How to make convenient shelves and racks for the garage with your own hands from wood and metal

So that the “goods” in the garage do not interfere with movement, it is necessary to somehow organize its storage. Garage racks are the most convenient. If there is enough space, they can be made on the entire wall or even on several walls. If there is no space below, you will have to move upstairs and make shelves under the ceiling. Not the best option, but sometimes the only one. Still, garage shelving that sits on the floor is safer, especially if it is securely attached to the wall (to avoid unpleasant situations).

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))

Creating an inspection hole in the garage

If your garage does not have a viewing hole, you should decide whether you need such a design. Most often, car owners require an inspection pit for car repairs and maintenance. To create an inspection hole, first of all, you need to find out the groundwater level under the land plot on which the building is located.

Information about the depth of their occurrence can be found in the technical documentation of the site. If there is none, you can dig a hole and see for yourself. On a dry site, it is much easier to equip an inspection hole under the garage.

In the case where groundwater is located close to the surface, the construction of an inspection hole becomes more complicated. Then you need to waterproof the pit, and also make a drainage system that will drain the water into the sewer. Only after this they begin to build walls. A well-designed drainage system in the winter will prevent water from stagnating on the floor when the snow brought into the garage on wheels melts.

Good lighting should be provided in the inspection pit

There are several generally accepted rules for constructing a viewing hole:

• creation of a detailed drawing of the inspection pit;
• organization of waterproofing and drainage system;
• creating niches in the walls of the pit so that there is somewhere to put the tool;
• ventilation system equipment that will help avoid unpleasant odors. It is installed using the basement ventilation method.

A detailed drawing will help you create the ideal inspection hole

Wooden shelves with metal frame

Rack with metal frame

An alternative design option, which is a more expensive, but at the same time more durable and durable solution. The racks in these shelves are made of metal, and the surface of the shelves itself is made of wood or any materials of wood origin.

Such a rack has a higher resistance to moisture and mold. It is more resistant to heat and fire. Moreover, by using metal parts, they can be made dismountable, which will allow you to change the appearance of the structure according to any desire of the garage owner.

Materials and tools needed for work

Corners for shelving in the garage

The racks of such a rack are made from rectangular pipes or from a profile with a width of one of the sides of 5 cm. A 30 mm corner is best suited as crossbars.

The frame is made from a corner, and the thickness of the shelf should be from 1.5 to 3 cm (along the height of the corner). Crossbars made from angles can be attached to the guides in different ways - by welding or using bolts. It all depends on the wishes of the owner.

If you need a durable structure, then welding is preferable; if you require the versatility of the product with the possibility of its further modernization, you should use bolts. The use of bolts allows, for example, to change the height of each level.

Shelves can traditionally be made from any material on hand - from pine to OSB. For reasons of strength, their thickness should not be less than 12-15 mm.

For work you will need the following set of tools:

• drill (screwdriver)
• Bulgarian
• wood hacksaw
• corner
• level
• welding machine (optional)

Manufacturing procedure

Shelf frame from a corner

It is best to assemble the rack in a free room, and it is advisable to empty the garage of unnecessary things and remove the car from it.

After assembling the frame, it should be screwed to the wall. The assembly sequence is as follows:

Based on the finished measurements, the material of the racks and corners for the shelves is cut using a grinder. The racks are marked in those places where shelves will be attached to them. The corners are screwed to the racks using bolts (or welded in the case of a stationary structure)

In this case, it is extremely important to maintain a connection angle of 90°, otherwise the structure will turn out skewed. Similarly, the racks are connected to each other using crossbars, but at the same time, right angles must be maintained not only between the racks and crossbars, but between the crossbars and the previously attached corners. The assembled structure is installed on its place and screwed to the walls and floor. This can be done, for example, using anchor bolts. The metal frame is sanded using a grinder with an appropriate brush attachment and coated with a primer or paint containing a primer

At this stage, in order to facilitate the labor-intensive process of mechanically cleaning the frame from rust, you can use a chemical rust converter. Typically, converters require a day to dissolve the rust; after which it is possible to paint the surfaces without any mechanical or chemical treatment. After the paint has dried, shelves are cut out of wood or wooden materials and adjusted in size to the finished frame structure. The shelves are sanded, painted or varnished, and then attached to the frame using bolts or self-tapping screws

VIDEO: DIY universal shelves

Shelves in the garage: order comes first. General design issues, simple options, step-by-step instructions for making your own (75+ Photos & Videos) + Reviews

What are they made from?

As already mentioned, garage shelving is made of wood and metal. Wooden ones are lighter in weight, it is easier to work with wood, but they do not withstand such heavy loads. Metal ones are heavier (many times heavier), but you can lay an elephant on them.

There is also the issue of price. Rolled metal is not cheap at all these days. If you buy everything at the market or in a store, one rack (including consumables) will cost you almost the same amount as a finished one. The only real way to save money is to buy metal at a metal warehouse in whole lengths (there are 6 m and 12 m), and then cut it into pieces of the required length. The cutting can be done directly at the base; you will have to pay additionally for the services, but the amounts are quite small. In this case, you will be able to reduce costs by about 20-30%.

One of the layout options

Lumber costs less than metal. But don’t think that the costs will be small: you will have to buy graded wood without knots, and this is the “elite” or “premium” class with a corresponding price tag. So it won't be very cheap.

Made of wood

Operating conditions in the garage are far from the best - high humidity, frost, alternating freezing/freezing, and sometimes heat. Not very good for wood. Therefore, all material must be treated with antibacterial and protective compounds before work. Use wood products for exterior use, as conditions in an unheated garage are more similar. You can choose a product that simultaneously tints the surface being treated and your product does not need to be painted. After processing, the materials are dried and only then work begins.

How to connect bars

When connecting parts of a wooden rack, you can use standard methods for carpenters - quarter-foot or half-foot. If this is difficult for you, you can also butt nail and use metal angles and/or overlay plates to reinforce the joints.

Another point: it is better to connect with nails, not with screws. The result is more stable and fewer connections become loose. If you choose the option with reinforcement with plates, they can be mounted with self-tapping screws.

Wooden garage rack

Now in terms of size: for racks they usually use 50*50 mm timber, for crossbars you can use the same timber or a little thinner - 50*30 mm. Flooring is made from:

• boards with a thickness of at least 21 mm;
• moisture-resistant plywood with a thickness of 10 mm;
• laminated chipboard;
• OSB.

The cheapest are boards and plywood. Laminated chipboard is much more expensive, but it does not need to be painted, which is a good plus. In order not to spend a lot, you can take the first and last sheets in a pack at the bases - they are scratched and are much cheaper.

Wooden shelving for the garage - drawing with dimensions

Another point: chipboard shelves have an open side cut. If it is not treated, as humidity increases, the chips will swell and the shelf will begin to warp. To prevent this from happening, coat the edges with silicone. With this treatment, nothing will happen to the chipboard.

Metal

If you decide to make metal shelving for the garage, the choice of materials is wider - there are two options for rolled metal, plus standard solutions for warehouses (perforated corners). You can also use metal parts intended for other purposes - for example, steel cable racks or cable channels that are used in communications are suitable.

Cable channels and shelves - convenient and not very expensive

So, what is the frame of a metal garage shelving made from:

• From a metal corner with a metal thickness of 3-4 mm. The width of the corner shelf is 25-45 cm, depending on the planned loads. Durable, but metal-intensive material, weighs a lot, and is expensive.
• Profile pipe (rectangular in cross-section). With less metal consumption (less wall thickness), compared to a metal corner, it has better elasticity characteristics (more difficult to bend), and is more resistant to torsion. Approximate dimensions for racks are 50*50 mm or 40*40 mm, for crossbars 50*25 mm or 40*25 mm, respectively.
• The racks are made from corrugated pipe, and the crossbars are made from angle iron. The thickness of the metal is 2-3 mm, the width of the shelf is 25 mm or more. Unfold the corner so that the laid flooring looks like it is in a “nest”.

Take a closer look at how the corners are located.
The flooring on the shelves is made from the same materials as for a wooden rack (board, plywood, OSB, chipboard), only sometimes non-standard options are added, which are used sharply with a wooden frame due to the high mass - sheet metal.

The board remains optimal for most regions - a reliable, not very expensive material. You need to take wood, without knots (with a minimum of knots) with a thickness of 21 mm. Treat with antiseptics, then paint.

The advantage of metal shelves is high reliability with a small thickness, the disadvantages are price, weight and “loudness”. They also need to be painted, but first clean them of rust, then go over them with a rust converter and primer, then paint them, preferably in two layers. Also, by the way, the metal frame must be processed. Then the rack in the garage will not rust.

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. An equally 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 structure or organize high-quality heating of the interior during the cold season.
3. Carry out interior decoration with reliable, durable and easy to clean materials.

After completing the finishing work, you can begin the final stage of 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 the ceiling, as well as above 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 also possible.

Wooden shelving system for a garage

The method of assembling and installing the rack system depends on the material used to decorate the garage, as well as the design features of the structure 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

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

What materials are garage shelving made from?

The service life of the structure depends on this condition. Wood and metal are commonly used. Let's look at what material you can use to make tool shelves in your garage with your own hands.

The material used to make the shelving depends on where and how you are going to place it.

1. Metal. It is durable, strong and can withstand any load. But with excessive humidity, it quickly begins to deteriorate without preliminary anti-corrosion treatment. It is very easy to care for such a structure; you just need to wipe off dust and treat it with stainless steel;
2. Wood. It is better to make them hanging shelves. Not suitable for heavy structures. It is best to opt for oak, pine or birch. It is better to secure the boards using iron corners. In a dark and damp room this is not the best option, since after some time the wood begins to rot;
3. Plastic. Perfect for storing light weight items. For example, in the form of containers or boxes. Plastic is lightweight, which allows the structure to move freely. But this material has a significant drawback - its fragility. With little physical impact it breaks easily;
4. Combination of several materials. Usually it is metal and wood. This is the best option, since together you can get the highest quality and durable design.

If you are planning to build a large rack to store heavy items (such as tires), then it would be optimal to use a steel structure.

In addition, you can use improvised items: plastic containers, flower pots, and so on.

If necessary, you can buy ready-made shelves or make them yourself.

If you properly process the wood, these shelves will last in the garage for quite a long time, and you won’t have to complain about them.

Types of shelving designs

The type of design depends on the availability of free space, the purpose of the rack, the material it is made of and the intended method of storage system. Designs can vary both in the method of assembly and in the type of racks.

Stationary shelving system

It is installed in a specific location on a permanent basis. Such designs are designed for heavy objects - they can withstand heavy loads.

Before installation, it is very important to carefully consider the location of the rack and draw diagrams that take into account all the dimensions and area of ​​the garage itself. Such systems are assembled once, usually using brackets

Mobile mobile racks

Such a system, if necessary, can be moved or transferred to any place without unloading. This is very convenient if you need the tool outdoors. The rack is equipped with special rubberized wheels with a diameter of 10 cm. If desired, they can be fixed, limiting the possibility of movement.

Collapsible models

The shelves of these racks can be mounted to any height using nut or bolt fastening. Among car owners, such designs are considered the most acceptable option. They can be easily disassembled and adjusted at will, changing the height, and also rearranged to any place in the garage.

Hanging or wall shelves

They are attached to the surface of the ceiling or wall anywhere. They allow you to save space and make the most efficient use of free space. A similar structure can be assembled from a corner and hung on special hooks.

Rotating models

This interesting option can be installed in a room where you want to emphasize a certain style. These racks can rotate, providing access to tools and materials from any side. This setup visually resembles a rack of CDs or postcards.

Closed

Such designs protect against the loss of small items and tools and create the appearance of order. They can accommodate both valuable tools and various unsafe materials. In addition, such structures protect stored items from excessive dust.

Closed shelving is made of plastic, metal or wood. Inside they can be divided into cells.

Open

They allow you to quickly access any parts and objects - everything is in plain sight and there is no need to open and close the doors. The structures can be wall-mounted or suspended. To securely fix them, you need to install anchors in advance.

Separate tool cabinets

They can be made in the form of open cells, hooks, magnets or installations with holes. Heavy spare parts and tools cannot be placed on such panels. But they are ideal for storing small items that you need to always have on hand.

Types of shelving

When choosing a metal storage system option, the complexity of manufacturing and operating conditions are taken into account:

1. Modular structures are assembled from perforated profiles of different sizes. They are reliable, and the height of the shelves can be easily changed if necessary. However, the price is steep.
2. Aluminum frames are attractive in appearance; their low weight allows you to quickly move the collapsible rack to another place. The disadvantages are the high price and deformation from impacts.
3. Shelves of any size and configuration can be made from profile pipes. The shelves can withstand a lot of weight. For manufacturing you will need a welding machine and skills in working with metal.
4. In terms of price and labor costs, frames made from metal corners are similar to the previous option, but are inferior in strength and aesthetics.
5. The CD profile for fastening drywall is good because welding and expensive tools are not required to assemble the frame. Sold in building materials stores at affordable prices.

Types and purpose

Professionals recommend carefully considering all the details for making shelves and racks with your own hands, this also applies to the type of construction.

Most products are needed to store tools or parts of various sizes.

At the same time, there are several types of classification, the first of which talks about the design features:

Open. Necessary for quick access to a certain thing. The open type of shelves is divided into wall-mounted and hanging. Wooden or metal bases are hung on the wall using corners, the fastening of which can be dismantled or permanent. Special anchors must first be installed on the wall to hold the entire structure.

It is recommended to divide into cells for certain types of tools or small parts. For example, it is possible to sort different types of screws.

Common materials used are wood or metal. In rare cases, the structure can be made of plastic. However, based on practice, the ideal option would be to implement a combined type design.

The following assembly options are suitable for making your own:

Removable or mobile. The shelves form a rack with wheels on the lower tier. The mobile base will ensure optimal load distribution.

• Permanent. The shelving system is designed for specific areas that need to be pre-allocated. To do this, you should initially create drawings that involve dividing the garage into several parts. The standard option includes one-time assembly and fastening of the integral structure with brackets.
• Collapsible products. They are convenient because they can be expanded and easily dismantled in case of replacement or renovation of the premises. The height and number of shelves can be adjusted, and it is also possible to rearrange the shelves to a new location.

• Attic shelf. Hanging shelves are made of a corner and a metal profile, which serves as a base. The entire structure is usually attached to the ceiling or beams, thereby saving space in the garage compartment. For fastening, you will need to install special hooks; they need to be driven in or welded to the ceiling beams. This way they can be easily disconnected if necessary.
• Rotating products. These structures are not intended for storing large items. Their main advantage is saving time in searching for suitable parts. For example, self-tapping screws or nuts.

When choosing a product, you should start from the parameters of the room. It is also necessary to remember that the more, the better, the more spacious and convenient.

Main technical characteristics of shelves for racks

The main components of any rack are: racks, crossbars, shelves, and, if necessary, transverse ties. Tightenings allow you to strengthen the product and are two metal strips that are welded or screwed to the racks.

For the most convenient use of a metal garage rack, during design and installation you must adhere to a number of rules:

• shelves for any type of structure must withstand a certain load and not be deformed;
• the design should be as functional and compact as possible;
• The overall dimensions of the shelves can vary: width - 1.5 - 2 meters, height - 20 - 100 centimeters, depth - 20 - 20 centimeters.

In addition to choosing the main design, you can also play with the type of shelves themselves, the main ones being:

• open. Can be vertical (for wheels), horizontal. When installing such shelves, all your things will be in the public domain;
• closed. Help prevent the loss of things;
• removable. They make it possible to vary the overall dimensions (length and height) of the structure;
• separated. A distinctive feature of a storage system with such shelves is that the shelves are conventionally divided into cells, allowing you to organize and systematize things.

Assembly of metal and wooden structures

Planning to make a wooden or metal rack or shelves with your own hands is half the battle. You will need to realize your plans, build your dream, and translate it into wood or metal.

The assembly of homemade products is often not given due attention, being carried out in a hurry, so “home” designs, for all their advantages, look unattractive, worse than factory ones. Before installation, the iron frame is finally adjusted, sharp edges are sanded, and preparations are made for future painting. Suitable installation methods include welding, bolting - anything that will provide the required rigidity.

It is easier to work with wood - it is fastened with nails, self-tapping screws of the required length, and corners. It is better to drill holes, keeping in mind the tendency of the material to chip and split. For wood, a prerequisite is treatment with compounds that prevent rotting and fire. The chosen assembly method must guarantee:

• relative ease of implementation;
• reliability, structural rigidity.

Taking into account these nuances, building a rack is not as difficult as it seems at first. If, of course, you plan correctly and provide for as many little things as possible that may affect the progress of work in the future.

Shelving in the house and important points you need to know

• If the rack is made for the home, then the distance from the floor to the first shelf should be selected in such a way that it is convenient to clean underneath it.
• Small children often like to use structures such as stairs, so for the sake of children's safety, a rack installed at home must be screwed to the wall. This way you can avoid it tipping over and other negative consequences.
• If the rack does not have enough lateral rigidity and it easily swings from side to side, then a pair of jibs must be added to its design, which will give it the necessary rigidity.

Features of assembling metal shelving

Metal racks can be welded or assembled with bolts. There are usually no problems with welding. If a corner is used, the joints can be overlapped - a difference of 3-5 mm when laying shelves is unnoticeable. If you wish, you can cut out the excess in one of the shelves and butt weld, but trimming takes a lot of time, and you still won’t see much of a difference.

How to cut corners for a smooth connection

When assembling a frame for a bolted shelving, the order is as follows: first, assemble the squares of the sidewalls and shelves separately, then screw them together. It is advisable to have at least two bolts for each connection - for greater rigidity (less play).

If you assemble garage racks from a profile pipe with your own hands, the procedure is different. First, the sidewalls are assembled, and short crossbars are attached to them. You get two rectangles with crossbars. Then they are connected by crossbars.

Methods for bolting profile pipes

See the photo for how to make connections. In one case, welding is still needed - weld the heel pad, in another you can do without it - cut out the "ears", bend them and cling to them.

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.

Crab systems for profile pipes

Such a connection is unlikely to withstand very heavy loads, but there is an undeniable advantage - you don’t have to drill a bunch of holes in the metal. In a profiled pipe this is certainly easier than in a thick-walled corner, but it still takes a lot of time and effort.

By the way, the bolts used are M8 or M6, so large holes are required for them. It is easier to first drill with a thin drill, then expand to the desired size with a thick one. But even with this order, you will need a significant number of drills. To make them overheat less and break less often, place a jar of water nearby and periodically lower the drill into it.

Welded

Used to create large metal shelving. It has impeccable reliability and the ability to withstand even the most severe loads. Most often, shelves of this type are used to store large items.

There is one significant drawback - during redevelopment, it is often not possible to fit such a rack into the new space due to the non-demountable design. So if you love change, there is reason to think about choosing a different type.

Bolted

The main advantage of such a shelf is mobility. All parts are bolted together and can be easily dismantled if necessary. However, even with perfect assembly, there may be some play at the connection points. It is either present immediately or appears over time under the influence of the mass stored on the shelves.

The disadvantages of this design can be overcome by fixing it to the walls.

Combined

Typically found in spacious garages and technical rooms for car repairs. Most often it is formed through the so-called build-up - when there are more and more tools and storage items, but there is no other place for a new shelf and is not expected.

Sources

• https://www.yaprofi.net/polki-svoimi-rukami/
• https://stroychik.ru/garazh/polki-i-stellazhi-dlya-garazha
• https://www.asusfone.ru/svoimi-rukami/samodelnyj-stellazh-dlja-hranenija-v-sadovom-sarae-iz-staroj-mebeli
• https://postroika.biz/24568-stellazh-iz-dereva-svoimi-rukami.html
• https://garazhmechty.ru/polki-v-garazhe-svoimi-rukami.html
• https://1dacha-sad.com/delaem-stellazh-dlya-garazha-svoimi-rukami

Drawings and options

Many shelving drawings are available on the Internet. But in order to choose the right one, you need to decide on the future use of the structure. For storing tools and spare parts in the garage, a rack measuring 500 x 2000 mm with four shelves of 450 mm each is suitable. But for a cellar with conservation, you can make more shelves - every 300 mm. Warehouse structures require an individual approach, taking into account the size of the stored boxes.

The most common shelving options are:

• design 500 x 1800 mm with four shelves;
• rack 600 x 2000 mm with three shelves;
• combined models measuring 500 x 1800 mm with a high shelf at the bottom of 700 mm and three shelves for small parts of 350 mm each.

If the items for which the rack is designed will constantly change in size, then there are universal designs where the distance between the shelves is adjusted. To do this, several holes are drilled in the main racks at the level of future shelves. Only the main frame (cube) is welded, and all internal elements are bolted. This way you can add or remove the number of shelves, as well as change the distance between them. This is especially convenient to do if the main racks are from a corner. Holes are drilled in them and the shelves, and for fixation two bolts are used on each side.

If you need a long rack, it is recommended not to make it on the entire wall, but to leave small gaps of 100 mm from the side walls to make it more convenient to install the metal structure in place. There are no strict size restrictions on the depth of the shelves, but it is worth considering the convenience of retrieving items. For example, if the depth is 1000 mm, then not everyone has enough arm length to reach the part under the wall. But if the structure stands in the middle of the workshop, and there is access from both sides, then you can make shelves 1500 mm deep.

The height of the racks is made individually. It all depends on the materials available and future use. But in any case, it is not necessary to make the height up to the ceiling, because the upper part can also serve as a shelf, on which only a small threshold (150 mm) is provided so that the objects located there have somewhere to rest, if they are located vertically.

There are combined models of shelving, where there is a high shelf for large items (engine, wheel) and small parts. The reinforcement under the shelves depends on the future weight of the load. If these are heavy car parts, then it is worth welding an additional jumper under the middle of the shelf. Based on this, the number of main racks is determined. Excessively large spans will lead to sagging and deformation. But if the design is made for small parts, then the outer racks are quite enough.

Alternative versions

To save metal, you can make a rack in another way:

• two racks with a height of 2000 mm are taken;
• jumpers under the shelves are welded to each of them at one end (these elements can be 400 mm each and at a distance of 300 mm from each other);
• a plate with a hole is attached to the free end of each jumper;
• the racks are placed against the wall so that the ends of the lintels rest against the brick;
• the lintels are anchored;
• Wooden boards are placed on top of them to form shelves.

This model significantly saves metal profiles, because only two racks are used and there are no long vertical beams. But more small welding will be required on the plates at the ends of the shelves, and there will be costs for anchors. But if the space expands, such a rack can be quickly disassembled: remove the boards and only two racks on the sides will remain, screwed to the wall.

Shelving greatly facilitates the distribution of tools and other materials. Every good owner should have order in his garage or workshop. You can weld your own rack using the tips in this article.

Wood shelf

Wood is more environmentally friendly and economical compared to metal

The most common solution for arranging a garage is the installation of wooden shelves. The choice of this option is due to the availability and low price of wood: bars and boards. In order for the structure to be aesthetically attractive and safe to use, all its elements are pre-treated: leveled, sanded, coated with a fire-retardant composition.

Design + drawing

Drawing of a wooden shelf

Designing a shelf made of wood is no different from a similar process in the manufacture of metal structures. The dimensions of the parts are chosen at your discretion. The most convenient are shelves whose length corresponds to the distance of an outstretched arm. The height can be any, up to the ceiling. The easiest way to design and manufacture a permanent wall structure. It is installed in a corner or on a plane.

Required tools and materials

Before starting work, the tree must be planed

To work with wood you will need:

• drill or screwdriver;
• drill;
• hacksaw or jigsaw;
• sander;
• bubble level;
• construction square;
• ruler and tape measure;
• simple pencil.

Materials for making a simple wall shelf 110 cm long, 30 cm high and 25 cm deep (width):

• planed boards 16 mm thick;
• wood screws;
• dowels for fastening to the wall;
• brackets
• fire-retardant composition.

Manufacturing instructions

Surface preparation in full swing

Step 1. Using a jigsaw or hacksaw, prepare two blades for the side walls. Between them there will be two horizontal shelves. The distance between them is equal to the height of the end ones.

Step 2. Prepare canvas for horizontal shelves.

Step 3. Process the parts with a grinder.

Step 4. Cover the workpieces with a fire-retardant composition and allow drying time recommended by the manufacturer.

Step 5. Start assembling the structure and lay the bottom sheet on a flat horizontal surface. Take a ruler and a simple pencil, measure 8 mm on the right and left, draw two parallel lines.

Step 6. On each line from above and below towards the middle of the canvas, measure 5 mm and put marks.

Step 7. Drill 4 holes at the found points.

Step 8. In a similar way, mark the surface of the top shelf and drill 4 holes in it.

Step 9. Install the left end shelf on the bottom shelf. Connect the parts with self-tapping screws.

Step 10. The right end board is attached in a similar way.

Step 11. Place the top shelf on the resulting structure and attach it through the previously drilled holes.

Step 12. Brackets are attached to the upper part of the back surface of the end boards.

Step 13. Try the shelf against the wall, make markings for the dowels.

Step 14. Drill holes in the wall.

Step 15. Screw in the dowels.

Step 16. Hang the shelf.

Based on the proposed step-by-step instructions, you can make a structure from several shelves, strengthening it with vertically installed bars with a section of 40x50 mm or 50x50 mm. In order to give the shelf stability, it is attached to the wall with anchors or dowels.

Designs and sizes

Structurally, garage racks consist of racks, crossbars and shelves. Sometimes, to increase rigidity, transverse ties are also made on the back side - two steel strips welded/screwed to the outer posts diagonally. They compensate for lateral loads, increasing overall stability and reliability.

Garage shelving can be made according to this drawing (dimensions are approximate)

The dimensions - the height and depth of the shelves - are chosen almost arbitrarily, depending on what you intend to store. The only thing that needs to be selected carefully is the span length - the distance between the racks in one section. It depends on the rigidity of the material that you decide to use: the shelves, even under full load, should not bend. For heavy things/objects, the span is about 1.5 meters; if the load is not too large, the distance can be increased to 2 meters, but it’s definitely not worth doing more. If you need a longer garage rack, install intermediate racks, the distance between which still cannot be more than 2 meters.

A few words about the height of the shelves in the rack. The lowest shelf can be raised from the floor level by 50-70 cm (even more if desired). The heaviest items are usually placed here. The remaining shelves can be made at different heights; 30 cm is inconvenient and impractical. In general, a 1.5 liter plastic bottle should optimally fit on the shelf, which is 35-37 cm. This distance is convenient for use.

How to assemble a rack from an aluminum profile with your own hands

Assembling a rack with your own hands from a profile can be done even by a person taking up this task for the first time. It is easier to work with than wood.

The main advantage of the modular design is the ease of assembly from a ready-made kit

Materials and tools

To calculate how much material is needed, first sketch out a sketch indicating the dimensions and number of shelves. Profile dimensions are selected depending on the expected load. To connect the parts, you will need self-tapping screws with press washers, since their fastening is more reliable. It is better to take pointed ones, since drill ones make large holes, so the strength is reduced. Shelves are made from boards 2 - 3 cm thick, 10 mm or more plywood, OSB sheets no thinner than 12 mm.

To work you need to stock up on tools:

1. Tape measure, pencil or felt-tip pen, square for checking angles.
2. Metal scissors for cutting profiles.
3. Screwdriver. If you screw in each screw manually with a screwdriver, it will take several days to assemble the frame.
4. A wood hacksaw for cutting shelves. The process will speed up if you have a circular saw or jigsaw.

Build process

When the materials and tools are prepared, begin assembly:

1. On the profile, mark the length of the racks, crossbars, and crossbars along the width of the shelves. To prevent the rack from turning out crooked due to errors with the dimensions of the workpieces, you need to re-check the correctness of the markings.
2. On the side walls of the profile, cuts are made to the base and bent at this point. The workpiece is cut along the fold line.
3. Longitudinal cuts are made on the crossbars to a depth equal to the width of the profile of the vertical supports. Internal bends, if any, are cut off.
4. The crossbars are inserted into one another to form a rectangular cross-section. The cut ends are bent 90⁰. You need two of these parts for each shelf. They are installed on both sides of the frame.
5. The assembly of the sidewalls, so that there are no distortions, is carried out on a flat surface, possibly on the floor. Cross members are inserted between a pair of vertical supports. After checking the corners, each bend is screwed with 1 - 2 self-tapping screws.
6. After both sidewalls are ready, the rack is assembled from the profile. First install the lower crossbars, then the upper ones. If no distortions are found during inspection, the rest are fixed. It is more convenient to screw in the screws by placing the frame on its side. Having secured the parts on one side, it is turned over to the other.
7. On profile racks with wide shelves, additional supports are installed from below in the middle of the lower crossbar. After determining the height, bends are made on them and screwed with self-tapping screws.
8. After measuring, the shelves are cut. To increase the rigidity of the frame, cutouts are made in the corners so that they extend onto the side crossbars. To fasten wood, it is better to use self-tapping screws with fine threads.

Assembly sequence

The manufacture of a rack from a profile or corner begins with cutting the blanks in accordance with the dimensions according to the drawing. A grinder is used to cut off elements for racks and lintels, as well as shelves. Burrs on the cut should be removed so that they do not interfere with closely placing the parts for welding.

Once everything is cut and cleaned, you can start assembling. It is carried out in the following sequence:

• creating side frames;
• connecting the side frames with longitudinal beams at the top and bottom (a cube or rectangular three-dimensional structure is obtained);
• welding corners under shelf levels;
• attaching additional reinforcement if necessary;
• painting metal and already cut wooden pieces;
• fixing wooden shelves with self-tapping screws.

It is important to assemble the side frames correctly, since the proportionality and evenness of the structure depends on this. To do this, the sides are laid out on a table or floor and a potholder is placed in each corner. The diagonals are measured, and if they are equal, then a second tack is placed on all joints, and after that welding is performed. The error in the difference of diagonals should not exceed 3 mm. The corners are not scalded in a row, but one at a time, to ensure uniform tension in the metal structure.

When both frames are assembled, you need to set them in a vertical position and grab the longitudinal beams in turn: two at the top and two at the bottom. Here you cannot do without an assistant who will hold the metal structure. First you need to set one side, check the diagonals, strengthen the potholders, and scald the corners. Then, in the same sequence, the second side is assembled. At this stage, you can do without checking the diagonals if you establish the correct assembly using a square (90 degrees are required in each corner) and a level on the top beam.

Next, markings are made on the racks for the shelves. The latter can be cooked according to the level. An error of 1-2 mm will not create a strong plane distortion. If it is planned to store heavy elements on one of the shelves, then another longitudinal beam from the profile is welded in the middle of the entire length of the shelf. If a universal rack is being made, then holes for fastening are drilled in the racks and within the “floors” of the structure.

The entire rack needs to be painted to prevent corrosion. A regular primer will do for this. Cut boards or chipboards are also immediately stained. They must be cut across the rack to prevent excessive deflection. When the paint has dried, you can fix the wood to the metal. To do this, holes are drilled in the corner or profile. The board is placed on top, and the self-tapping screw is twisted from below, passing through the metal part and going deeper into the wood.

To make the rack more stable, especially for narrow models, you can provide additional fastening to the wall. To do this, just weld a plate with a hole onto the post closest to the wall and anchor it. This will prevent the entire rack from collapsing in case of overload, and will strengthen the structure.

We make it with our own hands

Shelves in the garage can be made with your own hands, starting from the very beginning, or you can purchase a ready-made structure and simply fix it in the place you need.

Wall shelf

To attach such shelves, you must use special brackets. They can be of various shapes. Your task is to choose those that can maximally compensate for the pressure of the load, as well as distribute the load over the entire surface of the wall. To mount it, you need to measure a horizontal line on the wall, focusing on it and then attaching the bracket in the future. It is recommended to use anchors for installation; this is more reliable than choosing self-tapping screws. When all the necessary fasteners are installed in place, you can proceed to installing the shelf, which can be wooden or plywood.

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:

1. Markings are made on the wall for fasteners, holes are drilled and dowels are driven in.
2. The metal profile or wooden beams are cut according to the diagram.
3. The far racks are fixed to the wall, each measured strictly according to its level.

Each rack must be parallel to adjacent slats

1. The frame is connected by horizontal binders from corners along the width (according to the height of future shelves).
2. The front pillars are installed and connected to the side strips on which the shelves will lie.
3. The front verticals are fastened, after which they form flooring from boards or lay plywood shelves in the prepared grooves.

Making a wooden rack

Some people prefer to make their own wooden shelving in the garage. It will cost less than metal, but will not be as durable and the service life may also be shorter. In addition, you will have to tinker a little with the wood.

A wooden rack is best made from oak or other hardwoods; pine is often used, but it has lower strength. Please note that the material must be dry and free of fungus, mold or cracks. This is a must.

However, here it is better to start from personal convenience

As with a metal frame structure, when making a shelving unit from wood, it is also important to plan the shelves to store large and heavy items underneath.

Drawing for assembling a shelving unit in a garage.

Before you make a rack in the garage from wood, you need to prepare the tools:

• measuring tools and a pencil or marker for marking;
• electric drill or screwdriver;
• wood hacksaw, saw or machine;
• fastening materials – bolts, nuts, screws, special glue;
• grinding machine or sandpaper;
• metal corners are optional, but will help further strengthen the wooden structure.

In addition, you will need tools for processing wood: primer, varnish, spatula and brush.

The assembly process begins with cutting the wooden elements into pieces of the required size, let's start with the bars for the frame. Then the parts need to be sanded, and then the metal corners must be screwed to the posts using self-tapping screws and a screwdriver.

If the corners are not used, then it is quite possible to replace them with pieces of timber with a section of 5 by 5 cm. At the next stage, the transverse bars will be attached; they will serve as the basis for future shelves.

Next, a water-repellent composition, primer and, after complete drying, varnish or paint are applied to the frame.

The next step is to manufacture the shelves according to the previously prepared drawing. Paint is applied to the finished boards and, after drying, they are attached to the “skeleton” of the product with self-tapping screws. The rack is placed on “legs” and attached to the wall for reliability. Be sure to treat it with a fire retardant, which will protect the wood product from fire.

Advantages and disadvantages of metal shelving

The advantages of metal structures include:

1. Reliability and durability. The shelves can support significant weight without damage.
2. Easy to care for.
3. Wear resistance. Even with intensive use, metal pipe racks retain their characteristics and appearance unchanged.
4. Full compliance with fire safety requirements.
5. Storage of items made of any material.
6. The metal frame is resistant to moisture and temperature changes.

Disadvantages include:

• It is more difficult to make a rack from a metal profile than from wood;
• the price of metal structures is higher.

Schemes for placing shelves in the garage

One of the stages on which, if not everything, then a lot depends, is the arrangement of shelving, the choice of a place for arranging shelves. It will depend on this whether additional elements in the garage will bring freedom from the “trash” accumulated in the corners and on the garage floor or will add problems with free movement, parking of a car or motorcycle.

An old, proven method is to draw a floor plan on paper, taking into account the opening of the gate leaves and possible movements of people. Most often, without compromising the free space, the far wall located opposite the entrance is used for storage. And already in this section of the garage they allow their imagination and sense of beauty to unfold.

When planning the placement of shelves vertically, do not forget that the step should ensure ease of use and not be too frequent or overly stretched.

If there is not enough space, it is permissible to hang shelves around the entire perimeter, but you must remember that any accidentally dropped can or bolt will “land” on the car body or may lead to injury to people in the room.

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:

matching the size of the garage. The main task of the rack is to help the car owner properly organize the storage system. If things are scattered around the garage, they will take up a lot of space and interfere with parking and servicing the car. On the other hand, the shelving should also not restrict freedom of movement, so you will have to solve the difficult task of finding a shelving unit that would accommodate everything you need, but at the same time take up a minimum of space. If there are few things, then the task becomes simpler, but you can find a solution in any case. Fortunately, there are a lot of different design options; Topic proposal

manufactures and sells garage racks of different sizes, models are designed for different loads, there are special racks for hardware and tires. The assortment can be found on the page https://region-voronej.ru/stellagi/

stability and reliability. First you need to imagine what you will store on the shelves. It’s one thing if it’s small fasteners and small power tools, another thing if it’s tires, filled large cans and other heavy equipment. In the first case, a design that can withstand up to 60 kg of load is suitable, in the second - 120-170 kg or more

Higher strength will be reflected in the price, and that is why it is so important to decide in advance on the contents of the shelves;

safety. It is advisable that the rack be resistant to fire, since the garage is a high-risk place

If you plan to store liquids, then the shelves should not be slippery, and even better, they should have a side. The design should not have sharp elements so that you do not inadvertently get injured. Metal parts must be well protected from corrosion, since liquid contact with them is not uncommon;

convenience. The dimensions and number of shelves, their location must fully meet the requirements of the garage owner, and without a preliminary analysis of the contents of the rack it is difficult to say which model will be the most convenient.

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.