This project was built and designed by Michael from Maker At Play. It’s a wall-mounted storage solution for camp chairs that uses a clever French cleat system to keep things neat, accessible, and off the garage floor.
Garages often become a messy collection point for gear, especially folding chairs and seasonal items. Michael’s project is a smart way to free up space, reduce clutter, and organize your tools and outdoor gear without much material or effort.
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Tackling Garage Clutter with Simple Solutions
Camp chairs are one of those bulky-but-light items that never seem to have a home. When left on the floor, they get in the way or fall over. When stacked, they’re a hassle to pull out.
This design solves the problem by giving them a dedicated home using a wall-mounted trough that’s built specifically for their size. It’s a simple project with a big impact.
Why Use a French Cleat?
The French cleat system is one of the easiest and strongest ways to hang things on the wall. It consists of two angled pieces of wood—one mounted to the wall, and the other to the item being hung.
Michael uses this method to hang the entire storage rack on his garage wall. It’s secure, modular, and can be easily removed or repositioned if needed. For DIY garage upgrades, it’s hard to beat in terms of versatility and strength.
Planning the Build
The first step is measuring the chairs to make sure the trough is wide and deep enough. Michael ensures that each chair has room to slide in and out smoothly, but not so much space that they fall or lean out awkwardly.
This initial planning phase avoids headaches later during the cut and assembly process. A snug but not tight fit is key to making this work well.
Cutting and Assembly
The box-like trough is built from basic sheet goods and plywood scraps, making this an affordable project to knock out in an afternoon. Pieces are cut to size based on the chair measurements, and edges are cleaned up for tight joints.
Michael uses glue and screws to assemble the trough, reinforcing corners for long-term use. The clean layout and squared edges give the finished project a tidy, professional appearance without needing fancy joinery.
Mounting It to the Wall
Once the box is built, the French cleat is installed. One cleat is secured to the back of the storage box, and the other to the wall studs. Michael makes sure to hit the studs for maximum holding power, ensuring the weight of several chairs won’t cause issues over time.
This mounting system also makes the storage unit easy to move or upgrade in the future. Just lift it off the cleat and set it aside—no need to unscrew the entire box from the wall.
Benefits of This Approach
This project doesn’t take long to build, but the payoff is big. Camp chairs are instantly organized and accessible. No more tripping over piles of chairs leaning in the corner or stuffing them in tight spots where they don’t belong.
By using wall space, you also preserve precious floor area for other projects, tools, or storage bins. It creates a cleaner look and makes your garage feel more functional overall.
Michael’s build shows that even small woodworking projects can make a big impact on day-to-day life. If you’ve got an afternoon to spare and a few offcuts lying around, this one’s worth doing.
Other Options to Consider
While the French cleat is a great method, Michael also mentions that wall hooks, shelf brackets, or storage bins are good alternatives if your layout requires something different.
That said, the cleat-mounted trough provides a much more stable and tailored solution than hooks alone. It’s ideal for homes with several folding chairs or similar gear that needs to be organized as a set.
Built to Last and Easy to Customize
Michael’s version is sized for his chairs, but the project is easily adaptable to other storage needs. You could modify the width, depth, or even divide the inside with slats if you want separate slots for each item.
The materials are simple, the joinery is straightforward, and the cleat system adds strength without complication. It’s the kind of garage storage project that grows with your needs and skill level.
Support Michael by visiting his website: https://makeratplay.com/.
Matt’s Take
These are my personal thoughts and tips based on my own experience in the shop. This section is not written, reviewed, or endorsed by the original creator of this project.
French cleats are one of those shop solutions that just make sense once you start using them. The beauty is in the simplicity — two beveled strips that lock together with gravity doing all the work. I’ve got cleats all over my shop wall for tool storage, and they’re incredibly reliable. The 45-degree angle distributes weight evenly, so even heavy items hang securely without stress on individual fasteners.
For garage storage like this, hitting the studs is absolutely critical. Drywall anchors might seem tempting for a quick install, but with multiple chairs going on and off repeatedly, you want that solid wood backing. A stud finder and some 3-inch screws will give you the peace of mind that everything stays put. The modular nature means you can build multiple units and rearrange them as your storage needs change.
The trough design is smart because it contains the chairs while keeping them easily accessible. Camp chairs can be awkward to handle when they’re stacked or leaning against each other. Having dedicated slots prevents that domino effect where pulling one out causes others to fall. If you’re adapting this for different gear, remember that a snug fit works better than too much wiggle room — you want items secure but not fighting to get them in and out.
Projects like this prove that good organization doesn’t require complex joinery or expensive hardware. Sometimes the best shop solutions are the ones that get gear off the floor and give everything a proper home. Simple materials, solid construction, and thoughtful design go a long way in creating storage that actually gets used.