How to Build Attic Storage Shelves

Attic storage can free up space in other areas of your house, leaving closets and garages free of clutter. However, it is most desirable to have an organized attic storage space. Though attic spaces are generally only used to store occasionally used items, installing shelves for labelled totes and boxes will help you to keep things neat, organized and easy to find. Make sure you set aside quite a bit of time; building shelving is not a quick job. 

Step 1 – Assess the Space

Make sure that your attic is properly ventilated and insulated before considering storing anything in it. It wouldn’t hurt to know how much weight the attic can support and whether you need a permit to modify your attic. You’ll prefer sufficient lighting as well. Next, consider the layout and how you can use the space to its optimal potential. Gable walls provide the best storage areas because you can build shelves on them and customize cabinets along them. However, other walls, even under-eave wall spaces, can house shelving. 

Step 2 – Measure 

Measure the space and design your shelf layout on graph paper. Measure in several spots, down low, in the middle, and at the top of the wall to be sure the walls are straight.

Step 3 – Decide on Material 

If you’re not looking for anything fancy, don’t use the same materials you would for a bookshelf in your family room. Plywood is fairly economical, durable and easy to work with. Particle board is another good choice. Consider brackets, screws, wood glue, braces and nails when deciding what you will need. Talk to someone with experience at the hardware store or lumberyard before purchasing. Their knowledge might lead you toward a better or different material than you’d considered. 

Step 4 – Build a Shelf 

Cut the perpendicular boards to form the sides of the storage units. After that, mark on the vertical boards the distance you’ve planned out between the shelves. Cut 1 by 1 pieces to fit across (two for each shelf on the unit) and screw them into place using the marks you made. These will support your shelves. Cut the top board to the width of your unit and attach it. Then cut the boards that will fit into the distance between the sides of your unit. Screw these boards to the 1 by 1 supports. Paint as desired. 

Step 5 – Put in a Knee Wall 

Install a knee wall under the eaves. Install shelving in that space. It is the type of attic space that goes unused if not for storage. Nail shelving in securely to be sure it will stay in place. 

Step 6 – Consider Pull-Out Storage

If you’ve got unfinished truss spaces, you can put in pull-out storage containers. They are installed on a platform that you pull out from between trusses and put back in to keep out of the way. 

Step 7 – Consider Rafters

Get creative with your layout. Use all space available. Put up a hanging rod or hanging shelves in the rafters. You can hang dustproof storage bags from the rod and store things in the handy hanging shelves. 

Step 8 – Corner Shelves 

Don’t forget to utilize your corners. Even a corner shelf can be valuable storage space.