It was hard for me to figure out what I wanted to do with my garage ceiling storage. I went to Pinterest & YouTube for inspiration and ideas. Nothing really stood out to me. Lots of the options were just open storage that looked a little bit cluttered and unorganized. I decided to install my own scrap wood cabinets instead. This creates a functional use but also provides excellent aesthetics. I also decided to add my own doors to the ceiling storage to keep dust out, especially since I work on a lot of projects in my garage.
Tools | Supplies
- Cabinet Magnet https://amzn.to/2Sp6Mzs
- Cabinet Pulls https://amzn.to/2LDZgya
- Drill https://amzn.to/2SwfziQ
- Impact Driver: https://amzn.to/2rWzNa7
- Table Saw: https://amzn.to/2CCs6vL
- Miter Saw: https://amzn.to/2BKZ8s5
- Tape Measure: https://amzn.to/2Rij7Iu
- Eye Protection: https://amzn.to/2BK1J5t
- MicroJig: https://amzn.to/2LF6txE
- 2.5″ Wood Screws: https://amzn.to/2LDN6oR
- 1.5″ Wood Screws: https://amzn.to/2SqtqqY
- Ruler: https://amzn.to/2RmKnFB
- Respirator: https://amzn.to/2GTKJ2i
- Paint Roller: https://amzn.to/2LHBNw4
- Wood Glue: https://amzn.to/2RqhwA6
- Loctite: https://amzn.to/2BJpgn2
- Caulking Gun / Trigger: https://amzn.to/2SpGzAC
- Ladder: https://amzn.to/2LDOA2p
- Ryobi Brad Nailer: https://amzn.to/2RjPRRz
- Metal L Brackets: https://amzn.to/2QSgRbo
- Belt Sander: https://amzn.to/2BOEeZc
- Belt Sander TableTop: https://amzn.to/2QUoHRY
- Shopvac: https://amzn.to/2QYGo2R
- Hinges: https://amzn.to/2BPtXvw
- Storage: https://amzn.to/2BIpPNR
- Small Level: https://amzn.to/2GKNbIr
- Big Level: https://amzn.to/2BMALdm
- Circular Saw: https://amzn.to/2SrlG8q
This entire project was actually made from scrap wood I had from previous projects. Check out all the video with the before shot. Its so much better now. The first thing I did was tried to figure out where to install my ceiling storage unit. Because my garage has a big support beam in the middle of the garage, I went ahead and installed it there.
Start out by making the frame. I ripped down 2x4x8 lumber into 1″x1″x96″ for my frame. Most people use 2x4s which look too bulky to me. I did test out the strength of the frame which easily withstood me doing pull ups. If you plan to store significant weight, consider doing 1.5×1.5×96″ instead for the frame.
I have fully converted to T25 Star Wood Screws because they have never stripped on me. The standard Philips screws are only slightly less expensive but cause significant headache when they decide to strip on you. Make sure you don’t just screw these into blank dry wall space. It MUST hit the wall stud to provide enough strength to hold weight. I also used loctite adhesive to secure the frame to the drywall (probably not necessary).
Since the frame lumber is so narrow (1″ Inch) you must predrill and countersink to prevent cracking.
For the vertical supports I used 1×1.5″ thickness lumber that I ripped down from the 2x4s. I hit these with wood glue, 1.5″ screws, and then added a metal l-bracket on the opposite side.
Next I used some free sub flooring I got from a delivery as the shelf. The shelf sat on top of the lumber frame with wood glue and brad nails.
To hide the frame, I used scrap 1/8″ plywood to cover the bottom.
Optional: I do not like seeing my garage door opener support brackets on the ceiling. I decided to incorporate them into the ceiling storage unit to hide them. It also gave me some storage space right behind the metal brackets, where I currently store several paint cans.
Next I made cabinet doors out of 3/4″ plywood
To create a shaker look I used wood lath (2) pieces side by side to get a 3″ width. Used wood glue and brad nails here.
Then I used a paint roller to paint everything.
Once the paint dried I used simple hinges to install the door to the frame.
To install cabinet pulls, I created my own template / Jig to install them faster and accurately.
Simple hinges have an issue holding the doors shut! To fix this problem I installed cabinet door magnets.
Next you can add storage containers to get everything nice and organized.
I am a self taught do it yourself project / woodworker. One of my goals is to demonstrate that DIY project can be doable and simple. I hope to inspire others to try to build and create new things! Subscribe to my YouTube Channel and this blog for more DIY projects! Thank you.
*This Blog Post contains amazon affiliate links that do not cost you anything. If you do buy anything from these amazon links they will help support more DIY projects and plans.
Sponsors: Items I received at no cost / sponsorship include (some of which I may not use in the video/blog):
1. Ryobi Power Drill
2. Ryobi Router
3. Ryobi Circular Saw
4. Ryobi Impact Driver
5. HomeRight Finish Max Sprayer
6. WeatherWash Oaked Stain & Maintenance Oil
7. Ryobi Belt Sander
8. Ryobi 12″ Sliding Miter Saw
9. Ryobi Wet Saw
