Do you have a problem with storing lawn tools in your garage? Things like hoes, shovels, rakes, weed eaters, leaf blowers, etc?
These tools can be difficult to store. While some people just lean them up in a corner, that’s really not a great solution. That forces you to waste time rummaging through the pile to find the tool you need. And the resulting pile of tools looks cluttered and messy.
But I have an alternative method for you, a DIY approach. It builds upon the foundational system of storage struts I described to you a couple of weeks ago.
Here’s how this lawn tool storage system works:
A Simple System…
This system is simply a series of shelves that attach to the foundational struts I described in a past email. Each shelf has a series of slots cut into it, and the tools slide right into the slots.
The slots can be custom-sized, so that the same tool is always stored in the same place. And building each shelf takes only a few simple steps:
- Measure and cut your shelf. The length of your shelves will depend upon the spacing that you used in installing the foundational struts. You can make the shelves any length you desire. You’ll just need to be certain that the ends of each shelf are located over a strut for secure attachment.
You’ll construct the shelves from 3/4″ plywood. You can make the shelves of any depth, but 1 foot seems to work well for most applications.
- Cut slots in your shelf. Now determine which tools you’ll be storing on each shelf. Accordingly, determine how far apart the slots will be, and how wide each slot should be to accommodate the tool that will be stored at that location.
Draw the shape of the planned slot on the shelf, and use a jigsaw to cut the slot. After you’ve cut the slot, test the fit of the tool in the slot. Modify the size of the slot as necessary to achieve a secure but loose fit for the tool that will be stored at that location.
- Install the shelves. Now you’re ready to install the shelf on the foundational struts. The best way to do that is to purchase ready-made metal shelf brackets. Screw the shelf brackets to the struts, and then attach the shelf to the bracket.
An alternative to using store-bought shelf brackets is making your own. You can make brackets out of 3/4″ plywood, the same material used for the shelves. Make the arms of the brackets 1 1/2″ wide, and attach to foundation struts.
A Convenient System…
This system of DIY shelves is a great way to store lawn tools. And of course, you can also install these shelves without storage slots cut into them so that they can be used as standard storage shelves.
Next week we’ll talk about using plastic guttering in combo with the foundational struts to create another unique garage storage system.
Stay tuned!
P.S. A disclaimer: The storage methods that I’m describing with this series of emails are decent do-it-yourself methods for helping to get your garage clutter under control. But they aren’t the best storage methods.
The very best storage system for garages is the StoreWALL system. It’s what we install for our customers. It offers incredible utility and flexibility. And the best part is that we install StoreWALL systems for our customers, AND use those systems to transform their garages into clean, neat, and orderly spaces. If you don’t have the time or inclination to build a DIY storage system, we’d be happy to install a StoreWALL system for you.
And quite honestly? A StoreWALL system looks a lot better than the homemade storage systems I’ve been describing to you!