How to Make a French Cleat, DYI

If you’re looking for a strong, adjustable, and surprisingly simple way to hang shelves, cabinets, or tools, a French cleat wall system may be the best solution you haven’t tried yet. Whether you’re organizing your garage, upgrading your home workshop, or building a kitchen cabinet wall, French cleats make it easier to mount and rearrange heavy objects with professional results.

This complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from materials and tools to installation tips and creative applications—so you can build your own French cleat system that lasts.


🧱 What Is a French Cleat System?

A French cleat is a two-part interlocking hanger made by cutting a board or plywood strip at a 45-degree angle. One piece is mounted on the wall, with the angle facing upward. The matching piece attaches to the item being hung, with the angle facing downward. When the two cleats slide into place, gravity pulls them tightly together.

This method has been used by woodworkers for generations and remains a favorite for its strength and simplicity. French cleats are perfect for applications like tool storage walls, upper cabinets, modular shelving, and more.

👉 Want to know what kind of wood to use for cleats? Check out our guide to the best plywood for cabinets.


💪 Why Choose a French Cleat Wall?

Here’s why French cleats outperform other hanging methods:

  • Weight distribution: Cleats support heavy loads evenly across the wall.
  • Easy adjustments: Mount, remove, or rearrange without extra drilling.
  • No exposed hardware: The system is invisible once installed.
  • Reusable and customizable: Great for flexible spaces like workshops.

French cleats are strong enough to support 100+ lbs when mounted to studs, and they’re versatile enough for art walls, van builds, and retail displays.


🛠 Materials and Tools You’ll Need

Materials:

Tools:

Looking for tool setup tips? Read our guide on how to set up a woodshop.


✂️ How to Build a French Cleat System

1. Cut the Cleats

Rip a plywood board lengthwise at a 45° angle. Each cut yields two interlocking cleats. You can use a table saw for the cleanest results or a circular saw with a straightedge.

Pro tip: Make the cleats the same width for interchangeable accessories.


2. Locate and Mark Studs

Use a stud finder to identify where to anchor your wall cleat. Mark your layout line with a pencil and level to ensure it’s straight.


3. Mount the Wall Cleat

Secure the beveled cleat to wall studs with screws, making sure the angle faces up and away from the wall. For drywall-only installs, use rated anchors.


4. Attach Cleats to Cabinets or Accessories

On the item you want to hang, mount the matching cleat with the angle facing downward and inward. Pre-drill holes to prevent splitting.


5. Hang and Adjust

Lift the cabinet, shelf, or tool holder and slide it onto the cleat. The angled edges will lock the pieces together, allowing for a secure, flush fit.


🧰 Advanced French Cleat Layouts

French cleats aren’t limited to flat walls or single runs. Here are a few variations you can try:

  • Vertical cleats for tall organizers
  • Corner cleats for L-shaped garage or van walls
  • Double cleats (top and bottom) for bulky cabinets or carts
  • French cleat grid for shop tool walls

Planning a full cleat wall? Map it in zones for tools, storage, and accessories.


🛠 French Cleat Project Examples

Here are real-world uses I’ve built over the years:

🧺 Laundry Room Wall

  • Movable broom holder
  • Detachable ironing board
  • A drying rack that stores flat

🪚 Miter Saw Station

  • French-cleated dust hood
  • Pull-out shelf for saw blades
  • Power strip with tool hanger

🚐 Van Life Storage

  • Fold-down table mount
  • Overhead bin for gear
  • Tool hooks that didn’t budge on the highway

Want to build your bench? Here’s our DIY workbench guide.


🔁 French Cleats vs. Other Mounting Systems

MethodStrengthRepositionableVisible Hardware
HooksLowNoYes
L-BracketsMediumNoYes
Slat WallHighYesYes
French CleatsHighYesHidden

French cleats strike the perfect balance between strength, flexibility, and clean aesthetics.


🎨 Customize Your Cleats

French cleats don’t have to look plain. Here’s how to upgrade them:

  • Edge banding for a polished look
  • Painted cleats for the wall contrast
  • Stained wood for rustic décor or indoor installs
  • Poly finish for water resistance

I sand mine with 220-grit and use wipe-on poly for a natural matte look.


🧱 Mounting Cabinets with French Cleats

Many kitchen and utility cabinets can be installed with cleats. The cleat makes alignment much easier before you fully fasten the cabinet to the wall.

Tips for success:

  • Recess the cleat into the cabinet to keep it flush
  • Make sure there’s enough overhead clearance to drop it into place
  • Use a second helper for large or heavy cabinets

French cleats aren’t ideal for soffit ceilings or tight ceiling gaps.


🛠 French Cleats in Workshops

This is where French cleats shine. Here’s how I use them in my shop:

  • Power tool racks for drills and drivers
  • French cleat shelf bins for screws and nails
  • Swing-out storage panels for clamps
  • A vertical cleat column for battery chargers
  • Wall-mounted dust collection ports
A garage wall with modular tool holders mounted to French cleats.


📦 Add-Ons & Accessories

Once your cleats are up, add accessories like:

  • Cord wrap hooks
  • Charging stations
  • Paper towel holders
  • Spray can bins
  • Magnetic strip holders

You can even buy pre-made cleat accessories at Rockler if you prefer ready-made options.


✅ Final Thoughts: Why Every DIYer Needs French Cleats

Few upgrades transform a space as quickly and affordably as a French cleat system. With just a few boards and some basic tools, you can turn a bare wall into a dynamic, durable, and adjustable storage system that works for you.

Whether you’re setting up your first garage or rebuilding a dream workshop, cleats give you freedom—freedom to move things, experiment, and build smarter.