How to Install Support Posts for Your Garage Shelves

Get more storage in your garage by installing garage shelves. These shelves can be left open in the front for easy access and odd sized items. Most do-it-yourselfs can build storage shelves in a few hours. The support posts keep the garage shelves sturdy and allow you to store heavier items.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Measure to the top of the highest shelf board that's been installed horizontally along the garage wall. This is the wood that's used to support the back of the shelf. The most common height for the top of storage shelves in the garage is approximately 6 feet, which gives plenty of room for tall items on the top shelf.

2. Cut good quality lumber to the same measurement as the height of the top shelf board. Two-by-fours are commonly used for support posts, but if you need sturdier shelves, use thicker lumber. Cut enough lumber to span the storage shelves with a support post placed every 4 feet.

3. Install the two-by-four support post, starting on one end of the storage shelves. Attach the support post to the horizontal boards with wood screws. Don't use nails. Use a screw gun to install the screws. Make sure that screws are placed through the support post where it meets every horizontal board. Continue installing the support posts every 4 feet to the end of the storage unit.