This project was built and designed by Stan Sullivan. It’s a sturdy, low-profile garage shelving system that prioritizes strength, accessibility, and efficient use of space—all while keeping the build process simple and repeatable.
By mounting directly to the wall studs and eliminating front supports, this shelf design creates a clean, open layout for storing bulky or oddly shaped items. It’s an ideal project for anyone looking to maximize wall storage without sacrificing floor space.
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A Low-Profile Shelf That Stays Off the Floor
Stan designed these shelves to sit entirely above ground level. Keeping the system off the floor helps prevent moisture damage, makes sweeping underneath easier, and leaves room below for carts, bins, or mobile tools.
Each shelf spans about eight feet, offering plenty of storage space without overwhelming the wall. The open-faced design is a key advantage—it avoids vertical front supports, so items can be slid in from any angle without obstruction.
Why Open-Faced Shelves Make Sense
The open front offers more than just convenience—it also improves flexibility. You can store long items, irregularly shaped gear, or large bins without fighting against a center post or cross bar.
This style also gives the garage a more open, less cluttered appearance. With clean lines and simple framing, the shelving system blends into the background while doing all the heavy lifting.
Simple Bracket Design with Smart Support
The backbone of Stan’s design is a basic L-shaped bracket built from dimensional lumber. Each bracket is attached to the wall studs and supports a horizontal crosspiece where the shelf boards rest.
Because the brackets are anchored directly into the studs, they don’t need extra vertical legs or floor contact. The design uses gravity and alignment to keep everything solid and square.
Spacers are used to help position each crosspiece evenly, and predrilling ensures clean holes that won’t split the wood. Once attached, these brackets form a strong base for heavy-duty shelf boards.
Benefits of the Bracket Layout
Stan’s bracket system keeps construction fast and affordable. It requires minimal parts and basic tools, making it a great option for beginner woodworkers or weekend DIYers.
There’s no need for specialty hardware or jigs. As long as you have a drill, saw, and measuring tools, this build is approachable and easy to replicate. Every piece serves a purpose and contributes to the overall strength.
Building and Reinforcing the Shelves
The shelves themselves are cut from sheet goods—Stan uses half-inch OSB for this build. To ensure they can hold substantial weight over an eight-foot span, reinforcing strips are added underneath.
Stan attaches solid wood cleats (like 2x2s) along the bottom edges of each shelf panel. These stiffeners dramatically increase strength, helping the shelves carry loads up to 300 pounds without bowing.
A second reinforcing strip is applied to the front edge of the shelf to maintain rigidity and protect the unsupported span. This small addition goes a long way in keeping the shelf surface flat and stable.
Calculating Strength with Load Span Tools
Rather than guess, Stan uses span calculators to check how much weight his shelves can carry safely. These tools account for material thickness, shelf depth, spacing between supports, and desired load capacity.
By using data to back up his design choices, Stan ensures the shelves are safe, consistent, and ready for real garage use. It’s a smart way to avoid overbuilding while still achieving impressive strength.
Installation Tips for a Straight and Level Result
Leveling long wall-mounted shelves can be tricky, especially without laser tools. Stan shares a practical method for marking consistent heights using tape measures, straight edges, and pencil lines.
He mounts the brackets to every other stud to maintain solid support while maximizing shelf length. After attaching all brackets, the shelf panels are cut to final length, placed on top, and secured with screws.
Taking the time to align everything properly makes a big difference in appearance and functionality. The result is a professional-looking storage system that’s built to last.
Advantages of This Garage Shelving System
Stan’s shelving design stands out because it’s:
- Fully open-fronted, so no part of the shelf gets blocked by front posts
- Mounted above the floor, which keeps stored items dry and easy to access
- Capable of supporting heavy loads thanks to smart reinforcement
- Built with minimal tools, so it’s approachable for any DIYer
- Easy to modify or scale based on your wall layout and storage needs
It’s an ideal upgrade for anyone working in a small shop, garage, or basement who wants practical storage without a bulky footprint.
Resources and Related Projects
Stan offers additional resources for this project on his website, Simply Easy DIY. There, you’ll find measurements, materials lists, and more detailed breakdowns to help with planning.
If you’re looking to expand your storage setup even further, his YouTube channel includes other garage-friendly builds like wall-mounted tool racks, lumber storage, and even custom shed shelves.
Get Stan’s plans here: https://www.simplyeasydiy.com/2016/01/garage-storage-shelves.html.