What you’ll build
Two ladder frames, each two 67″ 2x4 posts with four 21″ rails, are joined by 53″ front and back rails at each level. A 53″ × 24″ panel of ½″ plywood sits on each tier.
Shopping list
Buy these boards. The list fits every cut onto standard lengths and leaves ⅛″ for each saw cut and ¼″ for trimming board ends.
| Lumber | Length | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| 2x4 | 8 ft | 12 |
| 1/2 in plywood panel | Cut to length | 4 |
Cut list
All 24 parts, grouped so you can cut matching pieces together. Exact lengths and end-cut angles for every part are in the free plan in the TimberLab app.
| Part | Lumber | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Rail | 2x4 | 8 |
| Rail | 2x4 | 8 |
| Post | 2x4 | 4 |
| Shelf | 1/2 in plywood panel | 4 |
Tools
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Speed square
- Eye & ear protection
- Drill
- Miter saw
- Circular saw
- Clamps
- Sander
Step-by-step instructions
Assemble Left Ladder Frame
Lay the front and back 67-inch left posts flat on your work surface. Position the four 21-inch side rails between the posts at the marked tier heights, keeping all outside faces flush. Clamp each joint securely to hold the ladder frame square.
Assemble Right Ladder Frame
Lay the two 67-inch right posts flat on the work surface, mirroring the spacing of the left frame. Align the four 21-inch right side rails between the posts at matching tier heights, flush with the post edges. Clamp the assembly firmly to maintain squareness across all rungs.
Connect Rear Support Rails
Install Front Shelf Rails
Place Plywood Shelf Decks
Get the full plan: all 5 steps and every cut length.
Download TimberLab and open Garage shelving in the catalog to get every cut length and end-cut angle, all 5 assembly steps in 3D, and Timbo, the AI build helper. Catalog plans are free to open; some features, such as AI edits, require a subscription.
Tall, narrow furniture can tip over. Anchor it to a wall stud with an anti-tip kit, especially in homes with children, and keep heavy items on the lower shelves.
Change the size or design
This plan is one of the projects in the TimberLab app’s catalog. In the app you can turn the model in 3D, follow the assembly steps one part at a time, and ask for changes in plain words, such as “make it 6 inches shorter” or “add a shelf”. The cut list and shopping list update to match the new design.
Questions about this plan
How much lumber do I need to build this garage shelving?
The shopping list calls for 12 × 2x4 at 8 ft; 4 × 1/2 in plywood panel (cut to length). It groups every cut onto standard board lengths and leaves room for saw cuts and trimming the board ends.
How big is the finished garage shelving?
It is 60″ wide, 67 ½″ tall, and 24″ deep.
What tools do I need?
You need a tape measure, pencil, speed square, eye & ear protection, drill, miter saw, circular saw, clamps, sander.
Can I change the size of this garage shelving?
Yes. Open the garage shelving in the TimberLab app and describe the change in plain words, such as “make it 6 inches shorter”. The 3D model, cut list, and shopping list update together.
Where can I get the full garage shelving plan?
The full plan, with every cut length and all 5 assembly steps in 3D, is free in the TimberLab app. Download TimberLab on the App Store and open the garage shelving in its catalog.
