Build a French cleat wall system

Rip strips of plywood at a 45-degree angle and mount the lower halves horizontally across the wall. Build tool holders, shelves, and bins with matching 45-degree cleats on the back. Everything hooks onto the wall and can be rearranged instantly.

Why It Works

The interlocking 45-degree bevels create a gravity-locked connection that holds heavy loads securely. Unlike pegboard, French cleats support heavy items (power tools, battery charger stations, shelf units) and allow infinite customization.

Tips

• Use 3/4-inch plywood ripped at 45 degrees on a table saw — the material cost is very low
• Space wall cleats every 3-4 inches for maximum flexibility in positioning holders
• YouTube has hundreds of French cleat organizer plans for specific tools
• Supports much heavier items than pegboard — can hold drill presses, compressors, and heavy bins