Wire Shelving & Melamine Garage Storage Plans

Cut the Sides
Mark and Drill
Fasten the Shelf Supports
Assemble the Melamine Shelf Board Unit
Install the Rails
Paint the Cut Edges
Add Glides
Install the First Melamine Shelf Board Unit
Add as Many Units as You Like
Cut the Garage Wire Shelving
Anchor the Shelves
Fasten the Shelf Fronts
12Additional Garage Wire Shelving and Melamine Shelf Board Information

Time:Multiple Days

Complexity:Beginner

Cost:$101–250

This wire shelving and melamine shelf board system offers many benefits, including quick, simple construction. If you can make a few easy cuts (which don’t have to be perfect), drive some screws and brush on a little paint, you can build this system in a weekend. If you’re an experienced DIYer, you might even be done in a day.

It fits into any space and allows for variations. The system is made up of separate units, so you can build just one, cover an entire wall with several units or leave spaces between units. And it offers versatile storage. Aside from wire shelves, the system includes optional hanging spaces for clothes and outdoor gear, plus oversize upper shelves for bulky stuff. As your needs change, you can easily remove or reconfigure the shelves.

Cut the Sides

Cut all the parts per the cutting list.
When cutting melamine, which is slippery, so clamp it in place before cutting.
Set the depth of your saw blade at 1 in.
- Pro tip: The coating on melamine tends to chip when you cut it. For cleaner cuts, use a 60-tooth carbide circular saw blade and apply painter’s tape over the cut. Chipping won’t be a problem when you cut the solid wood parts (B and D).
- Note: When you cut the supports for the lowest shelves (B1), note that they’re shorter than the others.
To avoid slow, fussy painting later, paint the wood parts before assembly.

lifestyle, wire shelving & melamine garage storage plans

Mark and Drill

Mark where the edge of each shelf support is located and mark a centerline for screw locations.
Drill three 9/64-in. screw holes for each support.

Fasten the Shelf Supports

Drive 1-1/4-in. screws through the sides and into the shelf supports.
- Pro tip: A clamp makes this step much easier.

Assemble the Melamine Shelf Board Unit

Drill holes in the top.
Drive cabinet screws to fasten the top to the sides.

Install the Rails

Drill screw holes in the sides and fasten the three rails with 2 in. screws.
- Note: You’ll need to raise the unit off the floor in order to screw the top and bottom rails.

Paint the Cut Edges

Apply two coats of paint to the cut edges.
- Note: This is for both looks and moisture protection. If you slop a little paint onto the melamine surface, just wipe it off with a damp rag.

Add Glides

Nail plastic furniture glides to the bottom of the sides to keep them from resting directly on damp surfaces, especially concrete.

Install the First Melamine Shelf Board Unit

Mark the stud locations with painter’s tape and set the first unit in place.
- Pro tip: To ensure that the unit is level and square, check both the top and one side with a level.

Add as Many Units as You Like

- Note: With the first unit installed square and level, you can simply butt the next unit against it.
Screw all units to studs at the top and bottom rungs.

Cut the Garage Wire Shelving

Cut the shelving to length.
- Pro tip: A bolt cutter is the best tool for cutting wire shelving to length. A hacksaw or a metal-cutting blade in a jigsaw will also do the job.

Anchor the Shelves

Fasten each shelf to the wall with at least two clips.
- Pro tip: When you want to fasten the clip to a stud, simply cut off the drywall anchor part of the clip and drive a screw through the clip.
- Pro tip: To store balls or other items that tend to roll off shelves, install a shelf or two upside-down. The lip on the front of the shelf keeps stuff in place.