If you’re looking to clean up your garage clutter, installing some DIY shelving can be a quick win.
We assembled a list of 16 garage shelving plans below.
There are some interesting options on this list: #1 is an overhead storage blueprint; #5 is ‘floating’; #14 is a modern-looking, simple design; and #16 is an ultra-big unit for massive storage space.
We’ve also seen a bunch of people who scour Craigslist for free and cheap scrap shelving units- that’s another idea if you don’t actually want to build one.
All that said, these are simple DIY projects- a good starting point if you’re a novice woodworker. Scroll through our plans below- click the ‘View Plans’ button to get the step-by-step instructions!
16 Garage Shelving Ideas
1. Overhead Storage Idea
Who couldn’t use a little extra storage space in their garage?
This builder thought the same thing and built this shelf that hangs from the ceiling. Your items are both out of the way and easily accessible.
You’ll need plywood, screws, a stud finder, cleats, and a circular saw.
Before you start building, find out where the joists are and figure out how much clearance you need. Then build the bottom supports, add the base, and you’re finished. This is easy to construct should take a few hours at the most.
VIEW PLANS2. Hidden Hanging Shelf Idea
To make this, you’ll need some plywood, deck screws, a power drill, drywall screws, a stud finder, and miter saw. This designer mounted his above the garage door, making it invisible from the outside when the door is open.
These shelves can hold a good amount though it’s not a good idea to store very heavy items up there.
Once you have the wood cut and ready, find the studs in your wall, construct the shelf frames, attach them to the ceiling, and add the bottom. If you have some firearms, you can add a DIY gun rack to the wall- the garage is a great place to mount one.
VIEW PLANS3. Inexpensive Industrial Shelving DIY
If you have a lot of stuff and nowhere to put any of it, this is the perfect DIY project for you to tackle. It’s a great way to use wall space to tuck away sports equipment when not in use. Take advantage of vertical space!
You’ll need some screws, studs, and oriented strand board which only cost this builder around $35. If you have the hardware store cut your wood, you can immediately begin cutting and make the base frame.
It is very important to attach the OSB to the frame properly — you should screw and hammer them into place. Otherwise, the weight of your belonging might cause it slip and weaken the connections.
VIEW PLANS4. Simple Garage Shelving Plan
This DIY idea gives great instructions on how to make simple and customizable storage solutions- great if you don’t want to pay a lot for out-of-the-box garage storage systems.
This builder made four shelves for around $70. Joist hangers, a power drill, framing angles, screws, a miter saw, and an oriented strand board are some of the materials he used. Perfect for beginners, it should only take a few hours to complete this.
Instead of making blueprints on paper, this designer made his plan based on the measurements of the wall. Marking things out this way saves a lot of time and makes final assembly a great deal easier. Another great space saver if you enjoy kayaking is a wood kayak rack plan!
VIEW PLANS5. Floating Shelves Blueprint
Storage solutions mounted on the wall are a great way to clear up garage floor space.
To make this DIY project, you will need deck screws, a handsaw, some plywood, a power drill, angle brackets, and an oriented strand board.
Simply cut and prepare the wood, install the ledger, install the shear plates, and put up the shelves. If you want to add any finishing touches, you can paint the wood or add trim around and under the racks. You can also consider custom glass shelving if you want elegant finishing. However, it can be a bit more costly option than wood shelves.
Just make sure to adjust the measurements to your home — for example, make sure your car won’t bump into the shelves.
VIEW PLANS6. Overhead Storage Blueprint
We all have items that aren’t used often but would like to know where they are when we need them. Following this basic DIY idea will allow you to be more organized- letting you store a wide range of items.
Required supplies include plywood, framing studs, drywall screws, a power drill, wood glue, coupling nuts, hanger bolts, and connector clips.
All of these materials can be found online or at your local home improvement store for a fraction of what you’d pay for pre-made shelves.
You can also get the wood cut for you if you don’t own a miter saw. We love it for tool storage!
VIEW PLANS7. Upcycled Bleachers Shelving Idea
If you’re a savvy shopper and like to reuse old things, try following this DIY idea for overhead garage storage to store bulky items.
Using reclaimed lumber is a great way to save money and makes the finished product much more unique. Some materials you’ll need are screws, a miter saw, stud finder, power drill, and wood glue.
Once you have everything planned out and the lumber cut, mount the support boards, do the shelf decking, add additional supports, and put on any aesthetic touches.
This builder used some nicer wood on the front edges for a polished look.
VIEW PLANS8. Freestanding Shelving Unit DIY
If your walls are already occupied or you’re in between remodeling, this is a good DIY project for you. You’ll need drywall screws, a power drill, circular saw, plywood, and wood of your choice.
After you cut the frame pieces, assemble the frames, and put it all together.
You don’t need any specific skills to make this and it only took this builder around two hours from start to finish. To save yourself some time, you can follow the exact measurements listed or create your own based on your garage.
VIEW PLANS9. Heavy Duty Storage Idea
This huge rack will ensure you stay organized and give you a place for all the materials in your garage. Bolt on a broom holder for a really comprehensive solution!
Required materials include particle boards, a power drill, clamps, wooden dowels, plywood, and a power drill. Cut the lumber to size, connect the beams and posts, drill holes into the beams and posts, glue everything, then prepare the boards.
You can start assembly here or sand and paint the wood to make it look nicer. This is very simple to make and each shelf can hold a lot of weight if mounted properly.
10. Simple Plywood Shelving Plan
A perfect tutorial for beginners, this DIY project is easy to follow along with and even features a video tutorial.
Made from 2x4s, wood screws, a power drill, circular saw, and wood glue this unit is both sturdy and inexpensive to make.
Because all dimensions and blueprints are clearly laid out, you can easily edit the size and length of this based on your own space. This builder chose to leave the wood unfinished, though painting or staining it would make it look more polished and professional.
11. Easy Storage for Stud Walls Plan
If you’re unsure or hesitant to mount heavy things on your walls, you should follow this DIY plan.
The builder screws multilayered 2x4s directly to the studs, removes the second shelf, adds legs and some cross supports, and then replaces the second piece of plywood.
Many people have followed this project and can attest that it’s super easy and only takes a few hours to complete. You can also use this method to make custom storage for things like bicycles and strollers to make your life easier.
VIEW PLANS12. Low Cost Storage Shelves Project
This DIY tutorial is simple, clear, and to the point. Using an oriented strand board, a circular saw, brackets, wood screws, a stud finder, and a power drill this builder to make a straightforward storage solution.
An oriented strand board or OSB is very easy to find and very inexpensive. For extra support, however, the designer added three brackets on each shelf. This ensures that heavy objects placed on the ends or middle of the shelf will be perfectly fine. This is a no-frills DIY project and no painting or sanding is necessary. It’s great to hold cleaning supplies, garden supplies and includes handy utility hooks, which is great for long-handled tools. All while keeping your parking space uncluttered!
VIEW PLANS13. Garage Storage Wall Idea
Most of us can admit that our garage could use some organizing. This DIY plan helps you achieve that by providing a foolproof blueprint. We love the handy storage cabinets.
This cost the builder around $300 and less than four hours worth of work. Simply cut your wood to size, assemble the frame, install the shelves, screw the whole thing onto the wall, and install cleats if you’re using sliding bins. This creates a whole lof shelving — only half of this amount of material would be needed if you have a small garage.
VIEW PLANS14. Simple and Clean Shelving Plan
This DIY project only required eight supplies and is super easy to build. You’ll have to build the shelf frame, attach plywood to it, attach the shelves to the legs, paint everything, and then you’re good to go. The builder recommends using a high gloss paint to help any storage bins you place easily slide out.
The paint will also prevent the wood from taking too much damage over the years. Obviously, it is also important to let this unit dry fully before loading all of your tools and supplies onto it.
VIEW PLANS15. Shelving from 2x4s Idea
As the builder explains, store-bought shelves are pricey and still takes hours to assemble. If you’re looking to save money and get creative, try out this DIY idea. You’ll need long screws, oriented strand board, a miter saw, and plywood.
To make this, measure and cut the lumber, drill and screw everything in advance, then assemble it all. The final assembly will take some time though it’s well worth it. It is also a good idea to craft this in the spot you plan to stand it, as this will be heavy and awkward to move.
VIEW PLANS16. Big Shelving Unit DIY
If you’re in need of a large amount of shelving, this is the DIY idea for you- especially if you have scrap wood laying around. It only cost the builder $100 to make and was done in around three hours. Because this is 8 feet long and 8 feet tall, you can use 2x4s and barely have to cut any wood.
You’ll also need some wood glue, deck screws, and plywood. If you want a more finished look, you can add some a clear finish or paint this. This has plenty of space to store everything you need and can be easily assembled and disassembled.
VIEW PLANSWhat is Reddit saying?
One poster explained that he had recently moved into a new home and it came outfitted with your run-of-the-mill, generic heavy duty plastic shelving.
Buying From Home Depot?
Garage shelving suggestions that are steel, 24" deep with wire decking. from Flipping
He was looking to level up and find a solution that would make better use of his space. Because the plastic shelves cause him to lose about 6 inches of surface space around the corner posts.
While Home Depot has some decent looking welded steel shelving units for sale- they are kind of expensive.
One poster suggested Esdal shelving. Another poster criticized the Home Depot shelves- saying that they are overkill. This poster suggested purchasing some wire metal shelves from Lowe’s. What she has is 18 inches deep and 48 inches wide and 72 inches tall- you can even add wheels to them to create a mobile, rolling organizational solution for your basement or garage.
Wooden Cubbyhole Idea
Over in the DIY section of Reddit, one poster submitted his own plan.
It is a series of wooden cubbyhole racks with spacious accommodation on the bottom for power tools and smaller spaces for other handyman necessities in the middle and top portion. The exterior entrance is secured using a roller door.
This sub gave me the inspo to build DIY shelves and reorganize my garage. Thank you. from garageporn
While most builders were impressed with the idea and execution, some said that it was just easier to purchase some steel-framed garage shelves- one person said that they bought a pair for $80 apiece and it provides more storage space than the wooden DIY unit. Another DIY poster submitted a picture of his build- a pair of wooden racks that create an L-shaped storage space in the corner of the garage to house old electronic and computer equipment.
The original poster also says that he went to a local lumberyard and purchased Chinese Birchwood for $36 a sheet. Lowe’s was nice enough to do all of the cuts for his mounted shelving system- he opted not to go with CDX shelving.
oSB, MDF or Plywood?
Another DIY community member posted asking about the type of wood that should be used for a pdf plan’s shelves- oSB, MDF, or ply. He was looking to organize biking gear, tool boxes, power tools and other miscellaneous items.
Building shelving in my garage – oSB, MDF or ply for the shelves? from DIY
Another DIY poster submitted his finished plan, saying that it was a super simple starter DIY project for a novice woodworker. He was happy with the outcome, saying it’s a super convenient space to store assorted junk in his garage.
One Reddit user said that he should consider adding some extra support- specifically running the blocks on the front supports for the full length of the 28-inch gap.
Another poster said that he and his father had undertaken a similar project from a pdf and it cleared out so much space they were able to build a DIY workbench. The supply list included plywood, wood screws, an advanced hydration bottle, a chop saw and some specialty drill bits. T
he poster wondered why he didn’t use L brackets so that he could attach the boards to the walls and make basic shelves. The builder replied that the primary considerations were costs, strength and size-heavy duty L brackets are somewhat expensive and wouldn’t work with 24-inch deep shelving.
Frugal Options: Craigslist?
Over in the Frugal subreddit, one homeowner asked how to create or buy garage shelves on the cheap.
One poster responded that the best option is to construct it yourself- perhaps using an Ana White plan.
If you salvage some two by fours scrapwood, get some hammer and nails, and a circular saw, you can customize a shelf for your garage as a decent beginner DIY project. Another user has a novel idea-he suggested going onto Craigslist, searching for shelving, and you’ll likely find a ton of steel frame, modular freestanding shelves that you can buy for cheap, or even pick up for free.
One thing to look out for if you go down that route is broken rivets and rust spots- you don’t want to install something that is structurally unsound and could collapse.
Another user asked for a garage shelving system plan suggestions for a two-car garage. He was looking to install a ground to ceiling shelf on one side and on the other shelving that sits above a workbench. A pair of users suggested heading over to Woodgears.ca.
They had built some of the pdf plans from the website-praising them for their weight capacity and ease of construction.
Shelving & Spring Cleaning
Garage organization and spring cleaning are two important, intertwined tasks that many homeowners take on at the start of the spring season. These tasks involve decluttering, organizing, and deep cleaning your garage in order to make room for all your seasonal belongings.
There are a number of strategies you can use when tackling garage organization and spring cleaning.
Some of these strategies include decluttering your garage by getting rid of items you no longer need or use, clearing out any clutter that has accumulated over time, organizing garage tools and equipment in a neat and orderly fashion, and deep cleaning the garage floor and walls to remove dirt, grime, and stains.
Building some garage shelving is also a great way to get your garage organized. You can use shelving to store seasonal items, such as holiday decorations, or to keep your garage tools and equipment neatly arranged.
Garage Interior Design Strategies
I am sure you would agree to the fact that a garage serves a multitude of purposes in today’s world. It not only provides protection to your vehicles from weather and harsh conditions but keeps your cars cooler in summer and warmer in winters. It also protects your cars from hailstorms and keeps you away from the hassles of scraping your car windows.
So if your garage is a mess and you want to do something about it or if you are planning to build a new one, then you must understand that building a garage is an investment and it is going to serve you for life. To achieve that, make sure you use the best materials and do everything it requires to make it a good one.
Creating a garage needs planning. So if you plan it well, you will not regret it later. Also, you don’t have to hire any professional to do the interiors. You can do it yourself just by doing little research and careful planning.
Here are some of the things that you must keep in mind while designing the interiors of your garage:
1. Size of the garage– It is the first and the foremost factor that you must keep in mind while designing your garage. You need to decide how you want to use the space you have. Do you need it for storing vehicles?
Or would you like to use the space as your workroom? Also, if you have kids, you might want to give them some safe place to play. So if that’s the case, you need to leave enough space for them and make sure that any dangerous tools or equipment is out of the kids’ reach.
List down your requirements as this will help you decide how you want to design your garage to utilize it well in the future.
2. Garage design– What you must understand is that a garage should not only be durable and tough from inside, but it should also have a good exterior. So while choosing the design of the interiors, pay attention to the exterior as well and make sure that it compliments with the interiors you choose.
Pick a design that does not make your garage look out of the place. Focus on the aesthetic goodness and pick a design that adds beauty to your house and can make it look more appealing.
3. Garage doors– While choosing the garage door, make sure you buy the one that prevents the expensive door repairs in the future. For extra convenience, you can also go for a lift door types. Nowadays, there are also many remote controlled and motorized garage doors available. Another important factor that you must consider is the door material. From wood, fiberglass to steel; you can choose any material that best serves your need. Though steel offers sturdiness, wooden doors are known for affordability and appealing look.
4. Make shelves and racks– Whenever you build the interiors;remember that keeping all things together will only make it look like a mess. You will also face difficulties in searching for things you need by not keeping them organized. So make shelves and racks to keep things organized and give them a designated place. From your gardening clothes to bike accessories, you can keep anything you want in these racks.
5. Garage heater– As you will store many tools, equipment and flammable items like oil, gas, paint, wood, papers, and lubricants; you must choose a heater that comes with multiple safety features that include auto temperature regulator. While it is necessary to keep oneself warm and comfortable while working in garage, safety is something that should never be overlooked.
So choose a garage heater that serves you well and ensures safety. For owners who do not spend much time in a garage can also go for a small-engine heater. But if you have a large garage space and you spend much time in your garage, then it is suggested that you buy a large-engine heater to keep the space warm.
6. Foundation– There is mainly two commonly used foundation options available which include floating slab and frost wall slab. But if you are worried about the expenses, then floating slab is more affordable and is easier to build too. In places with cold weather conditions, contractors also install 2.5-inch foundation foam under the concrete to reduce the impact of heaving during thaw events.
Just like the other parts of your home, the garage also serves a very critical role and needs as much attention as other parts of your home. So when you decide to build one, make sure you leave no stone unturned to make it exactly how you want it to be. Though it will require a little research, you can even build the interior on your own. This will add a unique touch of your style as well.
Submit Yours
If you end up building one of these blueprints, comment down below and we’ll add your build to this page!
Hi, my name’s Elena Coolidge. I’m a DIY enthusiast who loves building fun woodworking plans. These DIY plans are fun hobby projects for enthusiasts or even more advanced builders that want to build things like bunk beds, end tables or even a duck box!
