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Build A Workshop Storage Unit

A modular storage unit provides an ideal solution for the maximisation of space in your workshop or garage. This 'how-to' guide is designed to provide the main steps and guidelines you'll need to get started.

Step 1
Lay out your sheets of Customplank and mark out the measurements as per the cutting plan drawings (below).

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Step 2
Cut out the panels.

Step 3
Clean up the edges with a plane then sandpaper, first with 80 grit then with the 240 grit paper.

Step 4
Mark out on the side panels the positions of the shelves at your desired heights and drill 3.5mm diameter pilot holes through the face surface of the sides. These should be at least 25mm from the edge of the panel (see below for pilot hole positions).

(Click for a bigger image)

Step 5
Position one shelf at a time against a side and drill 2.5mm pilot holes into the end of the shelf. Each hole must not be less than 2.0mm deeper than the length of the screw. (see Fig 3).

Step 6
Glue and screw all the shelves to the two sides.

Step 7
Use 8 gauge x 30mm surefast self-countersinking screws to fix the 2 modular units together.

Step 8
Use 4mm Customwood Thinboard. Cut to size and screw/glue to the back of the shelving units between the top and bottom shelves. Use 6 gauge x 24mm surefast self-countersinking screws.

Step 9: Finishing - (optional)
You may leave the unit in the natural finish or alternatively you may use wood sealer, polyurethane or paint finish. If you choose to paint your storage unit we recommend that the first primer/undercoat is critical to a good finish. Where surface smoothness is important, apply a solvent turps-based undercoat but DO NOT THIN THE FIRST COAT. Water-based undercoats will cause surface roughing which will require additional sanding. Lightly sand between coats and remove dust. Apply all coats according to paint manufacturer's recommendations and technical information.