DIY A SIMPLE & STYLISH STORAGE RACK: A COMPLETE GUIDE

If you’ve been looking for a simple yet functional way to organize your tools, garage, or workshop, building your own storage rack is a rewarding project. With a few boards, the right cordless tools, and some patience, you can create a sturdy rack that will last for years. Here’s how we built mine.

Shopping List (Materials)

Lumber: 2 x 20 x 40' Cedar Boards.

Pro Tip: We recommend using Cedar for its beautiful grain and natural resistance to rot and insects, making it ideal for a diy storage rack.

Shopping List (Tools) - Go Cordless

A good cordless ecosystem makes the DIY storage rack process smooth and free from cable clutter:

1. 7-1/4” Cordless Circular Saw
2. 5-Inch Random Orbital Sander
3. Cordless Compact Router
4. Cordless Handheld Planer
5. Cordless Brad Nailer
6. Cordless Leaf Blower
7. Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

Step-by-Step Instructions for DIY Storage Rack

Step 1: Measure & Cut

This is the foundation of any woodworking project. Measure twice, cut once!

1. Measure Carefully: On your large cedar boards, clearly mark the dimensions for cutting according to the plan:

Board 1 (Back Panel / Main Support): 9'' Wide x 36'' Long
Board 2 (Shelf): 9'' Wide x 23'' Long
Board 3 (Shelf): 9'' Wide x 23'' Long
Board 4 (Shelf): 9'' Wide x 16'' Long

2. Cut with Precision: Using your cordless circular saw, carefully follow your marked lines. Use clamps to secure the board firmly to your workbench on both sides of the cut line. This prevents the wood from shifting, ensuring a straight, clean, and safe cut.

Safety tip: Wear protective gear (glasses, gloves, dust mask) at all times

Step 2: Sanding & Surfacing

Rough lumber isn't just unattractive, it can give you splinters.

1. Initial Sanding: Use your 5-inch random orbital sander with a medium-grit sandpaper to sand all surfaces and every cut edge of your prepared boards. This will remove any splinters and smooth out imperfections.

2. Precision Planing: If any board is slightly uneven or out of spec, this is where your cordless handheld planer shines. Use it to gently shave down edges or surfaces for a perfect fit, ensuring your DIY storage rack is precise and sturdy.

Step 3: Routing the Grooves

This is the step that creates the rack’s strong, interlocking structure without visible screws.

1. Layout the Grooves: On the 36-inch long board (the back panel), mark the positions where the three shelves will slot in. Use a square and pencil to precisely mark the location and width of each groove (the groove width should match the exact thickness of your shelf boards).

2. Route the Grooves: Set the cutting depth to about one-third to one-half the board's thickness for optimal strength. Following your lines, guide the cordless router steadily to create three clean, precise grooves.

3. Cut the Handle Hole: As shown in the plan, we need a circular handle hole at the top of the back panel for carrying or hanging. Fit your router to rout out the perfect circle.

4. Sand Again: Routing leaves rough edges. Use your orbital sander again to meticulously smooth the inside of the grooves and the handle hole until they are perfectly smooth to the touch.

Workshop Tip: Routing generates a massive amount of sawdust! This is where your cordless dust blower becomes indispensable. Frequently blowing away debris keeps your work area safe and your layout lines visible for pinpoint accuracy.

Step 4: Assembly

Now, all the pieces are ready. Let's assemble them into a finished rack.

1. Dry Fit: First, slot the three shelf boards (the 23-inch and 16-inch ones) into their respective grooves on the back panel. Check that everything fits snugly. If a fit is too tight, lightly sand the end of the shelf board.

2. Permanent Fix: Once you're happy with the fit, use your cordless brad nailer to drive a few brads through the sides of the back panel into the ends of the shelf boards for a rock-solid, permanent hold. Your very own, diy storage rack is complete!

Step 5: Clean Up & Enjoy

Finally, showcase your complete tool kit. Use your cordless vacuum cleaner to thoroughly clean your workspace and the rack itself, removing any lingering sawdust. A clean shop and a finished wood storage rack are the best rewards for a job well done.

By following these steps and video guide, you can build a practical and attractive diy storage rack with just a few boards and cordless tools. Don’t just admire DIY projects - grab your tools, get hands-on, and create something useful for your own space today!