It can be hard to find a place to store lumber that is out of the way while at the same time accessible. To solve this problem, overhead storage racks can be made using ¾” metal pipe and fittings.

Here’s what you’ll need to make each set of two racks. You can use either galvanized or black metal pipe, whichever is cheaper. The length of the pipe can be adjusted to suit your needs:

Pipe lengths you’ll need:

  • 4 – ¾” x 18” threaded metal pipe
  • 2 – ¾” x 10” threaded metal pipe
  • 4 – ¾” 90° metal pipe elbows
  • 2 – ¾” pipe flanges

Steps to Assemble Your Racks:

  1. To assemble the racks, start by screwing a flange to the bottom of one of the 18” pieces of pipe.
  2. Next, attach an elbow to the other end of the piece of pipe.
  3. The 10” pipe then screws into the other end of the elbow.
  4. Another elbow is screwed into the end of the 10” pipe.
  5. To complete the rack, screw the other 18” pipe to the elbow, followed by the second flange.
  6. Once the racks are complete, attach them to the ceiling joists using 2” long screws.

Note: The distance between the racks can vary depending on what you plan to store on them.

Editorial Contributors
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Joe Truini

Radio Show Co-Host

Joe Truini is a contractor, author, and the host of “Simple Solutions” on Today’s Homeowner TV and the weekly Today’s Homeowner radio show. He has worked on both large commercial projects and residential remodeling, and has written for national publications such as This Old House and Popular Mechanics. He has also written eight books, including three best-selling shed-building books. Joe lives in Connecticut with his family and enjoys hiking, traveling, and baseball in his spare time.

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