How to Build a French Cleat Tool Storage Wall (DIY)

Introduction

Just think of it—a tool storage system for your garage or shop that you can endlessly reconfigure to accommodate all your tools. They’ll be right at your fingertips whenever you need them. And when it’s time to straighten up at the end of the day, you’ll know right where everything goes, making cleanup quick and easy. How much you spend depends not only on the size of your storage wall but also on the level of finish you’re after. We spent about $500 on the materials for our wall, but you could build it for about half the price by using 3/4-in. CDX construction plywood.

french cleat tool wall what is a french cleat? Family Handyman

What is a French Cleat?

French cleats are an ingenious means of hanging just about anything. Mating 45-degree bevels—one on the wall, the other on the tool holder—interlock to form a rock-solid connection. You just drop the tool holder over the cleat and it’s done—perfectly level, perfectly solid. No fasteners!

Size to Fit Your Needs

Our wall is two horizontal sheets (a 4 x 8-ft. sheet and a 2 x 8-ft. sheet; Photo 2), with 1×2 maple trim (Photo 3). The size of your wall depends on how much you want to store and how much space you have. The construction techniques are the same for any size wall.

Apply the Finish to Full Sheets Before Cutting

We prefinished the plywood and trim boards. You should too, because it saves lots of time and gives you a smoother finish. You’ll still have to coat the cut edges, but that’s a lot easier than finishing the entire wall after it’s built. We used Varathane Summer Oak and American Walnut stain to create the light and dark parts. We rolled on the stain with 4-in. foam rollers and then wiped it off with cotton rags. Topcoat with a water-based polyurethane.

A Table Saw Makes the Project Much Easier

The best tool for ripping the parts and cleats is a table saw. However, if you don’t have access to one, you can also make the cuts with a straightedge and a circular saw. If you go that route, it’s worth building a dedicated straightedge.

A miter saw works well for cutting miters on edge banding and the 45-degree angles on many of the components. Flatten the point of each bevel (Photo 4) so they won’t cut you or splinter off when you hang your tool holders. You can assemble your tool holders with either glue and 2-in. brads, or 2-in. and 1-1/4-in. trim-head screws.

The tool holders are really the stars of this project. Check out some building tips for perfect tool holders.