How To Build Shelves Above Garage Door

How To Build Shelves Above Garage Door

Have you ever found yourself running out of storage space in your garage? If so, you’re not alone. Many homeowners struggle to find enough room to store their tools, sports equipment, and other items. One solution that has become increasingly popular in recent years is to build shelves above the garage door. In this article, I’ll share my personal experience with building these shelves and provide a step-by-step guide, as well as some top tips and ideas, pros and cons, and my own review and suggestion.

Step-by-Step Guide

Materials:

• 2x4s
• 3/4 inch plywood
• Screws
• Drill
• Saw
• Level

Instructions:

1. Measure the width and height of your garage door opening.
2. Cut two 2x4s to the width of the opening and attach them to the ceiling joists above the door using screws.
3. Cut two more 2x4s to the height of the opening, minus the thickness of the plywood shelves.
4. Attach these vertically to the horizontal 2x4s using screws.
5. Cut pieces of plywood to fit between the vertical 2x4s and attach them using screws.
6. Repeat this process for each level of shelves you want to add.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas

1. Make sure to use screws long enough to securely attach the 2x4s to the ceiling joists and each other.
2. Choose a high-quality plywood that can support the weight of your items.
3. Consider adding a lip to the front of the shelves to prevent items from falling off.
4. Label each shelf with the items it should hold to make it easier to find what you need.
5. Use a stud finder to ensure the 2x4s are attached to solid wood.
6. Plan the placement of the shelves carefully to maximize space and accessibility.
7. Don’t overload the shelves with too much weight.
8. Consider adding lighting to make it easier to see what’s on the shelves.
9. Paint or stain the shelves to match the rest of your garage.
10. Use a level to ensure the shelves are straight and even.

Pros and Cons

Like any home improvement project, building shelves above your garage door has both advantages and disadvantages.

Pros:

• Maximizes storage space
• Keeps items off the floor and out of the way
• Easy to access
• Customizable to fit your needs and space
• Can add value to your home

Cons:

• May require some carpentry skills and tools
• Can be difficult to install if you have high ceilings
• May not be suitable for storing very heavy items
• May interfere with garage door opener mechanisms
• May not be suitable for garages with low clearance

My Personal Review and Suggestion

I recently built shelves above my garage door and I’m very happy with the result. The shelves have allowed me to store a lot more items than before, and I no longer have to worry about tripping over things on the garage floor. The project was relatively easy, although I did need some help lifting the plywood onto the shelves. I would definitely recommend this project to anyone looking to add more storage space to their garage.

Question & Answer and FAQs

Q: Will building shelves above my garage door interfere with the operation of my garage door opener?

A: It’s possible, depending on the design of your garage door opener. Make sure to check the clearance requirements before starting the project.

Q: Can I store very heavy items on the shelves?

A: It’s best to check the weight capacity of the plywood and the 2x4s before storing very heavy items on the shelves.

Q: Do I need to be an experienced carpenter to build these shelves?

A: No, but some basic carpentry skills and tools will be necessary. If you’re not comfortable with these tasks, consider hiring a professional.