Fasten with trim-head screws
Use 1-1/4-in. screws for 3/4-in. to 3/4-in. joinery. Use 2-in. screws for edge joints. Plus: Learn how to build the cleat wall for mounting all of these nifty tool holders.
Build a test wall
Mount three cleats on a half sheet of plywood to mock up a test wall. Use it to test and assemble your shelves, bins, hangers and more.
Learn some tips on how to drive screws properly right here.
The plywood is optional
If your garage or shop wall has exposed studs, you’ll find the plywood in our plan ideal for finishing the wall. But you could also screw the wall cleats right through existing plywood or drywall or even directly to the studs.
Get the best plywood for your buck with these 16 tips.
Medium-size shelves
Medium-Size shelves, depending on their design and the weight of their contents, may need to span more than one cleat.
Plan for outlets
If you have existing outlets near the floor, you can tap into those outlets to feed new outlets in the slat wall itself. These new outlets can be at workbench level to feed battery chargers or up high to power lights.
You can cut holes in the drywall and feed cable up to those locations. You don’t need to patch those holes because they will be covered by the slat wall. Leave the cables coiled behind the plywood and note their locations. Then you can cut outlet holes in the plywood and insert “remodeling” junction boxes.
Learn more about replacing electrical outlets here.