Garages are great for more than simply parking; they also provide additional room to store various tools, equipment, and other necessities. With an adequate storage solution, all that room will be well-spent. Garage shelves are useful in that situation.
If you’re a beginner handyman this weekend, you may construct some basic wood shelves for your garage. You may find many blueprints and guides online; making them will take little time. Now is a good time to look at some.
This is the perfect spot for you if you seek simple, aesthetically pleasing, and cost-effective cabinetry. These storage cabinets are stylish, spacious, and reasonably priced. Plus, this garage cabinet system is quite flexible: Create as few or as many cabinets as you need, alter their width and height to fit your room, and experiment with various combinations of open and closed storage. This system can even be used in a basement, closet, or laundry room.
Advantages of Garage Cabinets Made of Wood
An attractive and functional solution for storing and organising your tools and equipment is wood garage cabinets. In addition to its attractive design, these garage storage solutions come with movable shelves and cabinet boxes, so you may arrange your belongings to suit your specific needs. Wood garage cabinets also have the added benefits of being long-lasting, simple to put together, and adaptable to spaces of varying sizes.
Additionally, they are available in various colours, designs, and finishes to match any interior design scheme. Furthermore, wood garage cabinets are an excellent option for anyone seeking an affordable method to arrange their garage because they are not as expensive as other storage alternatives.
Tools Required
- Table saw or circular saw
- Tools for cutting edges:
- Level of Iron
- DIY utility knife with a self-centering drill bit
Materials Required
- Screws that are 1-1/4 inches in diameter
- Hinge spacing of 1/4″
- 3-inch fasteners
- Protective coverings for kitchen cabinets
- High-quality building materials Materials: 1×4 pine, edge banding, and melamine-coated particleboard.
- Bases for shelves
Methods for Constructing Wooden Garage Shelving Units
Create A Custom Garage Cabinet System That Works For You
Using masking tape, roughly demarcate the areas on the wall where the cabinets will go. Be sure to include enough area between the garage cabinets for shelves. Find a good arrangement by experimenting with various cabinet sizes and spacing. Please adhere to these rules:
- You must ensure at least one stud behind each cabinet for proper wall mounting.
- Keep door widths to a minimum of 24 inches. Put in two doors to conceal a larger opening. We ensured that most of our doors could be opened even when the car parked in the garage by limiting their width to 12 inches.
- Longer than 2 feet, the shelves tend to droop. Stiffen the melamine by fastening 1/4 of the cleats to the undersides if you want to make yours longer.
- Properly dimension your cabinets so you may utilise one entire sheet of melamine. For instance, we could get three cabinet sides out of a single sheet of material by making our cabinets sixteen inches deep (for other dimensions, see Figure A). Remember that your saw blade consumes around 1/8 inch of material for every cut. Certain melamine sheets are 1 inch larger than the standard size to accommodate this.
Working With Melamine
Get the measurements of your cabinet and start cutting the melamine. After you’ve edge-banded the pieces, please don’t cut them to length; make sure the material is evenly wide for the sides and the fixed and adjustable shelves. Here are a few guidelines:
Get Help
It takes a team to move melamine. Full sheets can be cut with the help of a large, steady table saw. The best practice is to use a circular saw to cut the sheet into smaller, more manageable pieces first. Afterwards, use the table saw to make the final cuts.
Wear Gloves When Handling Large Pieces
Melamine can easily cut your hands with its sharp edges.
Avoid Scratching The Melamine Surface
Use cardboard or old carpet to smooth off any uneven spots on your workbench. Pad had a similar perception of horses. To prevent the circular saw’s shoe from damaging the melamine, cover it with a few pieces of masking tape.
Be Careful With Edges
Chipping them is a breeze. Take care not to drop the parts when you set them on edge. Keep sheets from tumbling or dragging on the floor.
Iron On The Edge Band
Iron the edge banding onto the melamine after cutting it to width. Make sure the banding extends beyond the edges and ends. Iron the banding on in two or three passes using the “cotton” setting on your iron. Run the iron swiftly over the bands on the first pass to track the bands into place.
Spread the bands out evenly so it hangs over the edges. For a more secure bond to the banding, melt the glue completely with a second, slower pass. Next, make a second pass around the borders to ensure no loose patches. Before trimming, allow the banding to cool.
Hole Drilling For Shelf Supports
Shelf supports secure the movable shelves in place, and these, in turn, slot into holes bored into the side panels of the cabinets. Drill 1/4-inch holes through the cabinet sides to accommodate the shelves using a piece of scrap pegboard as a template. A sheet of pegboard, measuring 4 feet by 8 feet and costing $15, is an ideal pre-made drilling guide, though you may use almost any material. To ensure all holes line up, mark the bottom of your guide and the cabinet sides.
Make sure to drill through the sides of the cabinet that will hold the shelves inside and out. On the outside of the cabinet sides that will be the endpoints of your shelf system, drill holes that are 3/8 inch deep. Instead of using tape around the drill bit, which works for drilling a few holes at a time, you should invest in a stop collar ($4). Set a stop collar on the drill bit to prevent end panels from drilling through shelves that aren’t perpendicular to the panel.
The shelf supports must be checked before drilling. While some call for 1/4-inch holes, others specify 5 millimetres. A clean, chip-free hole can be achieved by using a broad-point drill bit. Installing a “backer” beneath the bit’s exit point from the melamine will reduce blowout.
Saw The Wooden Components In Half
Pine 1x4s (C) and melamine panels (B) form the fixed shelves that slide into the space between the cabinet sides (A). Get the 1x4s painted to match the melamine. Should your cabinet height be below four feet, you will only require the fixed shelves at the top and bottom. A centre-fixed shelf is also necessary for taller cabinets (Figure A). The fixed shelves can be easily assembled by cutting melamine and 1x4s to exact lengths and then screwing them together.
Utilise a crosscut guide to trim components to size. Make multiples of the same length quickly using a stop block fastened to the guide. Place 2×4 scraps on either side of the incision to support the melamine.
Plans For Constructing A Crosscut Guide (Figure B)
The time you save cutting the fixed shelves and subsequent shelves will more than compensate for the few minutes it takes to make this instruction. Our system needed thirty shelves. To create a crosscut guide, fasten a guide strip to the base using screws. Then, while cutting the base, run your saw against the guide strip to remove any excess. Along the same line as the guide strip, attach a squaring strip. Set the length of your pieces by positioning the stop block.
Set Up The Cabinet Hardware
Complete the assembly of the cabinet boxes before moving on to the doors. Attach the hinges to the cabinets before hanging the doors. Because it encircles the cabinet’s front corner, the hinge style we opted for is known as a “wrap” hinge. Look online for “1/4 overlay wrap hinge” if you can’t locate them at a home centre. The two main benefits of this design are that it provides a more stable mounting point for the cabinet and allows you to fine-tune the door placement before fastening. The top and bottom hinges should be 1/4 inch from each corner, while the others should be spaced evenly apart.
Our 12-inch-wide twin doors were hinged using four hardware pieces. Use a minimum of five hinges if you choose a single wide door. Even though they’re just secured with two screws apiece, the hinges are sturdy enough to support considerably greater weight. Melamine particleboard doesn’t do a good job of holding screws. When in doubt, install more hinges.
The Best Practices For Mounting Cabinets And Installing A Ledger
Keep the cabinets off the garage floor during installation. Piles of water caused by cars that leak will swiftly deteriorate particleboard. We set our cabinets 6 inches above the ground to make sweeping the floor easier. The ledger could be levelled and secured to the wall framing instead of the concrete foundation at this height. On both the studs and the sill plate, we drove screws.
Use three-inch screws to secure a 2×4 ledger to the wall studs. Ensure that the ledger is level and select a straight 2×4.
Mount The Storage Units On The Wall Of Your Garage
You will require assistance to install the cabinets. Fasten the cabinet to the ledger after you’ve set it in position. Pair of 3-inch screws put into studs through the upper and middle cleats will secure the cabinet to the wall once it is levelled. Before placing the remaining cabinets between the two end cabinets, ensure equal space for the shelves that can fit in between them. Always keep an eye out for anything that can jam a cabinet door. Corner end cabinets, for instance, should be spaced approximately half an inch from the wall that adjoins it.
Set Up The Top Cabinets
The top cabinets not only secure the upright cabinets to the wall, but they also offer deep, enclosed storage space. A long shelf could cover the tops of the upright cabinets instead of building upper cabinets.
Continue using the same methods and materials to construct the upper cabinets as you did for the uprights. At the corner where the cabinets will meet, install a blank panel.
Hardware And Shelves Are Last
Finish the job by cutting the shelves. In this approach, you can utilise the crosscut jig to measure the inner and crevices of the shelves precisely, eliminate any excess material, and then cut the shelves to size.
We recommend installing four shelves within each cabinet and six in the area between them but feel free to adjust the number as needed. After the doors are installed, add knobs or pulls to the cabinets to prevent drilling in the wrong spot. Look at these 14 items for garage workshop ideas if you’re looking for more methods to utilise your garage ceiling as storage.
Screwing Melamine Into Place
Throughout the whole project, screwing is the sole means of fastening. Their joints are robust and made quickly. On the other hand, there are a few snags when screwing into melamine:
Strip-Out
The melamine material, like other particle board products, can be easily stripped by overdriving screws. Drill screws home with caution, taking it softly on the trigger. Do not use screws with fine threads. Always expect fine-thread screws to strip. Also, using longer screws helps to reduce stripping. Use 1-5/8-inch screws if you are constructing the thing out of plywood. To put the boxes together, nevertheless, we utilised 2-inch screws.
Splits
Splitting particleboard is a breeze. It is imperative to always drill a pilot hole before driving a screw into the particle board. We utilised No. 8 screws and installed 7/64-inch drill bits. Screws positioned too closely to the ends of particleboard will fracture the material, even when a pilot hole is used. Maintain a distance of at least one inch from the pieces’ ends.
Proper Care for Your Garage Shelves
Doing these things will extend the life of your garage shelves. Consider applying a waterproof sealant to the wood if you plan to store anything that could leak on your shelves. It’s a good idea to connect a second horizontal board to cover it to avoid damaging the plywood lip when sliding anything on and off. This will keep your stored stuff safe.
Conclusion
Garages offer storage for tools, equipment, and other necessities. Beginners can construct basic wood shelves for garages. Affordable, stylish, and flexible garage cabinetry offers versatile solutions for various rooms.
Wood garage cabinets offer an attractive and functional solution for storing and organizing tools and equipment. They come with movable shelves and cabinet boxes, making them adaptable to spaces of varying sizes. They are long-lasting, simple to put together, and available in various colors, designs, and finishes. To construct wooden garage cabinets, use a table saw or circular saw, a DIY utility knife with a self-centering drill bit, screws, hinge spacing, 3-inch fasteners, protective coverings, and high-quality materials like 1×4 pine, edge banding, and melamine-coated particleboard.
Work with melamine by cutting it into smaller pieces, wearing gloves, and avoiding scratching the surface. Iron the edge banding onto the melamine, ensuring it extends beyond the edges and ends. Drill 1/4-inch holes through the cabinet sides to accommodate the shelves, using a piece of scrap pegboard as a template. Use a crosscut guide to trim components to size, and use 2×4 scraps on either side of the incision to support the melamine.
Content Summary:
- Garages provide additional storage space for tools, equipment, and other necessities.
- Garage shelves are a useful storage solution.
- Beginners can construct basic wood shelves for their garage.
- Garage cabinets are simple, aesthetically pleasing, and cost-effective.
- These cabinets are stylish, spacious, and reasonably priced.
- The garage cabinet system is flexible, allowing for customization of width, height, and storage combinations.
- It can be used in basements, closets, or laundry rooms.
- Advantages of Wood Garage Cabinets
- Offers a functional and attractive storage solution for tools and equipment.
- Comes with movable shelves and cabinet boxes for specific needs.
- Long-lasting, easy to assemble, and adaptable to various spaces.
- Available in various colors, designs, and finishes.
- Affordable and suitable for those seeking an affordable garage arrangement.
- Tools Required
- Table saw or circular saw.
- DIY utility knife with a self-centering drill bit.
- Screws 1-1/4 inches in diameter.
- Hinged spacing of 1/4″
- 3-inch fasteners.
- Protective coverings for kitchen cabinets.
- High-quality building materials: 1×4 pine, edge banding, and melamine-coated particleboard.
- Constructing Wooden Garage Shelving Units
- Create a custom garage cabinet system using masking tape.
- Ensure at least one stud behind each cabinet for proper wall mounting.
- Keep door widths to a minimum of 24 inches.
- Stiffen the melamine by fastening 1/4 of the cleats to the undersides.
- Dimension cabinets to utilize one entire sheet of melamine.
- Get help from a team to move melamine.
- Wear gloves when handling large pieces.
- Avoid scratching the melamine surface.
- Be careful with edges.
- Iron the edge banding onto the melamine after cutting it to width.
- Allow the banding to cool before trimming.
- Hole Drilling for Shelf Supports
- Drill 1/4-inch holes through the cabinet sides to accommodate the shelves.
- Check the shelf supports before drilling.
- Saw the Wooden Components In Half
- Cut 1x4s and melamine panels to form the fixed shelves.
- Use a crosscut guide to trim components to size.
- Place 2×4 scraps on either side of the incision to support the melamine.
- Complete assembly of cabinet boxes before hanging doors.
- Attach hinges to cabinets using a “wrap” hinge.
- Use a minimum of five hinges for single wide doors.
- Best Practices for Mounting Cabinets and Installing Ledger
- Keep cabinets off the garage floor during installation.
- Set cabinets 6 inches above the ground for easier sweeping.
- Secure ledger to wall framing using three-inch screws.
- Secure a 2×4 ledger to wall studs using three-inch screws.
- Fasten cabinets to the ledger using 3-inch screws.
- Ensure equal space for shelves between cabinets.
- Keep an eye out for anything that can jam a cabinet door.
- Set Up The Top Cabinets
- Secure upright cabinets to the wall and offer deep, enclosed storage space.
- Use a crosscut jig to measure the inner and crevices of the shelves.
- Install four shelves within each cabinet and six in the area between them.
- Screwing Melamine Into Place
- Screws are the sole means of fastening.
- Avoid stripping the melamine material by drilling screws home with caution.
- Always drill a pilot hole before driving a screw into the particle board.
- Proper Care for Garage Shelves
- Apply a waterproof sealant to the wood if storing leaky items.
- Connect a second horizontal board to cover the plywood lip to keep stored items safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Add Bins Or Hooks To The Wood Storage For Smaller Items?
Yes, incorporating bins, hooks, or even small drawers enhances organisation. Utilise vertical space for smaller tools and accessories to keep your garage clutter-free.
Should I Paint Or Seal The Wood Shelves?
Yes, applying paint or sealant helps protect the wood from moisture and extends the shelf life. Choose a finish that complements your garage’s aesthetic.
How Do I Secure Heavy Or Long Pieces Of Lumber On The Shelves?
A: Use brackets or additional supports underneath the shelves to reinforce them for heavier loads. Ensure the shelves are securely anchored to the wall or structure.
Can I Modify Existing Shelves For Wood Storage?
Yes, you can repurpose existing shelves or cabinets for wood storage. Ensure they are sturdy enough, and make any necessary adjustments to accommodate your lumber.
Any Tips For Maintaining An Organised Wood Storage System?
Regularly assess your inventory, label bins or sections, and return items to their designated spots after each use. This helps maintain order and makes finding what you need for your projects easier.