The garage of a home is the location for storage a plethora of items, although its original purpose was intended for the parking of cars. It can be used for a wide variety of things depending on the desires of the residents. However, when the garage becomes a place for storage only and cannot be used for other purposes, an organizational structure of some sort is necessary. Shelves can typically be found in both site-built as well as pre-fabricated. Site built shelves can be less costly and also more adaptable to one’s space. Home improvement stores, lumber yards, and hardware dealers will have supplies for these purposes and sometimes even at discount stores.

In the simplest form the garage storing shelves can be fashioned from a piece of inch plywood or a length of lumber that is 1x or 2x and then placed on a set of shelf brackets. The shelf brackets should be heavy duty to hold the weight of the shelves and contents. The studs can be attached directly to the brackets using long screws and then the shelves can be secured to the brackets. The studs can have added braces to increase the shelf’s strength.

Floor-supported shelves are also available. These can be used by running vertical 2×4s about every fifty inches. Then they are rested on the floor. They should be attached to the rafters or joists in the ceiling. This is to secure the shelves. Further to this, the 2×4s are to run horizontal between the uprights. Then particleboard serves the purpose of the actual shelf. For dimensions, the shelves are most commonly between 19 and 25 inches in depth. The spacing is about 25 inches between the 2×4s. However, these sizes can be altered in order to best store the items necessary.

When garage storage includes smaller items the space between the studs should be thought about. A hint is to attach 1×2 strips to the inside edges of the adjacent studs. They should be placed about six inches apart. By cutting 1×4 as well as 1×6 pieces of lumber that are then placed between the studs and on top of the 1×2s can serve the purpose and create adjustable shelving for smaller items. These should not be too close to your storm windows. Some smaller items to take into consideration are jars, cans, and other light or tiny items, especially nails and screws.

For prefabricated storing shelves for the garage, the most common and trusted is steel. If plastic shelving is used, it should be used for small light items and not heavy items. However, steel shelves cannot be altered in any way or cut down. They come in a standard width, length, and depth. It is essential to make sure the available standard sizes fit well within the space before purchasing them. Being able to adjust shelving is an important factor for consideration. If using shelving that is adjustable, the pins for adjustments should be heavy duty for weighted items. As well, they should be used in such a way that they cannot become knocked out or loosened. Prefabricated shelves should also be attached to the wall or ceiling joists somehow to ensure that they do not tip. Do not place these too close to your storm windows.