How to Build Hanging Shelves for a Garage

Everyone can use more storage space. Here’s a neat idea: use hanging shelves on the ceiling to allow for more space in your garage.All you need is 16 inches of wall-to-ceiling space. Here's how build hanging shelves in your garage.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Measuring tape
• 3/8-inch-by-4-by-6 foot bottom support
• 2 by 4 side supports
• Storage containers
• Drill
• 5-inch corner braces
• 1.4-by-1 inch hex head lag screws
• 1-inch wood screws

1. Measure starting at the ceiling down to where you want your support to end or the bottom of the shelf. Keep this measurement in mind--it will be the side measurements of the supports.

2. Build supports. You will need at least three shelf supports exactly alike. The support is put together to look like a rectangle with no top. You will have the side-measured 2 by 4’s pointing up to the ceiling and the long, middle 2 by 4 is flat but attached to each side piece.

3. Use your corner braces and screws. You will connect the pieces of wood with the corner braces. Screw them in and you will also need corner braces to attach them to the ceiling. This is a count of four corner braces for each support.

4. After supports are built, they will be spaced out approximately 24 inches beside each other. Measure and mark for exact distance. Align the supports to pre-drill your holes for screws, in the ceiling joists. Screwing your supports into the center ceiling joists will give your shelves more stability. Now you have your shelf supports up but without the plywood base to hold your containers.

5. Take the 3/8-inch-by-4-by-6 foot plywood for support floors or base and secure with wood screws. Now you have a great sturdy place on the ceiling to store your filled containers.

Tips & Warnings

• Shelves can also be built to go above garage doors.
• It is best to store small, light materials in your containers. Shelves can safely hold approximately 150 lbs.