DIY Network

Sports Garage Makeover This all-star garage makeover is in a league of its own. From "Wasted Spaces" episode DWSP-202

(Continued from page 1)

Hanging the Shelf

Jill and Karl install the hanging shelf support and plywood shelf for the garage ceiling. They measure and mark the shelf's position, then create temporary supports to help hold the shelf for installation. With the temporary supports carrying some of the weight, they attach the shelf to the garage wall, then install the permanent supports that attach to the ceiling.

advertisement

Figure A

Measuring for Installation

1. To allow plenty of room for storage on top and clearance for the lockers below, measure and mark a point 2 feet, 4 inches from the ceiling.

   Tip: Why measure from the ceiling? Garage floors are built with a slope for better drainage. The ceiling gives a more level reference point.

2. Using a level and string line, snap a horizontal chalk line at the mark. Karl and Jill made this job easier by using a laser level to generate a horizontal line of light to guide their chalk line (figure A).

3. Use a stud finder to locate the wall studs and ceiling joists where the shelf will attach. Mark these with a pencil.

Figure B

Creating Temporary Supports

It's hard to hold the heavy shelf in place and screw it into the wall at the same time – even with a helper. Karl and Jill used temporary wooden supports to give them extra hands that don't get tired (figure B). Here's how:

1. Determine where the ends of the shelf will line up on the wall.

2. Stand a long piece of scrap wood near one end of the shelf area. Align it flush with the wall and mark the height of the chalk line on the wood.

3. Cut the wood at the mark.

4. Line up the wood at the same spot on the wall, making sure it comes up flush with the chalk line. Use a single screw to attach the wood to the wall.

5. Use the same process to create a temporary support where the other end of the shelf will attach to the wall.

Figure C

Mounting the Shelf

1. Cut three pieces of 2x4 lumber to 2 feet, 4 inches long.

2. Set the shelf frame in place, resting it on the temporary supports.

3. Stand a long 2x4 on the garage floor by the long, unsupported side of the frame. Nail this piece of wood to the frame to give additional support.

4. Drive screws through the wall side of the frame into the wall studs.

5. Attach the 3/4" plywood shelf to the top of the frame with nails or screws.

6. Locate the ceiling joists over the corners of the shelf not attached to the wall. Use screws to attach galvanized 2x4 end brackets to the ceiling joists. Make sure the screws go into the joists. Also attach a bracket to a joist over the middle of the 16-foot side not attached to the wall.

7. Slip one end of one of the 2-foot, 4-inch 2x4s into an end bracket and attach it with screws (figure C). Repeat for the other brackets.

8. Make sure the entire structure is plumb and level before screwing the 2x4 supports to the shelf frame.

9. After all the ceiling supports are attached, remove the temporary supports.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4