Like most folks, my shop never seems to have enough shelving or storage space. So I decided to take advantage of the space above my two garage doors and add additional shelving for those items that are necessary to keep, but infrequently used. Since the length of my garage is 36 feet, this means 36 lineal feet of additional shelving.
After considering the options I decided to utilize Unistrut as the foundation of the system. My objective was to avoid significant carpentry… though I do OK with carpentry, it’s not really my thing – I’m more of a mechanical-type person. I also didn’t want to create a shelving system that was a dust collector, so I decided to use open-grid style panels available at most big-box stores that would allow any dust and debris to fall through.
Once I reviewed the particulars and had the dimensions established, the system went together quite easily. I attached the 10-foot Unistrut sections to the ceiling trusses utilizing heavy lag bolts spaced out from the wall the depth of the open grid shelving. I bolted a 2×4 ledger board along the wall, attached every 16 inches to the wall studs. It was then a (relatively) simple matter of suspending the second Unistrut frame from the ceiling-mounted track with 3/8 all-thread, cut to the proper length. The suspended Unistrut is also bolted into each wall at the ends, using an “L” bracket available as part of the Unistrut system. I considered several options for securing the decking (open grid shelving) to the Unistrut and decided to use heavy plastic cable clamps along the back edge, using 2 #8 screws through each clamp into the top back edge of the ledger board. Along the front I zip tied the decking to the Unistrut, and also used zip ties to attach each panel together along the sides. The finished shelving is about 24 inches deep.
Given the size (depth) of the shelving and the inconvenience of getting to it, that is, having to use a ladder, the system is self-limiting in terms of what can be stored on it. I view this as an advantage as it will naturally limit the amount of weight that will be placed on the shelves. I don’t have anything heavy to store up there anyway, but I thought I’d point out.
I added a short YouTube video below that shows the finished system.
I need a quote for retail store shelving
Great system! I love that you did not have to get in the attic like I was planning on doing before I saw your video. I lucked out because someone recently gave me some aluminum channel that looks similar to what you used.
Thanks… glad it was helpful.