For handy property owners, the garage isn’t just a place to park the car; it’s also a repository for tools, lawn equipment, and seasonal items.

However, if you don’t have space-efficient shelving to organise all of these items, your attractive garage could quickly become a chaotic dumping ground. Use one of these easy-to-build garage shelving projects this weekend to finally get your garage in order.

How Do You Make A Strong Garage Shelf?

Making a strong garage shelf requires careful planning, precise measurements, and the right materials. Here are some steps you can follow to make a strong garage shelf:

1. Measure The Space: 

Measuring the space involves determining the available area where you want to install the garage shelf. You should measure the height, width, and depth of the space to ensure that the shelf fits properly. To do this, use a tape measure and record the dimensions in inches or centimetres.

Make sure to measure the space accurately, taking into account any obstacles, such as pipes or electrical outlets, that may affect the placement of the shelf. Also, consider the weight and size of the items you plan to store on the shelf, as this will help you determine the load capacity and spacing between the shelves.

2. Choose The Right Materials: 

Choosing the right materials is crucial in making a strong garage shelf. Here are some common materials you can consider:

Solid Wood: 

Solid wood such as pine, oak, or maple is a popular choice for garage shelves. It is durable, strong, and can hold a lot of weight. It also looks great and can be stained or painted to match your garage décor. Make sure to choose a hardwood species for maximum strength.

Plywood: 

Plywood is a cost-effective alternative to solid wood. It is made of thin layers of wood glued together and is strong and lightweight. Choose plywood with a thickness of at least 3/4 inch to ensure that it can support the weight of the items you plan to store.

Particleboard: 

Particleboard is made of compressed wood chips and resin, and it is a budget-friendly option. However, it is less strong than solid wood or plywood and may not hold up to heavy loads or moisture. If you choose particleboard, select a high-density type for more strength.

Steel: 

Steel is the most durable and strongest material for garage shelves. It can hold a lot of weight and is resistant to rust and corrosion. However, it is also the most expensive option.

When choosing materials, consider the load capacity, budget, and style of your garage. Whatever material you choose, make sure to use high-quality hardware and fasteners to ensure a sturdy and secure shelf.

3. Cut The Shelves And Support Beams:

Once you have chosen the materials for your garage shelf, the next step is to cut the shelves and support beams to the right size. Here’s how to do it:

• Measure and mark the length of the shelf or support beam on the material using a measuring tape and pencil.
• Use a circular saw or table saw to cut the material along the marked line. Be sure to wear safety goggles and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using the saw.
• Double-check the dimensions of the cut pieces to ensure they are the correct size.
• Repeat the process for all the shelves and support beams needed for the shelf.

It’s important to make precise cuts to ensure that the shelves and support beams fit together properly and the shelf is level. If you don’t have experience using power tools, consider hiring a professional or asking for help from someone with experience to ensure safety and accuracy.

4. Drill Pilot Holes: 

Before assembling the garage shelf, it’s important to drill pilot holes in the support beams to prevent splitting when you screw them together. Here’s how to do it:

• Determine where you want to place the screws on the support beam.
• Use a drill bit that is slightly smaller in diameter than the screw you will be using to drill a hole at each screw location.
• Drill the holes straight into the wood, being careful not to drill through the wood.
• Repeat the process for all the screw locations on the support beams.

Drilling pilot holes will prevent the wood from splitting when you insert the screws and will ensure a strong and sturdy joint. Make sure to use the correct size drill bit for the screws you will be using to avoid making the holes too large or too small.

5. Assemble The Frame: 

To assemble the frame of the garage shelf, follow these steps:

• Lay out the support beams on a flat surface, making sure they are aligned correctly.
• Apply wood glue to the ends of each support beam that will be joined together.
• Line up the support beams to form a rectangular frame.
• Use clamps to hold the support beams together while the glue dries, or ask someone to hold the pieces in place.
• Drill screws through the pilot holes you made earlier to secure the support beam together.
• Check to make sure the frame is square and level, adjusting if necessary.
• Repeat the process for any additional frames or shelves that you will be attaching to the support beams.

By following these steps, you can assemble a strong and sturdy frame for your garage shelf. The wood glue will help reinforce the joints and the screws will provide additional support. Make sure to tighten the screws securely to ensure the frame is stable and can hold the weight of the shelves and items you plan to store.

6. Attach The Shelves:

To attach the shelves to the frame of the garage shelf, follow these steps:

• Measure and mark the location where you want to place the shelf on each of the support beams.
• Apply wood glue to the top of the support beams where the shelf will be placed.
• Place the shelf on top of the support beams, making sure it is aligned correctly.
• Use clamps to hold the shelf in place while the glue dries, or ask someone to hold the shelf in place.
• Drill screws through the pilot holes you made earlier to secure the shelf to the support beams.
• Repeat the process for any additional shelves that you will be attaching to the support beams.
• Check to make sure all the shelves are level and evenly spaced.

By following these steps, you can attach the shelves to the support beams and create a strong and sturdy garage shelf. 

7. Add Extra Support: 

If you want to add extra support to your garage shelf to increase its strength, here are some methods you can use:

• Use L-brackets: Install L-brackets under each shelf where it meets the support beams. These brackets will help distribute the weight of the items on the shelf more evenly, reducing the stress on the joints.
• Install diagonal braces: Diagonal braces are supports that run from the corners of the shelf frame to the middle of the opposite support beam. They can help prevent the shelf from sagging or tipping over.
• Add cross bracing: Cross bracing is a set of supports that run diagonally between the support beams on the sides of the shelf frame. These supports can help prevent the shelf from swaying or twisting.
• Use metal support brackets: Metal support brackets are specially designed brackets that can be attached to the support beams and shelves to increase their strength and stability.

By adding extra support to your garage shelf, you can ensure that it can handle heavier loads and last longer. Make sure to use high-quality materials and hardware when adding support to your shelf to ensure its durability and safety.

8. Finish The Shelf:

To finish the garage shelf, follow these steps:

• Sand the wood: Use sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges or surfaces on the shelf and support beams.
• Apply wood sealer or stain: Applying a wood sealer or stain can help protect the wood from moisture and damage, and enhance its appearance. Choose a product that is suitable for the type of wood you used.
• Allow the sealer or stain to dry: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the sealer or stain you used and allow it to dry completely before using the shelf.
• Add non-slip pads or liners: To prevent items from sliding off the shelves, add non-slip pads or liners to each shelf.
• Organize items: Once the shelf is finished, you can start organizing items on it. Group items by type and size, and label boxes or containers to make them easier to find.

By finishing the garage shelf, you can protect it from damage and improve its appearance. Adding non-slip pads or liners can also make it safer to use. Organizing your items can help maximize the space on the shelf and make it easier to find what you need.

Conclusion

Building a strong garage shelf is a great way to increase your storage space and organize your belongings. To make a sturdy garage shelf, it is important to measure the space, choose the right materials, cut the shelves and support beams, drill pilot holes, assemble the frame, attach the shelves, add extra support if needed, and finish the shelf.

By following these steps, you can create a durable and reliable garage shelf that can hold the weight of your items and last for years to come.

If you want to ask for some professionals on how to build a wall shelf garage, just visit Storage Smart. 

 

Do you know the horror of having bedbugs invade your home? These annoying insects can make your life miserable by giving you a rash and keeping you up at night. Although there are several treatments available, eradicating bed bugs can be challenging.

In this article, we’ll discuss the best treatments for eliminating bed bugs so you can get some shut-eye. We have you covered, whether you prefer chemical or natural treatments. So, keep reading to learn how to finally rid your home of those pesky bed bugs!

Check also bed bug inspection company. 

Bed Bug: What Is It?

Small, wingless insects and bed bugs feed on the blood of animals and humans. In size and colour, they are comparable to apple seeds. Bed bugs are frequently discovered in furniture used for sleeping or lounging. They become more active at night because they are drawn to the heat and carbon dioxide that animals and humans produce.

Bed bugs are highly mobile pests that can hitchhike on people, luggage, and furnishings. They are notoriously difficult to eradicate without the aid of experts due to their rapid reproduction and spread after the initial infestation.

Bites from a bed bug may cause redness and itching but rarely cause pain. Bed bug bites can cause serious reactions in some people, including itching, swelling, and even blisters.

There is no time to waste if you think you have a bed bug infestation at your house; action must be taken immediately to stop the bugs from multiplying.

What Is The Most Effective Bed Bug Treatment?

The best treatment for bed bugs is the one that you feel most confident using, given the level of infestation and your personal preferences. Some of the best remedies are as follows:

Chemical Treatments

The vast majority of bed bug infestations are treated with chemicals. Insecticides, chemicals formulated specifically for use against insects, are used in these treatments. Insecticides and steam treatments are commonly used by professionals to get rid of bed bugs.

Bed bug treatments typically involve one of two types of insecticides: contact insecticides and residual insecticides. While contact insecticides are quick to act and kill bed bugs on contact, residual insecticides continue to work for weeks after application and kill bed bugs over and over again.

The extent of the infestation and the location of the infested area will determine the type of insecticide used in the treatment of bed bugs. To ensure that all bed bugs are killed, it may be necessary to use more than one insecticide.

It’s worth stressing that improper use of insecticides can be dangerous to people and animals. Insecticides can be dangerous, but professional exterminators know how to use them safely and effectively, and they will take all necessary precautions to keep you and your family safe.

Heat Treatments

Heat treatments involve the use of high temperatures to kill bed bugs. This method is effective because bed bugs cannot survive in temperatures above 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Professional exterminators use specialized equipment to heat the infested area to the required temperature for a set amount of time.

Treatments with heat are effective because the heat can reach even the tiniest crevices and cracks in the infested area. The use of chemical insecticides, which can be harmful to both people and animals, is also avoided.

However, the cost of heat treatments can add up, and you may need multiple sessions to get rid of the infestation completely. Also, some materials are more susceptible to damage from heat treatments than others, so make sure to follow the exterminator’s instructions to keep your electronics and plastics safe.

Overall, heat treatments are a good way to get rid of bed bugs. However, they may not be applicable in all cases. When trying to figure out how to best deal with an infestation, it’s always best to get some expert advice.

Cold Treatments

Cryonite treatments, which involve applying a cold temperature, are another successful strategy for getting rid of bed bugs. This technique makes use of specialised equipment to bring the temperature of the infested area down to a point where the bed bugs die.

Because cold treatments can reach even the tiniest crevices and cracks, they are an excellent choice for eliminating bed bugs from an entire room. Chemical insecticides, which can be harmful to both humans and animals, are unnecessary with this strategy.

Although cold treatments are less likely to require repeat visits than heat treatments, they can still be costly. To avoid having your electronics and some plastics damaged by the exterminator’s cold treatment, be sure to follow all precautions they give you beforehand.

In most cases, cold treatments are an excellent way to get rid of bed bugs, but this isn’t always the case. A professional exterminator can help you figure out the best course of action for your particular infestation.

Natural Remedies

Several natural remedies can be used to treat bed bug infestations, such as diatomaceous earth, tea tree oil, and lavender oil. While these remedies may not be as effective as chemical or heat treatments, they are a safer and more environmentally friendly option.

Avoiding the use of toxic chemicals, natural treatments for bed bug infestations are safe for the environment and the bugs themselves. 

Natural remedies may not be as efficient as chemical, heat, or cold treatments, but they can help prevent or deal with minor infestations. Some examples of natural remedies for bed bugs include:

Diatomaceous Earth

This is a natural powder made from the fossilized remains of small aquatic organisms. When bed bugs come into contact with diatomaceous earth, it damages their outer protective layer, causing them to dehydrate and die.

Essential Oils

Certain essential oils, such as lavender, tea tree, and peppermint oil, are known for their insecticidal properties. These oils can be mixed with water and sprayed on infested areas or used in a diffuser to repel bed bugs.

Steam Cleaning

Steam cleaning can be an effective way to kill bed bugs and their eggs in small areas, such as mattresses, furniture, and carpets. The high temperature of the steam can penetrate deep into fabrics and crevices, killing bed bugs on contact.

Vacuuming

Regular vacuuming of infested areas can help to reduce the number of bed bugs present. Be sure to empty the vacuum bag outside of your home to prevent bed bugs from spreading.

Although there are cases in which natural remedies can successfully eliminate a bed bug infestation, this is not always the case. To figure out what measures are most effective in your case, it’s best to talk to an exterminator.

Conclusion

Having a bed bug infestation in your home can be a very frustrating and stressful experience. However, chemical, heat, cold, and natural remedies are among the most successful ways to get rid of bed bugs.

Insecticides are used in chemical treatments, while temperature manipulation is accomplished with the help of specialised apparatus in cold and heat treatments.

Diatomaceous earth, essential oils, steam cleaning, and vacuuming are just some examples of the non-toxic, environmentally friendly methods that are used in natural remedies.

There are benefits and drawbacks to each type of treatment, so it’s best to talk to a professional exterminator about what will work best in your home. Bed bugs can be effectively treated and prevented from returning with the right measures.