Stud Straddling Shed Shelves

I had a cheap plastic shelf in my shed to hold yard work supplies and chemicals. The shelves were badly sagging and not very wide. I needed a solution to get the storage items up higher and yet still provide ample storage.
A quick shelf system using an easy method that requires minimal materials and plenty of strength. I call it the "stud straddling shelf system". I used a jig I made for my shop shelves that allows for perfect layout for the brackets and 2x4 shelf support.
The side parts are made from 1/2" plywood (3/4" could easily be used if your shelves are that thickness) cut 12x12 square, then split evenly at 45 degrees. The center part of the sandwich is a 2x4 cut to length.
**update:
you can make the supports any size that will work. i generally make mine about 2-6" less than the depth of the shelf. Less if lighter "stuff" will be on the shelf. You can also skip a stud, again it depends on the weight that the shelf will be holding.
#storageshelves #shedshelves #shelves

[@FastEddieQ]

Thanks for sharing just what I was looking for

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

Glad it helped

[@TheTroopersCorner]

The triangle OSB gusset plates straddling the exposed studs are GENIUS!!! Thanks for sharing that!

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

Thank you. It was an attempt to use scrap that became a very impactful way to mount shelves... and super easy.

[@MAGAMAN]

That's plywood, not OSB. You would never use OSB for something like this.

[@lopezdolly2006]

Ok I’m new to wood work and building and followed another tutorial and had lots of sagging shelves over time. I made these and it transformed my entire shelving system in my shed. I went back and made brackets for my existing shelves and this is a rock solid method. I thank you !!

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

Thank you for watching. I'm so glad the system worked for you. It has been a winner for me so I hoped others would like it as well.

[@takeniteasyfriend]

The jig is the magic for making dozens of these quickly. Thanks 👍💪

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

Glad it helped. I use it often.

[@garysobczak9931]

Very clever idea!!! Just what I needed for my garage!

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

It works well and is adaptable to all depths of shelves.

[@hangthisupmyshedorganizing296]

This is a great idea for the DIY space for sure! Love it! Tim

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

@@hangthisupmyshedorganizing296 thanks. It has been helpful and holds a lot of weight.

[@jimb7922]

Best Idea for shelf brackets ! Nice !

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

Thank you. Simple minds come up with simple solutions.

[@gken69]

MY!!!! GUY!!!! You're a true hero. Thanks for the tip.

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

Thank you for watching. I hope it helped.

[@FastEddieQ]

You just got a new subscriber

[@ronniephillips7502]

Great video, I just built a new 10x12 shed with my brothers. Today I built a shelf just like you showed, its amazing and strong just like you said. Thank you for sharing this video, it inspired me to do something I have never done before..Ronnie from Nashville TN...

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

Thank you so much for watching and the kind words. When I built mine lumber was more than half what it is now. Saving any time and money doing it yourself is worth it.

[@murfthesurf1977]

Great job, going to make some tomorrow for our Church

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

They work well and are easy to knock out.

[@dennymui2]

awesome. great simple jig. well done.

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

Thanks. Sometimes the simple things work best.

[@centauri8820]

I had some scrap plywood and 2x4 and this setup worked great! Was very easy once you got the workbench with the template. It's also very strong. Thanks!

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

Thank you for the update. I'm glad it worked out well for you. I've been very happy with it myself.

[@ponchotran9004]

Your jig for making the support bracket is very nice.

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

Thank you. I'm glad you found it helpful. It has come through for me several times

[@shaneella8965]

I'm glad I found your Video. This is exactly how I'm going to put shelves and a work bench for potting plants in my new shed. Thanks

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

Thank you for watching it. I'm glad it was helpful. I've incorporated this into several of my projects.

[@suewalls238]

I'm so happy I came across your video... I just made 15 of these in no time flat to install in my new shed. Thank you for such a great idea. I also shared this video on both my group pages and my wall.

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

Thanks for watching, sharing,, and giving it a try. They are super simple, functional, easy to adapt to differnt size shelves,, and very strong.

[@robertwilson4400]

Ok Chris,!!! You just remodeled my shed shelving system in a big way. So glad I did not start shelving before I seen this video. So very awesome!!!!

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

Thank you for watching and I'm glad it was a help. This does make a quick and dirty shelf that's super strong. Sadly, 2x4's have gotten quite pricy. Thankfully it doesn't take many to make these brackets.

[@kalapis123]

Great job, Great GREAT IDEA! Glad I Viewed your work Just what the ole' lawn shed needed. Thanks.

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

Thanks for watching. It has worked amazing in my shed, shop. & garage.

[@miked9407]

I have to say thank you. Just built a new shed and these shelves were exactly what I was looking for to organize the new space. Super easy, strong and most importantly dont take up a lot of space.

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

Thanks for watching and I'm glad it helped. I went back and forth and wanted something that fit the same needs but was also easy to build out of scrap.

[@miked9407]

@@ChristcrossCrafts you have a new subscriber. I'm all about reusing stuff that would otherwise be garbage.

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

@@miked9407 lol... my shop is full of such materials. Half my shop shelving and cabinets are made hodge podge and peace mill. I save the good stuff for customers.

[@HereIsWisdom1318]

Dude! This is GENIUS!

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

Glad you like it. I hope it helps. Thanks for watching.

[@daveionthesavagenewchannel6542]

Very helpful I used this method and it works perfectly

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

I'm glad it was useful for you. Thank you for watching.

[@BrokenBoxProduction]

Searched shed shelves. This waa result 2 or 3 but i liked the design, wanted to make angled brackets but wasnt sure of the best way till now.

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

I'm glad it was a help. I think this method is the easiest I've used. Thank you for watching.

[@bcboncs]

This is honestly amazing now im kicking myself bc this wouldve been perfect for my garden tools but i just put up french cleats and now need to adapt to that system lmao!

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

I left the space behind my shelves (space between studs) for handles of garden tools to slip behind the shelves. That keeps them from tipping over.

[@ForeverYoungKickboxer]

This was awesome Chris!

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

Thank you. It works great. For this one I left a gap behind the shelf for my tool handles to rest. This keeps them from falling over.

[@FennahMakes]

Hey this is a nice build! Great work!!

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

Thanks. Just a quick & dirty shelf system that works well.

[@travismcgee100]

Very nice, very simple, looks very strong (and Simpson Strong-Tie has enough of my money). I can't wait to try it in my garage.

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

Thank you for checking out the video. I've used different sized versions of this for years. A big lumber rack in my shop held a LOT of wood.

[@samueladams584]

Excellent idea. I have minimal tools and experience, this demonstration is very helpful for someone at a disadvantage like me

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

This could be cut using a standard circular saw. If you don't have a drill, a hammer and nails will do. It's a very simple design and easy to make.

[@gmpolley]

Thanks. Mine look great and real strong too.

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

Thank you for watching. I'm glad it worked out for you. It is a solid option for shelving.

[@ErsinGokay]

thank you for sharing the shed shelving ideas, awesome work

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

Thanks for watching. I hope it helped.

[@paulfoytack5267]

these worked great! I notched my shelves so they slid all the way to the sheathing and no open spot behind the shelf.

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

Awesome. I normally do the same. For these shelves I left it straight across the back because I used the gap to keep my yard tool handles in place between the studs. The shelf height is just low enough to keep shovels, rakes, etc. in place when not in use. Feed the handle in from the bottom and boom.

[@stephengee8488]

Made these for my shed. So easy to make with the jig you showed. I used 2 x 4 cutoff pieces and scrap 1/2" OSB. I made 5 in about 15 minutes. You could even notch the shelf along its length to have no space behind it.

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

Thanks for watching. I'm glad it helped. You certainly can notch it. I've done that a few times myself.

[@rafaelcuevas1398]

Thank you for the help. This is amazing. Straightforward and high quality built.

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

Thank you for watching. I'm glad it was helpful. Let me know how your shelves turn out.

[@Feldspar__]

Fantastic design

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

Thank you. Im a simple guy trying to make my life simple as possible.

[@berryconway4296]

Pretty clever. I'll give it a try in my new shed. I figure the shelf depth must be about 13.5". That dimension would have be a nice add on.

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

You can make them any depth. Just adjust the angled piece. I usually make it about 2/3 the depth of the shelf.

[@ccjclluthyluthy1058]

Good job buddy!

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

Thank you. I hope it gives some ideas.

[@IMOO1896]

Great idea to jig buid

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

I've used it a few times, so yep... jig for the win

[@IMOO1896]

@@ChristcrossCraftsI finally bit the bullet and dis a small version of this, 2 braces like yours then a 2x4 corner brace. I needed a space for my generator and this was the answer. At 3 months shy of 74, this lady is still learning. I’m already making plans to do more of this type shelving to store items higher and get rid of a couple wire shelves. Many thanks. PS, if you’ve noticed your viewer count is climbing on this video, it’s me. I’ve also taken a few screen shots to study the set up.

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

@IMOO1896 thank you so much for continuing to watch. I'm proud it worked for you, and I hope you keep finding ways to use it in the future.

[@rickwitten]

Thanks for this. I’m building my jig now!

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

Once ya build it, save it. I'm so glad I did. I've used it on 4 or 5 shelving systems. I even loaned it out to a friend installing some in his shed.

[@joekirk6249]

Brilliant!

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

Thank you for watching. I hope it gives you ideas.

[@Foxtrotbravo0331]

This may not be that big of an issue, just a me thing. I cut the horizontal piece of plywood (shelf) to accommodate the vertical studs. I, or another member of the house, will sometimes push an item that may push another item too far back, causing it to fall through the hole. It also adds a few more inches of storage space, depending on the size (depth) of the studs.

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

I normally will do that myself to the shelf. On this application, I wanted the gap so I could slide my tool handles (shovels, rakes, etc.) behind it to help keep them from falling over. The gaps are sort of acting as tool holders which worked out really well.

[@Spain42]

Great idea

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

Thank you. I've used them for years and they are super quick and easy

[@cdb989]

Wow great idea do you have a video on how you built your loft

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

I don't have a video on that, but it is just 2x4s spanning the distance front to back with a few running side to side to fill in support.

[@robertgerber2533]

Excellent

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

Thank you

[@billcarey7874]

Thanks. Nice work.

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

Thank you for watching.

[@Truthh4040]

Nice 👍👍

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

They work.

[@FunDuude]

Beautiful. Genius! Did you do a Weight Test to?

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

I didn't here because what would be stored here isn't heavy. I did when I built the same storage in my shop. I hung from it then stored stacks of barnwood on it.

[@ligngood3787]

Very nice! I made similar shelves in my shed but with scrap 2x4 pieces instead of the plywood gussets. If you cut a partial 45 degree piece off the end of each one, they are a lot kinder to bare scalps - don't ask me how I know this...

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

I'm bald, so I fully understand. My head is full of ... acci DENTS.

[@loubonaparte5063]

You could even get a little more depth by sort of sliding shelf flush to wall by cutting out slots around studs for actual shelf... not much, but every bit counts!!

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

In my shop, I did just that and also built shelves between the studs. Here, I didn't because I'm using the gap behind the shelves and between the studs to prevent tool handles (shovels, rakes, etc.) From falling.

[@jimbennett7248]

Great idea and simple jig. Thanks for sharing. I'm going to use this for storing lumber. With studs on 16" ctrs, how deep do you think the horizontal 2x4's can be? I'm thinking 16 to 18 inches?

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

Thanks for watching. When I moved and set up my wood shop, I used this method for storing lumber. I modified it a little so I didn't have the long 45° angle taking up space. Instead, I went with something about half that. It was still long horizontally but shorter vertically. I ended up with about a 14" shelf. The angled bracket was about 12" deep x 6-8" tall. I had no problems. The deeper you go, the more likely an issue could occur if you don't have the vertical suppport. If you put a bracket on every stud, you should be fine.

[@jimbennett7248]

@@ChristcrossCrafts Thank you for so detailed a response and your suggestions. Yours is one of my favorite KZbin channels.

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

@@jimbennett7248 Thank you. I just try and bring simple solutions to real problems.

[@bitkahuna]

wondering why you did do cut outs on the shelf board so it went all the way back to the wall, although i guess that's a bit of a pain to do.

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

Normally I'll either notch it or put scrap blocks on the 2x4s and put scrap ply between the studs. On this one I left it open because I stick tool handles behind it to keep them from tipping over. Shovels, hole diggers, rakes, etc. Stick up between the back of the shelf and between the studs.

[@rudolfrothemund2269]

What are the dimensions of the actual shelf? What are the dimensions of the stud that supports the shelves? Some of us are complete newbys and need that information. And also the dimensions of the triangle support? Here's my guesses. Since the studs of the shelf are about 3 3/8 inches (protruding) and I think you said the triangle supports are 12 inches on two sides. I am guessing that the support studs have to be 8 5/8 inches. I am also guessing the length of the your shelf is 60 inches. If I want bigger I need to add more shelf supports. Am I right about the measurements?

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

The jig is completely customizeable. Depending on what im putting on the shelf i will make the triangle supports 2-6" less (depth) than the shelf. If more stuff (weight) will be on them, i add more supports or make the supports slightly deeper. I have some shelves I've made 12" deep and some 16". I use the same jig to make the supports so it is totally up to your shelf requirements.

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

Thank you for watching and the feedback. I left the basics in a comment but also tweaked the description.

[@rudolfrothemund2269]

@@ChristcrossCrafts Thank you for the dimensions. I take it my 8 5/8 length was correct for the stud holding the shelf. Was the length of your shelf 60 inches? And thanks for your video. I downloaded it and will use it to make my shelves.

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

@@rudolfrothemund2269 if I remember, that shelf is 60". I made a couple shelves for that shed. One shelf is 16" deep and has 12" plywood supports and 14" 2x4 support. The other is 12" deep and has 8" plywood & 10" 2x4 supports. I generally make the 2x4 support equal to the depth or or 2" shy of the depth of the shelf. The plywood supports are usually 2-4" less than that.

[@PrincipalScratcher1]

Not bad. Not bad at all! I'm copying you. lol

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

Thank you. Go right ahead & copy away.

[@brodygoalie]

How come you did not put in built-in steps to get up to the rafter!

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

I keep a step ladder in toften so if i do need to reach something at the back, its easy access. Plus, the height of my shelf is easy for me to reach the edge. I only put crap up there I don't access often.

[@jayryan7473]

How much weight does each bracket hold? They're are about the same size as the $2 hardware store metal brackets that hold 200 lb each.

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

There are a few variables that will impact that... The depth of the shelf and the size of the angled plywood side piece. Also, how many you use (i.e. every stud vs skipping every other one). I've done them skipping every other one and it held the weight of the items on the shelf, plus my weight hanging from it.

[@Flybigjet]

Sweet jig! Thanks my man, I just got a 10x16 shed and I’ll use your jig for my shelves! What’s your toy that’s coming?

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

Thank you. It does work quite well and easy. I bought a CNC machine... That's my "toy".

[@rromero1318]

Looks food

[@Jessicaran]

That bracket is awesome! Unless nothing is square/level on your 60yo shed lol

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

Thank you. You can make your brackets level side-to-side and even front-to-back very easily with this. I've made a couple for other sheds where I had to cut my shelf short just to get it in. Or made it two pieces to join over a bracket.

[@loganwolverine2573]

you're awesome

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

Thanks, but not really. Just a simple guy with simple solutions.

[@nole8923]

What’s time consuming is cutting those triangular pieces of plywood. In the end it’s a decision between time vs money. If you have the time you can save a lot of money. However if you don’t have a lot of time, but you’re willing to spend the money the Etsy storage shed organizer shelving kit is the way to go. But your system is one of the best I’ve seen if you have the time. In order to cut those triangular pieces of plywood and make them all exact with any speed you would need a very good table saw and a very good miter saw. If you cut those with a regular circular saw your neighbors will hear a lot of swear words because of all the mess ups. Not to mention all the time spent drawing lines for the cuts. And if you’re not a pro you’re going to mess a bunch up. But it’s all about time. Unfortunately I don’t have that much. But, good video nonetheless.

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

I appreciate you watching. Once you make one, you can use it as a template for the others. Or, A straight edge works well for cutting the pieces long and into squares. Then, it doesn't matter if the diagonal is off a little bit. As long as the 90° part is square. Once in squares, you can cut 2-3 diagonally at one time. This saves lots of time.

[@bcboncs]

​@@ChristcrossCraftsspeaking of time I think it took him more time to type that than me to innovate time savings as I was reading the novel

[@Assassincreed6398]

awesome, im looking to build some shelves for my grandparents garage. how strong would you say these are? my grandmother wants to put some old barrels filled with Christmas stuff

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

I hung on mine... and I ain't light weight, lol.

[@bull5919]

how you determine angel for the braces of plywood

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

I make squares (same dimension on both sides) and then cut them corner to corner. That will give you two pieces with a 45° angle.

[@MAGAMAN]

It all depends on how much strength you need or how much room you have.

[@newyork819]

why did you not notch the back to make it flush in the back?

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

Normally I would. For this shelf, I used the dead space behind to help keep tools propped up. I stuck my shovels, axe, rake, etc underneath and the gap kept them from falling. In this case, I utilized the gap to my advantage.

[@ednahartranft5710]

Hi, you may haven’t stated in one of your comments, but how thick are the 12x12 boards?

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

On this one, I used 1/2". It was what I had on hand and more than sufficient for this application. For deeper shelves with longer spans between supports, I've used 3/4"

[@ednahartranft5710]

@@ChristcrossCrafts Thank you.

[@bull5919]

how much weight you think that shelf would hold

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

It depends on the depth and how many studs you place a bracket on. The original shelf I made for my shop held me. I laid down on it and did another video. It was 24" deep. The narrower shelves will certainly still hold a great deal if you hit every stud.

[@jpennington43]

Thanks man! Nice video and shelves. How deep are your final shelves? 16"? My garden shed is being built today and I'm ready to start building shelves.

[@jpennington43]

No worries on a reply ... I went with 12" and it worked out perfect. Thanks Chris!!

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

Sorry, for some reason I got no notification of your question. I'm glad it worked out.

[@Derrickj-qn3em]

🎉

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

I hope it works as good for you as it does for me.

[@MAGAMAN]

That is extremely overbuilt for the less than 20 lbs you have on that.I built something similar with only 2x4s and it was able to hold m 200+ lbs on one bracket. The main difference was that I used the 2x4s the wide way because I have to screw it into the finished wall and instead of plywood, I used a section of 2x4 cut at a 45 degree angle and it is all supported from the top because there is peg board beneath it, so there is even less strength than what you built.

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

I have a lot more weight on it now. That setup was temporary.

[@zzzz-ok7733]

🛠️🇺🇲🧰...👍

[@EZStudRack]

Let me know if you need some EZStudRacks! All that between stud storage! kzbin.info/www/bejne/maannIudjK50ia8

[@robertheintz8017]

Christcross'll make ya (Jump jump)

[@teecuzbruh4058]

Wanna sell me some?

[@ChristcrossCrafts]

They are easy to make with very minimal tools.