When it comes to outfitting a shed with storage, shelves are an excellent option. Shelves maximize vertical space and allow you to neatly organize tools, supplies, and other items. But what exactly should you use to make shed shelves? There are a few key factors to consider when choosing materials for DIY shed shelves.
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Wood Shelves
Wood is a classic choice for shelving. It’s attractive, strong, and easy to work with using basic tools. Here are some of the best woods to use for shed shelves:
- Plywood – Plywood is made from thin sheets of wood glued and pressed together. It’s inexpensive, sturdy, and easy to cut to size. Opt for 3/4″ thick plywood for shelves.
- Pine boards – Pine is lightweight and inexpensive. 1×10, 1×12 or 2×10 pine boards work well for shelving. Go with pressure-treated pine for damp sheds.
- Cedar – Cedar naturally resists rot and insects. It has a beautiful red color and a pleasant aroma. Cedar is more expensive than pine but worth it for its durability.
Be sure to sand and finish wood shelves to protect them. Polyurethane is a good waterproof finish for sheds. For easy installation, mount wooden shelves on shelf brackets or cleats attached to shed walls.
Pros of Wood Shelves
- Strong and durable
- Wide variety of wood types and sizes
- Easy to cut, drill and install
- Attractive natural appearance
Cons of Wood Shelves
- May warp or rot over time if not properly sealed
- Heavy, especially for large spans
- Requires more skill to achieve clean cuts
Metal Shelves
Metal is arguably the toughest material for shelving. It’s strong, rigid, and withstands moisture well. Here are some metal options for shed shelves:
- Galvanized steel – Corrosion-resistant and sturdy. Pipe or angle iron frames with galvanized sheet metal shelves are common.
- Aluminum – Very strong but lightweight, and won’t rust. Anodized aluminum has a clean finish.
- Stainless steel – The strongest and most corrosion resistant option. More expensive than other metals.
Metals like galvanized steel and aluminum come in basic pre-cut brackets and shelves, making installation a breeze. You can also build custom shelves using metal rods, bars, and supports.
Pros of Metal Shelves
- Very strong and durable
- Lasts for decades with minimal maintenance
- Resists moisture, rot, and insects
- Pre-fabricated systems quick and easy to install
Cons of Metal Shelves
- Can be expensive, especially stainless steel
- Doesn’t have the warm, natural look of wood
- May need to pre-drill holes for installation
- Can transfer temperature (cool in winter, hot in summer)
Plastic Resin Shelves
Shelves made from plastic resins like PVC and polyethylene provide an alternative to wood and metal. Here are some reasons to consider plastic resin shelves for your shed:
- Moisture resistant – Impervious to water and humidity
- Won’t corrode or rust
- Lightweight yet strong
- Easy to clean
- Low maintenance
- Resists scratches
Plastic resin shelves are available in basic shelf kits as well as modular systems that allow you to customize your setup. They come in white or wood grain finishes to match any shed decor.
Pros of Plastic Resin Shelves
- Hold up well in damp environments
- Lighter than wood or metal
- Easy to keep clean
- Simple click-together assembly
- Cost effective
Cons of Plastic Resin Shelves
- Not as strong or rigid as metal
- Can look cheap depending on style
- Joints may loosen over time
- Low scratch and heat resistance
Wire Shelving
Wire shelving has a very open, airy look suitable for many shed storage needs. The basic wire shelf consists of shelves made from intersecting wires connected to side rails. Here are some benefits of wire shelves:
- See all items at a glance
- Prevents moisture buildup
- Durable and strong
- Very affordable
- Easy to install
- Adjustable
Chrome or epoxy coated wire shelves resist rust and may be needed for damp sheds. For the highest capacity, choose heavier 12 or 14 gauge wire shelves.
Pros of Wire Shelving
- Open design allows air circulation
- See contents at a glance
- Very inexpensive
- Easy to adjust spacing and height
- Prevents moisture buildup
Cons of Wire Shelving
- Not as strong or rigid as solid shelves
- Items can fall through shelves
- Not designed for very heavy loads
- Plain, industrial look
How to Choose the Right Shelving Material
Consider the following criteria when selecting the best material for your shed shelves:
- Usage – How will you use the shelves? Small hand tools vs. heavy equipment makes a difference.
- Weight capacity – Check the weight limits for any systems you’re considering.
- Exposure to moisture – Damp sheds may require mold-resistant woods or coated metals.
- Budget – Wood, plastic or wire is generally cheaper than metal.
- Appearance – Do you prefer an open wire look or solid shelving?
- Shed size – Make sure the system will fit your available space.
Heavy Duty Shelf Materials
For holding very heavy items like automotive batteries, machinery, or loaded storage totes, you need extra tough shelves. Some good options include:
- 3/4″ or thicker plywood on robust brackets
- 2×12 planks with metal gusset plate joints
- Steel bar or pipe frames with 3/4″ plywood shelves
- Heavy duty wire shelving rated for 500-1000 lbs capacity
For the ultimate in strength and durability, you can’t beat a fully welded steel shelving unit. These heavy racks can hold thousands of pounds if properly installed. However, they are expensive and extreme overkill for most shed storage needs.
DIY vs Prefabricated Shelves
You can save money and get exactly what you want by building DIY shed shelves. But shelf kits and pre-made shelves offer convenience:
| DIY Shelves | Prefab Shelves |
|---|---|
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If going the DIY route, be sure to use proper construction techniques like pre-drilling holes, anchoring into studs, and using cleats for support.Refer to building guides to ensure your shelves will be level, rigid, and safely installed.
Height and Depth Considerations
To make the best use of your shed’s vertical space, install shelves at a range of heights to accommodate different items. Here are some general guidelines on shed shelf dimensions:
- Depth – 12 inches is suitable for general storage. Go up to 16-24 inches deep for large items.
- Height – Low shelves at 4-5 feet for heavy items you’ll access often. High shelves up to 6-8 feet for occasional access or light storage.
- Leave at least 18 inches of clearance between the tallest items on lower shelves and bottom of upper shelves.
- Install shelves at least 6 inches away from shed walls for easy access. 10-12 inches is better for larger sheds.
Take measurements of your shed interior and the items you’ll be storing when planning shelf dimensions. Having a design mapped out will ensure your shelves maximize your available space.
Shed Shelf Supports
For dependable support, shed shelves need to be securely attached to the structure. Some good options include:
- Shelf brackets – Basic right-angle metal brackets either screwed into studs or anchored into the walls. Provide very sturdy support.
- Cleats – Short ledges made of 2x4s or other lumber installed on the walls to hold shelf boards.
- Shelf standards – Vertical strips with built-in slots to support bracket hooks anywhere along the height.
- Freestanding units – Self-contained shelving units that don’t attach to walls, often on casters for portability.
For heavy duty installations, use multiple brackets or cleats spaced no more than 2 feet apart. Be sure all hardware penetrates into the shed’s structural framing or solid blocking.
Installing Shed Shelves
Here is a general step-by-step guide to installing shelves in a shed:
- Gather materials and design your shelves to fit your space and storage needs.
- Mark stud locations if attaching to walls. Have solid backing in place if needed.
- Pre-cut all wood boards and metal components to size. Drill any necessary holes.
- Anchor shelf standards, brackets, cleats or other supports securely to walls and studs.
- Lay shelving boards onto supports. Screw or bolt them in place if needed.
- Double check all fasteners are tight and load bearing.
- Seal or finish wood shelves as desired.
- Load shelves starting with heavier items on bottom and lighter items above.
Take your time measuring and pre-drilling all components. Use a level frequently to ensure shelves are even and properly supported. Finish with trim pieces along the fronts and sides of shelves for a clean, built-in look.
Shed Shelf Ideas
Beyond basic horizontal shelving, consider these clever ideas to make the most of your shed’s storage potential:
- Add doors to enclose shelves or create hidden storage
- Make use of “dead space” like the area under stairs with custom built-in shelves
- Use decorative brackets for an elegant look on open shelves
- Incorporate cubbies, bins and baskets to organize items
- Install pegboard above workbenches to hang tools
- Use shelves designed for garage or closet organization
- Add wheeled shelves that can be moved as needed
- Build pull-out drawers for easy access to contents
Whatever your storage needs may be, with the right choice of shelving material, design, and installation method, you can outfit your shed with durable, customized solutions.
Conclusion
Choosing the right shelving material for your shed depends on factors like budget, durability, weight capacity, and appearance. Wood, metal, plastic, and wire all make practical, affordable options. For the strongest shelves, wood boards, galvanized steel, or heavy plywood properly braced and anchored to shed walls is recommended. Mix shelving types as needed – like wire racks up high combined with plywood shelves down low. Planning shelf placement and dimensions well is key to maximizing your available space. Invest time in properly installing supports and take safety precautions when loading. With well-built shelves tailored to your storage needs, you’ll have a shed that is neatly organized and ready to handle anything you put into it.