By Art Rooze TOOLS Circular saw with a sharp carbide blade At least one electric drill/screwdriver, but preferably two Screwdriver bit and combination drill bit (Photo 8) Jigsaw Square Tape measure Two small clamps Level MATERIALS Eight vinyl-coated 3/4-in. particleboard shelves, 8 ft. x 16 in., with one finished edge (about $80 at most home centers) One sheet of 3/4-in. A/C-grade fir plywood ($20) No. 8 Phillips head deck screws: 1-1/4 in., 2-in. and 3-in. ($5) 16 ft. of 2x4 ($5) Carpenter's glue
MEASURE to determine the position of the shelf section and the workbench section. Position the two vertical shelf end pieces (shown in Photo 3) so that your shelves will measure as close as possible to 96 in., to maximize material. Make your workbench as close as possible to 60 in. The spacing of your garage studs will determine the exact dimensions.		SCREW the vertical shelf end pieces to studs with 2-in. screws after mounting shelf supports in place with 1-1/4 in. screws. Drill pilot holes for all screws using a combination bit that drills and countersinks simultaneously (see Photo 5). Using two drills saves time: You won't have to keep changing from drill bit to screwdriver bit. Note the prop, cut to length, to hold the vertical shelf end pieces at the desired height while you drill and drive screws.
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6 Great DIY Projects • Garage Shelving • Page 74 • July/August 1996 © 2000 The Family Handyman