There is nothing more frustrating than working in a messy garage. There are many ways to store your tools and supplies, but shelving is the most cost-effective and reliable.
Flat lengths of hard material can be used to store anything you want. A sturdy shelf can support the weight of any item and keep them safe and organized, from seasonal gear to power tools or paint cans.
Garage Shelves
Garages can be used to store many items. Garages can hold everything you need, including wood, toys for children, accessories for cars, tools, and sports equipment. To keep all these items safe and organized, garage shelves are needed.
Garage shelving is distinguished by its material and style. It can be mounted on the ceiling/wall, or freestanding.
Garage shelves can be priced based on their quality, material, shelf sizes, and brand. Let’s take a look at the various types of garage shelves.
Wooden Shelves
Wooden shelves are more easy to use and less expensive than those made of other materials. Wood shelving is often made from maple and oak. To make shelves, most people prefer to use 3/4 plywood or chipboard.
If they are carrying heavy loads, softwoods like pine can easily break or bend.
Wood shelves can be used to store lightweight items. However, it is best not to place heavyweight tools or equipment on them.
Wire Shelves
While wire shelves are durable and inexpensive, they don’t hold small items well. The main shelf of most wire shelves has holes and spaces between the rods. These holes are easy to slip through for small items.
Parts bins, paint cans, and other items are ideal for storage on a wire shelf.
Metal Shelves
Metal shelves provide the strength and stability to hold heavy items like car parts, tools, large paint cans, etc.
Metal shelves are more expensive than wood ones. They are durable and can be used to store heavy items.
Adjustable Rail Shelves
An adjustable rail shelf allows you to position the shelf on a system with hangers.
These shelves are made mostly from metal and can be used to store large items such as wood, tools for tabletop woodwork, or even parts of cars.
What to Look For When Buying Garage Shelf
Dimensions and Capacity
Every storage space is unique . However, it is important to follow certain standards when choosing a shelf. For small items, such as tools and hand tools, a wall-mounted shelf unit or freestanding shelf unit should measure between 12 and 16 inches.
You can save time by buying shelves that have enough space to store boxes without being too big or too small to cover any gear in the back.
Ceiling-mounted units should have dimensions of 2 feet by 3ft. If you plan to store bulky items, such as sporting equipment, this ratio is ideal.
Your spatial requirements will affect the length of your shelf. Prefabricated shelving should be measured to your specifications.
Most common lengths for residential garage spaces are 3-foot, 4-foot and 6-foot. Be aware of shelves that claim they can hold up to 500kg. There is a good chance that one shelf can hold 50 to 200kg. The capacity of shelf packages is indicated on most labels. If you have many items, it is better to buy multiple shelves than one. You can endanger your property and the shelf itself by putting too much weight on it.
Garage shelving kits allow you to make shelves as long or short as you like.
Types of Mount
There are three types of STACK-IT: ceiling-mounted, wall-mounted and freestanding.
- Ceiling mounted shelves-these shelves can be attached to the ceiling studs with long adjustable metal rods. These shelves are ideal for keeping seasonal or occasionally used equipment out of reach. Steel gadgets can be used to store up to 250kg. You will need a ladder or step stool to reach these shelves.
- Freestanding shelves-With freestanding shelves, you have greater mobility and flexibility since they can be attached to any surface. They can take up space in your garage and block other activities. They can be made from metal or wood, or a combination of both.
- Wall-mounted shelves – These are attached to studs at regular intervals using metal brackets. The bracket is used to secure the wire, metal or wooden shelf. This will ensure maximum strength, stability, and maximum stability.
Installation
Freestanding shelving units can be assembled (if necessary), placed and organized. Installation is not required for freestanding units.
Ceiling-mounted and wall-mounted shelves require more care when being placed into studs. These beams are used as structural support in a building frame.
The spacing between wall studs is usually 16-24 inches and runs from floor to ceiling. Once you have identified the location of the studs, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and install the shelves. For maximum storage space and flexibility, you should allow at least one foot between wall-mounted units. Ceiling shelves should be adjustable to meet your requirements.
You will need the studs to install adjustable rail shelves. Once you have located the studs and attached the metal track to them with screws. Certain rail tracks can be used with drywall and concrete walls. Before you make your purchase, be sure to read the instructions. Some tracks will not work with steel studs.
Once you have placed the tracks correctly, attach the brackets to the slots and place your shelves on top.
DIY Ideas
A storage shelf is a great project t for those who like to do good DIYs. This is a great activity that you can be as creative or casual as you like.
A DIY shelf allows you to get exact dimensions and saves money if you have the materials in your garage. These are some great DIY shelf ideas.
Garage Shoe Storage Shelves: A Simple, Fast and Versatile Project
This is an intermediate DIY project for shoe storage shelves. A power drill, circular, and wood screws are all you will need.
Follow these instructions to mark and cut the wood. To ensure a neat finished product, you need to measure the wood accurately.
After you have completed cutting the pieces according to the instructions, it is time to assemble them. To ensure your rack looks neat and tidy, trim any excess.
To view other instructions, click on the link.
Easy and Fast Built-In Wall Garage Shelves
This project is perfect for anyone who has a garage wall that is too ugly. You will need a stud finder, furring strips 1 x 2, shelving, chalk marker, saws and other tools.
This tutorial will show you how to mark your wood, find the studs, and then cut the wood according to the instructions.
You will need to mark the location where your shelf’s sides should be on the wall. Follow the instructions to secure the cutouts against the wall. You should have a beautiful built-in garage shelf if you follow the tutorial.
Top DIY Kits
Some kits make it easier to build a shelf than you might think. This is a list of the top DIY shelf kits.
The industrial-grade iron shelving bracket measures 1 x 12 inches x 52 inches and weighs 22 lbs. It is easy to assemble.
A 2×4 shelving storage system is available, which makes it easy to create custom shelving. The assembly is easy and takes only a screwdriver, a saw, and some wood glue. It measures 34.5x96x36 inches and weighs in at 7.2 ounces.
With a simple screwdriver, you can assemble all hardware included in this product. You can extrude or modify the 16-inch deep shelves made of heavy-duty structural resin based on your storage needs. The product weight and dimensions are 7.2 ounces, 5.13 x 14.56 x 11.13 inches respectively.
Best Free Standing
These are great options if you prefer a garage shelf that is already built.
This steel wire shelves has chrome plating for resistance to corrosion and wheels for ease of transport. It measures 48″ W x 24″ D x 72″, and has a capacity of 3000 lbs.
This is a sturdy storage shelf that can support 300 lb. It measures 82.8 inches 11.8 inches 59.1 inch . The storage shelves can be adjusted to meet your personal needs.
This massive industrial metal more shelf is worth a closer look. It can hold 4,500 pounds and measures 49.63x18x47.63 inches. This shelf was made to last. The coated steel will not rust or become brittle.
