Introduction
In this article, we will discuss how to build an outdoor lumber rack for tight spaces. This project is perfect for individuals with limited space in their yard but still want to store full-length lumber pieces and smaller materials in an organized and easily accessible way. Created by One Minute Workbench, this DIY project aims to address the shortcomings of a traditional lumber rack design and provide a long-lasting solution that effectively protects the lumber from the elements.
Key Points
- The Need for a Compact and Organized Lumber Storage Solution
- Challenges with the Original Lumber Rack Design
- Design Criteria for the New Lumber Rack
- Introducing the New Lumber Rack Design
- The Importance of Building Doors for a Narrow Rack
- Utilizing Heavy-Duty Cotton Canvas for Covering the Rack
- Materials and Tools Required for the Project
- Creating a Jig for Drilling Angled Holes
- Cutting and Drilling the Lumber Pieces
- Building the Main Frames of the Shed
- Preparing and Painting the Components
- Removing the Old Lumber Rack and Prepping the Area
- Setting the Blocks for the New Lumber Rack
- Future Steps and Part 2 of the Project
The Need for a Compact and Organized Lumber Storage Solution
Many homeowners face the challenge of storing lumber in a limited space while ensuring it is accessible and organized. The One Minute Workbench team recognized this issue and set out to create a lumber rack that would fit in a narrow side yard and provide efficient storage for full-length pieces of material as well as smaller pieces.
Challenges with the Original Lumber Rack Design
The original lumber rack built by One Minute Workbench featured wide shelves covered with a tarp to protect the lumber. However, this design had several shortcomings. The wide shelves made it difficult to walk around the rack, stack materials, and access the stored lumber. Additionally, the plastic tarps used to cover the lumber deteriorated quickly when exposed to the sun, resulting in damaged lumber.
Design Criteria for the New Lumber Rack
With the shortcomings of the original design in mind, the One Minute Workbench team established three main criteria for the new lumber rack design:
- Organized and easily accessible storage for lumber
- Full protection of lumber from sunlight and rain
- Long-lasting durability in outdoor environments
Introducing the New Lumber Rack Design
To meet the design criteria, a new lumber rack design was created. This design featured a narrow structure, allowing it to fit in tight spaces while still accommodating full-length lumber. The challenge, however, was figuring out how to build doors for this narrow rack. Traditional doors would not work well for accessing shorter pieces of lumber.
To address this issue, the team decided to incorporate a heavy-duty cotton canvas as a covering for the opening. This solution allowed for easy access and protection of the lumber while avoiding the shedding of plastic particles.
Materials and Tools Required for the Project
Before diving into the construction process, it is essential to gather all the necessary materials and tools. The materials needed for this project include two by fours, two by sixes, OSB plywood, heavy-duty cotton canvas, exterior-grade paint, and various fasteners. Tools required include a drill press, saw, framing nailer (or hammer), clamps, level, and measuring tools.
Cutting and Drilling the Lumber Pieces
The first step in the construction process involves cutting the lumber pieces to size. The majority of cuts are simple straight cuts, while some require angle cuts. The team emphasized the importance of precision but mentioned that perfection is not necessary as long as the cuts are relatively close.
After cutting the lumber, a jig is built to facilitate drilling angled holes. These holes will hold pieces of conduit that support the lumber on the rack. The team used scrap pieces to construct the jig and ensured it was perfectly square for accurately aligned holes in the lumber.
Building the Main Frames of the Shed
With all the necessary components prepared, it is time to start building the main frames of the shed. The base, back wall, and side walls are constructed using the lumber pieces and fasteners. The team recommends using a framing nailer for faster assembly but states that a traditional hammer will also be effective for this small-scale project.
To secure the lumber on the rack, the holes in the back wall are strategically positioned at an angle, slightly tilting the lumber upwards. Proper installation of the boards is crucial to maintain the structural integrity and stability of the rack.
Preparing and Painting the Components
Before final assembly, it is essential to thoroughly paint the components of the shed to protect them from outdoor elements. The team recommends painting the OSB plywood with an approved exterior-grade paint to ensure its longevity in this application. Painting inside the garage minimizes wind interference and makes the process more convenient.
Removing the Old Lumber Rack and Prepping the Area
To make room for the new lumber rack, the old rack must be removed. The team demonstrates using a traditional framing hammer to take down the rack successfully. With the old rack removed, the area is prepped for the installation of the new rack by setting blocks that will support the structure.
Setting the Blocks for the New Lumber Rack
Accurate leveling of the blocks is crucial to ensure the stability and functionality of the new lumber rack. The team uses a level and a straight edge to align the blocks with each other, ensuring a flat and even surface. Alternatively, a string can be used to maintain consistent leveling across the blocks.
Future Steps and Part 2 of the Project
With the blocks in place, the project is almost ready for final construction and assembly. Part 2 of the project, available separately, will cover the remaining steps, including putting together pre-built frames, adding plywood, roofing, decorative trim, lumber supports, and the canvas covering. Viewers are encouraged to check out Part 2 for a comprehensive guide to completing this DIY outdoor lumber rack project.
In conclusion, building an outdoor lumber rack for tight spaces requires careful planning, precise cutting, and sturdy construction. By following the design criteria and utilizing a simple yet effective method for organizing and accessing lumber, homeowners can create a functional and durable storage solution that protects their materials from the elements. Stay tuned for Part 2 to see the final construction process and the completed outdoor lumber rack.
