Shelves are the perfect solution when you need more space for storage or just want to make better use of your garage’s empty walls. These inexpensive shelves are simple in design but strong in construction.
A DIY garage shelving unit is hard to beat when it regards the storage of items in the garage. They’re simple to construct on a budget and make good use of otherwise wasted vertical wall space.
They can be tailored to your preferences because they are a do-it-yourself endeavour. The best part is that you can finally get everything off the floor and onto neatly organized shelves for your tools, totes, and equipment. Discover the steps to completing your garage shelving project.
What Is A Garage Shelve?
Garage shelves are storage solutions designed to help you organize your garage and keep your items off the floor. They come in various sizes and materials and can be used to store a wide range of items, including tools, household items, and sports equipment. Some popular materials for garage shelves include wood, metal, and plastic.
The choice of material depends on factors such as the weight of the items you want to store, your budget, and the look you want to achieve.
Different Types Of Garages Shelves
There are different types of garage shelves, including freestanding shelves, wall-mounted shelves, and shelving units.
1. Freestanding Shelves
Freestanding shelves are standalone shelves that are designed to be placed anywhere in your garage. They are a great storage solution for those who have limited wall space or want the flexibility to move their shelves around. Freestanding shelves come in a variety of sizes, materials, and weight capacities, allowing you to choose the best option for your specific needs.
One advantage of freestanding shelves is that they are easy to assemble and do not require any wall mounting. This means that you can set them up quickly and use them right away. They also provide a stable base for storing heavy items, making them ideal for tools, sports equipment, and other heavy items.
Another advantage of freestanding shelves is their versatility. They can be placed anywhere in your garage, so you can move them around as needed. For example, you can place them near the door for easy access to frequently used items, or you can place them in a corner to maximize floor space.
When choosing freestanding shelves, it’s important to consider the weight capacity of the shelves, as well as their durability and stability. Some shelves come with adjustable shelving and locking mechanisms to provide added security for your items. You should also consider the size of your garage and the items you want to store when choosing the right size of shelves.
2. Wall-Mounted Shelves
Wall-mounted shelves are shelves that are attached to the wall, providing added stability and security for your items. They are a great storage solution for those who have limited floor space or want to maximize wall space in their garage. Wall-mounted shelves come in a variety of sizes, materials, and weight capacities, allowing you to choose the best option for your specific needs.
One advantage of wall-mounted shelves is that they help free up floor space, making your garage feel more organized and spacious. They are also a great option for storing heavy items, as they are attached to the wall for added stability. Additionally, some wall-mounted shelves come with locking mechanisms, providing added security for your items.
Another advantage of wall-mounted shelves is their versatility. They can be used to store a wide range of items, including tools, household items, and sports equipment. You can also choose from different materials and finishes to match your garage décor and personal style.
When choosing wall-mounted shelves, it’s important to consider the weight capacity of the shelves, as well as the type of wall you will be mounting them on. You should also consider the size of your garage and the items you want to store when choosing the right size of shelves. Additionally, make sure that the shelves you choose are easy to install and come with all the necessary hardware.
If you are interested in wall mounted garage shelving, check out the Garage Smart website. They have plenty of options for you.
3. Shelving Units
Shelving units are a combination of freestanding and wall-mounted shelves that provide a more extensive storage solution for your garage. They typically consist of several shelves that are attached to a frame, providing a stable base for storing your items. Shelving units come in a variety of sizes, materials, and weight capacities, allowing you to choose the best option for your specific needs.
One advantage of shelving units is that they provide a large amount of storage space in a compact design. They are great for storing a wide range of items, including tools, household items, and sports equipment. Additionally, some shelving units come with adjustable shelving and locking mechanisms, providing added security for your items.
Another advantage of shelving units is that they are versatile. They can be placed anywhere in your garage, providing ample storage space in an organized manner. Some shelving units also come with wheels, making them easy to move around as needed.
When choosing a shelving unit, it’s important to consider the weight capacity of the shelves, as well as their durability and stability. You should also consider the size of your garage and the items you want to store when choosing the right size of shelves. Additionally, make sure that the shelves you choose are easy to assemble and come with all the necessary hardware.
How Do You Make Inexpensive Garage Shelves?
If you’re looking to make inexpensive garage shelves, there are several options you can consider. Here are a few simple DIY projects that you can try:
1. Wooden Pallet Shelves:
If you have some old wooden pallets lying around, you can use them to make sturdy garage shelves. Simply stack the pallets on top of each other and secure them with screws or nails. You can paint or stain the pallets for a more finished look.
Wooden pallet shelves are a great option for those who want to create inexpensive and sturdy garage shelves. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide for making wooden pallet shelves:
- Gather materials: You will need wooden pallets, screws, a drill, sandpaper, and a saw.
- Clean and prepare the pallets: Clean the pallets and remove any dirt or debris. Sand down any rough edges or splinters to make the pallets safe to handle.
- Cut the pallets: Cut the pallets to the desired length using a saw. Make sure that all of the pieces are the same length for a consistent look.
- Assemble the shelves: Stack the pallets on top of each other, making sure they are level. Secure the pallets together using screws and a drill. Repeat this process until you have the desired number of shelves.
- Install the shelves: Mount the shelves to the wall using brackets. Make sure that the brackets are secure and the shelves are level.
- Finish the shelves: Sand the shelves again if needed, and apply a coat of paint or stain to protect the wood and give the shelves a finished look.
That’s it! With these simple steps, you can create durable and inexpensive wooden pallet shelves for your garage. Make sure to measure your garage space accurately and choose the right size of shelves to maximize storage space.
2. PVC Pipe Shelves:
PVC pipe shelves are a great option for those who want to create an inexpensive and sturdy storage solution in their garage. Here’s a step-by-step guide for making PVC pipe shelves:
- Gather materials: You will need PVC pipes, T-shaped connectors, end caps, brackets, screws, and a drill.
- Cut the PVC pipes: Cut the PVC pipes to the desired length using a saw. Make sure that all of the pieces are the same length for a consistent look.
- Assemble the shelves: Connect the PVC pipes using T-shaped connectors to form the shelves. Add end caps to the exposed ends of the pipes to give the shelves a finished look.
- Install the brackets: Mount the brackets to the wall, making sure they are level. Make sure that the brackets are secure and spaced evenly.
- Install the shelves: Slide the assembled PVC pipes into the brackets, making sure that they are level. Secure the pipes to the brackets using screws and a drill.
- Finish the shelves: Sand the pipes and connectors if needed, and apply a coat of paint or primer to protect the pipes and give the shelves a finished look.
That’s it! With these simple steps, you can create durable and inexpensive PVC pipe shelves for your garage. Make sure to measure your garage space accurately and choose the right size of pipes and connectors to maximize storage space.
3. Metal Shelving:
Metal shelves are durable and inexpensive. You can purchase metal shelving units from a home improvement store and mount them on the wall using brackets.
Metal shelving units are a great option for those who want a durable and inexpensive storage solution in their garage. Here’s a step-by-step guide for installing metal shelving:
- Gather materials: You will need metal shelving units, brackets, screws, and a drill.
- Choose the right size: Measure your garage space accurately and choose the right size of metal shelving units to maximize storage space.
- Assemble the shelves: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to assemble the metal shelving units. Make sure that the shelves are securely attached to the posts.
- Install the brackets: Mount the brackets to the wall, making sure they are level. Make sure that the brackets are secure and spaced evenly.
- Install the shelves: Place the assembled metal shelving units into the brackets, making sure that they are level. Secure the shelves to the brackets using screws and a drill.
- Finish the shelves: Sand the shelves if needed, and apply a coat of paint or primer to protect the metal and give the shelves a finished look.
That’s it! With these simple steps, you can easily install metal shelving units in your garage. Make sure to choose a metal shelving unit with a weight capacity that can handle the weight of your belongings, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully for a secure and safe installation.
4. Plywood Shelves:
Plywood is a versatile material that can be used to make inexpensive garage shelves.
Here’s a step-by-step guide for making plywood shelves:
- Gather materials: You will need plywood, brackets, screws, a saw, sandpaper, and a drill.
- Cut the plywood: Cut the plywood to the desired length and width using a saw. Make sure that all of the pieces are the same size for a consistent look.
- Sand the plywood: Sand the edges of the plywood to remove any rough spots and make the shelves safe to handle.
- Install the brackets: Mount the brackets to the wall, making sure they are level. Make sure that the brackets are secure and spaced evenly.
- Install the shelves: Place the cut plywood onto the brackets, making sure that they are level. Secure the plywood to the brackets using screws and a drill.
- Finish the shelves: Sand the shelves again if needed, and apply a coat of paint or stain to protect the wood and give the shelves a finished look.
That’s it! With these simple steps, you can create durable and customizable plywood shelves for your garage. Make sure to choose the right size of brackets and screws to support the weight of your belongings, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully for a secure and safe installation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several options for creating inexpensive and sturdy garage shelves, including wooden pallet shelves, PVC pipe shelves, metal shelving units, and plywood shelves. Each of these options has its benefits and drawbacks, and the best choice will depend on your specific needs, budget, and skills.
Wooden pallet shelves are a great option for those who want a rustic look, as they can be made from recycled pallets and are easy to find and assemble. PVC pipe shelves are a great option for those who want a durable and customizable storage solution, as the pipes can be cut to the desired length and painted to match your decor.
Metal shelving units are a great option for those who want a quick and easy installation, as they are pre-assembled and easy to mount. Plywood shelves are a great option for those who want a sturdy and customizable storage solution, as the shelves can be cut to the desired size and finished with paint or stain to match your decor.
No matter which option you choose, make sure to measure your garage space accurately and choose the right size of materials to maximize storage space and ensure a secure and safe installation.