Looking for an effective way to organize your tools? This impressive French cleat wall project was created by Zach from Bear Mountain Builds. It’s perfect for any workshop, providing a versatile storage solution that can grow with your collection of tools.
Materials and Tools Needed
- 3 sheets of 3/4 inch plywood
- Drill and drill bits
- Brad nailer (or screws if preferred)
- Measuring tape
- Table saw
- Sandpaper
- Wood glue
- Wood clamps
- Spacers (for mounting)
- Level
Step 1: Preparing the Plywood
Start by cutting your three sheets of 3/4 inch plywood in half to make them easier to handle. Strip down each half into multiple five-inch sections.
Step 2: Cutting the Cleats
Set your table saw blade to a 45-degree angle and bisect each strip into two cleats. The long side of each cleat should measure 2 and 3/4 inches. After cutting, give them a quick sanding to smooth out any rough edges.
Step 3: Drilling Pilot Holes
Using a drill template, drill pilot holes in each cleat to ensure consistent screw locations. Don’t forget to add a countersink so the screw heads are flush with the surface.
Step 4: Planning the Layout
Before mounting, plan your layout. Zach suggests centering the wall between two plugs and stretching it out to 16 feet wide. To avoid a seam down the middle, place an 8-foot section in the center and 4-foot sections on either side.
Step 5: Mounting the Cleats
When mounting, work from the bottom up. Establish a baseline by measuring six inches down for your first cleat. Use spacers between cleats to maintain a consistent six-inch gap from bottom edge to bottom edge.
Step 6: Completing the Cleat Wall
Once the first section is up, continue adding cleats until the entire wall is covered. You’ll notice how quickly this goes together when pre-drilling holes and using spacers.
Step 7: Creating Storage Platforms
Now that your cleat wall is up, it’s time to create platforms for your tools. Each platform consists of a French cleat, a supporting brace, and the platform itself. This setup allows you to easily transfer the weight of your tools to the cleats.
Step 8: Designing Tool Holders
Using scrap wood from previous projects, create various tool holders. Zach uses a brad nailer for quick assembly, but screws can be used as well. This allows for a creative and personalized storage solution.
Step 9: Finalizing the Wall
With all your tool holders in place, step back and admire your work! The wall is not only functional but also a reflection of your creativity.
Building a French cleat wall is a rewarding project that enhances your workspace while providing practical storage solutions. Remember, the only wood you need to purchase is for the cleats themselves; everything else can be made from scrap wood.