Here is a simple, very inexpensive storage solution for your backyard storage wooden shed. All those spaces you have between the studs can actually be filled with shelves. A lot of people put up shelving but they attach it to the front of the studs, which leaves a gap between the back edge of the shelf and exterior siding. Here’s how you make it:

First, take down any existing shelving. This will give you room to work and make the project go a lot quicker. You will be taking this down temporarily so don’t throw anything away. In between two studs, you will attach lengths of shelf standards. These are strips of rolled metal, usually available in zinc, brass or coated with epoxy. They have horizontal slots cut out every half inch.

You can choose to simply screw the tracks into the studs for surface mounting or it is possible to route out grooves to put the tracks into so they are flush with the surface of the studs. Up the sides of each stud, install two tracks. The tracks should be about three to three and a half inches apart to add stability to the shelves. So the shelves are level, make sure the slots on each side are the same distance from the floor.

Now you can take the support clips (four for each shelf) and insert them into the slots at the desired height for the shelf. Measure the distance between the tracks from one stud to the other. Now, cut 1×4s to this length for your shelves. Since the 1×4s match the width of the 3×4 studs, there will be no need to rip any boards down to size.

You can now reattach the existing shelves back to their original locations. Add as many small shelves as you want. They are the perfect place for all your small items you have laying around the shed.

For detailed drawings of this project and more about wooden sheds, visit Don Roth’s web site: BestWoodenSheds.com where you’ll find information more information on plans, materials and construction.

This entry was posted on Sunday, February 28th, 2010 at 5:30 am and is filed under Home Improvement.