blog-banner

Are you looking for a contractor?

Submit our quick form and get quotes now!

How to Install Shelving in Your Garage

By Editorial Team

Updated on November 7, 2023

The garage is a multipurpose room that has the potential to serve several functions. With lots of homeowners using this space to hold items that aren't exactly necessary for everyday use, it's important to think about how storage can be created to maximize the potential of this room.

Maybe you've considered it but you're unsure about how to move forward in building your dream shelving unit? Well, look no further! Lucky for you, RenoQuotes.com has created a step-by-step guide to help you get that project actualized!

Here are the straightforward steps on how to install a shelving until in your garage!

Plan and Clear Away Garage Clutter:

Before you start building, it is important to ask yourself a few questions: where would the shelves be best placed? what needs to happen for them to go there? and what will be stored on them? Consider these questions before you begin gathering materials, as you will need to clear away any clutter from the area.

Also to consider is the equipment you will be working with. What is needed for installation? First, buy the appropriate wall anchors and standards from your local hardware store: plastic for thin walls and metal for thicker walls. If the walls are made of cinderblocks, you’ll need a lead anchor to grip screws. If you're unsure about the correct materials, then make sure to consult a professional!

Other things that you will need would be: butterfly bolts, a stud finder, a level, a pencil, the shelves themselves and potentially even the help of a second person! The more properly planned the project is, the smoother it will proceed, so make sure to take as much organizational time as you need.

Measure Area and Shelves:

Measure_garage shelving

source: Flickr, Kevin Towler

Next, measure out where the shelves will go on the wall, making sure to also measure the length of the shelf you are planning to install. Are you designing your own shelves or purchasing pre-designed ones? Keep in mind the distance that you'll want between shelves, as well as the weight and height of what will be sitting on them. Regardless, all measurements need to be carefully considered for your shelving project to go over without a hitch!

Gather and Mark:

Now it's time to gather all materials and mark the location for your standards. Standards are the structure that will hold the shelves in place on the wall, so make sure they're sturdy enough to support the weight of your shelving material. Also, it is important to allow at least 8” of overhang on the outside of each standard so that the shelf will not sit directly on the edge of brackets. Use a stud finder to locate wall studs, as this will be where you can attach the brackets to support shelves.

Next, mark and insert standards and anchors. Refer to your original plan and mark accordingly. Use a level with the first standard, and make sure it is level horizontally and plumb vertically. Hold a pencil inside of one of the screw holes to mark the spots for wall anchors. Remove the standard from the wall, use a drill and screwdriver to insert anchors at the spots you’ve marked.

Insert Shelf Standards!

Now it's time to attach the standards! Hold a standard in place over the anchors, and make sure it’s level and plumb. Next, insert the screws through the standard slots and into the anchors. Now, screw into place, making sure to double check spacing between standards as you move. Finally, the fun part, it's time to insert the shelf brackets. 

Insert brackets into appropriate slots on the standards, tap in with a hammer or secure the shelf in with screws and voila! Now, you should have a beautiful shelving unit, tucked away from the rest of the house but still potentially impressive enough for you to bring guests into your garage!

Get 3 renovation quotes for your garage shelving project 

RenoQuotes.com can help you get quotes for your garage shelving project. If you submit your project to us, we’ll put you in contact with 3 qualified professionals. Fill out the form on our homepage (it only takes a few minutes), and you will receive quotes from trusted renovation specialists.

Dial 1-844 828-1588 to speak with one of our customer service representatives 


Get 3 free quotes for your project!

Submit a project and get 3 free quotes!

Looking for something else?

Table of contents

4 min read

Get 3 free quotes for your project!

Submit a project and get 3 free quotes!

Are you a contractor?

Join our network and receive real leads!

Download the price guide for renovations

We’ll be emailing you the latest market price guide for renovations.



Related articles

The latest industry news, interviews, technologies, and resources.

5 min read

Léa Plourde-Archer

24 May 2024

How to Fix and Maintain Foundation Parging

Foundation parging is a product that fulfills both useful and aesthetic functions. It is used to cover the exposed part of the foundation of your house. However, although practical, it does not last forever!

Exterior renovations
7 min read

Editorial Team

12 Aug 2024

Everything You Need to Know About Septic Tanks

For any property that's not connected to a municipal sewer system, putting in a septic system is a must. To demystify its functioning, on top of the recommended damage protection methods, we bring you the following article.

4 min read

Léa Plourde-Archer

04 Oct 2024

Shopping Guide: 10 Ceramic Tile Stores in Montreal

Ceramic is a highly-resistant and versatile material that is known for being both practical and aesthetically pleasing. Adapted to all tastes, it is sold in the form of tiles that are offered in a wide variety of colours, shapes and textures. There is something for every budget, as prices vary, among other things, depending on the quality of the material and shape of the tiles. 

Interior renovations
4 min read

Editorial Team

07 Nov 2023

How to Strip a Hardwood Floor

Wood varnishes are in place to protect the natural textures and colour of the hardwood while adding an additional attractive shine and finish. However, it is only natural for your hardwood floor varnish to wear over time, as floors come up against constant movement leading to the potential for scuffing and stains. Of course, a hardwood floor can easily be re-stained with a little bit of time and a fair amount of elbow grease.

4 min read

Editorial Team

11 Apr 2024

Everything to Know About Wood-Fired Pool Heaters

Who wouldn’t want to be able to use their pool, year-round, even during those really cold winter days? The only way to do so is to set up a swimming pool water heater. A wood-fired pool heater is an efficient way to warm up your pool water at a low cost. Here’s everything you need to know about this type of pool heater and the products retailed.


Looking for a contractor?

Submit a project and get 3 free quotes now!