DIY Lumber Storage Rack
Space-Saving Organization!
You know I love solving workshop headaches, and today I’ve got a killer solution for all of us who are tired of leaning wood against walls and tripping over plywood. Introducing the angled vertical lumber rack — a super-efficient, space-saving build that can hold over 1200 board feet of material in just 17 square feet of floor space. And yep, it fits in a 7.5-foot garage!
Materials and Tools You'll Need
2x4 lumber and OSB panels
Table saw and Miter saw
Wood glue, brad nails, screws (1¼", 2½", and 2¼"), and pocket hole jig
Decorative stain and finish or paint of your choice
Time To Bring Your Lumber Rack To Life
Build the Two Main Frames
You’re going to need two identical frame sides.
Cut These First:
Backboard: 89 ⅞"
Bottom board: 67 ½"
Shelf boards: 19 ⅛", 20 ½", 12 ¾", and 12 ¼"
Support (angled) boards: 25 ½", 50 ¼", 97 ¼", 98 ¾"
Assemble the Frame:
Attach the bottom board to the backboard at a 45° angle using screws.
Add shelf boards at 24", 46", and 62" from the base.
Attach angled support boards at their designated spots (use 25° miters on both ends).
Repeat to build the second identical frame.
Create the Removable Floor
This step keeps your wood from soaking up concrete moisture.
Cut:
OSB base: 29" x 65 ½"
Support slats: (3) at 62 ½" and (2) at 29"
Screw the slats to the underside, then flip and secure the OSB for a sturdy raised platform.
Connect the Two Frames
Use 29" braces (with pocket holes) to join the frames:
Bottom front & back
Top front & back
2. Add side shelf rails (29" 2x2s) between frames to support OSB shelf inserts.
Add Shelf Rails & Plywood Guides
Cut (6) more 29" 2x2s for shelf rails, and (10) for plywood guides.
Install shelf rails flush with shelf angles.
Add plywood guides 4", 12", and 24" from shelf tops and bottoms to keep sheet goods upright.
Install OSB Shelves & Lumber Stop
Cut OSB panels for each shelf:
Bottom: (already installed)
2nd shelf: 18⅛" x 36"
3rd shelf: 19½" x 36"
Top shelf: 11¾" x 36"
Front face panel: 96" x 36"
Top front strip: 1⅞" x 36"
Secure with screws and drive some through the plywood guides for added support.
Front Lumber Storage Dividers
Use either wall-mount wood racks or custom-cut 2x2s (12") with pocket holes to create dividers.
Install at your preferred heights — 0", 24", 48", and 72" work great.
Then attach a 36" 2x4 as a bottom lip to keep boards from sliding out.
Optional: Add Casters
If your garage is a bit taller, add six heavy-duty casters — three on each side — for mobility. Just make sure to add extra support beams across the bottom frame.
Ready To Build?
This project might look intense, but it’s totally manageable with basic tools. You’ll free up 8+ feet of wall space, store all your wood vertically, and keep everything organized and protected.
Whether you’re new to woodworking or a seasoned pro, this project offers the perfect mix of functionality and creativity. If you’re a more “plans in the hand” person, click “Get Plan” down below for downloadable instructions. And if you’re ready to dive deeper into woodworking, check out my new course, “Woodworking Kickstart” (which is also linked below). It’s packed with step-by-step lessons to help you build confidence and skills, whether you’re a total beginner or an experienced DIYer. You’ll be building with confidence in no time.
Remember, creativity doesn’t have to be expensive; all you need is a little inspiration and a willingness to try.
Get Easy Step-By-Step Directions to build this by clicking the button below
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