Free Garage Organization Plans from Simpson Strong-Tie: Build Professional Storage Solutions

A cluttered garage costs you time and money. When you’re digging through piles looking for tools or parts, you’re not getting work done. Simpson Strong-Tie offers free plans for heavy-duty garage storage to help get you organized.

Now, these aren’t quick set-up designs; they're built for professionals who need storage that can handle weight and daily abuse. Let's look at the designs Simpson Strong-Tie has created and planned out that might fit your needs best.

Every functional garage needs a solid workbench. Simpson Strong-Tie heavy-duty workbench design gives you a stable work surface that won’t wobble when you’re wrenching on something or using power tools.

What Makes It Heavy-Duty

The term "heavy-duty" actually means something here. This isn't a bench made from 2x4s that'll rack sideways the first time you lean into it. The design uses proper dimensional lumber with engineered connections to create a rigid frame.

The work surface can handle the weight of vises, grinders, and other mounted tools. You can clamp work pieces to the edges without the whole thing flexing. That matters when you're trying to work accurately.

Practical Features

A good workbench puts the work surface at the right height—typically 36 to 38 inches for most users. That lets you work without hunching over or reaching up. The Simpson Strong-Tie design accounts for standard ergonomics.

You'll want to consider adding lower shelving or storage underneath. The plans show you how the frame is constructed, which makes it easy to add your own modifications for storing frequently used tools and supplies.

Build Considerations

The top surface takes the most abuse, so material choice matters. A hardwood top lasts longer than softwood, but costs more. Some guys use doubled-up ¾-inch plywood or OSB with a hardboard overlay. The plans give you the frame—you pick the top material based on your budget and use case.

Mount this bench to wall studs if possible. Even a heavy-duty design benefits from wall attachment to prevent any racking movement.

Rigid Tie Connector (Choose either one for your project)

• Galvanized RTC2Z with ZMAX Attach with SD9112 Strong Drive SD CONNECTOR screws
• Black Powder-Coated APRTC2 Attach with Outdoor Accents SD10112DBB Connector screw

Simpson Strong-Tie Connectors and Fasteners

• (96) 1 1/2" Strong-Drive SD CONNECTOR screws (SD9112 for RTC2Z) or Outdoor Accents Connector screws (SD10112DBB for APRTC2
• (20) 2 1/2" Deck-Drive DSV WOOD screws (DSVT212R80)
• (8) Rigid Tie RTC2Z or Outdoor Accents APRTC2 corner connectors

Lumber needed

• (6) Pieces of 2x4 x 8' lumber
• (1) 4' x 4' sheet of 5⁄8" plywood
• (1) 2' x 4' sheet of ¼" pegboard

Storage that holds actual weight without sagging or collapsing. Simpson Strong-Tie’s shelving unit design handles the loads you actually need in a working garage, like paint cans, boxes of fasteners, power tools, and bulk materials.

Load Capacity Reality

A lot of store-bought shelving units claim high weight ratings, but those numbers assume perfect load distribution across the entire shelf. Real-world storage doesn't work that way. You stack heavy items where they fit, which creates point loads.

This design uses proper span calculations and adequate support members. The shelves won't sag in the middle after six months of use.

Size and Configuration

The plans show a standard vertical shelving unit that makes good use of wall space. Most garages have more vertical space than floor space, so building up makes sense.

You can adjust self-spacing based on what you’re storing. Leave taller gaps for bulky items like tool cases. Space shelves closer together for smaller boxes and containers.

Construction Details

The key to strong shelving is the connection between uprights and shelf supports. Simpson Strong-Tie specs the right hardware to make these connections solid. Don't substitute random brackets or screws—use what the plans call for.

Attach the unit to wall studs at multiple points. Freestanding shelving is always less stable than wall-mounted, especially when you're loading upper shelves with heavy items.

Material Selection

You can build the frame from standard dimensional lumber. For the shelf surfaces, ¾-inch plywood works well and costs less than solid lumber. If you’re storing very heavy items, consider doubling up the plywood or using thicker material on the most-loaded shelves.

Rigid Tie Connector (Choose either one for your project)

1. Galvanized RTC2Z with ZMAX Attach with SD9112 Strong Drive SD CONNECTOR screws
2. Black Powder-Coated APRTC2 Attach with Outdoor Accents SD10112DBB Connector screw

Simpson Strong-Tie Connectors and Fasteners

1. (16) Rigid Tie RTC2Z or Outdoor Accents APRTC2 connectors
2. (192) 1 1/2" Strong-Drive SD CONNECTOR screws (SD9112 for RTC2Z) or Outdoor Accents Connector screws (SD10112DBB for APRTC2
3. (40) 2" Deck-Drive DSV WOOD screws (DSVT2R110)

Lumber Needed

1. (9) Pieces 2x4 x 8'
2. (1) 4' x 8' sheet of 5/8" plywood

This is one of the smartest uses of wasted space in any garage. The areas above your parked vehicle typically sits empty. Simpson Strong-Tie’s over-the-car shelving design puts that space to work without interfering with your ability to use the garage.

Understanding the Design

This shelving spaces above you car, typically mounting to the ceiling joists or the wall studs on both sides of the garage. You’re creating a storage platform in the dead space between your car’s roof and your garage ceiling.

The design accounts for vehicle clearance which you will need enough room to park without hitting your head on the shelving when you get out. Most designs put the bottom of the storage unit at least 6 ½ to 7 feet off the floor.

What to Store Up There

This is perfect for seasonal items you don't need regular access to—holiday decorations, camping gear, spare parts you're keeping but not using weekly. You don't want to store things you need to grab quickly.

Keep weight in mind. Even though the design is engineered for heavy loads, accessing weight overhead is harder and less safe than ground-level storage. Store bulky but lighter items up high when possible.

Installation Critical Points

This unit absolutely must attach to structural members—ceiling joists or wall studs, not just drywall. The plans show you proper connection methods. Use lag screws into solid wood, not drywall anchors.

Make sure your ceiling joists run the right direction for your installation. If they don't, you may need to add blocking between joists to create mounting points.

Check your garage door clearance. The shelving can't interfere with the door's travel path when it opens and closes. Measure twice before you start cutting.

Access Considerations

You'll need a ladder or step stool to access this storage. Keep one handy if you're storing items you need to get to occasionally. Some guys install a pull-down ladder nearby for easier access.

Either of these Rigid Tie connector combinations can be used.

Galvanized RTC2Z and RTA2Z with ZMAX Attach with SD9112 Strong-Drive SD CONNECTOR screws.

Black Powder-Coated APRTC2 and APRTA2. Attach with Outdoor Accents SD10112DBB Connector screws.

Simpson Strong-Tie Connectors and Fasteners

1. (10) Rigid Tie RTC2Z or Outdoor Accents APRTC2 connectors
2. (2) Rigid Tie RTA2Z or Outdoor Accents APRTA2 connectors
3. (136) 11/2" Strong-Drive SD CONNECTOR screws (SD9112 for RTC2Z and RTA2Z) or Outdoor Accents Connector screws (SD10112DBB for APRTC2 and APRTA2)
4. (60) 2" Deck-Drive DSV WOOD screws (DSVT2R110)

Lumber Needed

1. (10) Pieces 2x4 x 8'
2. (1) 4' x 8' sheet of 5/8" plywood

If you heat with wood or just like having firewood for a fire pit, storing logs properly matters. Wet wood stacked on the ground rots and attracts pests. Simpson Strong-Tie's log holder design gets your firewood off the ground with good airflow.

Why Proper Log Storage Matters

Wood needs to dry out to burn efficiently. Stacking logs directly on concrete or dirt traps moisture underneath. The bottom layer stays wet and starts breaking down.

A raised log holder with gaps between the support members lets air circulate all around the wood. That speeds up drying and keeps your firewood in better condition.

Design Features

The holder design uses a simple frame that keeps logs contained while allowing airflow. You're building essentially a rack that holds the wood stack stable without letting it roll forward.

The height keeps the wood off the ground but still at a reasonable level for stacking and removing logs. You don't want to bend down to ground level every time you grab firewood.

Sizing and Location

Think about how much wood you typically go through. The plans show a standard size, but you can adjust the length to match your needs. Build it long enough to hold a decent supply but not so long that it becomes difficult to fill.

Location matters too. You want it close enough to your house or fire pit to be convenient, but not so close that you're carrying bugs and debris right up to your entrance. Inside the garage works if you have space and don't mind some bark and dirt.

Weather Protection

Even with good airflow, you'll want some overhead protection to keep rain and snow off the top of your wood pile. Some guys build a simple roof over the log holder. Others position it under an existing overhang.

The wood will still dry with overhead protection—you just need airflow from the sides and bottom.

Either Rigid Tie connector can be used.

1. Galvanized RTC2Z with ZMAX Attach with SD9112 Strong-Drive SDCONNECTOR screws.
2. Black Powder-Coated APRTC2 Attach with Outdoor Accents SD10112DBB Connector screws.

Simpson Strong-Tie Connectors and Fasteners

1. (4) Rigid Tie RTC2Z or Outdoor Accents APRTC2 corner connectors
2. (48) 1 ½" Strong-Drive SD CONNECTORscrews (SD9112 for RTC2Z) or Outdoor Accents 1 ½" Connector screws (SD10112DBB for APRTC2)

Lumber Needed

1. (3) Pieces 2x4 x 8'Cut ListCut from 2x4 x 8'(2) 47" rails(3) 30" corner post(2) 8" 
   
   

Different from a workbench, a work table is typically a standalone surface you can access from all sides. Simpson Strong-Tie's heavy-duty work table design gives you a mobile or stationary surface for layout work, assembly, or temporary project space.

Work Table vs. Workbench

A workbench usually sits against a wall and might have a vise or permanently mounted tools. A work table is more about having a clean, accessible surface for laying out materials, assembling components, or working on projects that need space.

The work table design is often built with enough ground clearance that you can roll equipment underneath when not in use. That makes efficient use of floor space in a smaller garage.

Mobility Options

Some guys build these with locking casters so the table can move around the garage as needed. That's useful when you need to reposition your work area or clear the space for other uses.

If you go with casters, use heavy-duty locking models rated for the total weight of the table plus whatever you'll put on it. Cheap casters will fail quickly, and unlocked casters are a safety hazard.

Surface Area and Height

The work table typically offers more surface area than a standard workbench. You might be laying out full sheets of plywood, spreading out parts for an assembly, or using it as an outfeed table for a table saw.

Standard height is similar to a workbench—around 36 inches. But you can adjust this if you have specific needs. Some guys build them lower for assembly work where you need to reach across the surface easily.

Construction Strength

The "heavy-duty" designation means this table can handle real weight without the legs spreading or the top sagging. The frame design includes proper bracing and connection details.

A flat, level top is critical. Take time during construction to make sure everything is square and the surface plane is true. A twisted or bowed work table is frustrating to use.

Storage Integration

Consider adding a lower shelf between the legs. This gives you a place to set tools and materials while you're working without cluttering the main work surface.

Some designs include drawers or bins mounted underneath. The plans show the basic frame—you can customize storage based on what you need.

Either Rigid Tie connector can be used.

1. Galvanized RTC2Z with ZMAX Attach with SD9112 Strong-Drive SDCONNECTOR screws.
2. Black Powder-Coated APRTC2 Attach with Outdoor Accents SD10112DBB Connector screw

Simpson Strong-Tie Connectors and Fasteners

1. (8) Rigid Tie RTC2Z or Outdoor Accents APRTC2 corner connectors•
2. (96) 1 1/2" Strong-Drive SD CONNECTOR screws (SD9112 for RTC2Z) or Outdoor Accents 1 1/2"Connector screws (SD10112DBB for APRTC2)
3. (36) 2 1/2" Deck-Drive DSV WOOD screws (DSVT212R80)

Lumber Needed

1. (5) Pieces 2x4 x 8'
2. (1) Piece 4' x 8' sheet of 5/8" plywood

Simpson Strong-Tie is known for engineered connection systems and structural hardware. When they publish building plans, the designs include proper load calculations and specified connection methods.

You're not guessing about whether a shelf can hold 500 pounds—the engineering is done. You're not wondering if the frame will rack sideways—the bracing is speced out.

That matters when you're building storage and work surfaces that will see heavy use and heavy loads. These aren't decorative pieces. They need to perform under real working conditions.

Measure your space. These plans show standard sizes, but you need to make sure they fit your garage layout. Measure twice, especially for the over-the-car shelving where clearances matter.

Check your walls. Most of these projects benefit from or require wall attachment. You need to know where your studs are and what condition your walls are in. Attaching to old, damaged drywall or crumbling concrete won't give you the stability you need.

Gather proper tools. You'll need basic carpentry tools—circular saw or miter saw, drill/driver, level, tape measure, and square. Make sure your tools are accurate. A dull saw or a square that's out of true makes the job harder.

Buy quality hardware. The connection points are where these projects succeed or fail. Use the hardware specified in the plans. This isn't the place to save money with cheaper substitutes.

Plan for finish. Exposed wood in a garage takes abuse from humidity, temperature swings, and general wear. Consider sealing or painting your finished projects to extend their life.

Budget for dimensional lumber, sheet goods (plywood or OSB), hardware, and fasteners. Prices vary by region and lumber market conditions, but these projects are generally affordable compared to buying commercial heavy-duty storage systems.

Buy straight lumber. Twisted, bowed, or cupped boards make construction harder and result in lower-quality finished pieces. Take time at the lumber yard to select good material.

For sheet goods, inspect the surfaces if appearance matters to you. For structural applications where you're only seeing the underside, lower-grade plywood saves money without sacrificing strength.

Download the Simpson Strong-Tie plans you need. The plans include cut lists, assembly diagrams, and hardware specifications. Read through the complete plans before you buy materials or start cutting.

Start with the simpler projects if you're not experienced with this type of construction. The log holder or basic shelving unit are good first builds. Move on to the workbench and work table once you're comfortable with the construction methods.

Take your time with assembly. Square and level as you go—it's easier to fix issues during construction than after everything is fastened together.

Good garage organization pays for itself. When you can find tools quickly, store materials properly, and work on a stable surface, you're more productive. Less time searching means more time working.

These Simpson Strong-Tie designs are built to last. With proper construction and reasonable maintenance, these storage solutions and work surfaces will serve you for decades. That's real value compared to store-bought units that sag, wobble, or fall apart after a few years of use.

A well-organized garage also makes your property more valuable. Buyers notice functional workspace and quality storage when they're evaluating a property.

Build it right the first time, and you'll have storage and work surfaces you can count on for the long haul.