How to Build Rolling Garage Storage Shelves

Custom garage storage can cost a pretty penny. Luckily, we’ve got the perfect DIY garage shelves project for you.

Related To:

Keeping a garage organized is easier than it seems. It just takes a little discipline and, most importantly, the right shelves. This DIY rolling garage shelf unit is the custom garage shelving solution you’ve been looking for at a fraction of the cost of your retail options. Plus, we have a hunch it will suit your needs perfectly.

Make Your Own Rolling Storage

Custom garage storage can cost a pretty penny. Luckily, if you’ve got the tools, we’ve got the perfect DIY for you.

Photo by: Shain Rievley

Shain Rievley

Materials Needed

(2) 4x8 sheets 3/4” plywood
4x8 sheet 1/2” plywood
clamp
router + 1/2” bit
wood glue
1-1/4” wood screws
2-1/4” wood screws
1” lag bolts
1 gallon of paint in desired color
(2) 3” rigid casters
(2) 3” swivel casters
(1) 2x6 x 8’ pine board

2-1/4” wood screws
drill + bits
ratchet + sockets
shelf pins
3/16” drill bit
(4) laminate white shelves
(2) 3/4” x 1/4” x 8’ pine screen bead casing
shelf liner roll
brad nail gun
cabinet pull
metal file drawer tags

Cut List

front and back: (2) 84” x 20” 3/4” plywood pieces
top and bottom: (2) 23-1/2” x 20” 3/4” plywood pieces

middle partition: 84” x 24” 1/2” plywood piece

Prep/Paint Plywood

To begin, we recommend having your plywood precut at your local hardware store following the provided cut list above. Once the plywood has been cut, wipe with a dry cloth to ensure no sawdust remains and paint the pieces in your desired color. Multiple coats may be necessary to achieve the desired look.

Photo by: Shain Rievley

Shain Rievley

Route Plywood

Next, create a groove for the middle partition piece to sit in. To do this, draw a line down the centers of both 84-inch front and back pieces. Use a clamp to place a scrap piece of plywood right against the centerline. Use the straight edge as a guide as you route the long pieces.

Photo by: Shain Rievley

Shain Rievley

Attach Plywood Sides Together

The pieces will all be held together with wood glue and screws. To prevent splitting and aid in knowing where to screw, start by pre-drilling your screw holes in the two grooves (Image 1). Once all holes are drilled, run a bead of wood glue down the routed line (Image 2). Place the partition piece in the grooves, positioned six inches from the bottom of the front and back pieces (Images 3 & 4). Secure with wood screws (Image 5).

Shain Rievley

Photo By: Shain Rievley

Secure Top and Bottom

Wedge the top and bottom pieces in place and secure with wood screws.

Photo by: Shain Rievley

Shain Rievley

Attach Casters

On each side of the base, attach two 20-inch 2x6 boards you cut from the 2x6 x 8' pine board in the materials list (Image 1). This adds stability and a place to secure the casters. Once attached, set the casters in place. Place the two swivel casters on the front and the two rigid casters on the back. Mark and pre-drill your holes, then use a socket to secure the casters with lag bolts (Image 2).

Shain Rievley

Photo By: Shain Rievley

Add Shelving

Cut shelves and bead casing (also known as moulding) to 24 inches wide and paint. Attach the casing to shelves to form a lip (Image 1). This prevents the shelf contents from falling when rolled in and out. Drill holes in the cabinet at your desired height for shelving and place shelf pins in the holes. Place the shelf on the pins (Image 2) and finish off with a shelf liner (Image 3).

Pro Tip: Use tape to mark the depth you are drilling on your bit (Image 4). This keeps you from drilling too far.

Shain Rievley

Add tape to your drill so that you don't drill past the desired point.

Shain Rievley

Photo By: Shain Rievley

Adding Shelves to a DIY Rolling Storage Unit

Photo By: Shain Rievley

Drill Hack

Add tape to your drill so that you don't drill past the desired point.

Photo By: Shain Rievley

Final Touches

Finalize the rolling storage with a large cabinet pull (Image 1) and a metal file cabinet tag (Image 2) so you always know everything is in its place.