The key to a home that functions well starts in the garage (or basement, attic or even shed). Having somewhere to keep necessary but seldom used items frees up your space living spaces to live. Everyone needs utility shelving somewhere in their home.
Of course, you should build with wood! Wood is customizable, lightweight, renewable, reusable and biodegradable! When you choose metal, it is difficult to customize, repair, and ultimately lives forever in a landfill. Choose WOOD!
Here are my favorite free wood shelving plans, all with free plans.
Most Popular - Utility Garage Shelving Attached to Walls
Image Credit: Ana White
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Kreg Jig, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 2x4's and plywood |
This is our most utility shelving plan that has been built thousands of times! Anyone can build it with just a couple of basic power tools, 2x4s and some plywood. This design requires a wall that you can attach or anchor the shelves to. We love how simple, customizable and budget friendly these shelves are!
BEST FOR: Permanent installations where shelving can be attached to the walls. Great for custom solutions or large shelving requirements.
Quick and Easy: Freestanding Garage Shelves
Image Credit: Ana White
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 2x4's |
With just a drill and a saw, you can build inexpensive shelving for any space in the home that needs more organized storage! This plan is beginner friendly and great for apartments or rentals. Add casters to make it mobile! We love how customizable this plan is and that it doesn't require putting any holes in the wall.
BEST FOR: Rentals, temporary shelving, small spaces, light duty shelving - does NOT need to be attached to walls. Very quick and easy to build.
MORE STORAGE: Metal Angle Garage Shelves
Image Credit: Ana White
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 2x4's, metal angle and plywood |
This metal angle garage shelf plan creates more storage that is super sturdy, and very customizable! This design uses metal angle for support, increasing vertical shelf space, and distance between legs for more storage in the same footprint! Built independent, but attached to the walls for rigidness and forward tipping, this well thought out design is a must build! You can easily adjust this plan for different size ceilings, by simply adjusting the ladder supports.
BEST FOR: Maximum storage, longer runs, industrial look
Small Spaces: Space Saver Shelving
Image Credit: Ana White
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 2x4 and 1x material |
Here is a no frills approach to custom shelving. Built with just 2x4 and 1x6 material + screws, and there are no pocket holes required! The open bottom allows for easy cleaning underneath. This design is strong and sturdy for holding baking and canned goods! It's budget friendly and can be used in pantries, garages, closets, playrooms, mudrooms, laundry rooms - anywhere you need simple sturdy shelving! Plus it's beginner friendly.
BEST FOR: Small Spaces, where you need minimal shelf thickness, this unit is attached to walls.
Totes: Custom Tote Storage Rack with Free Configurator
Image Credit: Ana White
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 2x4's |
Built using just 2x4's and screws you can build your own custom solution for storing any size tote! We now have a free DIY tote storage rack configurator. This easy-to-use tool allows you to input your tote dimensions and desired configuration, automatically generating a complete cut list, overall dimensions, and a visual diagram to guide your build. Whether you're organizing your garage, basement, or workspace, this configurator ensures a perfect fit for your needs, making professional-quality furniture accessible to all.
BEST FOR: Totes storage, configurator makes it easy to customize in any size or configuration
Standardized Size: 8 Foot Print and Go Plan
Image Credit: Ana White
| Skill Level: | Beginner Intermediate Advanced |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 2x4s, 1/2" plywood, self tapping screws |
If you don't need a custom solution, or are looking to move and want a shelving system you can take with you, this plan is designed with a specific cut list and shopping list for minimal waste and easy to build. You'll get all the benefits of a wood shelving unit, in a print and go design!
BEST FOR: Modular, moveable, don't need a custom size, optimized materials list (little to no waste)
