Materials Used
- 2×4 x 8′ wood boards
- 4′ x 8′ plywood sheets
- Simpson Strong-Tie Connector screws (initially used, later replaced)
- Paint (any kind you like — optional but makes a difference)
Tools Used
- Circular saw
- Drill and impact driver
- Paint sprayer
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Safety glasses
- Tarp (for painting)
Hi, I’m Shereen, and today I’m sharing how I built a sturdy and budget-friendly storage shelving unit in partnership with Simpson Strong-Tie. If you’ve been needing more storage space that’s practical, durable and good-looking, this project may be just what you’re looking for.
It all started with a photo I found on Pinterest. That gave me the initial spark, but I wanted to design something that fit my space and my actual storage needs. I wasn’t planning to stack crates; I needed a setup that could hold folding chairs, bins, and other bulky things cluttering up my garage and patio. So I grabbed the wood I had in the garage and got to work.
The structure is built from 2x4s and plywood. For the cuts, I used my circular saw. A miter saw would’ve made things easier, but I made it work with what I had. I set up a little station using two patio chairs as sawhorses and cut all the wood that way — super simple and effective. After cutting, I decided to paint the wood using leftover paint I found in the house. I wasn’t picky about color; I just wanted it to look finished and intentional. I used a paint sprayer and thinned the paint with water, so it went on smoothly and dried fast.
Once the paint was dry (which honestly took a whole weekend), I started assembling the frame. I built two rectangular frames — one for the front and one for the back — and connected everything using Simpson Strong-Tie® Outdoor Accents® connectors. These are the real stars of the build. They’re made for outdoor projects, structurally rated and really beautiful. The black finish matched my pergola hardware perfectly, and that little design detail just made everything feel more cohesive.
While posting about the project on Instagram, one of the engineers from Simpson Strong-Tie actually messaged me. I had used the wrong screws at first — connector screws instead of their SDWS Timber screws. They kindly let me know, and I was able to make the switch before final assembly. No predrilling was needed with the correct screws, so I saved myself a lot of time in the end. That’s one of the best parts about working with Simpson Strong-Tie: They support DIYers like me. They offer so many resources through their site, from project inspiration to education and training, so you’re never just winging it.
Back to the build. After the front and back frames were done, I joined them together with horizontal supports to create the overall box structure. Some of my wood was slightly bowed, so I added weights and gave it some time to settle straight. Once everything was aligned, I secured each joint with L-shaped brackets—four per board, two at the top and two at the bottom. That gave the structure the stability it needed to stand on its own.
Next came the shelves. I cut plywood panels to fit the space between the supports and attached dividers to create compartments. This part went much faster once the frame was up. I used the same brackets to secure each shelf and divider, working my way up from the bottom. By the end of day four, I was done and the shelving unit was standing strong and looking so good.
It blends beautifully with the rest of my outdoor space, and most importantly, it’s finally giving me room to move around in the garage. I’ve started transferring all the clutter over to the storage unit — folding chairs, crates, even an extra table — and I’m thrilled with how much it holds.
This build was simple, affordable and very beginner-friendly. If you’re looking to build your own shelving unit, I’ve listed all the materials I used above so you can recreate it. You can also check out my video below to watch how I built this DIY storage shelving unit!
