Photo by brendan-c
Planning
Trying to make sense of a cluttered garage, you must be planning on setting up shelves by the wall. It is a very good DIY idea to pursue, and it helps a lot in arranging stuffs on shelves.
However, if you want the neatest look, go ahead and venture to setting up closed shelves or garage cabinets. In a shelf, the things still look stacked and ‘open’. With a cabinet, even the most cluttered shelves would always appear ‘closed’.
Big and simple
Proceed with the cabinet construction if you are confident of your experience in handling this task. Although it looks like it would take some time, yet the project is surprisingly simple. It is just a huge box, with inner shelves and an outer door. You can use either wood or lumber. You can use both for different sections as well. Look up the following sections on how to complete this big but simple DIY thing. Tools needed are standard. The circular saw and the power drill would do most of the work.
Start at the base
You know the usual routine. Locate the studs in your wall and mark the measurements. Once you have finalized the wall space, begin with attaching the base to the wall. Make it straight with a string line. Screw the base frame tightly to the level from where you want the cabinet to begin. Typically, it should be about 20 inches from the floor.
You will have to attach temporary legs for support when you work on the base frame. Make two sets of temporary legs, the longer one for supporting the frame with the wall and at the front. You will have to attach the shorter legs with the longer front ones with a cleat for additional support when you are working. Once the base frame has been set, nail and screw the plywood for the base. Use both nails and screws for horizontal and vertical support.
Set up the partitions
Next, you need to set up the upright partitions to the wall. The base you just completed should be able to withstand your weight. Stand on it to set the upright partitions by screw in drywall anchors wherever the studs are not found. Each partition should be perfectly plumb and squared with the base. You have to bolt the uprights to the base as well. Use a spade bit for this job. Attach the outer uprights to the base by 6 inches hex head machine screws, nuts and washers. For the central one, you have to use the 4 inch screws with the spade bit.
The top and the doors
Go for the top once the base and the uprights are all ready. You would be using a 2×4 for the base panel. For the top, use a 2×2 panel so that the uprights can support its weight. You have to bolt this top panel to the structure as well. Secure the top firmly with the stud screws also. Add trim strips to the outer edges of the uprights to make space for attaching the doors. The topmost trim board would be overhanging to conceal the door track. Mount the tracks and the hangars to set the door. Complete the work with installing the door guides. Your cabinet is ready. Add a coat of paint or veneer if you want, but that would take another extra day.
