Installing Overhead Shelving in a Garage or Workshop
DIY Projects, Garage and Storage, Repairs and Installation, Simple Solutions, Video by Joe Truini
When looking for extra storage in a garage or workshop, don’t forget to look up.
Standard wire shelving from the home center makes great overhead shelving between ceiling joists. Fasten the shelves to the underside of the joists using plastic hooks.
Use two hooks facing in opposite directions for extra strength. Fasten each hook with a 1-5/8” screw.
One of the great things about using wire shelves is that you can see right through them to see what is stored, and they don’t collect dust like solid shelves. Using clear plastic containers for storage allows you to easily see what is stored.
You can also use wire shelves to hang tools from hooks made out of wire coat hangers.
4 Comments on “Installing Overhead Shelving in a Garage or Workshop”
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September 24th, 2009 at 9:29 pm
I must confess that I like you idea for a couple of reasons. Normally, we at Gorgeous Garage of East Texas, do not recommend garage ceiling storage due to the tendency of customers to install the products without centering the bolts or screws in the ceiling joist and because they usually overload the garage ceiling baskets over time and end up with sagging joists and cracked ceilings. However, your idea alleviates our concerns. The smaller shelf and the reduced space above it helps to prevent overloading, and of course, if the garage studs and joists are exposed, then attachment should be done properly since one can see through the wire rack readily.
joe t. Says:September 29th, 2009 at 5:40 pm
Hey Shain, Glad you liked our overhead shelving idea. As I’m sure you’ve discovered, people are always looking for ways to utilize every square inch of garage space, and we’re just trying to help them out. Thanks for writing and be sure to stay tuned to the tv show and website because we’ve got many more storage ideas to come. Best wishes, Joe T.
October 3rd, 2009 at 11:21 am
how to install overhead storage in garage that already has drywall walls and ceiling?
joe t. Says:October 5th, 2009 at 6:45 am
Well, there are many ways to attach overhead shelves to a drywall garage ceiling, but here’s one technique that works great: Buy two lengths of perforated angle iron, the kind used to install garage-door openers to the ceiling. It’s basically a long piece of metal bent lengthwise at 90 degrees and perforated along both flanges with holes or slots. Securely screw each angle iron to the ceiling with lag screws, making sure to drive them into joists. Now suspend vertical lengths of wood or metal strapping from the angle irons, and bolt on horizontal supports. You can then attach plywood shelving to the supports.