How to Build a French Cleat Shelf to Hold Virtually Anything
French cleats are magical in their strength and simplicity. Here's how to make these amazing joints.
French cleats are often used to secure cabinets to walls, but can also be used to build modular shelves that can help organize your workspace. A French cleat system will be just as strong as most store bought wall organizers, and the hanging storage possibilities are only limited by your imagination and skill level.
To build this basic hanging system, start with 3/4-inch plywood and cut a strip that's 5 inches tall and at least 30 inches in length. This will be the section that attaches to your wall, and that the cleats hold onto. Of course, you can also cut the length of this strip to suit your needs but it should be long enough to be anchored into two wall studs that are typically 16 inches apart on center.
Make 45 Degree Cuts
Use a circular saw or jigsaw and adjust the shoe to a 45 degree angle. Use a guide or fence to keep the tool straight and cut along the length of the plywood.
Cut the Cleat for the Shelf
Use a shorter piece of plywood for the cleat that will be attached to the shelf. Make another 45 degree angled cut along the length of this piece, and line them up when you are finished to see how they will be attached.
Build Your Shelf
Attach two pieces of small plywood using wood screws to create your shelf and then attach the small cleat to the back of the shelf using wood glue and wood screws.
Secure Wall Cleat
Use a level and attach the long plywood cleat to the wall using wood screws. It's best to install the cleat into studs which are typically 16 inches to 24 inches apart.
Attach the Cleat to the Wall
Hang the shelf wherever you'd like along the length of the cleat.
Check the Cleat for Strength
If you can view a side profile of the French cleat, you should see the two angled pieces of plywood sitting flush against each other with the shelf flat against the wall cleat.
Start Using Your Cleats
We tested this French cleat connection and shelf using a 10 lb. accessories box filled with screws. The joint held up well, but for a shelf this size it's better suited to hold smaller individual tools.
Add Side Supports
You can reinforce the shelf by adding side supports which will help prevent items from falling off as well as provide additional strength when holding heavy items such as pipe clamps.
No comments:
Post a Comment