Buying guide for Best garage storage shelves
Garage clutter can slowly overtake a home or business. The sprawling boxes, tools, and abandoned supplies can render a garage or workshop unusable. Garage storage shelves are a convenient and simple way to clear the clutter and put everything where you can find it.
There are many ways to use storage shelves in your garage. You can position them on the floor against a wall or hang them from the ceiling. Some shelving units are permanent and able to hold significant weight, while others are movable so you can reposition them as your needs change.
It’s a good idea to have a basic design in mind before purchasing garage storage shelves so you get what you need from the start. A good buying guide and a few recommendations can start you on your way to transforming your garage.
How to buy the best garage storage shelves
Permanent or freestanding
There are two main types of garage storage shelves: permanent and freestanding.
Permanent: If you want to position the shelves permanently, you can mount them to the wall or ceiling.
- Wall-mounted shelves, attached to the studs, save space and hold the most weight. Moving these shelves requires more work and tools than moving freestanding shelves.
- Ceiling-mounted shelves are attached to ceiling joists and save the most space because they hang above cars, a workbench, or other items in the garage. You’ll probably need a step stool or ladder to put items on these shelves. They’re ideal if you want to protect items from potential water damage.
Freestanding: These shelves rest on the floor and do not attach to the wall. They can be moved around as needed, providing the most flexibility. However, they typically don’t hold as much weight as wall-mounted and ceiling-mounted shelves.
Size
Before buying garage storage shelves, measure the space to make sure you get the right number and size. Most shelves are 1 to 2 feet deep and 3 to 8 feet long.
Ceiling-mounted shelves come in a range of sizes, from 2 to 8 feet wide and 2 to 4 feet long. Before installing, figure out how far the shelves can hang from the ceiling in order to clear vehicles and other items.
Weight limit
Manufacturers list the weight limit recommendations in the description and packaging. That limit depends on the materials and whether the shelves are freestanding or attached to the wall or ceiling. Most basic shelves can hold between 100 and 600 pounds, but some metal shelves can hold up to 2,500 pounds. Be wary of any nonmetal shelves that claim to hold over 1,000 pounds.
Attach your shelving to more than one stud to increase its weight-bearing capacity.
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Features of garage storage shelves
Materials
Garage storage shelves may be made of metal, wood, or plastic/resin.
Metal: Steel shelving is the strongest option and has the highest weight limit. It is also expensive and heavy. If the shelves are freestanding, make sure you position them where you want them because it will be difficult to move them. If they’re mounted to the wall or ceiling, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper attachment to wall studs or ceiling joists.
Metal wire shelving is popular because it’s easy to assemble and allows good air circulation to keep dust from collecting and mildew from forming. These shelves are surprisingly strong and come in many design options.
Most metal and wire garage shelves have a protective coating or finish. Each has different properties and benefits.
- Powder coating is a rust-resistant thermoplastic dry powder. It has a uniform look but is prone to chipping.
- Chrome plating is a good-looking and durable way to protect against corrosion and extend the life of the shelving.
- Galvanizing is a protective zinc coating that is inexpensive and effective. It doesn’t look as attractive as other coatings, but that might not be a factor in garage shelving.
- Black epoxy finishes provide corrosion protection. Some people prefer black shelves because they blend into the background.
Wood: This type of shelving is more typically found in DIY kits. Hardwoods like oak and maple are the best options in terms of durability and weight capacity. Most garage shelves sold commercially are metal or plastic.
Plastic or resin: These materials are commonly found in freestanding storage shelving. They’re strong, durable, and easy to move, and they come in assorted designs. However, they don’t hold as much weight as metal or wood, so check the weight of the items you need to store and assess the weight-bearing capacity you need. If plastic or resin shelving works for you, it can save you quite a bit of money.
Versatility
Adjustable height: Some wall- and ceiling-mounted garage storage systems come with sliding adjustable shelves that move on permanent rails to adjust the height of shelves. This can maximize your storage space by grouping smaller items together on one shelf to free up room for large items on another shelf. These shelves cost a bit more, but if you have items of various sizes to store, it may be worth it.
Adjustable feet: Garage floors aren’t always perfectly level, and freestanding shelves can wobble if all the feet aren’t resting on the floor. To keep the shelving steady, look for a unit with adjustable feet that can be individually shortened or lengthened.
Open or closed: Open shelves are easily accessible and good for items that you use a lot such as paint, yard equipment, and car care products. Closed shelves have doors that help protect items. These work best for items you use infrequently or that could be dangerous, such as chemicals or sharp tools.
Stackable: Some freestanding garage shelves can be expanded as your needs change by stacking a new unit on top. Just make sure to stay within the unit’s weight limit.
Lockable casters: Some freestanding shelves have casters to make them easy to move, but you want the shelving to be secure the rest of the time. Look for a unit with lockable casters to make sure the shelves will stay in place.
Staff Tip
If you only have a few lightweight items to store and are handy with tools, you can build your own shelving out of wood. Use hardwood like oak or maple, as softwood like pine can easily bend and break.
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How much do garage storage shelves cost?
Inexpensive
Inexpensive garage storage shelves cost between $25 and $100. These include basic freestanding cabinet sets made of plastic or fiberboard. The shelves are short and may only include two to four shelves.
Mid-range
This shelving costs between $100 and $250. You’ll find metal freestanding cabinets and ceiling-mounted shelves in this range. These cabinets are stronger and have higher weight limits than less-expensive shelves.
Expensive
Expensive garage storage shelves cost between $250 and $600. These include adjustable wall- and ceiling-mounted units that come with longer and taller sections.
Always store the heaviest items on the bottom shelves and the lightest items on top to distribute the weight evenly and prevent the shelves from buckling.
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Tips
- Locate the studs before installing wall-mounted shelving. A stud finder makes the job easy.
- Invest in a safety cabinet. You want a safe place to store flammable or corrosive materials in your garage. These sturdy steel cabinets come in various sizes, some with lockable handles. Note that there are OSHA and state regulations for storing flammable materials.
- Don’t forget the attic. It’s a great place to store seasonal items like Christmas decorations and can save a lot of space in your home.
FAQ
Q. Do garage storage shelves come with a warranty?
A. Many shelves come with a manufacturer’s warranty. Most high-quality shelves have a limited lifetime warranty based on their original condition, and other shelves have shorter-term warranties. Many companies require you to register your product to activate the warranty. Always read the owner’s manual for the terms and specific conditions that are covered.
Q. What are the best items to store on ceiling-mounted shelves?
A. Large, bulky items that you don’t use frequently are great choices to store on ceiling-mounted shelves. Seasonal items like holiday decorations, camping equipment, coolers, or swimming pool covers are good uses of this space.
Q. What tools are needed to install garage shelves?
A. Most freestanding units require only simple hand tools to secure the pieces together. Wall- and ceiling-mounted units might require power tools. Have a screwdriver, hammer, stud finder, level, and cordless drill handy. Before installing garage storage shelves, make sure that you received all the parts from the manufacturer.
