Closet shelves are NOT one size fits all. Ideally, they should be a variety of depths based on what each section needs to store. Builders commonly put in shelving that is 11 ¼” deep. This default measurement doesn’t work for all sections of a closet and certainly won’t fit every homeowner’s storage needs.
Custom closet designs typically allocate 12” for hanging sections and shoe shelves. Hanging rods are mounted near the front of these sections, extending 11” from the wall and allowing ample space for clothes to hang. Some people prefer to have their closet shelves extend all the way over clothing. In this case the shelf would need to be 24” deep.
Closet shelves can house things like folded clothing, linens, shoes and purses. Clothing, linens and purses require deeper shelves that measure between 14” and 16.” Just be careful not to make shelves too deep. Things can get hidden behind each other and lead to limited visibility and a frustrating hunt for those concealed possessions. When it comes to shoe shelves a 12” depth works perfectly, though some larger shoe sizes may require a little more room. When in doubt, measure the length of your shoes to get a perfect fit.
Like a good suit, shelving needs to be custom fitted to your exact liking and needs. One size does NOT fit all – there is no standard shelf measurement will guarantee efficient and effective closet storage for your various hanging clothes, folded clothes, purses, shoes and other storage.
Here's three ways to build your own garage shelving. These garage storage projects have been built hundreds of thousands of times by people all over the world.
Question: Is it cheaper to buy or build garage shelves? Building is less expensive, and there are many other great reasons to build your own garage storage shelving, including custom sized for your totes, greater durability, and design flexibility.
So you are ready to build some garage shelving. But which ones? There's alot of garage storage ideas out there, here's the best three options. All are great projects that can be customized in size, around garage doors, and fitted for your storage needs. Fill then up with bins, totes, small organizers, add some wall storage, and you are done!
PLANS: Built-In Garage Shelves
Materials: 2x4 frame attached to wall, plywood topped shelves
If you have a wood framed garage wall, look no further, you won't find an easier or cheaper way to DIY garage storage than this. And it will be heavy-duty since it is wall-mounted.
This shelving system is so poplar because of the installation method.
Just screw 2x4s to studs in the wall, wherever you want a shelf.
Then screw a second layer of 2x4s over the first.
Then add legs.
Remove the second layer of 2x4s and pull appart.
Add in 2x4s between to get the desired depth of garage shelves.
Then just add plywood to the top.
Workbench Idea: This same system can be used to build workbenches, just build to the desired work height, and add a pegboard or other shelving on top.
Question: How deep should garage shelves be? 24" deep is idea for totes, but 16" is an option for narrower spaces.
Question: How thick should plywood be for garage shelves? For the 24" depth, use 1/2". For the 16" depth, you can use 3/8". This type of shelving is fully supported on the front and back with 2x4s.
Testimonials - What real people are saying about the fixed shelf plans:
Thanks for fantastic plans Ana!! My 12yr old son and I knocked these out in an afternoon. - Guest submitted brag post
I'm so grateful for these plans! ... This project was so fast and easy -- I put them together one night after the kids went to bed. -Utility Room Shelves by Guest Brag Post
Wanted some easy storage shelving that didn't break the bank. These were perfect! ... Lumber was only $58.68 and I bought and extra 8 foot 2x4, so it could have been slightly cheaper! -Very Easy Garage Shelving Brag Post by Guest
Personal testimony: I love how this project turned out, and went on to build it multiple times!
Bottom line: If you have a stud wall to anchor shelving to in your garage, this is THE must build project and will result in heavy-duty lifetime garage shelving that can store just about anything. The full tutorial is here, please do share if you build.
PLANS: Freestanding Garage Shelving
Materials: 2x4 framed with 2x4 slats on top, shelves can have gaps in between
But what happens if you have concrete garage walls? Or are renting and can't build a permanent shelving system? Or maybe you just want storage shelves that are super quick and easy to diy.
Bottom line: If you need quick and easy shelving, this is the one.
This method, the freestanding garage shelving, is so easy to build, it's faster than assembling flat pack shelving. Just build the leg sets, and thread 2x4s in between.
The benefits of this type of shelving is less wasted space of the shelving boards, economical design, easy to build, and you can build in just about any size. So you can make a unique storage system, quickly and easily!
What people are saying about Freestanding Garage Shelving Plans:
This was an easy project to complete in an afternoon that does not require any advance woodworking skills. - Great Plan for Garage Shelf by edapina
Very easy garage shelving! - Great Shelving, easy to do by familymed_doc
I LOVE how these turned out! They are a strong as a ladder (we tested them... :)) and they hold everything I need them to, and a little bit more. It's a definite improvement on my previously messy, cluttered, saw-dust covered space ... :) - 2x4 Garage Shelves Built into Basement Storage by Noelleskaya
The project was actually pretty easy and really only took me about a days worth of work. - Loving These Shelves by woody311
Thank you for the plans! Love the shelves! - Guest submitted brag post
This is my first project ever built. I can't thank you enough for this site. I already have several other projects I want to build around the house because of this site. Thank you so much! - Garage Shelves by Queequeg
Garage cabinets system with drawers: Thanks to Ana's 2x4 storage plan and a neighbor's discarded kitchen cabinets we now have a very clean and convenient storage area in our garage. It even features a work bench and sorting area. Estimated Cost: 40-50 dollars. - Garage Storage by Smokeydog
PLANS: 2x4 Storage Shelving
Materials: 2x4 framed, attached to wall, 1x6 boards for shelving (can also use plywood or 2x4s)
If you need maximum storage in a smaller space, put the time into creating a just right solution for garage organization. This fixed shelving system has thin shelves for maximum space, but uses an attached to the wall design for added durability and strength.
Bottom line: If you have the time and not the space, this is the one.
How should I organize my garage storage? Put away largest, bulky items first. Then hang on hooks frequently used items like shovels, extension cords, brooms, rakes, bungee cords, helmets and gear. Label each hook. Now organize everything else into storage containers that are labeled. Smaller items should be placed in smaller containers. When finished, all belongings will be put away and nothing should be stored on the garage floor.
How do I store large things in my garage? Build heavy-duty garage shelves in a deeper depth, but leave out the bottom shelf. Heavier items can be rolled under, lighter items can be stored on shelves.
What is the cheapest material for shelving? 2x4s.
How high should shelves bin in a garage? You can go floor to ceiling, but after 6 feet tall, it is very hard to access the shelving. So only place very rarely used items, or lightweight items like sleeping bags, on high shelves.
How much space do you need between storage shelves? For household items, 12" is a good height. For garage shelving with totes, go for a 16" height.