Garage Organization - DIY - Cantilever Shelves

This post is sponsored by The Home Depot.

The Ultimate DIY Lumber Rack: Heavy-Duty Garage Storage

Welcome back to the garage makeover series! If you've been following along, you know the struggle has been real. It feels like I spent an entire month just clearing the floor space you see in the photos. It was a tough job, but I finally cleared enough room to tackle a major pain point: lumber storage.

I decided to build a set of DIY cantilever shelves (also known as a wall-mounted lumber rack).

 Before this project, my workshop had two massive problems:

1. No dedicated station for my heavy-duty bench tools.

2. Zero organization for long lumber.

I had wood scattered everywhere—under the workbench, leaning against every wall, and tucked into random corners. It was a mess! (If you want to see the "shameful" before photos, check out my previous post right HERE.

My husband was the genius who stored those chairs and a couple of tires up there. He made sure nobody could grab those precious items! :D

The Plan & Inspiration

To get started, I cleared the wall completely and gave it two fresh coats of paint. 

I owe a huge thank you to my friend Julie and Sandra from SawDust Girl, whose incredible workshop projects inspired this build.

*This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

Materials & Tools You'll Need

To make this rack sturdy enough to hold heavy hardwoods and 2x4s, quality hardware is key.

Materials

• Vertical Wall Supports: (4) 2x4s (I used 9-foot lengths)

• Bracket Centers: (20) 2x4s cut to 13-1/2"

• Bracket Sides: 3/4" Plywood (I used 10 rectangles cut to 15" x 12")

• Hardware: * (16) 3/8" x 4" Hex Zinc Plated Lag Screws

  • (16) Flat Washers

  • Drywall screws (#6 x 1-5/8")

Recommended Tools

• Measuring & Leveling: Tape measure, Stud finder, Level

• Cutting: Circular saw (or Miter/Table saw)

• Driving: Milwaukee Impact Driver & 1/2" Impact Wrench

• Drilling: 5/16" Drill bit (for pre-drilling lag screws)

• Extras: #14 Socket, Clamps

Let's build this lumber rack!


Here's a quick video of the entire project:

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. FIND AND MARK THE STUDS

The most critical step is locating your wall studs. These supports will carry a massive amount of weight, so you must anchor them directly into the framing.

2. SET A LEVEL LINE

My garage floor has a significant slant, and the walls are 12 feet high. To keep everything accessible but off the floor, I started my shelving unit 3 feet up. I mounted a temporary 2x4 horizontal "ledger" board using 3" screws to act as a shelf for the vertical supports during installation.

3. PREP THE VERTICAL SUPPORTS

I cut my vertical 2x4s to 9 feet and marked four screw locations on each, starting at 4 inches from each end. I pre-drilled the holes using a 5/16" bit.

Pro Tip: I used the Milwaukee Cobalt drill bits. They are designed for stainless steel, so they sliced through this wood like butter and stayed incredibly sharp.

| Milwaukee Cordless Hammer Drill & Impact Driver Combo Kit | Milwaukee Cobalt Drill Bit |

4. INSTALL THE VERTICAL SUPPORTS

Even with the temporary horizontal support, this is a two-person job! I had my husband help hold the 9-foot boards while I aligned them with the studs.

• We drove the top and bottom lag screws first.

• I used a Milwaukee Impact Wrench to drive the hex lag screws. It made the job effortless—heavy-duty tools are worth it when you want the machine to do the hard work for you!

• Note: I used a #14 socket from a mechanics toolset. Don't think those sets are just for cars; they are essential for home maintenance and furniture assembly too!

5. ASSEMBLE THE BRACKETS

I used 3/4" plywood scraps for the bracket sides.

1. Cut 15" x 12" rectangles.

2. Draw a diagonal line 1-1/2" from opposite ends to create the "arm" shape. Cut along that line.

3. Sandwich a 2x4 block between two pieces of plywood.

4. Flush the pieces toward the front, use a temporary 2x4 spacer at the back, and clamp them.

5. Secure everything with three 1-5/8" screws on each side.

| Firm Grip Gloves | Portable Workbench |

All assembled!

6. MOUNT THE BRACKETS

Decide on your shelf heights based on what you store. Attach the brackets to your vertical supports using three 1-5/8" screws per side. Ensure every bracket is level across the entire rack so your lumber stays flat and doesn't warp!

The Results: A Transformed Workshop

My "day project" turned into a night project, but seeing the lumber finally off the floor was worth it.

And here, the following day.

The Update: The wood is finally organized! I put my heavy 2x4s on the lower, more accessible shelves. The upper shelves are perfect for thin moldings and trim I don't use as often.

I even built a miter saw station directly underneath the rack, which fits perfectly. 

| Miter Saw | Dry/Wet Shop Vacuum | Drill | 

And as a bonus? I found a "just right" spot for my long ladder to hang vertically.

It feels so good to see an almost empty garage floor!

Here again, the three main tools that rocked this project:

| 1/2 in. Impact Wrench Kit | Cobalt Drill Bit Set | 1/2 in. Mechanics Tool Set |

I acknowledge that The Home Depot is partnering with me to participate in the promotional program described above (the "Program"). As a part of the Program, I am receiving compensation in the form of products and services, for the purpose of promoting The Home Depot. All expressed opinions and experiences are my own words. My post complies with the Word Of Mouth Marketing Association (WOMMA) Ethics Code and applicable Federal Trade Commission guidelines.

*This post contains affiliate links.

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