This project was built and designed by Jason from PatriotDIY. It’s a clever vertical storage solution that helps maximize wall space while keeping your wood inventory neat, safe, and easy to access.
For woodworkers with limited shop space—or just a growing pile of offcuts and long boards—this build offers a reliable way to get organized. Jason’s rack design is strong, efficient, and easy to tailor to your own workspace needs.
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Why Vertical Storage Makes a Difference
Scrap wood has a way of piling up fast, and without a proper system, it can turn a functional shop into a cluttered mess. Jason wanted to solve that problem by going vertical—using wall space instead of valuable floor real estate.
By storing boards upright and separating them by size and type, the rack keeps everything in plain view. That makes it easier to find the right piece for a project and helps avoid unnecessary waste.
Building a Strong, Level Base
The project begins with constructing a sturdy base using standard 2x4s. This frame acts as the foundation for the rack and supports all the upright materials above it.
Jason assembles the base with careful attention to alignment, ensuring it sits flush and level. Once the frame is built, he adds a platform from scrap plywood that becomes the main resting surface for the lumber.
Customizing with Dividers
To keep things from shifting around, vertical dividers are installed across the platform. These dividers help separate different types or lengths of wood, creating defined storage channels.
Spacing the dividers is up to the builder—Jason explains how to customize the gaps based on the type of material you most often keep. This flexibility is one of the rack’s biggest strengths.
Mounting the Rack to the Wall
After the base and platform are completed, the rack is mounted to the wall to prevent tipping or shifting. Jason installs a back panel support that connects the structure directly to wall studs.
This step is key for safety, especially in busy shops or areas with uneven flooring. A rack full of lumber carries weight, and securing it ensures everything stays where it belongs.
Reinforcing with Metal Pipes
To create additional support for taller boards, Jason incorporates vertical metal pipes along the back. These pipes are anchored into the frame using metal flanges, offering strength and stability.
The result is an industrial-style rack that doesn’t just look sharp—it holds up well to real use. The pipes act as guides to help hold long or awkward pieces in place and prevent tipping.
Smart Safety Additions
Safety remains a top concern throughout the build. To prevent boards from sliding forward or falling out, Jason adds small caps to the ends of the pipes and drills holes to insert eyelets.
These eyelets are used to attach chains or hooks, creating a safety barrier that keeps materials contained. It’s a small detail, but one that makes a big impact—especially in tighter shops where movement is frequent.
Final Assembly and Organization
With all parts installed and the structure secured, it’s time to start sorting wood. Jason loads the rack by grouping similar lengths and thicknesses together, making it easier to pull the right piece when needed.
The final result is a wall-mounted unit that organizes everything from full-length lumber to smaller offcuts. It also leaves plenty of open space underneath and around the rack for other shop storage.
Why This Rack Works
One of the most appealing parts of Jason’s design is how adaptable it is. Builders can scale it up or down based on their own shop space and material needs. Whether you’re storing framing lumber or hardwood scraps, this setup keeps things in check.
The materials are simple—mostly 2x4s, plywood, and off-the-shelf pipe fittings—but the design feels well thought out. Every element serves a purpose, and none of the build steps are overly complex.
A Worthwhile Upgrade for Any Shop
Whether you’re new to woodworking or have been at it for years, this vertical storage rack is a practical upgrade. It helps maintain a cleaner workspace, improves efficiency, and makes use of wall space that might otherwise go to waste.
Jason walks through each step in a clear, straightforward way, making it easy to follow along. The build is approachable for weekend warriors but durable enough for daily use in a working shop.
Please support Jason by visiting his Etsy Store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/patriotdiy.