This woodworking project was built and designed by Drew Fisher from Fisher’s Shop. If you frequently deal with lumber clutter in your workspace, Drew’s French cleat lumber rack is a practical and versatile solution.
For more woodworking videos and detailed builds, visit Drew’s YouTube channel, Fisher’s Shop.
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Why Use a French Cleat System?
Lumber storage can quickly become chaotic, making it difficult to find what you need or move efficiently around your shop. Drew faced this exact issue, with lumber piling up in his basement, creating disorganization and wasted space.
A French cleat system solves this problem by providing flexible, customizable storage. As your collection grows or your storage needs change, the brackets can easily be adjusted to accommodate different sizes and quantities of lumber.
Designing the Storage Solution
Before starting the build, Drew planned his lumber rack carefully using SketchUp software. This allowed him to visualize the final layout, ensuring it would meet his specific storage needs.
He chose to use a French cleat design because it provides exceptional strength and flexibility. The system consists of angled cleats attached to the wall, with matching brackets that securely interlock, making adjustments easy whenever necessary.
Material Preparation and Wall Mounting
Drew cleverly sourced his materials by repurposing lumber he found at a local construction site. He began by preparing the cleats themselves, carefully cutting each 2×4 at a precise 45-degree angle.
The angled cleats were then carefully mounted to the wall studs using sturdy screws, ensuring a secure and stable foundation. Torsion blocks were also added to enhance the overall strength and stability of the rack.
Crafting Sturdy Brackets
With the wall cleats securely in place, Drew moved on to crafting the brackets. This step required careful measurement and cutting to ensure each bracket fit perfectly onto the cleats.
He utilized mortise and tenon joints for their exceptional strength, carefully cutting each mortise to tightly accommodate matching tenons. Drew took his time shaping each bracket, ensuring they were both strong and aesthetically pleasing.
Assembly and Strength Testing
After sanding and rounding the edges to remove any sharp corners, Drew began the assembly process. Using a strong wood glue, he securely joined each piece, clamping everything together until the glue fully cured.
To ensure his brackets could reliably support heavy lumber, Drew performed a strength test by loading a bracket with a heavy bucket weighing around 200 pounds. The successful test confirmed the robustness and reliability of his French cleat storage system.
Organizing the Lumber Rack
Once the brackets were completed and tested, Drew arranged them onto the cleats, customizing the layout based on his lumber collection. He experimented with bracket spacing to maximize efficiency and accessibility.
The final arrangement transformed Drew’s workspace from cluttered chaos to an organized, efficient lumber storage area. This adjustment made his workshop more enjoyable and productive.
Why You’ll Love this Project
Building a French cleat lumber rack like Drew’s can significantly enhance your woodworking area. Not only does it organize your materials effectively, but it also makes your workspace safer by clearing floor space and reducing clutter.
This project demonstrates how creativity and thoughtful design can solve common woodworking challenges. It’s an ideal weekend project that delivers lasting benefits to your workshop.