GuideWorkshops & Garages
Build a French Cleat Tool Wall for a Garage or Shed
A French cleat wall is a set of strips with a 45-degree bevel fixed to the wall. Every tool holder has a matching strip on its back, so it hooks on and can be moved anywhere in seconds. It is the most flexible way to organise a workshop that keeps changing.
What you will build
You will rip plywood into strips with one edge bevelled at 45 degrees, mount half of them in rows on the wall with the bevel facing up and toward the wall, and use the other half on the backs of holders. When you hang a holder, its cleat drops into the wall cleat and the bevel pulls it tight against the wall.
Plywood about ¾ in (18 mm) thick makes strong cleats. Space the rows evenly, about 8 to 10 in (20–25 cm) apart, so holders of different sizes fit anywhere.
Real-world examples
Photos of similar builds by other people, shared under open licenses. They show the idea in practice; the details differ from this guide.
Materials
- Plywood ¾ in (18 mm), enough for the cleat rows plus extra for holders
- Screws long enough to go well into studs, or the correct fixings for masonry
- Wood glue and shorter screws for the holders
- Optional: a plywood backing sheet over the whole wall
Tools
- Table saw or circular saw with a guide that can bevel at 45°
- Stud finder
- Long spirit level or laser level
- Drill/driver
- Tape measure and square
- Clamps
- Safety glasses, hearing protection and push sticks
Step by step
1Plan the wall
Measure the wall and decide how far up and down the cleats should go, usually from just above bench height to as high as you can reach comfortably. Find the studs or check that the wall is solid masonry, and check for hidden cables and pipes.
2Rip the cleat strips
Cut the plywood into strips about 3½ to 4 in (90–100 mm) wide, then rip each strip lengthwise at 45 degrees to make two cleats with a bevelled edge. Use a guide or fence and push sticks; keep your hands well clear of the blade.
3Mount the first row level
Mark a level line for the bottom row. Screw the first cleat to the wall with the bevel at the top, sloping down toward the wall, so it forms a pocket. Drive at least one screw into every stud it crosses.
4Add the other rows
Cut a spacer block to the gap between rows and use it to set each new row exactly parallel to the one below. Check each row with the level before fixing it.
5Make your first holders
Glue and screw a cleat to the back of each holder with the bevel facing down and toward the wall, so it hooks over the wall cleat. Simple holders are a shelf with a lip, a block with holes for screwdrivers, a pair of pegs for a saw or a box for small parts.
6Hang and test
Hang each holder and load it with its tools. Pull down gently on the front edge; a well-made holder stays tight against the wall. Rearrange until the layout matches how you work.
Tips for a better result
- Put the tools you use most at eye level and closest to the bench.
- Make a few spare blank cleats so you can build new holders quickly.
- Paint the wall cleats a light colour so the tools stand out.
- Holders for heavy power tools should have a cleat across their full width.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Mounting the wall cleats with the bevel the wrong way, so holders slide off.
- Fixing the cleats only into plasterboard.
- Spacing the rows unevenly, so holders fit some rows but not others.
- Cutting bevels freehand with a circular saw, which gives cleats that do not sit flat.
Safety
- Use push sticks and a guide when ripping strips; never put your hands close to the blade.
- Check for hidden cables and pipes before drilling into walls.
- Do not overload holders; put heavy items on the lowest rows.
General guidance only. Follow the instructions for your tools and materials and your local rules, and use a qualified professional for electrical, gas and structural work.
Finishing up
Once the cleats are up, the wall keeps getting better: every time you add a tool, you make a holder for it and hang it where it belongs. It is one of the most satisfying upgrades for any garage or shed.
About this guide: written by the DIY Outdoor Builds editors from general, widely used building and gardening practice. Text and illustration © DIY Outdoor Builds. Photos are by the people credited under each one, used under their licenses. Found an error? Let us know.
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