Introduction: DIY Hanging Storage Shelves With Sliding Doors - Overhead Garage Storage
These overhead hanging storage shelves hide the mess with sliding doors! These are easy to make, require minimal tools, and are made with material that you can get from any big box store.
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Supplies
Materials:
- 10 - 2 x 4 x 8 boards
- 2 - 2 x 6 x 8 boards
- 1 - 4 x 8 sheet of 3/4" plywood
- 1 - 4 x 8 sheet of 1/4" plywood
List of tools used in this build:
Makita Track Saw: https://amzn.to/35pw8o4
Bosch Drill and Driver: https://amzn.to/3d5tBSs
Delta Table Saw: https://amzn.to/3fagBNz
Bessey Clamps: https://amzn.to/2Ysm0cQ
Forstner Bit Set: https://amzn.to/2tQ0WzL
Dewalt Planer: https://amzn.to/2s0DkYm
Delta Miter Saw: https://amzn.to/2N24Psw
Canon T6i DSLR: https://amzn.to/2EgiiHx
Rode VideoMic Microphone: https://amzn.to/2ZY0hve
Canon EF 28-135mm f/3 Zoom Lens: https://amzn.to/2H1HaWw
Step 1: Cut Boards to Width on Table Saw
First, over at the table saw, I cut 1/2" off the width of two 2x4's
Step 2: Cut Dados on Two Boards for Sliding Doors
Next, I lowered my blade to 1/2" and set my table saw fence to 1/4" from the blade. I cut a dado down one edge of two 2x4's then placed the opposite face against the fence and cut a second dado. Before moving the fence, I cut dados in a scrap 2x4 to use as a test piece. Then I made slight adjustments with my fence until I was cutting a dado on the scrap piece that was wide enough to loosely fit the 1/4" plywood that for the doors. With the fence set, I then widened the dados on both 2x4's in one pass. You may have to clean up the dados with a chisel or flat head screw driver.
Step 3: Measure and Mark for Shelf - Attach First Board to Wall
Next I measured and marked where I wanted the bottom of my self to be. This measurement should be from the ceiling and could vary depending on the area that you are putting the shelf. My shelves were 29" from ceiling to bottom of the shelf to allow for my garage door to clear as it opened. I made marks on the walls and attached one of the boards that I previously narrowed by 1/2" at the table saw. I used 3" screws and insured that I was screwing into either studs or the header above the door.
Step 4: Measure, Mark and Attach Board to the Ceiling
Next, I measured the distance from the end of the 2x4 attached to the wall and the adjacent wall. I then made a mark on the ceiling at this same distance from the same adjacent wall. I then made marks at 3' from the wall and marks all studs. I then aligned and attached a 2x4 to the ceiling using 3" screws.
Step 5: Cut Vertical Stretchers and Attach to Ends
Next, I cut four 2x4's 29" for vertical supports. If your are making these shelves for yourself, the length of these supports will be the same measurement as you decided your selves should be from the ceiling to the bottom of the shelf. I secured a support with 3" screws to each end of the board that is attached to the ceiling.
Step 6: Attach Top and Bottom Boards With Dados
Then, I attached one of the boards with the dados flush with the bottom of these to supports and with the dados facing upward. Next, I attached the second board with dados to the top of the stretchers with the dados pointing downward. After securing one side I measured the distance from dado board to dado board and insured that the opposite end was equally spaced before attaching it. This will ensure that the sliding doors will slide equally and easily across the entire shelf.
Step 7: Attach Middle Stretchers
I then attached two equally spaced vertical supports, making sure that they were square to the boards with the dados.
Step 8: Attach Inside Cleat for Floor
Next, I attached the second board, that was previously narrowed by 1/2" at the table saw, to the bottom dado board. I attached the board so that the 1/2" difference was at the top and the two boards were flush at the bottom. Once installed, the 1/2" plywood floor will rest on this board and be flush with the dado board.
Step 9: Measure, Cut and Attach Floor Supports
I then measured the distance between the two inside boards and over at the miter saw I cut four 2x4's at this measurement. I cut 1/2" off the width of two of these boards and drilled pocket holes in both ends of all four. I attached the two narrower boards flush with the ends and the other two I attached equally spaced and flat with the pocket holes on the top side so that the floor will cover the holes once its installed.
Step 10: Cut and Attach Floor
Using my miter say I cut the 1/2" plywood to width for the floor, slide it into place, and secured it with screws. The floor should rest up against the wall on one side and flush with the dado board on the other.
Step 11: Cut and Install Sliding Doors
I then measured from dado board to dado board and added 3/4" for the width of my doors. For the length I measured the area between the vertical supports and added a few inches to each one to overlap behind the supports. Using the miter saw I cut the doors to width and length from 1/4" plywood. After all three doors were cut, I stacked them together and drill finger holes on each end. The holes were approximately 3" from the end and center of the door. I chose to drill one on each end of the door so that they would look uniform and could be slide in either direction when opening or closing.
Now you can slide your doors in place with the two outside doors in the outside dados and the middle door in the inside dados.
Step 12: Frame Ends
I measured and cut a 2x4 to fit between the ceiling board and the wall. This will be using to attach the framing to and can be attached with either pocket hole screws or screwed directly to the ceiling depending on where the studs are. I then cut and nailed 2x4's to the sides and top for framing. For the bottom board I used a 2x6 cut down to stand proud of the floor about 1/2" so that the 1/4" plywood panel will have a lip to sit against. Once these were in place I measured and cut the 1/4" panel and attached it from the inside with nails. I did this for both ends.
Step 13: Attach Trim and Finish
Lastly, I cut 2x6's for the top and 2x4's for the bottom to add between the vertical supports from trim. With these in place the shelves were done and ready to be filled up!
For more details you can watch the full build video here:
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22 Comments
3 years ago
Hey,
Thank you for the great tutorial <3
I tried to make hanging storage shelves following your plans. You helped me a lot! Now my project doesn't really look great as it should be, but I am happy with the result! I have also taken advantage of other plans here: http://bit.ly/woodprojectsfans which I found really helpful for my wood projects.
Stay safe!
Redo
3 years ago
I watched the video twice to confirm that the "board on the ceiling" is attached through the ceiling drywall to the joists using three inch wood screws. It seems to me that all the weight of the shelves is hanging via the threads of those screws. That does not sound safe, not even for the weight of the shelves let alone the weight of the contents. Instead of wood screws I would recommend bolts and washers.
Really, the weight of the shelves ought to be supported underneath with posts to the floor. Of course that's not practical, since the posts will be in the way of the space underneath, unless you have a long beam from side wall to side wall (or, in my garage from the side wall to a post beyond the other side of the car). Then what you have is essentially a mini loft.
Reply 3 years ago
I know what you mean but the weight is being held by multiple screws through multiple studs. I have a hard time believing that wouldn’t hold a lot of weight for a long time. However, your way, although way more than I think what’s needed for basic storage, would be extremely strong and hold another bedroom if needed. Thanks!
3 years ago on Step 13
Nice, functional, project. Great use of materials.
I made some sliding doors for the top of a cabinet in my garage. Instead of cutting grooves for the door panels I just stapled plastic corner guards (two 90 degree guards to make a channel) on the top and bottom of the frame. Quarter inch plywood doors fit nicely. One good thing about the plastic is the doors slide very easily. I also made a quick and dirty finger slot with my circular saw. I just set the saw so it just cut about 1/8" deep and made a sideways cut to make a 1" wide circular depression.
3 years ago
How would you do this if you do not have open ends on either side? This is a good idea for a cabinet too.
Reply 3 years ago
What do you mean if you dont have open ends? I built two of these and one of the ended on the adjacent wall. It was a lot easier because you do it the exact same way but you dont have to frame the end in (which is basically the boards I nailed in).
3 years ago
Excellent photography, by the way. Makes every step really clear. Ups to the photographer!
Reply 3 years ago
Im a one man show so I appreciate that! lol
3 years ago
This is great .I have a wall shelf setup that can't be beat. Adjustable spacing= 8'' or 12''. Made from 3/4'' EMT=electrical metallic tubing. I'm not good on a computer, don't know how to make a drawing & put it online . 1 sheet cheap plywood makes 4 12' x8' shelves .call me & i will explain it. [407-645-1004] Pete Luke
3 years ago
Just make sure you check the ratings of your room joists.
I have a new house and did a similar project, just storing buckets of clothing and holiday decorations, so not much weight.
After 6 months the joists started to crack.
The builder stated that the joists were not rated high enough strength to support items being bolted to them.
I had to go in the crawl space and make "sandwiches" of the joists with 2x6 so they would not crack.
Reply 3 years ago
Sounds like a cop out on the builders part but I don't know the whole story.
Perhaps the design of the house is such all the components are highly stressed and can't stand much more.
Reply 3 years ago
Oh wow, thank you for that information! That would be an important note
3 years ago
What a great way to use common materials to make something good looking.
A sanding to knock off the grade marks and sharp corners, a coat of oil and you have a classy piece of garage furniture. I would put it inside my house.. Thanks.
Reply 3 years ago
Thank you so much! I agree, a little attention goes a long way.
3 years ago
I am really close to building basic shelves in my garage. Glad I saw this! I’ll be doing something similar now!
Reply 3 years ago
I’m glad it was helpful and inspiring!
3 years ago
Oh man, that's so wizard. I really need to start making and get my garage sorted out.
Reply 3 years ago
Thanks! Let me know if you have any questions when you do build them!
3 years ago
Woooo, nice! I built some hanging shelves in my garage, that look very similar to yours. I've wondered many times how I could close them in to hide the junk and keep out the dust. This is a slick, excellent idea. Thank you. It might be time for an update to my shelves :D
Reply 3 years ago
Thanks! That’s exactly why I racked my brain to come up with some type of simple doors. I’m not as neat as some with all the matching tubs lol. Plus the dust in my shop would be everywhere.