How to Hang Shelves or Racks in a Metal Shed

The walls of metal sheds are usually thin.
Most metal sheds are prefabricated and require on-site assembly. The metal walls are typically not suited to hold shelving. They aren't strong enough to hold much weight on their own, and drilling holes in the walls can create leaks. But you can install some timber boards along the walls to brace shelves in a way that won't harm your metal shed.

Method
1. Measure the height of the wall inside the shed where you want to hang the shelves. If you want more than one row of shelves, measure to the highest level of shelving you want to install.

2. Cut a 90mm x 35mm H3 treated pine piece of timber frame to the height you measured using a circular saw, miter saw or handsaw. Use H3 treated pine as it is designed for outdoor use above ground and will last around 20 years.

3. Place the first piece vertically along the shed wall where you want the shelf to begin. The timber should lie flat against the metal sheet of the wall. Ask a friend to hold the board in place. Measure the distance from the nearest corner to the board.

4. Go outside, then measure the distance from the corner to where the board should be inside the wall. Drill pilot holes through the shed wall and into the board. Drill holes every 150mm along the board.

5. Place a washer over a 25mm deck screw until it touches the head of the screw. Squeeze a small amount of roof and gutter silicone along the side of the washer that will touch the metal wall.

6. Drive the screw through the bottom pilot hole into the wood. Make sure the washer is tight against the shed wall. When the silicone sealant dries, it creates a waterproof seal around the hole. Continue with the remaining screws.

7. Cut a second board and place it about 450mm from the first board. Drill pilot holes and mount the board just as you did the first one. Continue this process with more boards if desired until the framing is long enough to hold your shelves. These boards spread the weight stored on the shelves evenly, helping your metal walls hold more weight.

8. Hold an L-shaped shelf bracket onto the first board at your desired height. Drive screws through the brackets holes to hold it in place. Place another bracket on the next board, then use a level to determine the exact height. Secure it with screws. Continue placing brackets on the remaining boards.

9. Place the flat boards of your shelves on the brackets. Drive screws through the brackets' upper holes to secure the shelf. Alternatively, you can buy a 19mm sheet of plywood and cut it to the shelf depth you desire using your circular saw or a table saw, then secure the plywood using screws.

Things You Will Need

Measuring tape
90mm x 35mm H3 treated pine framing
Circular saw
Drill
25mm galvanized deck screws
Galvanized washers
Roof & Gutter silicone
Power screwdriver
L-shaped bracket
Shelves or plywood

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