Every house has a garage that the owners love. It serves as a place to store more than just vehicles, such as a car jack, a pump, a rug, tools for gardening and cutting wood, and so on. There’s a workshop in there, too.
However, it’s almost impossible to prevent clutter in the garage, as many useful items inevitably make their way there. Your garage will look messy and disorganised as a result of this. It can be especially irritating for those who are easily irritated by mess and disorganisation.
However, you can stay away from such a sight. If you’re wondering “How?” you’re not alone. Well, you can always benefit from more orders by constructing a garage shelf. The excellent thing is that you can construct this shelf single-handedly. To keep your garage from looking like a cluttered dumping ground, you can build a space-saving shelf on your own.
A garage shelf that you build yourself will do more than just keep your equipment and other items in order; it will also make them easy to reach. Come along as we show you how this masterpiece was put together.
How To Build Shelves In Garage Wall?
Building shelves in a garage wall is a great way to add extra storage space for tools, equipment, and other items. Here are some general steps to help you build shelves in your garage wall:
1. Measure The Wall:
To measure the wall where you want to install shelves, you will need a tape measure. Here are the steps to follow:
- Measure the height of the wall: Use the tape measure to determine the height of the wall from the floor to the ceiling or the bottom of any existing cabinets or shelves. Write down this measurement.
- Measure the width of the wall: Measure the width of the wall where you want to install shelves. Write down this measurement.
- Measure the depth of the wall: Use the tape measure to determine the depth of the wall where you want to install shelves. Measure from the front of the wall to the back, or the distance between any existing cabinets or shelves and the wall. Write down this measurement.
It’s a good idea to measure the wall in a few different places to ensure that it is level and that there are no variations in the measurements. This will help you get accurate measurements and ensure that your shelves fit properly.
2. Choose The Materials:
When it comes to choosing materials for building shelves in a garage wall, there are several options to consider. Here are a few common materials:
- Wood: Wood is a popular choice for building shelves because it is sturdy and can be easily cut and shaped. You can use hardwood, softwood, or plywood to build shelves.
- Metal brackets: Metal brackets can be used to support wooden shelves, and they come in various sizes and shapes to fit your needs.
- MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard): MDF is a cost-effective option that is easy to work with and can be painted or stained to match your garage’s decor.
- PVC pipe: PVC pipes can be used to create a frame for shelves, and you can attach shelves to the pipes using brackets.
- Wire shelving: Wire shelving is a lightweight and affordable option that is easy to install and can be customized to fit your needs.
When choosing materials, consider the weight of the items you plan to store on the shelves and the durability of the materials. You may also want to consider the aesthetics of the materials and how they will fit in with the decor of your garage.
3. Cut The Shelves:
To cut the shelves for your garage wall, you will need a saw and the appropriate safety equipment, such as safety glasses and gloves. Here are the steps to follow:
- Measure and mark the shelves: Use your measurements to mark the length and width of the shelves on your chosen material (e.g., wood or MDF). Use a straight edge and a pencil to make straight and even lines.
- Cut the shelves: Using a saw, cut along the marked lines to create the shelves. Use a table saw, circular saw, or jigsaw depending on the material and the type of cut you need. Be sure to follow all safety instructions for the saw you are using.
- Sand the shelves: After cutting the shelves, use sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges or surfaces.
- Test the shelves: Place the shelves on the brackets to ensure that they fit properly and are level. Make any adjustments as necessary.
It’s important to measure and cut the shelves accurately to ensure that they fit properly and support the weight of the items you plan to store on them. Be sure to use appropriate safety equipment and follow all safety instructions for the saw you are using.
4. Install The Brackets:
Installing brackets is an important step in building shelves in a garage wall as they will support the weight of the shelves and the items stored on them. Here are the steps to follow:
- Determine the location of the brackets: Use a level and pencil to mark the location of the brackets on the wall. Make sure the marks are level and evenly spaced.
- Drill pilot holes: Use a drill with a small bit to drill pilot holes at the marked locations. The pilot holes will help guide the screws or nails when installing the brackets and reduce the risk of splitting the wood or damaging the wall.
- Attach the brackets: Place the brackets over the pilot holes and attach them to the wall using screws or nails. Make sure the brackets are securely fastened and levelled.
- Test the brackets: Once all the brackets are installed, place a shelf on top of them and test their stability. If necessary, adjust the placement of the brackets or the shelves to ensure that the shelves are level and secure.
- Repeat for each shelf: Repeat the above steps for each shelf you want to install, making sure to space the brackets evenly and level each time.
It’s important to use the appropriate size and type of screws or nails for the brackets and the wall material to ensure they are securely fastened. Additionally, make sure to follow all safety instructions when using power tools such as drills.
5 Attach The Shelves:
After you have installed the brackets, you can attach the shelves to them. Here are the steps to follow:
- Place the shelves on the brackets: Carefully place the shelves on top of the brackets, making sure they are centred and level.
- Mark the location of the brackets: Use a pencil to mark the location of the brackets on the bottom of the shelves.
- Drill pilot holes: Use a drill with a small bit to drill pilot holes into the bottom of the shelves where you marked the bracket locations.
- Attach the shelves to the brackets: Place the shelves back onto the brackets and attach them with screws or nails, using the pilot holes you drilled as a guide. Make sure the screws or nails are securely fastened.
- Test the shelves: Once all the shelves are attached to the brackets, test their stability by placing items on them. If necessary, adjust the placement of the shelves or the brackets to ensure they are level and secure.
It’s important to use appropriate screws or nails for attaching the shelves to the brackets and to ensure that they are securely fastened. You may also want to consider using wood glue in addition to screws or nails for extra stability.
6. Add Finishing Touches:
Once the shelves are installed, you may want to add some finishing touches to make them look more polished and organized. Here are some ideas:
- Paint or stain the shelves: If you used raw wood or MDF to build the shelves, you can paint or stain them to match the decor of your garage. This can give the shelves a more finished look and protect them from moisture and wear.
- Install shelf liners: Shelf liners can help protect the shelves from scratches and spills, and they can also make it easier to clean the shelves. Choose a liner that is durable and easy to clean.
- Add storage bins or baskets: Storage bins or baskets can help you organize smaller items on the shelves and keep them out of sight. Choose bins or baskets that are sturdy and fit the size of your shelves.
- Label the shelves: If you have a lot of items stored on the shelves, consider labelling them to make it easier to find what you need. You can use labels or tags, or even write directly on the shelf with a marker.
- Add lighting: If your garage is poorly lit, adding some lighting to the shelves can make it easier to find what you need. You can use battery-operated stick-on lights or install permanent lighting fixtures.
These finishing touches can make a big difference in the appearance and functionality of your shelves. Choose options that fit your needs and the style of your garage.
Conclusion
Building shelves in your garage wall is a great way to add storage space and keep your tools and equipment organized. By following the steps outlined above, you can create sturdy and functional shelves that can hold a significant amount of weight.
It’s important to measure carefully, choose the right materials, and follow all safety instructions when cutting and installing the shelves and brackets. Additionally, adding finishing touches such as paint, shelf liners, and storage bins can make your shelves look more polished and organized.
With some time and effort, you can create a garage storage solution that works for your needs and helps keep your space clutter-free.
For more information, click on shelving for garage walls.