The main purpose of a garage is to store cars. However, this does not prevent car owners from using it for other purposes: storing canned goods, tools, household appliances, unnecessary items, and car parts. Over time, mountains of various household supplies accumulate in the room. The garage is slowly turning into a chaotic dump, and there is less and less space. This is a sign - it’s time to properly organize the space by installing shelves in the garage. They will allow you to rationally place things, save useful space, and improve the interior of the room.
A garage with a convenient storage system when everything is in its place
Making garage shelving with your own hands is quite simple. You need to prepare tools, buy some materials, and free yourself a few hours from work. In this article we will look at detailed instructions, some tips, and recommendations for arranging such a structure.
Shelves with storage shelves
Welded or bolted shelving: which is better?
Permissible loads on homemade shelves in the garage
Before planning the shelves for the garage, you need to determine a more convenient way to attach them. Today, the two most popular methods are welded and bolted. Welded technology is usually used for metal structures, bolted - for wooden structures. Both technologies work well. Such garage shelves are easy to use and can withstand heavy loads. However, they have some disadvantages.
One of the options for shelving with a frame made of profile pipe and plywood shelves
Welded shelves are non-removable. If the layout of the garage or its purpose changes, simply disassembling the product will not work. Transporting welded shelves is also inconvenient. Their weight can exceed one hundred kilograms. The main advantage of this design is its reliability. Welding seams firmly fix the elements together. It is not at all easy to achieve their destruction.
It is better to connect a wooden garage rack using nails rather than self-tapping screws, so they are less likely to come loose
Bolted racks are less stable. They cannot provide sufficient rigidity. For stability, the structure must be additionally secured to the wall. However, this method of fastening has a significant advantage – mobility. The shelves can be disassembled, assembled, and made into hanging shelves of various sizes. It is impossible to give a definite answer to the question of which technology is better. Each person will have their own parameters that are important.
Which profile pipes are suitable and how many of them will be needed
It all depends on the size and shape of the rack. It is better to use rectangular profile pipes. First, I choose a diagram and drawing of the future shelving so that it fits the room in height and size. Next, you need to decide whether all structural elements will be the same or not. It is better to weld the racks and crossbars from pipes of the same section, but the longitudinal strips are thinner.
Having chosen the desired scheme, I write down all the dimensions of the planks and height posts, their number. Then I calculate the total length of all pipes of each standard size. This will help you buy profile rolled products so that as little scraps as possible remain.
When making the first rack, you will need 21.6 m of 20x40 mm profile pipe. When using rolled products 1.8 m long, 12 pipes will be needed. With a pipe length of 2.7 m, 8 pipes will be needed.
For the second option, depending on the size of the walls, you will need to measure and calculate all pipe lengths. For racks you can use larger profile pipes. Knowing the dimensions of the wall and choosing the distance between the shelves, these dimensions are entered into the template, and then the number of pipes used is calculated depending on the options available for sale.
If the store has pipes of 6, 8, 12 m, then for ease of transportation they can be cut to the required length, so make calculations in advance using the proposed template.
Deciding on the design
Scheme of a simple garage shelving
Making your own garage shelving is quite easy. The most important thing is to clearly define your own desires and needs, plan the design and type of construction in advance. Anyone can do such tasks, especially if they have a great desire to do something with their own hands.
Drawing of a rack made of pipes with wooden shelves
The design of the racks has three elements: vertical posts, shelves, crossbars. In some cases, transverse tightening is used. They are not required. They are needed only to increase the rigidity of the frame. To determine the exact design option for the future rack, follow these recommendations.
- The depth and height of the shelves are arbitrary. These parameters are selected only based on the purpose of the niche. Each shelf can be designed to store a specific type of item. It is better to decide all this in advance;
- The distance between the vertical posts must be selected based on the rigidity of the material. For very heavy accessories, the distance should be about 1.5 meters. For long racks, you need to prepare intermediate vertical racks. They will make the system more resilient;
- The lower shelves should be at some distance from the floor. Approximately 50-70 cm. Heavy objects should be stored on them. The optimal height of the remaining shelves will be 37 cm. This is the most rational height, often used in the manufacture of any furniture structure.
Drawing of a metal rack for a garage
It is always easy to decide on design features. Garage owners simply take into account the dimensions and features of the things that will be stored in the structure.
Option for a small garage with a workbench
It is a little more difficult to choose a product design. The garage is intended for practical purposes. However, this does not mean that its interior should be boring and ugly. You can easily create an attractive interior in your garage for little money. In particular, you can decorate the shelving design with regular paint. Today there are paints designed for any material. The color for painting should match the overall color scheme of the room. Colored plastic boxes for storing accessories and tools will become a kind of decoration. They are inexpensive and allow you to create perfect order.
Transparent and multi-colored plastic boxes for garage shelves
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.
Garage shelving with workbench is convenient
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.
Comfortable))
As usual, there are also 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:
- On boards, chipboard sheets, plywood, place nails under each tool. To avoid confusion about where to hang something, trace the instrument in place and paint it with some color.
Everything is in order and in its place - For heavier equipment - large keys, etc. You can use a mesh onto which you weld hooks from wire. Nail the mesh to the wall.
Option for heavier and bulkier tools - Make a bar with holes cut in it into which tools are lowered.
This tool stand is very easy to make with your own hands.
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.
You can easily roll back to where you want
Well, for inspiration... so that all the tools are in place))
Full order))
Choosing material
Durable metal shelves for the garage
DIY wooden shelves in the garage
The choice of base material plays a huge role in the design, stability of the frame, and practicality of operation of the structure. The rack can be made from different raw materials, which have their own advantages and disadvantages. Let's look at the main types of materials and their features in the table.
| Material | Advantages and disadvantages |
| Metal | Many car owners prefer metal for its durability. This material is durable and can withstand heavy loads. Only high humidity can have a negative effect on it. In normal climates, metal structures will last almost forever. Another advantage of such raw materials is ease of care. The products will need to be periodically simply wiped with a cloth to maintain cleanliness. The main disadvantage of metal is its high price. However, many people have unnecessary pieces of metal at their dachas or with friends. Metal elements are usually joined using a welding machine. It is not recommended to use it without proper experience. |
| Tree | Wood is a noble, useful raw material. It makes excellent hanging shelves, racks, and storage systems. Wood has a very beneficial effect on the human respiratory system, has an attractive appearance, and is easy to process. When making storage systems, you can use oak, pine, and birch. The frame should be secured only with metal bolts. Wood is relatively inexpensive. It can be purchased at any construction hypermarket. The downside of this option is that it is difficult to care for. The tree gets dirty, can darken, and rot. It should be constantly looked after. This is not always convenient. To reduce such negative consequences, it is recommended to use special impregnations. |
| Plastic | A good option for storing various small items and light-weight accessories. Plastic began to be used for making shelves relatively recently. It can withstand no more than 75 kg. This is worth considering! The advantage of plastic is its light weight, mobility, ease of care, and low price. The downside is fragility. It is easy to damage and beat. Plastic is not suitable for storing metal tools. |
| Combination of two materials | For example, wood and metal. This is an excellent option for creating a multifunctional storage system. This way you can save money, diversify the design of your garage, and simplify the process of manufacturing the structure. You can combine almost any type of raw material. |
Metal rack, collapsible with plastic containers
Manufacturing of a stationary storage system ↑
Sometimes it is more practical to make a permanent shelving unit for the garage, that is, an option that is mounted on site, attached to the wall. Let's take a closer look at the assembly diagram of this design:
- Markings are made on the wall for fasteners, holes are drilled and dowels are driven in.
- The metal profile or wooden beams are cut according to the diagram.
- The far racks are fixed to the wall, each measured strictly according to its level.
Each rack must be parallel to adjacent slats
- The frame is connected by horizontal binders from corners along the width (according to the height of future shelves).
- The front pillars are installed and connected to the side strips on which the shelves will lie.
- The front verticals are fastened, after which they form flooring from boards or lay plywood shelves in the prepared grooves.
The benefits of making it yourself
Many people ask a completely logical question: is it better to make shelves in the garage on your own or buy a ready-made option on the market? Let's look at the main advantages of creating a garage storage system yourself.
Collapsible racks have an aesthetic appearance and are convenient for installation and dismantling
Possibility of developing a unique design. For many car owners, a garage is a real pride. I don’t want to put ugly furniture in it. Standard shelves are also not very attractive. In this case, you can take on the work yourself, coming up with a unique design. Ideas for implementation can be found on the Internet. But it’s better to give free rein to your own imagination.
The idea of arranging a garage from the inside with your own hands
Making hanging shelves and racks on your own is not as difficult as it seems. Any man with at least minimal experience working with tools will be able to do this task.
The manufacturing process will not take much time. Lack of free time is the main reason why car owners buy garage furniture in a store. However, manufacturing a storage system does not require a huge amount of time. It’s enough to set aside a few hours and call a friend for help.
Homemade shelves and racks for the needs of the garage owner
Shelves can be made according to your personal plan. Only the car owner himself knows what size, depth, height he needs the shelves. Finding the perfect option in a store is almost impossible. Everything is standard in hypermarkets. It’s better to put in a little effort, spend time, but create the most practical thing possible.
Small financial costs. Warehouse furniture is quite expensive. Even the simplest models will cost a large sum. Do-it-yourself production is the best solution to save money. Many of the necessary spare parts can be found on your farm.
Wardrobe built into shelving system in garage
Tips and tricks
When planning to create shelves for the garage, you need to know some of the features of the process so that the work is done efficiently and correctly.
If the storage system is mounted in a vertical position, then it is possible to use:
- brackets;
- eye;
- threaded rods;
- bolts with washers;
- anchors;
- furniture canopies.
When choosing the height of shelves that are supposed to be actively used, it is important to take into account the height of the owner of the garage. What is located at chin level will be convenient to work with, and what is above this level can be used to store not very important things
It is convenient to use hanging shelves that do not interfere with walking under them to place things that are rarely used or take up a lot of space.
For suspended structures, the load-bearing elements are located at least 60 or 70 cm apart, otherwise the plywood or board will begin to sag and the strength of the entire structure will be at risk.
If making a storage area will be your first experience in such a matter, then it is best to start working with wood.
The number of racks and shelves should correspond to what will be located on them. A half-empty garage, with all the walls in shelves, will look inappropriate, as will one small rack on which tools, tires, and miscellaneous things fit.
If any repair work is to be carried out in the garage, it is important to set up an area with tools that will always be at hand. A shelf-shield in this case is the best option.
There is space on it for keys of different sizes and purposes, and for pliers, hammers, screwdrivers, nail files and other items that are first needed for any small repair.
Shelving significantly saves space and expands garage space
Required Tools
Necessary tools for making shelves
To ensure that the process of making shelves takes a minimum of time, you should prepare the tools in advance. You won’t need much: a set of wrenches, pliers, hacksaws for wood, metal, a hammer, a screwdriver, a hammer drill, a jigsaw, an angle grinder. Almost any good owner has all of the listed items. The selection of basic materials will depend solely on the choice of each individual. It can be plywood, metal pipes, bars, chipboard, plastic, and much more.
Popular options for shelves for storing tools in the garage
Instructions for the manufacture of welded shelves with a metal frame
This design is perfect for storing heavy items. It should be borne in mind that production requires the use of a welding machine. To do this you need to have certain skills. If there are none, then you can seek help from a specialist. There are no bolts in such a rack, so it is a solid metal product that does not break and cannot be altered.
The frame is made from a corner with a shelf 1.5-2 centimeters wide; it can either be bolted to the rack or welded.
The first step is to create a drawing. Here it is necessary to reflect the appearance, the necessary tools and materials, the sequence of work and the exact dimensions. You can create a drawing yourself on a sheet of paper or using a special computer program. If you still can’t complete this step yourself, then you can resort to the help of the Internet. Here you can find any option with exact parameters.
Ready-made drawings will help you make a garage shelf with your own hands correctly and save valuable time.
For the frame, take corners about 5 centimeters in size. Typically, manufacturing begins with fastening to the wall, this way you can achieve greater reliability and make it much easier to carry out work.
Using a grinder, cut out the elements for the frame and weld them into a single unit. Using a triangle, check that all fastenings are made exactly at an angle of 90 degrees.
During welding, it is important to adjust the horizontal position, otherwise after finishing the work it will be impossible to correct the inaccuracy. The shelves must be made of steel sheets, its thickness should be no more than 0.5 centimeters
The weight of the structure and the ability to support bulky objects will depend on the thickness.
The shelves must be made of steel sheets, its thickness should be no more than 0.5 centimeters. The weight of the structure and the ability to support bulky objects will depend on the thickness.
Steel sheets are welded to the frame. Now you can start finishing. The metal must be treated with an anti-corrosion solution and then coated with metal paint.
After drying, the boards are attached to the structure using self-tapping screws.
Heating type
- Electric oven. It combines advantages and disadvantages: the easiest to operate - just press the switch button, but the most complex and expensive to install. For use in winter, the structure must be additionally insulated.
- Gas heater. Simpler and cheaper than electric, the only drawback is that you need a gas source.
- Wood burning stove. The use of heating from a wood-burning stove is the most popular, since it is the simplest and most economical option, which also coincides with the idea of proper relaxation by most compatriots. It can be either internal (the simplest design and operation, but takes up part of the volume of the font), or external (more demanding during installation and operation, but does not take up space in the font).
