How to Build a Wood Garage Shelf

Cut your 1-by-8-inch lumber to length of 42 inches. Use the remaining 1-by-8-inch lumber to create two 6-inch square blocks. Cut your 2-by-4-inch lumber to a length of 36 inches.

Place one of the two 6-inch blocks on the table in front of you. Measure 1 inch to the right from the top left corner and make a mark on the edge of the wood with your pencil.

Set your miter saw to a 45-degree angle to the right. Place the block under the saw with your first mark directly under the saw blade. Cut the block; this will leave you with an uneven pentagon. Repeat this process with the other 6-inch square.

Spread wood glue on both ends of the 36-inch piece, then place the piece flat on the table in front of you. Place one of the angled pieces you just cut on the table so one 6-inch surface is against the table and the other 6-inch side is vertical and away from you. Align the vertical 6-inch side with the right side of the top edge of the 36-inch piece and press the two pieces together. Do the same with the other angled piece and the left side of the 36-inch piece.

Drive two 2-inch wood screws through the outside of the angled piece and into the end of the 36-inch piece. Do this for both sides of the piece.

Locate three adjacent studs on the garage wall where you want to install the shelf. Make vertical marks with your level on the center of each stud.

Move your assembled shelf form the table to the wall. Align the structure so the center of the 36-inch piece is directly over the center stud. Place your level on top of the piece to ensure it remains perfectly level while you install it. Drive two 3-inch screws through the piece and into each stud.

Place wood glue over the top of the entire structure. Center the 42-inch piece over the installed structure and push it down into the glue. Drive 2-inch wood screws into the back of the shelf, connecting the 42-inch piece and the 36-inch piece. Place one screw every 6 inches.