2x4basics 90124 ShelfLinks Custom Storage System, Black - 6 Pack

I was skeptical at first plastic? You can't beat these for organizing your garage or basement. I built one set and will build 2 more. These brackets come as a six pack. I used 16 2x4's (4 per shelf x3, plus 4 uprights) to make a 6' tall by 8' wide set of shelves. So total, it ends up costing about $50 for a set of shelves ($2.50 for a 2x4).

I purchased a set of 2x4 basics as I needed shelving in my garage. The day they arrived I picked up 16 2x4x8's for about $2.00 each (I used four green treated ones because my garage often floods and used these for the uprights) The project was fairly easy and fun. I'm not what anyone would call a "handy" guy, but I built these in an afternoon and they are stong and now full of stuff. The directions aren't very useful, but it didn't matter because much of the process is self explanatory. My only warning is that the screws included are fairly worthless. I spun the heads off of about six of them before I gave up and used some I had bought at the store which worked much better. I recomend getting a package of decent 1" #10 wood screws. These added about $3.00 to my cost but probably saved me from having to replace my garage window after throwing my drill through it. All in all, I like the system and the product. Gonna build two more in my basement. Wish they came in larger packs at a discount.

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I purchased these shelf-links to organize my garage. I used 3/4" plywood for the shelves, which turned out fantastic and added the "flatness" to the unit I wanted. They offer such a variety of set-ups they can be used in any way your imagination will allow. And I think they were a great product for the price.

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To begin I only have irregular familiarity with carpentry and home improvement. My first big improvement goal in the house was to get the mess of stacked boxes in my garage organized and off the floor. Enter 2x4 basics: a solid product providing great function and versatility.

Application A hugely positive ability to do about any sort of design with this product can nearly be a drawback. By this I mean that the packaging instructions simply show where the screws mount into the ShelfLink (SL). Everything else is up to the end user. I bought two packs (for 12 total SLs) which allowed me to do four shelves eight feet high and across; 1 top shelf, 2 middle shelves and one "just off the ground" shelf. The shelf I used is eight feet long so there are three supports vice two for added rigidity.

Materials The SLs are lightweight and the resin feels like reliability, as odd as the phrase may sound. The included screws are strong and don't strip easily, a testament to further quality. Outside of the product itself, going with an eight feet tall, eight feet wide shelf allows the simple purchase of 2x4s. For this project I was able to justify buying a power saw and a rubber mallet.

Directions/Assembly The directions instruct you to make an appropriate amount of lower shelves and a top shelf. The lower shelves mount the SL on two lengths of "A", the uncut span of your intended shelf (eight feet in my case). The top shelf mounts the SL on four lengths of "A". I started with the top shelf first. The directions specify a 1/2 inch gap between the boards. Using the top shelf as a sort of template made the lower shelf assembly much easier.

There wasn't a sense of "The instructions say to do this"; more one of "If I do this what I'm making will more resemble the picture". The large graphic instructions don't provide printed instructions on how to go from step to step, rather indicating the process for where to screw what together. I managed by myself to wiggle the hefty spans on to the supports. Any design using a center support I would advise the help of a buddy to help shimmy the boards up the support.

2x4basics is quite clear that in a single shelf set up (one that is six feet across, not needing a center support as my eight feet shelf would) subtract 6 7/16" for the additional lower shelf 2x4s to fit snugly in place. The math to figure out what length I would need for my length "B" boards (the boards wedging between the supports) could have been simple. I won't know. Instead I measured the gap between slots (43.5") and cut my boards to that length; this length would not be snug enough and I would have to go out and cut up 44" lengths. If you are not using a mallet (with some force!) to put your length "B" boards in place do not expect a strong shelf. Without any formal training or engineering education I can only speculate that the pressure from a slightly longer board creates a torsional tension resulting in an extremely sturdy shelf. 2x4basics' instructions are clear that you should be whacking these boards into place.

Once I got the lower shelves aligned at the right height, screwing the remaining mounting points was just a matter of time. Before I really realized it I had a large organizational tool I had built myself in my garage.

All in all a great product for a DIY-er of any aptitude. The product design has great tolerances allowing for user error while still maintainin rock solid function. The use of 2x4s also allows the end user a choice in remaining materials cost.

This project cost $100 ($40 of SL, $60 of wood). Yes you can buy a steel shelf or the tupperware shelf for a bit less or the same. For what you do pay, though, you will not get as much space (about 85 cubic feet), custom design, or the simple satisfaction of creating something. I am very satisfied with the 2x4basics ShelfLinks System.

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Ran out of boards after putting together the 2x4 basics work table. If you notice most shelves are supported by only 2 boards.

This came together pretty nicely easier than the work table.

The only math really involved here is subtracting the 6 7/16" (just do 6.5" works fine)

In hindsight I wish I had just gotten 8' length 2x4s because 8' is the "max" span you should go between braces.

I bought a bunch of 10 footers weeks before ordering this and now have a bunch of 2' stubs.

Next chance I'll get I'll go to the lumber yard for more wood to finish it.

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