated and equipped with holes for fastening to the frame.
- Using bolts, the shelves are mounted on the frame.
Hanging shelf system with a load-bearing beam fixed to the garage walls
Please note: If the garage ceiling is made of concrete or other material of sufficient strength, the load-bearing beam can be dispensed with. But in this case, you will have to attach each of the vertical frame posts to the ceiling plane.
Installation of a shelf frame on a concrete ceiling
Wall shelves are made in the following way:
- After taking measurements from a metal angle, profile pipe or wooden beam horizontal supporting beams are cut out for each shelf, vertical posts and horizontal crossbars.
- Horizontal crossbars are equipped with mounting holes and fixed to the supporting beams.
- The beams are mounted on the wall using anchors or dowels.
- On installed frame Using bolts or self-tapping screws, shelves cut from boards, plywood or chipboard and pre-sanded and painted are fixed.
Wooden hanging shelves made of wood, mounted on a brick wall
Please note: To mount the shelf frame on the wall or ceiling of the garage, it is convenient to use special brackets that are sold in the store. The wooden base of the rack is additionally reinforced at the nodes with the help of metal corners or spacers.
Video: self-production of a racking system
Additional amenities in the garage
If the garage is spacious enough, it can be used not only as a warehouse for spare parts, tools, building materials and all kinds of household rubbish, but also as a home workshop. To do this, you need to add devices to the environment that greatly increase the convenience of performing various technical operations. Such devices include:
- Workbench;
Homemade workbench for working in the garage
A workbench is a very useful piece of furniture in a garage, which is a table equipped with drawers, shelves, bedside tables and technical devices for performing various household or repair work(vice, electrical outlet, local illumination, etc.).
- washing;
Washing and hob in a car garage
Washing - practical and useful solution, which will ensure uninterrupted water supply in the garage, necessary not only for washing hands, but also for car care, as well as activities related to indoor cleaning.
- inspection hole;
Garage inspection hole with your own hands
An inspection pit is an extremely necessary device for a garage in which the car will not only be stored, but also repaired.
- vegetable storage (cellar);
Cellar (vegetable storage) in the garage
If there is not enough free space in the house, the garage can be equipped with a vegetable storage facility, in which it is convenient to store vegetables, pickles or foods that require special temperature conditions.
- closet;
Wardrobe built into shelving system in garage
A cabinet built into the shelving system in the garage will not only allow you to neatly place various small items, tools or spare parts, but also limit access to them.
- ventilation, heating, etc.
Ventilation and heating in the garage are necessary if the room is used all year round, and not only for storing cars, but also for performing repair and household work.
Please note: the arrangement of a garage space entirely depends on the needs and financial capabilities of its owner. At the same time, almost any of necessary equipment for car care or maintenance household You can either buy it ready-made, or make and install it yourself, significantly reducing cash costs.
Solutions Gallery
A universal wall for storing tools, auto parts and household equipment in the garage Arranging a garage for a workshop 
Shelving system made of wood for arranging a garage space 
Storing power tools in the garage on a special shelf Many useful ideas are born directly in the process of arranging the garage. For example, the racking system can be made collapsible, some of the tiers can be equipped with sides or sections for storing various small items. It is noteworthy that it is very difficult to immediately plan everything that may be needed in the process of car care and solving household problems in the garage. Therefore, it’s worth starting with the most necessary things, for example, with shelves or a rack, a workbench or a cabinet, which will optimize the space in the room and make it easier to carry out everyday work on car and household care.