This project was created by Zach from Bear Mountain Builds. If you’ve been looking for a strong and efficient way to store your lumber, this engineered cantilever lumber rack is a must-try! Not only does it save space, but it also makes accessing your materials a breeze.
List of materials and tools you’ll need:
- 2×6 lumber
- 2.5-inch number 10 structural screws
- 3/8-inch bolts
- Heavy-duty L-brackets
- Lag screws
- Wood glue
- Clamps
- Table saw
- Miter saw
- Kreg portable drill guide (optional but recommended)
- Drill
Step 1: Preparing the Lumber
Start by planning the top and bottom sides of your 2×6 lumber by an eighth of an inch. This step is optional, but it results in a cleaner final product. Once that’s done, clean up the edges on the table saw.
Step 2: Cutting the Pieces
Move over to the miter saw to cut out all your pieces. Make sure to refer to the dimensions provided in Zach’s plans. Some boards might not be perfectly straight, but don’t worry; this won’t affect the assembly.
Step 3: Assembling the Rack Components
Now that you have all your pieces cut, it’s time to assemble them. You’ll need to create the cantilever arms, gussets for reinforcement, and spacers to ensure everything is level once mounted on the wall. Use wood glue and secure everything with the structural screws.
Step 4: Ensuring Strong Contact
Make sure to have good contact between all the smaller pieces for effective load transfer. Clamp each piece into place while the glue dries, and avoid screwing the arms and braces together to maintain flexibility.
Step 5: Final Assembly
Once the glue is dry, run screws along the middle of the final board over the entire length to secure everything together. The assembly should feel robust at this point.
Step 6: Mounting the Rack
Next, it’s time to mount the racks to the wall. Use heavy-duty L-brackets and ensure that the racks touch the floor for proper load transfer. Position the brackets high to maximize leverage against the wall.
Step 7: Final Touches and Testing
With everything mounted, make sure the racks are spaced about 28 inches apart to accommodate any size board. Zach emphasizes that this design is strong enough that the wall will likely fail before the rack does!
Conclusion
The engineered cantilever lumber rack is now complete! This design not only looks great but is incredibly strong and functional. If you follow these steps, you’ll have a fantastic storage solution for your workspace. Don’t forget to check out Zach’s plans.