How to Make a Hanging Attic Storage Shelf

If you feel like your attic storage has reached its limit - just look up! Hanging attic storage can be easy to install and can provide you with much more space. Storage above your head means your things are relatively out of the way so you can do much more with your attic.

Step 1 - Inspect Your Ceiling

How you hang your new storage shelf will depend on your attic ceiling. If you have exposed beams, installation will be easier as you simply drill the shelves into the supports using heavy duty nails and the space in between the beams will be enough to accomodate your storage boxes. If your beams are not exposed, you will have to suspend the shelf from the lower roof covering to create enough space to store your boxes. It is a good idea to use a stud finder to help hang your shelf at the safest points so as not to affect the integrity of any covering.

Step 2 - Shelf Wood

To make the shelf, all you need to do is hang a wooden board from the ceiling and you have instant attic storage! The size of the board that you choose for your shelf depends on what you will be storing. Standard 2x4 boards may be too narrow so don't be afraid to inspect every size of wooden planks at your local home improvement store and choose something that suits the space you have available.

Using your drill and a bit, drill a hole at each corner of the plank so you have four holes in total. Make sure the holes are quite wide as you will have to thread rope through them in order to secure the shelf.

Step 3 - Choose Your Hanging Material

If your beams are hidden in the attic ceiling, decide which kind of material will be best to hang your shelf. The easiest material to find would be rope. Buy metal eyelets to drill into the ceiling and you can thread your rope through them to easily attach your shelf.

Step 4 - Installation

If you have exposed beams, simply drill the shelf directly into the beams. If you need to hang the shelves down a bit, drill your metal eyelets into the ceiling with one for each end of the plank.

Once the eyelets are in place, thread your rope through them. Make sure the rope is long enough as you can always cut off any excess. Now, raise your shelf on the ropes and use clothes pins to secure the shelf temporarily. This way, you can step back and make sure your shelf is level. Next, take the rope and loop it over the outside of the wooden corner and back down through the hole. Do this again over the other side of the corner and remove the clothes pin before making a simple loop knot underneath the shelf. Once you are satisfied with your knot, cut off the excess rope and repeat with the remaining holes to finish.