I have a confession. I am both a disorganized workshop hoarder—with numerous bins labeled “to be filed”—and a highly organized storage master when needed. One secret to my organized side is a French cleat wall storage system—it’s strong, easy to build, and highly customizable. You can hang tools, shelves, cabinets, and storage containers, then move things around as your needs change.
French cleats operate on a simple premise. Long wood cleats with one edge cut at a 45-degree angle are mounted on the wall, and shorter cleats are attached to whatever you want to hang. Match the long cleats to the space you have available, but cut them long enough to be screwed into at least two wall studs for maximum strength. In my little cottage workshop, that’s easy—the studs are exposed. If you’re mounting over drywall, you have the option of adding a protective sheet of plywood first.
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I cut my cleats on a table saw from cheap 1×4 pine boards, then attached them to the wall with 2-inch screws. You can adapt the project to the tools and materials you have. For instance, 3/4-inch plywood is fine for cleats, and the cuts can be made with a band saw, a jig saw, or even a hand-held circular saw.
If you’re using a table saw, tip the blade to a 45-degree angle and set the fence so that the rip runs right down the middle of the board. This yields the two identical pieces you need, one for the wall cleat and the other for mating accessory cleats. Use a level or a laser guide to position the first cleat, then equally space the wall cleats 4″ apart using a scrap piece of wood as a guide.
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The beauty of this system is its flexibility. The dimensions here work well for small tools and accessories, but can be scaled up for heavy gear. French cleats also make it possible to install heavy cabinets on your own, once the cleat is levelled and mounted to the wall. But they really shine in a wall system, since you’re not locked into one position for hung accessories. As your tool stash changes or grows, the system can adapt. Who knows, I might even be able to convert some of my “to be filed” bins into “to be found easily” storage.
Once the wall cleats are installed, they are ready for custom-built and easy-to-move storage solutions, limited only by your imagination. Here are a few of my favourites:
#1 Custom Shelf
This basic hanging shelf, with a solid back and sides, can be adapted to open-topped boxes or front-loading cubbies. Add a door to create a portable cabinet. Extend the back down so it’s supported by two cleats, and the design works for heavy objects.
#2 Hatchet Hanger
This hatchet hanger is a great example of a holder customized to the shape of the tool. Using hangers like these boosts organization by creating a specific spot for the tool. When it’s there, you’ll find it fast, and if it’s missing, you’ll notice right away. Bonus feature: a blade protector made of a scrap piece of leather.
#3 Cord Caddy
Cleats are easily repositioned, making accessories such as this cord holder possible. A repurposed scrap of leather or nylon webbing is secure when in use, but is easily unhooked.
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This article was originally published in the Sept/Oct 2024 issue of Cottage Life.
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