How to Install Garage Shelving

Hardware Install notes

Use “lag” screw lengths long enough to go into the stud several inches. Purchase the largest screw the bracket hole will permit. Screws only need to be snug, do not over-tighten.

Tools Needed

• Laser or Bubble Level
• Hammer
• Finishing Nail
• Stud Finder

Garage Shelving Installation

Mapping walls

Make a mark for the height of all shelves to be installed.

1. Align the bottom of the laser line with the mark.
2. Determine the best locations for the brackets.
3. Use a stud finder to locate the sides of the studs. Mark the stud just above, and perpendicular to, the laser line.  Also mark a small line, perpendicular to the stud mark to show which side of the line the stud is located.Get all bracket locations to this point.  The laser is no longer needed.
4. Use a drywall punch (or a small finish nail) at the stud line to locate the exact side of the stud.  Do this above the laser line mark so the holes will be hid behind the shelf.  Mark the side of the stud by drawing the line below and perpendicular to the laser line.  This is done so there is no confusion between the true stud side and the initial “stud finder” line above.  Get all bracket locations to this point.
5. Use a 24” level to mark the stud down from the stud mark mentioned in #5.   Get all bracket locations to this point.
6. Hold a bracket against the wall, matching it up with your wall markings.  Without moving the bracket, trace out the holes from your bracket on to the wall.  Get all bracket locations to this point.

 

Wire Finding

Note: Use only wire locators with transmitting/receiving capabilities, which can detect open and closed lines. 

Install Brackets

If you’re clear of wires, drill pilot holes if applicable. Line the brackets up with the drilled holes.  Fasten the brackets to the wall.  Note:  Snug is fine, do not over-tighten the lag screws.  Get all bracket locations to this point.

Wood or Melamine Installation

 

1)      First determine the best layout of all of the boards on any length of shelf.

 a)      Determine 8 foot boards first.  Ensure that there will be at least 1/4” overlap on each bracket. (¾” is ideal)

2)      Begin cutting wood or melamine for the corner locations (if applicable) where the first board will be up against the wall.  It should fit snug against the wall. 

3)      Cut all shelf melamine as determined in 1) a) above.  Place all boards on installed brackets.

Front angle Installation

1) Slide the front angle under the melamine, on top of the brackets.  

 

2)Secure the whole shelf with “C-clamps” so that:  the melamine is tight against the wall / the angle sections are tight against the melamine / the angle sections are flush and touching each other / the holes in the front angle and brackets must match up by centering the bracket on the angle joints.  Note:  Snug is fine initially, do not over tighten the C-clamps.

 

a)      With the melamine pushed against the wall (and into the corner, if applicable), C-clamp the outer bracket to the melamine, with the bracket and melamine parallel with each other.  Use one clamp near the wall, and a 2nd clamp near the front of the bracket.  If the shelf is on an open wall with no corner, repeat this process with the opposite end bracket.

b) Center the angle on the clamped bracket, push tight against the melamine and clamp the angle to the melamine about 4 inches from each end of the angle.

c)If the melamine is not staying in place, use a ratchet strap from the outer hole of the “clamped” bracket to the outer hole of an “open” shelf, or lower hole of the corner bracket.

d) Continue clamping the angle to the front of the melamine as mentioned in b) above.; At each angle joint, center the brackets on the joint, push the shelf against the wall, and clamp the bracket at the joint.

e) Use a mallet for final positioning of shelf, and additionally tighten clamps if needed.

f) With the entire shelf secure, drill the back wall side bracket holes.  Do this by placing the drill against the wall, and drill pointing away from the corner or wall (if applicable). (this method will pull the shelf to the wall and into the corner)

g) Secure with carriage bolts.Note:  Do not over tighten.

h) Remove the “joint” clamps and drill through the two ends of the bracket slot, through the angles and through the melamine. Note: drilling in a direction slightly away from each other will pull the joint tight together when the bolts are secure.

i)Secure each joint with two carriage bolts. Note: Do not over tighten.