The main purpose of a garage is to store cars. However, this does not prevent car owners from using it for other purposes: storing conservation goods, tools, household appliances, unnecessary things, 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.

Garage with convenient system storage 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

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 attached to the wall. However, this method of fastening has a significant advantage – mobility. The shelves can be disassembled, assembled, made hanging shelves 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.

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 great desire do something with your 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

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. It can only have a negative impact high humidity. In normal climate metal constructions 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 respiratory system human, 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

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 ready-made option On the market? Let's look at the main advantages self-creation garage storage system.

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. Such a task will be within the power of any man who has at least minimal experience working with tools.

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. Find perfect option It's almost impossible to find in a store. 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 most simple 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

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

Manufacturing process: step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the work site. Making a rack is a dusty job. Need a lot of space. To do this, it is better to remove the car from the garage. Tools and expensive items should be covered with film. Next, you need to prepare the tools and put them nearby. It is advisable to enlist the help of a friend. Together, the work will be completed as quickly as possible.
2. Preparing a plan. For ease of work, it is better to draw a plan of the rack in advance on a simple piece of paper. You should also note the measurements of each shelf there. When preparing a plan, you need to take into account the specific things that will be stored on the shelves. It is not necessary to make a standard design. Several different elements can be combined in one system.

   

   Holders and mesh shelves

   

   Installing mesh shelves on the side wall of the garage is a quick option for light items

3. Purchase of basic raw materials. It can be wood, metal, plastic. When choosing, you should take into account the characteristics of the material, its maximum load, practicality. When purchasing, you should not save money by choosing low-quality raw materials. It will not last long and will bring a lot of problems during operation.
4. Cutting frame elements. The main elements can be made from wooden block, steel angle, ordinary pipe. Racks, amplifiers, crossbars are cut using a jigsaw, circular saw.

   

   We start making the rack from the base

5. Applying markings to racks. Vertical elements needs to be marked. This will help in the further installation of the crossbars.

   

   Making grooves for shelves using a router

6. Drilling holes. Using a drill, make neat holes on the markings. This is typical when using bolted fasteners. When choosing a welded frame, all elements are joined with seams. Without proper experience, the seams may turn out unsightly. It is also important to follow safety precautions when working with welding. You should read more about this in the instructions for the welding machine.

   

   We install the shelf in the grooves and additionally fasten it with self-tapping screws

7. Making the shelves themselves. For them, plywood, boards, and chipboard are usually chosen. It is important to follow the measurements exactly.
8. Assembling the frame, fixing the shelves on the frame. The frame is assembled gradually: first the side posts, then the crossbars, then the amplifiers. Only then the shelves. They are fastened with bolts and self-tapping screws. The fastening must be strong.

   

   Installing the rack on the base

9. Making it attractive appearance. The finished rack can be painted, decorated with designer forging, or covered with film. Choice designer accessories purely individual. At the same time, you just need to remember about practicality.

Video: DIY garage shelving. Collapsible / Demountable Garage Storage Shelves. DIY.

Not every car owner or master has the opportunity to have a spacious garage or workshop and store all the tools and small spare parts in it, and this causes a lot of inconvenience. Sometimes rooms are so small that it is impossible to place ordinary shelves near the walls. There are very original solution The problem is making them hanging. They are placed along the walls only in the working position, and the rest of the time they are attached to the ceiling. The only condition is that you must have at least basic carpentry skills.

Required materials and tools

A circular saw is required for production, you can use hand saw or electric jigsaw. Needed drilling machine, drill, set of drills, wood glue and a set of hardware for fixing elements. Such shelves are mounted in unheated rooms, dimensions are consistent with pitch and width rafter beams.

Shelf manufacturing process

Draw a sketch of the shelf detailing each element. You will need a few details.
1. Base. The length is equal to the height from the ceiling to the floor.
2. Bottoms and sides of drawers. Dimensions are selected taking into account the expected number of tools and spare parts. The distance between the shelves is approximately 30 cm, the amount is a multiple of the height of the shelf. In our case, 8 boxes will be installed.
3. Details of the stop fixed to the wall. In our case there will be two rows of boxes, we must keep this in mind when drawing up the sketch.
4. Partitions, turning bars, etc.
The number and nomenclature of elements may change taking into account the model you personally come up with.

First stage

Work begins with the manufacture of part of the shelves fixed to the wall. Using a circular saw, cut a large sheet into pieces and prepare all structural elements.

Cut off part of the sheet, it will be firmly nailed to the wall, cut out six elements to fix the three load-bearing brackets. Our plywood is thin; it will be glued together in the future to increase the strength of the parts. Accordingly, not three, but six parts are required.
Drill holes in them for the rolling axis, cut off the corners that will interfere with lifting. Holes are made in all parts; after gluing, their depth doubles. Before drilling, the parts are firmly fixed, in this way coaxiality is achieved.

Due to the fact that the shelves are movable, one corner must be cut so that it does not touch the base while lifting the structure. The boxes are fixed with special elements that, when lifted, constantly hold them in a horizontal position. If you do not remove the corners, they will rest against the wall of the shelf and the device will not function. You can cut along a radius or a straight line, it doesn’t matter. The main condition is to ensure free rotation.
Proceed to assembling the blanks into a single structure. First, attach two strips to the shield, and then fix the sides. It must be secured with dowels and self-tapping screws, and special carpentry fixed nuts must be inserted into the holes of the axles. Attach the assembled part to the wall; use a level to maintain horizontality. It should be fixed very firmly with dowels, check the reliability. The part must support your weight; it holds the entire structure.

Second phase

Start sawing the parts for the pivoting drawers, but you need to remove two corners of the sides. The side walls will be double, accordingly, it is necessary to double the number of blanks.
Assembly is done according to the method described above; you can only use self-tapping screws, but then it is recommended to increase their number.
The finished boxes will then be attached to the back panel of the shelf and will be able to constantly maintain a horizontal position when it is lifted. This effect is achieved by the peculiarities of their fixation.
The back side of the drawers is attached to the back wall with piano hinges or any other hinges; they create a movable fulcrum. On the opposite side of the box there is a through hole for the second rotation axis.
Sanding machine treat the surfaces of the drawers, attach the hinges to the bottom.
Prepare long planks. They will be located on the sides of the drawers and fixed to them with hinges. The length of the slats is equal to the length back wall.

Drill holes for the hinges. In our case, a plastic pipe is used as a hinge; the same holes should be prepared. The location of the holes depends on the distance between the boxes.
Attach the hinges of the drawers to the wall, place them evenly and in such a way that they do not touch each other when turning.

Insert the pieces into the holes plastic pipe, they perform the function of hinges perfectly. The length of the pipe is equal to the total thickness of the walls of the boxes and long slats.

Connect the two extreme elements and check their functionality: raise and lower them. They must make all movements freely and remain in a horizontal position at all times. There are problems - fix them, everything is normal - start assembling the shelves.

Assembly

At the top of the wall, fix three strong hinges and screw them to the element installed on the wall.

Screw the first drawer onto the hinges to the end of the bottom of the wall.

Insert plastic tubes into the holes and place two long strips on them. They are the ones that hold the drawers in an upright position when the shelf is raised to the ceiling.

Insert all the boxes into the tubes one by one and screw them with hinges to the wall.

If there are doubts about the strength of plastic tubes, then you can make a wooden axis; the outer diameter must correspond to the nominal diameter of the tubes. Cut the axle into pieces of appropriate length and hammer into the tubes.

If the corners of long planks abut when lifted, then their corners must also be cut off. To improve appearance, treat with milling machine. You can immediately increase the diameter of the holes slightly. The tubes in them should rotate freely and sit rigidly in the walls of the boxes. To reduce friction, large washers can be placed between the slats and drawers.
Drill holes in the center of each hinge and connect all the elements with countersunk bolts. This will prevent spontaneous separation of the structure. Saw off the long ends of the bolts with a hacksaw, cover the nuts with caps.

Check functionality. Everything is in order - using the same scheme, attach the long slats to the shelf part installed on the wall, tighten with bolts.

To facilitate lifting the structure, gas lifts or springs can be installed. Using the same technology, you can make a second, third, etc. shelf.
It is recommended to nail two stops to the bottom; they will support the structure at the selected angle, which will facilitate access to the drawers and improve the design of the room.
This completes all the difficult work. All that remains is to figure out how to fix the shelf in the raised position. But first you need to make a wooden frame and nail it securely to the floor beams.

Over time, under the roof of any car garage, a whole arsenal of various household supplies and household items accumulates, which have no place either in the home or in the pantry.

To prevent the formation of a chaotic dump, the space inside the garage must be properly organized. And this can be done using a homemade shelf and rack system. It will allow you to neatly and rationally place things stored in the garage and thereby create the most comfortable conditions not only for car care, but also for solving everyday household problems.

Principles and possibilities of arranging a car garage

The main purpose of a garage is to store a car. This means that first of all, the car owner must eliminate possible attacks on the property stored inside, that is, ensure the safety of the latter. No less important issue is the correct climate regime in the garage space - the condition of the car should in no case depend on the vagaries of the weather or the appetites of harmful microorganisms such as fungus or mold. Another principle of organizing the situation in the garage - ergonomics - says that everything under the roof of the structure should always stand, lie or hang in its place, without interfering with the passage, travel, cleaning or car care process. With all this, it is imperative that the premises be clean and orderly, which are the key not only to the health of the car owner, but also to his safety when visiting the garage and performing all kinds of business or repair operations.

In accordance with these principles, at the first stage of arranging a garage you will need:

1. Install a reliable locking system on gates and windows, if any.
2. Insulate the structure of the building or organize high-quality heating interior space in the cold season.
3. Execute interior decoration reliable, durable and easy to clean materials.

After finishing finishing works you can start final stage arrangement - organizing the interior of the garage. To do this, you need to draw up a detailed plan of the premises and determine what and how exactly will be stored in it, in addition to the car.

Garage plan for a car with estimated dimensions

As a rule, the wall farthest from the entrance to the garage is allocated for racks and shelves. If the dimensions of the room allow, it is advantageous to equip the side walls with shelves. If there is a lack of free space in the garage, special attention should be paid to the space under ceiling covering, as well as over the car itself. Shelves equipped on the upper level will allow you to relieve the lower part of the room by storing things that need to be used from time to time.

Wooden shelves on a metal frame under the garage ceiling

The configuration and dimensions of the racking system depend on the size of the garage and the needs of its owner. The materials from which the shelves will be made must be strong enough to support the weight of the items being stored. For example, tiers can be made of thick plywood or boards, and the frame can be made of metal pipes or corners, but other options are possible.

Wooden shelving system for a garage

The method of assembling and installing the racking system depends on the material used to decorate the garage, as well as design features the building itself. In many cases, shelves are hung on the walls, and racks are installed directly on the floor. However, shelves can also be hung from the ceiling, while to increase the stability of a separate rack, its frame is often equipped with fastenings for walls, floors and ceilings.

Open Hanging Garage Shelving System

When calculating the parameters of a racking system, several points should be taken into account:

1. The distance from the bottom shelf to the floor is taken to be at least 20 cm. This significantly simplifies the process of cleaning in the garage.
2. The width and height of the shelves must correspond to the dimensions of the items being stored.
3. It is advisable to perforate the shelves in order to improve ventilation, as well as to avoid the accumulation of dust and dirt.

Self-production of shelves and racks for the garage

You should thoroughly prepare for the arrangement of the garage space. For this you will need:

• perform structural calculations;
• select and prepare materials;
• collect the tools and equipment necessary for design, assembly and installation.

When planning a shelving system, first of all you need to make at least an approximate list of items stored in the garage, not forgetting to estimate their weight and dimensions. You should also draw a plan of the garage, on which, on a scale accurate to the centimeter, you need to indicate the design parameters of the structure (height, width, thickness, pitch and number of shelves). Afterwards, it remains to carefully consider the method of assembling and installing and fixing the shelves or a separate rack.

Please note: The choice of the type of shelf and rack system and the method of its installation and fastening largely depends on the properties of the materials from which the garage is made. So, if the walls of the latter are metal, you will have to tinker a lot with hanging shelves, while the simplest attached shelving will save the garage owner from complex manipulations with fasteners, garage insulation, etc. The most convenient option is plastered brick walls. In such a garage, you can give free rein to your imagination and install a combined shelving system with many useful functions for your household.

Material Selection: Key Points

Materials for creating a shelving system for a garage are selected based on considerations of ease of assembly, as well as reliability and practicality in operation. So, for shelves designed to store heavy and bulky items, you will need a reinforced frame, to create which the best way A metal corner or a profiled pipe will do.

But in this case, the garage owner cannot do without the skills of cutting, drilling and welding metal. In addition, the latter needs protection from corrosion, and this is associated with additional financial costs.

As a frame for garage shelves or racks, you can also use wooden blocks 40–50 cm thick. Working with wood is much easier than with metal, but you still have to take care of protecting the material from mold, rot, humidity and other aggressive operating factors.

As for the material for making the shelves itself, the most practical solutions worth mentioning:

• boards with a thickness of 2 cm;

Edged board is one of the cheapest and easiest to use materials. Garage shelves made from planks will last for many years. But to increase ease of use and increase their service life, they must be sanded and covered with an antiseptic and paint, which will protect the material from mechanical damage, pests and rotting.

• multilayer plywood;

Plywood is a practical and inexpensive material with high strength and durability measured over decades. Working with this material is not difficult, however, when making shelves it should be sanded with fine sandpaper and coated protective layer paint or varnish. This will prevent the plywood from getting wet, drying out and cracking under the influence of dampness, temperature changes and aggressive chemicals.

• particle boards.

Chipboard is a cheap and easy-to-use material, but difficult to use. When making shelves from chipboard using varnishing or painting, it is necessary to protect not only the working (upper) and lower planes, but also the ends, as well as holes for bolts and perforations, from damage and aggressive influences. At the same time, the latter require increased care when performing due to the structure of the material.

Please note: A quick but rather expensive option for arranging a garage is to purchase ready-made plastic or metal perforated shelves with factory fastenings or a prefabricated shelving frame. In the absence of sufficient funds, the most reasonable solution would be to independently manufacture the structure from materials prepared at the discretion of the garage owner.

Design calculation

First of all, it is necessary to determine the location of the racking system. If we are talking about several small shelves, you can make a sketch directly on the wall, while drawing a frame shelving will have to be done on paper.

Sketch of hanging shelves on the garage wall

When planning the structure you should consider:

• dimensions and weight of items placed on shelves;
• the necessary amount of free space for passage;
• the dimensions of the spaces between sections and the vertical spacing of the shelves;
• methods for attaching shelves to the walls or ceiling of the garage;
• the need to attach the racking system to the floor or ceiling.

Calculation of an attached shelving system for a garage

If a rack is installed in the garage, it is advisable to select its height according to the height of the room. As for wall or hanging shelves, it is convenient to calculate them from top to bottom. If the dimensions and layout of the garage allow, the width of the shelving tier is selected along the entire length of the wall with a margin of 5–10 cm for ease of installation. The optimal depth of the rack is 50–60 cm, although for large items ( car tires and disks, spare parts, boxes, etc.) it would be reasonable to provide wider shelves.

Closed Hanging Rack for Garage

The height of the tier can be different and is selected according to the needs of the garage owner. It is practical to place the widest and deepest shelves at the bottom. It is more convenient to store heavy and bulky items here, which are easy to reach if necessary. On the other hand, deep shelves can also be installed under the garage ceiling. After all, on the upper tier it is very convenient to store large but light items or rarely used items. In addition, it is convenient to divide individual tiers into sections, which will facilitate sorting of stored goods.

Drawing of a simple shelving system for a garage

Please note: It is not advisable that the width of the shelves, especially from thin material, exceeded 1–1.5 m. This will lead to a decrease in the strength of the structure and sagging of the tiers. As for the length, it is convenient to start from a size of at least 60–80 cm, otherwise the shelves will be inconvenient for storing long items. The vertical pitch of the racking system is taken according to the required storage height. For example, the height of the lower tier can be taken as 70 cm and used for storing car tires, rims, large containers, etc. If you add another 2 tiers of 50 cm each, the total height of the rack will be 1.7 m. In a garage with a ceiling height of 2.5 m, the topmost shelf of this design will have a 60 cm pitch, taking into account the 20 cm distance from the floor to the lower tier .

Tools and auxiliary materials

To independently manufacture, assemble and install a racking system, you will need a considerable arsenal of tools, as well as auxiliary materials. The tools for completing the task contain:

• building level;
• tape measure and marker;
• screwdriver;
• electric drill with hammer drill function;
• jigsaw;
• circular saw with metal blades (if the frame of the rack is made of steel angle or profile pipe);
• welding machine (for welding elements of the metal frame of the rack);
• hand tools (construction angle, pliers, hammer, screwdrivers and spanners).

Please note: A welded rack frame is difficult to manufacture, so bolted connections are often preferred to welding.

Add to list auxiliary materials should be entered:

• dowels or anchors (for attaching a wooden or metal frame to garage structural elements);
• self-tapping screws for wood or metal or bolts with nuts (for attaching shelves to the frame);
• drills for concrete, wood and metal;
• primer and paint for metal and wooden structural elements;
• priming brush;
• sanding paper.

Please note: In some cases, it is more convenient to fix wooden shelves to the frame using special glue.

Making your own shelving system

Self-construction of shelves or racks for a garage is carried out with subsequent assembly. The operating algorithm is as follows:

1. Using a circular saw or jigsaw, frame elements are cut from a steel angle, profiled pipe or wooden block: racks, transverse and longitudinal beams, amplifiers.
2. Markings are made on the vertical posts of the rack to install transverse and longitudinal crossbars under the shelves.
3. If we are talking about shelves, on the horizontal crossbars that will hold them on the wall, the attachment points are marked with dowels or anchors. Next, they need to be transferred to the wall and holes of the appropriate diameter and depth must be made with a hammer drill.
4. On the frame elements for bolted connections, holes of the required diameter are made using a drill with a metal drill.
5. If the choice fell on a welded frame, the elements of the latter must be joined with neat seams.
6. The metal frame is sanded, primed and painted. It is also advisable to sand, prime and paint the wooden base of the shelving system to protect it from mold and rot.
7. Shelves are cut from chipboard, plywood or boards the right size, after which their surface must be perforated.
8. The shelf frame is attached to the wall or ceiling of the garage, after which the shelves are fixed to it using glue, screws or bolts.
9. Assembling a separate rack is carried out in several steps:

• installation of side racks;
• fastening of transverse and longitudinal crossbars, as well as amplifiers;
• installation of shelves on the frame.

Homemade shelving system with a metal frame and chipboard shelves

How to make shelves yourself

If there is not enough free space in the garage to install a separate rack, the room is equipped with shelves. The latter may be:

• hanging;
• mounted.

Hanging shelves It is rational to install in rooms whose walls are made of materials that are difficult to process or unable to bear additional loads. In this case, the shelf frame, which is usually made of metal, will be attached to the ceiling. The latter must be strong enough to withstand the weight of not only the entire structure, but also the things stored on the shelves.

Please note: To reduce the load on the ceiling, it is advisable to equip the structure frame with wall fastenings.

The production and installation of hanging shelves is carried out in several stages:

1. After taking measurements, three elements should be cut from a metal corner or profile pipe: the main longitudinal beam, vertical posts and horizontal crossbars.
2. Holes are made on the main longitudinal beam for fastening to the ceiling or side walls of the garage.
3. Horizontal crossbars are welded to the vertical posts or secured with bolted joints.
4. Using welding or bolting, the frame is attached to the main supporting beam fixed under the ceiling.
5. Horizontal crossbars that rest against the wall are equipped with fasteners (corners) for reliable fixation.
6. Shelves are cut out of boards, plywood or chipboard according to pre-calculated dimensions. Before installation, they must be perforated and equipped with holes for fastening to the frame.
7. Using bolts, the shelves are mounted on the frame.

Hanging shelf system with a load-bearing beam fixed to the garage walls

Please note: If the garage ceiling is made of concrete or other material of sufficient strength, the load-bearing beam can be dispensed with. But in this case, you will have to attach each of the vertical frame posts to the ceiling plane.

Installation of a shelf frame on a concrete ceiling

Wall shelves are made in the following way:

1. After taking measurements from a metal angle, profile pipe or wooden beam horizontal ones are cut load-bearing beams under each shelf, vertical posts and horizontal crossbars.
2. Horizontal crossbars are equipped with mounting holes and fixed to the supporting beams.
3. The beams are mounted on the wall using anchors or dowels.
4. Shelves cut from boards, plywood or chipboard and pre-sanded and painted are fixed to the installed frame using bolts or self-tapping screws.

Wooden wall shelves made of wood mounted on a brick wall

Please note: To mount the shelf frame on the wall or ceiling of the garage, it is convenient to use special brackets that are sold in the store. Wooden base the rack is additionally reinforced at the nodes with the help metal corners or spacers.

Video: self-production of a racking system

Additional amenities in the garage

If the garage is spacious enough, it can be used not only as a warehouse for spare parts, tools, building materials and all kinds of household rubbish, but also as a home workshop. To do this, you need to add devices to the environment that greatly increase the convenience of performing various technical operations. Such devices include:

• Workbench;

Homemade workbench for working in the garage

A workbench is a very useful piece of furniture in a garage, which is a table equipped with drawers, shelves, bedside tables and technical devices for performing various household or repair work (vises, electrical outlet, local lighting, etc.).

• washing;

Washing and hob in a car garage

A sink is a practical and useful solution that will ensure an uninterrupted water supply in the garage, necessary not only for washing hands, but also for car care, as well as activities related to indoor cleaning.

• inspection hole;

DIY garage inspection pit

An inspection pit is an extremely necessary device for a garage in which the car will not only be stored, but also repaired.

• vegetable storage (cellar);

Cellar (vegetable storage) in the garage

If there is not enough free space in the house, the garage can be equipped with a vegetable storage facility, in which it is convenient to store vegetables, pickles or foods that require special temperature conditions.

• closet;

Wardrobe built into shelving system in garage

A cabinet built into the shelving system in the garage will not only allow you to neatly place various small items, tools or spare parts, but also limit access to them.

• ventilation, heating, etc.

Ventilation and heating in the garage are necessary if the room is used all year round, and not only for storing cars, but also for performing repair and household work.

Please note: the arrangement of a garage space entirely depends on the needs and financial opportunities its owner. Moreover, almost any of the necessary equipment for car care or maintenance household You can either buy it ready-made, or make and install it yourself, significantly reducing cash costs.

Solutions Gallery

A universal wall for storing tools, auto parts and household equipment in the garage. A wooden shelving system for arranging a garage space.

Storing power tools in the garage on a special shelf

Many useful ideas are born directly in the process of arranging a garage. For example, the racking system can be made collapsible, some of the tiers can be equipped with sides or sections for storing various small items. It is noteworthy that it is very difficult to immediately plan everything that may be needed in the process of car care and solving household problems in the garage. Therefore, it’s worth starting with the most necessary things, for example, with shelves or a rack, a workbench or a cabinet, which will optimize the space in the room and make it easier to carry out everyday work on car and household care.

Garage– a universal place in which you can not only place your car, but store various things used in the household. Proper organization storing things in the garage will help you save space, using it as you wish. The best solution will become homemade shelves and racks in the garage with your own hands.

In this article you will find out what material is best used to make it in the garage, what types exist.

Garage shelving is made primarily of metal and wood. Also, racks are collapsible and non-dismountable. Stationary ones are secured using self-tapping screws and nails.

Also, they are not very good in the garage favorable conditions For wooden shelves – low temperatures, humidity, sudden temperature changes.

In order to protect the wood from damage, you need to process it and then dry it. To fasten the shelves and the rack itself, metal plates or corners are used using self-tapping screws.

A cheaper option for creating garage shelving is plywood and board. Laminated is much more expensive; it does not need to be painted or treated with protective substances. The only thing is that silicone must be applied to the side cuts that remain open to prevent moisture from entering.

Metal shelving frame for garage

To create a shelving frame you need:

1. metal corners 3-4 mm thick;
2. profile pipe with a rectangular cross-section.

The racks are made from profiled pipes, and the crossbars are made from angles. Metal thickness is 2-3 mm, shelf width is 25 mm or more. Turn the corner so that the flooring is in the recess. The flooring for the shelves is made from plywood, boards, chipboard,. board, plywood, OSB, chipboard.

First of all, the side elements are assembled, then the cross members are secured.

Crab systems are also a good way to assemble shelving for a garage. These are metal plates with special recesses for the profile. Pipes are inserted into the grooves, then the plates are tightened using M6 or M8 bolts.

First, holes are drilled under them with a thin drill, then expanded with a thick one. Such designs are designed for low weight. There is another way - special crab systems. These are metal plates with recesses molded to fit the profile. Pipes are placed into the grooves, then the two plates are bolted together.

Types of garage shelving

1. Prefabricated the racks are assembled and disassembled independently.
2. Stationary firmly attached to the wall
3. Mobile– can be moved from place to place.
4. Spinning used for small items (bolts, screws, nails, nuts, keys, screwdrivers, small hand tools).

How to make a shelving unit in the garage

In order to make a shelving unit in the garage with your own hands, you must first create a project, measure the room, and decide on the dimensions. Calculate the required number of shelves and their depth.

The best solution is a shelving unit that extends the entire length and height of the free wall.

Width shelves about 1m. This is the most best option to place bulky and heavy items.

Depth- approximately 50-60 cm. There is no need to do more, otherwise it will be difficult to reach the necessary things.

Height shelves - within 25-60 cm, the bottom one should be the highest (for large items).

You need to assemble the rack horizontally, and only then lift it.

Necessary for car maintenance, repairs and hobbies. If tools, tires, cans of liquids, boxes and other supplies that many motorists have in their arsenal are chaotically scattered around the garage, then there will be less space in it, and it will be more difficult to find the necessary item. A rack can organize a storage system - a rather primitive, but very important design for a garage. If previously only warehouse racks were on sale, and craftsmen assembled them for the garage themselves, today everything has changed. There are a lot of ready-made structures - all that remains is to decide on the criteria for choosing a rack for the garage.

What should a garage shelving look like?

In order to reasonably talk about selection criteria, it would be a good idea to first understand what requirements a garage rack must meet. It is fair to talk about the following characteristics:

Drawing an intermediate conclusion, we note that when choosing a rack for the garage, it is very important to understand what size structure will suit you, and where exactly it will stand. To avoid confusion and make mistakes, draw up a plan that will indicate the size of the garage, the space for the car and the area intended for the garage. You may spend a little time, but you will significantly reduce the likelihood of error.

Types of garage shelving

There is an opinion that the best, most reliable and proven garage rack is a stationary one. But besides this, there are other options, and they have their advantages. In some cases, the stationary model may even be inferior to competitors. So, weigh your requirements for the rack and choose the most suitable type:

• stationary rack attached to the floor, walls or ceiling, therefore it is considered the most reliable and durable. It consists of vertical racks, horizontal partitions and shelves. Shelves can be metal or wood. If this is provided for by the design, the shelves can be rearranged, changing the volume of storage sections. If necessary, some shelves can be removed altogether to create space for storing tires. For those who are planning to store something quite heavy, this type of rack fits better Total. Typically, models are made of metal, but in some cases the shelves can be made of wood;
  
• prefabricated/dismountable– these are rather bookcases than full-fledged racks. It is convenient that the master can disassemble such a rack at any time, transport it and assemble it again, but such structures cannot be called durable. However, if you are going to store only small fasteners, then such a rack will be enough for you. As a rule, products are made of metal;
  
• mobile racks differ in mobility. If the rack gets in the way while working in the garage, you can quickly move it to the far corner and then put it back. During car repairs, the structure can be moved closer so as not to run after the right tool. It would seem to be an ideal option, if not for its lack of stability. Mobility is ensured by the presence of wheels or rollers. It is their presence that does not allow the structure to be so reliable as to withstand decent loads. It is impossible to say that mobile racks are bad, since in some cases their capabilities will be quite sufficient;
  
• island rack can be considered a special case of a mobile structure. They are designed for 2-3 shelves, are small in height, and are equipped with wheels, although they can be without them. They can withstand light loads and are convenient for storing small items. An island rack on wheels is very helpful when repairing a car;
• rotating racks- a rarity in our garages, but they are great for placing hand and electric tools, hardware. The rotation function ensures the easiest possible access to everything stored on the shelves. If you often work out in the garage repair work, then you will like this kind of design. It doesn’t have to replace a stationary rack - it can become additional element in organizing a storage system. There are models designed for floor and tabletop installation. They take up little space.
  

It is worth highlighting modular shelving, which are somewhat different from the generally accepted concept of “rack”. Like modular furniture, a modular rack consists of several blocks. Not only traditional shelves mounted on vertical racks, but also wall-mounted shelves and drawers can be used as blocks different types, as well as railing-type systems designed for hanging equipment. You can assemble any storage system from various blocks and, if necessary, easily supplement it. Such systems, however, are more suitable for storing lightweight items.

Also worth mentioning hanging shelves. They will not be able to completely replace the rack, but they will be able to supplement it. By placing several of these shelves near the ceiling, you can organize storage space for items that are rarely used. Hanging shelves can be equipped with drawers for storing small items, they can be corner - there are a lot of options. The main thing is not to overload this storage location, since the entire load goes to the wall.

Along with wall shelves are used and ceiling. They can also be regular or corner, have several tiers, and be equipped with drawers for storing items. This is the perfect way to use free space under the ceiling.

Garage rack material

Let's start again with a stereotype that assures us that the best shelving is a metal shelving. And it’s difficult to argue with this statement. Indeed, if you need to store something heavy, then metal is the ideal option. But if there is nothing in the garage heavier than a pump or, then alternative solutions can be found.

So, the following materials are used to make racks:

• metal. The frame is assembled from a corner and a profile pipe, the shelves are made of sheet metal. As a rule, steel is used, which is coated with a layer powder paint, preventing corrosion, since dampness, i.e. High humidity is not uncommon in garages. A more serious option is galvanized steel. Metal racks are characterized by the highest possible strength, so you can safely store heavy tools on the shelves. The advantages also include high durability and fire resistance. The downside is susceptibility to corrosion, but manufacturers are struggling with this issue by applying protective coatings. If you make the rack yourself, then the issue of rust protection will fall on you - fortunately, there are enough special products on sale. Another disadvantage of a metal rack is the price, but such an investment more than pays off in durability and reliability;
  
• tree. Previously, when ready-made shelving was not sold, craftsmen had to make them with their own hands, and wood was often used as a fairly affordable and easy-to-process material. Today, wood is still actively used in the manufacture of shelving. To create the frame, 50*50 mm timber is used, and for shelves - boards, plywood, OSB or chipboard. The main advantage is the low cost, moreover, wooden rack easy to assemble with your own hands. The design is lightweight, so suspended installation possible with any wall material. By the way, it is not recommended to attach a heavy metal rack to it. Unfortunately, wood has many disadvantages. This is not as high strength as metal, fire hazard, exposure to humidity, temperature changes and microorganisms. To extend the life of the structure, you will have to regularly treat the wood. Experienced car owners recommend first saturating the wood with a product that increases resistance to moisture, and then covering it with a layer of paint;
  
• plastic it is used extremely rarely and the reason is clear - the inability to withstand more or less high loads. Today there are racks for hardware on sale; they have a metal frame and plastic drawers. The boxes are divided into compartments, so you can store dozens of different types of fasteners in them. Convenient option for a workshop, but in an ordinary garage there are unlikely to be so many different hardware items to fill even a small rack.
  

Separately, it is worth noting the combined racks, in which the frame is made of metal and the shelves are made of wood. If you are not going to store anything very heavy, then this is a great option. Some craftsmen who decided to make a rack with their own hands and are not averse to saving money, make some of the shelves metal, and some wooden. To prevent such a trick from backfireing, you need to imagine in advance what will be stored and where.

Tires, an engine, wrenches - these are all quite heavy things, and the shelves under them should not sag or break. Therefore, again, think about what you will store and study the characteristics of the rack when purchasing it. Among others, there will be the load that the shelf and the rack section can withstand.

The most “delicate” racks can withstand up to 60 kg per shelf and 350 kg per section. For more or less serious loads, it is better to take models that can withstand up to 120 kg per shelf and up to 500 kg per section. More robust models can support 170 kg per shelf and 750 kg per rack. There are also the most durable models that can withstand a load of 300-900 kg per shelf. There is a need for such structures, perhaps, in auto repair shops, when it is necessary to store several sets of wheels, including truck ones.

Garage rack dimensions

Typically, shelving is placed along one of the walls - this solution allows for the most efficient use of garage space. Take several measurements in advance so you know what height, length and width limits to expect. Keep in mind that many manufacturers sell shelving in vertical sections ranging from 70 cm to 1 m or more in length, so it will not be difficult to assemble a structure of the required size.

• height. It is better to take as high a rack as the ceilings in the garage allow. This way it will be possible to place a maximum of things in the same area. Shelves are sold in heights of 1.5 m, 1.8 m, 1.9 m, 2 m, and other sizes are less commonly found;
• shelf depth. Balance is important here. On the one hand, the shelf should be spacious. On the other hand, shelves that are too wide take up a lot of space, and if you store all sorts of small things on them, then access to objects in the background will be complicated. Depth varies from 30 to 80 cm, increments of 10 cm. The optimal depth is 50-60 cm, but, first of all, you need to take into account what exactly you are going to store. It is clear that for large items it is better to choose deeper shelves;
• section length. The gold standard is 1 m. With a standard frame, a shelf of this width will be quite strong. For example, you can assemble a rack 4 m long from 4 sections of 1 m each. If for some reason it is necessary for the length of the section to be more than 1 m, then you will have to fork out for reinforced structure with or thick timber. It will cost more, and if you do everything yourself, the manufacturing process will be more complicated;
• distance between shelves can be almost anything. It is convenient when the position of the shelf can be adjusted to adapt the rack for storing certain items. It is recommended that the first shelf be located at a height of 30-50 cm from the floor. This will ensure proper safety for you and allow for simple cleaning.

If desired, you can combine sections of different heights; the width of the shelves in them may also differ. In general, only you know which rack will fit perfectly into your garage and meet all the requirements.

Secrets of organizing space

The experience of numerous garage owners suggests how to properly place everything on the shelves so that everything fits and nothing falls. Here are some tips you might want to heed:

When buying a ready-made rack, find out how long the manufacturer has been on the market, whether users are satisfied with its products, what materials it uses, how it protects against the negative effects of moisture, and what guarantees it offers. If you have time and opportunity, you can try to build a rack with your own hands; the following videos will help you.