Husky Industrial Steel Shelving

Looking for a robust storage solution for your garage or workshop? Check out the Husky 4-Tier Industrial Steel Shelving Unit from Home Depot. This heavy-duty shelving system is designed to handle 10,000 lbs., while offering versatile storage options. In this article, we’ll explore its features and assembly process to help you decide if this shelving unit fits your organizational needs. Let’s dive in.

Assembly

No tools are required, but a rubber mallet and hearing protection help. Just slide the shelf rails into the riser slots, snap in the cross supports for the wire shelf racks, drop on the wire racks and you’re done.

Here, I put the racks on upside-down. You want the rails oriented front-to-back to make sliding things on and off the shelf easier.

Make Mine To Go

I put this unit on 4” swivel casters, which reduces its load capacity to 1000 lbs. The unit itself weighs 150 lbs so that leaves me with 850.

In the pic above the weight of everything you see on the shelves is about 350 lbs. If I need more capacity I figure I can slide some wood blocks underneath to take the wight of the casters.

Cost

I purchased this Husky 4-Tier shelving around some holiday, I can’t remember which, for $299 on sale and just saw it today June 2023 at Home Depot for $250 so…

You can build the whole thing out of wood for $250 + tax. We’re talking 18-2x4s, 2-4×8 sheets of 1/2″ plywood for the shelves, fasteners and $100 for 4″ casters.

You can get actually get cheaper casters with more capacity online from Home Depot like these Husky 4″ casters https://homedepot.sjv.io/NKOoRq or these Snap-Loc 4″ casters – https://homedepot.sjv.io/NKOoRq

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Bottom Line

The Husky took under an hour to put together, is forever adjustable, and looks sleeker than wooden shelves. It also has dual slotted uprights that allow you to daisy chain additional shelving units for a seamless look. Hope this helps.

UPDATE: 1-8-25

I’ve moved this unit to a new location and have replaced the wire racks with 1/2 plywood (not stinky OSB). Looks great, rolls great loaded, is great. Hit me up in the comments with any questions. See ya.

Adding Casters to Your Husky Industrial Strength 4-Tier Shelving Unit

If you’re looking to make your Husky shelving unit mobile, adding casters is a straightforward DIY project. This method uses 2×4 lumber as a base for stability, attaching the casters to the wood and then securing the wood to the shelf’s corner feet via the pre-existing mounting holes. The setup provides solid support while allowing the unit to roll easily. Each caster is rated for 250 lbs, giving a total capacity of 1,000 lbs (though always check your shelf’s overall weight rating and distribute loads evenly).

ATTN: Do this at your own risk, as none of this has been tested. That said, mine has been working great over the past few years in two different garages with regular loaded-movement.

Important Notes:

• This modification assumes your shelving unit is 24 inches deep (common for Husky models), as the 2x4s are cut to 2 feet long to span the depth between front and back feet on each side.
• Use two locking casters (ideally on the front or one side) for stability when parked.
• Work on a flat surface, and ensure the shelf is empty before starting.
• Total time: About 1-2 hours, depending on your experience.

Materials Needed

• 2×4 lumber (two 2-foot-long pieces; cut to length if needed)
• 4 x 3/8″ x 3″ lag bolts
• 4 x 4″ Everbilt swivel plate casters (2 locking, 2 regular)
• 4 washers ( sized for 3/8″ bolts)
• 4 nuts (sized for 3/8″ bolts)
• 16 x 1/4″ x 1-1/4″ lag screws

Tools Needed

• Drill
• 3/8″ spade bit
• 5/8″ spade bit (for counterboring)
• 3/32″ twist drill bit (for pilot holes)
• Marker or pencil
• Wrench or socket set (for nuts)
• Screwdriver or driver bit (for lag screws)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the 2×4 Bases:
Cut your 2×4 lumber into two 2-foot-long pieces. These will act as mounting bases, one for the left side of the shelf (spanning the front and back feet) and one for the right side

Position and Mark the 2x4s:
Place one of the 2x4s under the shelf. Use a marker to trace the mounting holes from the shelf’s corner feet onto the top face of the 2×4. Repeat for the other-side. This ensures the holes line up perfectly for bolting.

Drill Through-Holes in the 2x4s:
Remove the 2x4s from under the shelf. Using a 3/8″ spade bit, drill straight through the wood at each marked spot (two holes per 2×4, for a total of four holes). These holes will allow the 3/8″ lag bolts to pass through the 2×4 and up into the shelf’s feet.

Counterbore for the Lag Bolt Heads:
Flip the 2x4s over so the bottom face (where the casters will attach) is up. At each drilled hole, use a 5/8″ spade bit to create a shallow counterbore (about 1/4″ to 1/2″ deep, or enough to recess the lag bolt head). This allows the bolt heads to sit flush or below the surface, preventing interference with the casters. Test-fit a lag bolt head to ensure it fits snugly without protruding.

Insert Lag Bolt:
Insert a 3/8″ x 3″ lag bolt from the bottom of each hole in the 2×4 (head in the counterbore).

Mark and Predrill for the Casters:
Position a caster at the ends of the 2x4s (one caster per corner, centered over the lag bolt). Use two locking casters on one end or side for better control. Hold each caster in place and trace its mounting holes onto the bottom of the 2×4 with a marker. Remove the casters, then drill pilot holes at each mark using a 3/32″ twist bit. This prevents the wood from splitting when screwing in the lag screws.

Attach the Casters:
Reposition each caster over the predrilled holes. Using a screwdriver or driver bit, secure each caster with four 1/4″ x 1-1/4″ lag screws (screwing them directly into the predrilled holes). Tighten firmly but avoid overtightening to prevent stripping. Repeat for all four casters.

Test and Final Checks:
Position the 2x4s back under the shelf feet, aligning the bolts with the mounting holes. Push the bolts up through the shelf’s feet. From the top, add a washer and nut to each bolt, then tighten securely with a wrench. The 2x4s should now be firmly attached to the bottom of the shelf. Roll it gently on a flat surface to test mobility and ensure all casters swivel freely. Check that the locking casters engage properly to hold the unit stationary. Verify all bolts, nuts, and screws are tight. Load the shelf gradually, starting with light items, to confirm stability

This setup adds mobility, making it ideal for garages, workshops, or storage spaces. If your shelf dimensions differ, adjust the 2×4 lengths accordingly. Always prioritize safety—don’t exceed the casters’ or shelf’s weight limits. Good luck!