Building a Modular French Cleat Wall System

Article 126: Building a Modular French Cleat Wall System

By: A Woodworker Who Finally Got Tired of Digging for Tools

French cleats allow you to hang, move, and rearrange shop storage with ease. This modular approach lets you build bins, hooks, and racks that clip on and off with no fasteners.

Materials

• 3/4" plywood:

  • Cleat strips: 3" × desired length, beveled 45°

  • Panels: 24" × 48" or custom

• Screws, wood glue

• Wall anchors or lag bolts

Tools Needed

• Table saw (for cleat bevels)

• Drill/driver

• Stud finder

• Level

• Clamps

• Jigsaw or band saw (for accessory shapes)

Steps

1. Cut Cleats

   • Bevel one edge of each 3" strip at 45°. Make mating cleats for back of accessories.

2. Install Wall Cleats

   • Secure horizontal cleats to studs at regular intervals (16"–24"). Level carefully.

3. Create Tool Holders

   • Use plywood or scraps to build holders, bins, and trays. Attach mating cleats to their backs.

4. Mount and Adjust

   • Hang and rearrange as needed. Add labels for organization.

Sketch – Cleat Profile and Setup

Side View:

 Wall
  ||
  ||========      ← Wall cleat (beveled)
  ||        \
  ||         \__← Accessory cleat hooks on