Building garage storage is actually much easier than you would think. Sliding doors are great especially if you have a tight space to put the storage in. I wish I had documented the process, however I will provide a synopsis to hopefully help anyone looking to save money and build storage. Please do not use my measurements as the guide as your garage size may vary. The measurements provided are an example based on my storage. I am happy to share measurements and additional photos if needed, just post a comment of what you need.
Tools needed:
1. Circular Saw
2. Cordless Drill
3. Saw horses (2)
4. Hammer
Optional Tools:
1. Nail gun (this just makes framing easier)
Supplies:
1. RT22 Simpson Brackets - QTY varies depending on how many shelves you want to build
2. 2x4 boards - Same as above
3. 2x6x12 boards - 8
4. Sliding Closet Doors - I recommend using 24" doors to allow more sliding sections.
5. L-bracket Simpson Straps
6. 4 boxes of Simpson self-drilling wood screws (these will make your life much easier)
7. 3 1/4" sheets of plywood
8. 2 3/8" sheets of plywood for the sides and top
9. 2 3/4" sheets of plywood ripped at 2'x4' sections for the shelves (you'll end up with two extra shelves incase you screw up cutting)
10. 1/2lb of 3/4" wood screws to attach backing
11. Angle Simpson strap to join the frames (looks like an L-bracket but for the inside)
Steps:
1. Assemble the frames
Layout the 12' 2x6 boards, then cut 2 other 2x6 boards to 6'10", nail the 6'10" boards to the sides. I reccommend using additional simpson straps to brace the interior, this is up to you.
2. Create the vertical braces
Cut 4 2x4 boards to 6'10" and use those for mid-point braces, placed at 46" on-center (approximately)
3. Create the horizontal braces
Cut 4 sections from the 2x4 boards to create the horizontal braces and use simpson straps to join the 2x6x12 frames together. Place the braces at the desired height for your shelf. Be sure you allow for the width of the back frame (5.5" + depth of horizontal brace = depth of shelf)
4. Make the shelves
Cut and place the 3/4" sheets to fit into the shelving spaces. This will require cutting out corners on the shelves and you will have to decrease. Cut the depth of the shelves to match the depth of the horizontal braces
5. Mount the tracks for the closets to the frames
6. Place the shelves into the frames and screw with simpson screws. Don't over do it, they should hold on their own.
7. Create siding
Cut 3/8" plywood siding to 64" (or whatever height you decided to make your shelves)
8. Create top
Cut 3/8" plywood top to use 1 8' segment and another segment of approximately 50" (double check the measurement.
10. Put the backing on
Use the small wood screws and attach the backing to the frame
11. Place the doors into the closet
Total job time: Approximately 16 hours +/- 4 hours depending on how fast you measure and cut the boards, and if you have assistance.
Total cost: Approx. $400 - 500 (final cost may vary depending on the size of the storage you build - I could have done it for less, but I designed and built it on the fly)
Here is a photo of the finished product. Send me a comment if you need help or need measurements or additional photos.
Here is a link to another style of storage - note they did not use 2x4 boards to brace the shelves. I wanted the shelves to hold heavy items and wanted a large open bottom section to put yard equipment, tiles, bricks or other building supplies. Ultimately, build to what suits your needs. The version created is much cheaper and easier to build.
http://www.familyhandyman.com/DIY-Projects/Home-Organization/Garage-Storage/giant-diy-garage-cabinet/View-All
