Shelving modification

[Ramper]

I will try to get pictures up, but I have a shevling modification question.

We have shevling in our shop built by the previous owner. It is solidly made out of 2x4's and plywood sheets. It is 4 feet deep and covers over 50 linear feet. The issue is that it covers most of the available walls in my shop. I want to take out the middle shelf on a few sections and open up some more fllor/wall space. Does anyone see an issue with using 2x4 braces front and back?

So I would be taking out the middle shelf and adding the red braces

 

[Vinci]

Re: Shevling modification

If it is attached solidly to the walls, it would probably be fine with those modifications. If not, I would be a little worried about lateral stability.

 

[Ramper]

Re: Shevling modification

It is solidly attached to the wall. I think the builder must have liked using a mail gun because he nailed it off EVERY CHANCE HE HAD

 

[kbs2244]

Re: Shevling modification

4 feet is pretty deep.
Dosn't stuff get hidden behind other stuff?

I would think about narrowing them down to to 2 or even 1 foot.

 

[Ramper]

Re: Shevling modification

The previous owner was a realtor and he stored furniture on these shelves. The shop is 30x40 and I also have a 40x70 pole barn (dirt floor). If I take three sections of middle shelves out, i feel that it will open up enough space for what I need to do (fix riding mowers, fix atv, etc.)

This is in addition to a 3-car attached garage.

 

[Tim The Tool Man]

If the shelves are secured to the wall you may not need those diagonals. If it turns out to be flimsy then you will need to do something. You would actually find greater strength by gluing and nailing say 12 or 15 inch plywood triangles under the corners of each shelf.