This project was built and designed by Jason from PatriotDIY. It features a fully custom French cleat wall system designed to bring structure, accessibility, and flexibility to any workshop.
By using plywood cleats cut at 45 degrees, Jason transforms a blank wall into a modular tool storage setup. The result is a cleaner, more efficient workspace where tools are always within easy reach and easy to rearrange.
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Why Choose a French Cleat System?
The French cleat method offers both strength and versatility—two things every workshop needs. The cleats lock into one another by way of their angled cuts, holding tool holders, cabinets, and storage bins firmly in place.
Unlike pegboards or fixed shelves, this system allows tool holders to be added, removed, or moved at any time. That flexibility makes it ideal for evolving shop needs, especially as tool collections grow or change.
Planning and Wall Prep
Jason starts by preparing the wall, which includes adding 2×4 supports between metal studs. These reinforcements provide a solid base for mounting plywood and ensure that everything holds up under the weight of tools and hardware.
If your workshop walls aren’t framed out with wood, adding horizontal or vertical blocking is a must. These steps create the anchor points needed to support both the plywood backer and the cleats.
Attaching the Plywood Base
Once the framing is set, full plywood sheets are attached to the wall. Jason uses a combination of countersunk screws and self-tapping screws to secure each panel to the 2x4s and metal studs.
This step creates the structural foundation for the cleats. The goal is to have a smooth, rigid surface that can handle the pulling force of loaded tool holders without flexing or loosening over time.
Cutting and Installing the Cleats
With the plywood secured, Jason rips additional sheets into narrow strips. Each strip is then cut at a 45-degree angle along the length to form the cleats. These angled cuts are what allow the cleats to interlock and support heavy loads.
Spacing between cleats is carefully managed using simple wood spacers. Each cleat is glued and nailed in place, then reinforced with countersunk screws to add holding power and long-term reliability.
Building Custom Tool Holders
One of the best features of a French cleat wall is its ability to support custom tool holders. Jason demonstrates how to create holders tailored to specific tools—whether that’s a drill rack, paper towel holder, or bin storage.
Each tool holder has a cleat attached to the back, angled to slide securely onto the wall cleats. The fit is snug but not permanent, so any holder can be moved, swapped, or upgraded as your needs change.
A Practical Example: Paper Towel Holder
To show the system’s flexibility, Jason builds a quick paper towel holder using scrap wood and a cleat on the back. The cleat locks into the wall and supports the weight effortlessly.
This same concept can be applied to larger or more complex holders. As long as the cleat angles match and the fit is snug, anything from clamps to charging stations can be mounted and repositioned as needed.
Final Touches and Aesthetic Details
After installation, Jason fills visible screw holes with wood filler to give the wall a clean, finished look. This step isn’t essential for function but improves the visual appeal and makes the whole setup feel more polished.
You could also add a coat of paint or sealant if you want a matching color scheme or extra durability. The plywood can be left bare for a raw, workshop look or finished to match other shop furniture.
A Smarter, More Adaptable Shop
This French cleat wall takes workshop organization to another level. It’s not just a place to hang tools—it’s a flexible system that evolves with your workflow and your tool collection.
Jason’s build showcases how much function you can gain from a single wall when it’s planned out with purpose. It’s a one-time project that will continue to pay off every day in shop efficiency and convenience.
Please support Jason by visiting his Etsy Store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/patriotdiy.