LumberJocks Woodworking Forum banner

Project Information

So I'd been seeing these relatively heavy-duty (2000 lbs!) utility shelves in Lowe's and Costco and thinking I could use something of the sort for various kinds of storage and whatnot in the garage. The more I thought about it, though, the more I realized that those weren't quite what I wanted. For one thing, they were all a maximum of 6' long, and I had space for a good 10' of shelf. For another, they were all metal that you take out of the box and just put together. Where's the fun in that? I was quite certain I could buy the wood and do something myself that was more the size/shape I wanted, would cost just as much, and take at least three times longer to build. What's to lose?

So this is what I've ended up with, and I'm quite satisfied at this point. Ten feet long, about 2' 3" or so to the back wall to which it's attached on the top level, to prevent falling over. I can't move the shelves up and down as easily after the fact, but who does that? For the time being I've decided against a third shelf on the bottom because I want to store some taller things under there, but the option's open. Also, because I built it myself I was able to accommodate the mild slope of the garage floor, and the concrete kneewall that juts out a few inches away from the drywall.

And a full ton per shelf? I doubt it. But each shelf is framed with 2×4s, cross-braced at a little over 13" on center, with 1" thick plywood. I don't really see the need for a shelf that can hold a full ton, but I wanted to make sure that carrying weight really wasn't going to be a concern. ;)

There's a place about half an hour down the road that breaks down plywood shipping crates and sells the pieces. 99 cents per sheet, roughly 3' x 4', a full inch thick. It's not made to be pretty, but it sure is solid. :D

Gallery

Comments

· Registered
Joined
·
19,753 Posts
Looks like super strong storage,nice work.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
1,038 Posts
great job,looks sturdy enough to park a truck on!!!!
 

· Registered
Joined
·
4,477 Posts
2×4s, cross-braced at a little over 13" on center, with 1" thick plywood? I do believe it WILL hold a ton! And it'll be there long after you're gone.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
1,179 Posts
I don't really see the need for a shelf that can hold a full ton.
Have you seen the amount of Junk some of us try to cram on those little $10 shelf units from Walmart , a ton can build up real quick , and I think your shelves will be up to task and as for the wood not being pretty , Who cares it's garage shelving. :)
 
Top