Wood Shelf low cost easy 2X4 construction

Shop Shelf any mechanic can build !
This is low foot print ,high load shelf for heavy auto parts that can be adapted to many uses. I used 2X4X10 uprights to hold eight.....8 foot long shelves. The center between uprights is approx. 7 foot this is the secret to avoiding 'sagg' with heavy loads. All the 2X4's can be spliced.The cross bracing @ 16 inch centers allow you to use scrap plywood or press board for shelving. I used 21/2 inch drywall screws to assemble.....AND 12 penny nails (12 pennies equals weight of each nail) marked 12D on box. Don't over nail or screw. The shear strength of nails`or screws is waaaaaay beyond what you can load these shelves. If you want use liquid nail and clamp pieces These shelves give approx 210 sq ft of space on a 16X1 floor space foot print.
Most of the shelves extend 8 inches in the back due to the steel girder of the metal building.
Assemble each shelf frame first -install between the 2X4 uprights then add your plywood last .This cuts down on the weight you have to handle for each shelve.
Use clamps to hold in place as you screw. (Nails can be driven in as the second fastener @ each secure point)
Set a shelve space distance (example 10 inches) at one inside point as start place.Then use a good level to secure your other 3 points.
Eye ball your 2X4 for straight pieces to use as the 8 foot sections. Cut twisted pieces into the short cross pieces on the 16 inch centers.
Use your best or new wood on the front for appearances !
For longer spans than 8 foot you can use 2X6 . Remember the design idea is maximum shelf space with least wasted space.

I am located at 1991B US 501, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577. I can be reached at 843-455-8062.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• 2X4
• uses.Low
• Cost
• wood
• shelves-
• Shop
• Shelves-Reclaim

[Mackiebrat]

I agree nails are stronger and for some joints the second screw is a nail ,lol "However for Assembling screws are easier in most cases than nailing .

Also keep in mind I used liquid nail glue gun for each joint .After a couple months you can back out the screws an reuse on another project ! (I'm kidding ,but we tried removing a shelve by removing screws and almost had to saw it off to remove !

[Mackiebrat]

I layed the 2X4 cross braces flat for a reason .To make more room for 'stuff'' ,lol That's what shelves are for......;stuff'...and the short distance really makes little difference in strength.

[Mackiebrat]

Grins ..try a straight down pressure on 4 screws on the end like you see ....and tell me what lbs it took to sheer it ...remember each joint has 'liquid nail ' in it also....you almost can't TEAR those joints apart...we have tried later to remove one or two shelves ?....omg almost have to cut the wood !!

[Mackiebrat]

Back to candi grrl ..noooo.....i'm still Glen ,lol

[Mackiebrat]

The comment I made about the 20 ton crushablity of a pine 2X4 was for the upright supports only not the actual shelves. Many times I've seen way too much wood used in upright support of benches and shelves and actually not enough thought into proper support to prevent sag. It's a space utilization thing.Think how much weight (what is going on shelf) Think about the size of the objects.Think Ease of use (not too many uprights or doors in the way) Not too deep (where things on shelf can hide ) :)

[Mackiebrat]

This shelf set is anchored to wall through the backside upright 2X4. They were first put in place then shelves are install one at a time from bottom up. I will be posting Vids of how this is done

[2Nyce4dagame]

very simple and great design. dont mind all the people that want to act like they know everything.

maximum shelf space with least wasted space

[blinko656]

I like the reinforcement. Had no idea a  2x4 would take 20 tons of weight. WOW. Nice vid…

mike

Calif

[diamondkenkim]

Simple and easy shelves...great job on explaining your work. Noticed the AMWAY 55 gal drum. If you still using this product and need some more give me a call: 919-398-0011 Ken

[snaps81625]

Wish you were here to build me some.. awesome job!

[epignosis567]

i like this guy. straight talk express.

[heartm8]

You should have used nails for this type of construction. I know everybody thinks screws are always stronger, but that's not the case. I used to think that too. What you build it pretty strong anyway, but nails would have been stronger. Hard to believe right? Nails resist shear (sideways force) screws resist pulling (vertical) with enough weight, the heads will tear and the shelves will fall. Its still strong enough for most uses anyway.

[Maxid1]

Yeah, but how many will it sleep?

[WYShelving]

There is a much simpler shelving system to install that can fufill the exact same purpose. All of the shelves and brackets are constructed with solid oak and they only require a level and screwdriver to install. Best of all they require no studs for installation so you can place your shelves anywhere upon your wall. Search 'Wooden You Shelving'