How to Build a DIY Garage Storage Tower

Family HandymanUpdated: Aug. 17, 2023

Transform clutter into order with this DIY garage storage tower. Tons of easy-access storage—and more space to hang stuff!

Time

Multiple Days

Complexity

Beginner

Cost

$101–250

Introduction

If you store a lot of garage items in plastic storage bins, you know all about the hassle of finding that one thing that's inevitably in the bottom bin. A bin storage system can make organizing and access a lot simpler. These bin towers are simple to build, don't require expensive tools, and actually add wall space without losing a lot of floor space. They're designed to hold 16- to 18-gallon bins with a lid size of about 18 x 24 in.

Tools Required

Air compressor
Air hose
Brad nail gun
Caulk gun
Clamps
Drill/driver - cordless
Extension cord
Framing square
Hearing protection
Level
Paint roller
Paint tray
Paintbrush
Putty knife
Rags
Roller sleeve
Roller tray
Safety glasses
Sawhorses
Screw gun

Materials Required

1-1/2-in. 18-gauge brad nails
1-in. 18-gauge brad nails
2 sheets 4' x 8' x 1/4" underlayment plywood
2-in. trim-head screws
5 sheets 4' x 8' x 3/4" BC sanded plywood
Gallon of paint/primer
Wood filler
1x2 x 8' pressure-treated board

If you store a lot of garage items in plastic storage bins, you know all about the hassle of finding that one thing that’s inevitably in the bottom bin. A bin storage system can make organizing and access a lot simpler. These bin towers are simple to build, don’t require expensive tools, and actually add wall space without losing a lot of floor space. They’re designed to hold 16- to 18-gallon bins with a lid size of about 18 x 24 in.

Project step-by-step (8)

Step 1

Cut Up the Plywood

Rip all the sheets down to 23-3/4 in.
- Note: If you don’t own a table saw, use a straightedge and make your cuts with a circular saw.
Once all the sheets have been ripped down, cut the tops, bottoms and shelves to 18-in. lengths.
- Pro tip: If you’re using a circular saw, save time by clamping two 8-ft. strips together, and cut two at a time.

Step 2

Fill Plywood Voids

Figure out which edge will be exposed on each part, and fill any voids in the plywood.
When the filler dries, sand the edge with 100-grit sandpaper.

Step 3

Paint the Parts Before Assembly

Figure out which edges need to be painted and mark them with an “X”.
Make a couple of passes with 100-grit sandpaper before you paint.
- Note: We used a paint/primer in one. If you choose a traditional wood primer, have the store tint it close to the final color.

Step 4

Assemble the Towers

Tack the shelves into position with a brad nailer.
Strengthen each connection with 2-in. trim head screws.
- Pro tip: A plywood spacer lets you position parts perfectly without measuring.

Step 5

Install the Bottom Strips

Prevent the plywood from sitting directly on the floor by installing pressure-treated strips on the bottom of the tower, made of 5/8-in. strips ripped from a 1×2 pressure-treated board.
Inset the strips about 3/8 in. and nailed them on with 1-1/2-in. brads.

Step 6

Fasten the Back

Use the 1/4-in. plywood to square up the unit.
Fasten the two factory-cut edges of the plywood to the back first using 1-in. brads.
Nail the short side, and then the long side, aligning the edges as you go.
- Pro tip: Don’t install a whole bunch of brads until you know everything is square. Flip the piece over and check for square using a framing square or by measuring from inside corner to inside corner on a couple of different openings—if the measurements are the same, you should be good to go.
Finish fastening the back with brads spaced every 8 in. or so, then reinforce it with one 2-in. trim head screw in the center of each shelf and five screws on each side.

Step 7

Shim Up the Tower

You’ll probably have to shim the bottom to get the bin tower to sit straight and tight up against the wall.
Set the first tower against the wall and shim the front until it sits tight against the wall.
Use a level to check for plumb while you shim the low side.
Insert at least four shims on the side and three on the front.
Go back and snug up the front shims.

Step 8

Screw it to the Wall

Screw the tower to the wall studs with 2-in. screws.
- Pro tip: Make sure each tower is fastened to at least one stud. Since tipping is a concern, install a few screws near the top; you’ll only need screws down low if you need to draw the tower tight to the wall.
Mark all the shims, and pull them out one at a time.
Cut them down to size and replace them.
- Pro tip: We ran a small bead of clear silicone around the bottom of mine to hold the shims in place. If the towers ever get moved, the silicone will be easy to scrape off the floor.
Go get all sorts of caddies, hooks and hangers, and start organizing.

Originally Published: March 07, 2018