How to Build Simple Garage Storage Shelves

In this instructable, I show you how to build simple garage shelves from 2x4s and plywood.

There are several things which are difficult to fully explain with words and images, so be sure to check out the video tutorial below.

In order to organize a garage, everything needs to get off the floor. Every item needs to have a home. So, I decided to build sturdy garage shelves from 2x4s in order to hold my ice chests and outdoor cooking items. Also, you can use scrap wood to build these wall mounted garage shelves.

3″ Deck Screws

Laguna Bandsaw

Jig Saw (Alternate to Bandsaw)

Circular Saw (2nd Alternative to Bandsaw)

Wood Glue

Brad Nailer

Nails for Brad Nailer

Air Compressor

Hose Reel for Compressor

Clamp

Leveler

Neodimium Magnet

1/2″ Particle Board

2x4s

Plywood (Preferably 3/4″, but 1/2″ works)

First, these are the measurements of the garage shelf brackets I designed.

Use a square scrap piece of 3/4" plywood for the garage shelving brackets.

Also, this plywood happened to be large enough for 2 brackets. Next, cut the plywood to be 16" wide. Then, use a tape measure to mark a line 8" down from the top corner, 1.5" across from the previous mark, and finally 1.5" down from the top of the opposite side.

Use a marker, ruler, and combination square to connect the lines.

As a side note, I made a few brackets from scrap 1/2" particle board because I ran out of 3/4" plywood.

Use a jig saw or bandsaw to cut out the DIY garage shelves. Keep in mind, you need two side brackets to make 1 shelving bracket.

The middle support bracket for the garage shelves stabilizes the bracket and creates a flat surface for the shelf.

To start, measure and cut a 2x4 at 14.5" long. Next, use this 2x4 as a template to cut the other 2x4s. Obviously, this helps keep things consistent and speeds up the process.

First, place the 2 side brackets on opposite sides of the reference 2x4 with the inside of the bracket facing up.

Next, I ran a line of glue along each bracket. Keep in mind, start each line of glue 1.5" in from the back of the bracket.

Then, place the middle support 2x4 on top of the reference 2x4 and closed the side brackets on them. Use a clamp to hold it in place to make certain the top remained flush.

While the clamps secured the side brackets, drive a few brad nails into the bracket and 2x4. Then, loosen the clamp and remove the bracket from the reference 2x4. Verify you have 1.5" of space between the back of the middle support 2x4 and the back of the side brackets. Next, drill 3 pilot holes per side and secured it with screws.

Then, verify the brackets fit nice and snug on a reference 2x4.

First, the wall support 2x4s must be attached directly to a wall stud. You only needed 2 8' 2x4s to vertically attach to the wall at 32" apart.

As a side note, wall studs are spaced 16" on center behind sheetrock. It is more than sufficient to space the wall support 2x4s 32" apart.

First, use a 1/8" drill bit to drill 4 pilot holes spaced around 2' apart. The spacing doesn't need to be exact.

Next, use a countersink bit so the screw does not protrude the surface as this may cause the shelf bracket to be uneven.

As I mentioned previously, the 2x4s must be attached to the wall studs. 

In order to find wall studs without a stud finder, I used a neodymium magnet to locate the sheetrock screws. Neodymium magnets lock on sheetrock screws which makes finding studs very easy.

First, run the neodymium magnet horizontally on the wall. Slowly work your way down with each pass.Next, use a nail to mark the location of the stud through the center hole in the magnet.

Then, repeat the process further down the stud to get at least one more reference nail.

As a last step, use my 4' leveler to mark a line down the center of the stud.

First, place the wall support 2x4 on the line with a leveler on the side to make certain it remains square. Next, use a 3" screw to secure the 2x4 to the wall stud.

After both wall support 2x4s are secured to the wall stud, attach the garage shelf brackets.

First, mark the top of each support bracket according to the drawing below.

Next, place the brackets on the 2x4s. My brackets had a snug fit, so I didn't need to use a clamp to secure them.

Then, drive in 2 screws per side on the first bracket. Place the leveler on top of the bracket you just completed. Repeat the same process for the other bracket while keeping everything level.

First, use a bandsaw or jigsaw to cut 2 notches according to the diagram.

The drawing and my DIY plans for this project have 3/4" plywood as the top shelf. However, the top of wood doesn't matter.

use 2 screws (front and back) to secure the shelf to the middle bracket support.

These DIY garage shelves from 2x4s work great. I store my ice chests and outdoor cooking equipment on them. 

Also, this garage storage solution allows me to seamlessly expand the system to other parts of my garage. 

In fact, I plan to do just that in the coming months.

I hope this instructable provided you with value. Please feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions - I'm happy to help.

Be sure to checkout my YouTube channel and my website for more DIY tutorials.