How to Hang Garage Storage Shelves

Replace old stand-alone shelving in your garage with a wall-mounted bracket system.

Garage storage shelves come in a variety of formats and styles, but the most popular garage storage shelves are typically wall-mounted bracket organizing systems. Also often used in kitchens and interior closets, wall-mounted shelving systems typically consist of long shelf standards that are installed on the wall vertically and metal brackets that slip into pre-made slots. You can purchase cabinets and wood or metal shelves for such units, making them versatile for garages.

Things You'll Need

• Stud finder
• Pencil
• Shelving standards
• Power drill
• 1/8-inch drill bit
• Screws
• Level
• Brackets
• Shelves

Instructions

1. Unless the wall studs are exposed, use a stud finder to find the studs in your garage walls. Mark where the studs are located with a pencil.

2. Decide where you want your shelves to begin and end according to the location of the wall studs. Position the first shelf standard where you want it against the wall on a stud. Use a pencil to mark where the first hole for the standard is at the top. Drill a hole on the mark with a drill and a 1/8 inch drill bit.

3. Place the first shelf standard against the wall. Screw the first screw into the hole you created. Use a level to make sure your standard is straight vertically. Drill a hole for the bottom screw and install the screw.

4. Drill holes for the rest of the screws, if needed, and screw the rest of the screws in to hold the standard into place.

5. Repeat the process to install the second standard. To ensure the second standard lines up with the first, place a bracket in corresponding spots on each standard. Place a level across the brackets to make sure the two standards are even before attaching the second standard.

6. Install the second standard.

7. Insert the rest of the brackets into the standards. Place the shelves on the brackets. Use screws to secure the brackets to the shelves as needed.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear protective gear, such as safety glasses, when using power tools such as a drill.

References

• The Family Handyman: Easy Garage Storage Solutions: Suspended Shelving
• This Old House: How to Install Wall-Mounted Shelves
• Ron Hazelton's House Calls: How to Install a Wall-Mounted Closet Organizing System
• Danny Lipford: How to Install Closet Shelving
• Ron Hazelton's Housecalls: How to Install a Simple Garage Organization System