Cluttered garages and workshops make it difficult to find essential equipment and materials, making it tough to get work done. One of the most dependable and inexpensive options for garage storage is shelving, which consists of flat, solid lengths of material that may be used to store a wide variety of items. Hard shelves can support the weight of everything from power tools to paint cans to seasonal gear without tipping over or breaking. Obviously, there is a wide variety of shelving options. Take a look at our advice on how to pick the perfect garage shelving for your needs.
Everyone who has a garage knows that spring cleaning is an annual tradition. Here, you’ll sort through all the household items that are stored in the garage but aren’t used frequently to decide which ones you want to preserve and which ones you can get rid of.
Types of Garage Shelving
The best garage shelving can be either freestanding or wall/ceiling mounted, and is typically built of a different material. Materials, shelf dimensions, quality, and manufacturer all affect pricing.
Wooden Shelving
Wooden shelves are a timeless and chic addition to any office or workspace. Oak and maple, two types of hardwood, are ideal for long-lasting, sturdy shelves. Pine and other softwoods, as well as pressed woods such as plywood and chipboard, are fine for light-duty storage but will warp, buckle, and break with heavier weights. Portable wooden shelf units can be placed wherever more space is needed. Shelves that are mounted on the wall are secured to the wall studs with metal brackets. Look for a kit that includes all the hardware pieces you’ll need, as well as clear instructions; keep in mind that timber is not necessarily included.
Metal and Wire Shelving
Shelves made of metal (usually steel) are sturdy and can store a wide range of items. Metal shelf is advantageous since it is non-porous and does not absorb spilt chemicals or paint. Some metal shelving units have a powder coating or a black paint job to prevent rust and wear and tear.
Wire shelves provide the strength of metal without the weight, making them an attractive alternative to solid metal shelves for storing heavy equipment. Chrome or steel mesh is commonly used to create these, as it forms a strong grid, web, or nett. If you’re going to store anything on wire shelves, such paint cans, tools, bins, or boxes, make sure that any small objects (like stray nails and screws) are stored in larger containers first.
Solid metal shelves can be fairly hefty to connect directly to the wall, hence they are typically found in freestanding units. Shelves made of wire can be placed on the floor or attached to the wall or ceiling.
Adjustable Rail Shelves
You may need more or less vertical space between shelves, depending on the items you wish to keep. The vertical metal tracks of adjustable rail shelves allow for this adaptability. Metal brackets are made to fit into the slots in these tracks at regular intervals. You can adjust the height of a shelf by removing it, moving the brackets to a new location, and then remounting the shelf at the new location. As long as the brackets are likewise constructed of welded metal, adjustable shelves made of steel wire may readily support big goods.
Amazon Essentials – Wire Rack
When you choose a top-most seller’s basic model, Amazon is committed to making sure you get the best deal possible. The Amazon Basics 14-Inch 5-Shelf Wire Rack makes up for its smaller size with strong construction, but there isn’t a wire rack shelf on Amazon that is 18 inches deep.
Even though we only tested one shelf from each brand, Amazon was the only one to provide a flawless item. The flaws with the boltless shelving we built are significantly less concerning than the threaded fitting issues on the Seville wire rack shelves. Amazon Basics, although being far smaller than the first-place competitor, dropped to second as a result.
Wire racks have only a few parts:
- Shelf support comes from metal tubes.
- It is kept put by wire racks.
- To keep the shelves at the desired height, plastic shims fit into slots on either side of the leg tubes.
Shims hold the shelves even more firmly when there is additional weight on them.
This wire rack was easier to assemble than some others because each stage’s loose elements were individually wrapped. Although this does not completely eliminate the chance of human mistake, it does make it simpler to keep track of the parts than if they were simply tossed into a large bag.
Because each shelf must be slid over the corner posts before the next one can be placed, these racks have just one disadvantage: the shelves must be erected in order, starting at the bottom. It’s not a significant deal unless you need to remove a shelf, and each shelf made of welded-wire contributes to keeping the whole structure together.
All across the world, commercial kitchens, data centres, and distribution centres use these racks extensively. Other than that, there aren’t many disadvantages to using these units over conventional sheet-metal shelves.
The open trusswork along the sides enables the use of straightforward bolts to attach extra shelves and caddies, and hooks make it simple to customise wire racks. With the supplied strap, you may fasten this rack to the wall in case of an earthquake.
Edsal – Muscle Rack
It’s safe to say that when it comes to simple, quick-to-assemble garage shelves, Edsal – Muscle Rack shelves are the norm. It’s functional, and you shouldn’t have any complaints as long as you know what to expect, but this isn’t our go-to design when constructing or installing shelves.
As with the best Gladiator selection, this shelving unit is only held together by the weight of the items you place on it. Muscle Rack, in contrast to the Gladiator’s half-welded design, arrives as a package of basic components: the corner “angle post” uprights come in two pieces measuring three feet each, and every connection is essential.
The bottom shelf is particularly difficult to assemble due to the modular construction. There are eight connections for the first shelf, and you need to support the uprights as you seat each shelf side on the corner rivets. One of your final connections can be readily pried out of place when you go on to the next corner, especially if you are working alone.
Once assembled (preferably, all connections should be tightened with a rubber mallet), this is a solid, dependable shelf. If you need to reposition the unit in the garage, be sure to just lift by the bottom half of a leg to avoid dismantling the whole thing.
The shelf deck itself, constructed from the low-strength, compressed-sawdust chipboard more commonly associated with phoney wall coverings and substandard furniture, is the most frequently criticised part on online forums.
You can get wire decks for your Muscle Rack shelves (they’re not as thick as the Gladiator’s, though). However, the lumber section of any hardware store would be happy to cut you a custom piece of plywood. The chipboard decks can support a few hundred pounds if the weight is well distributed, however each shelf can hold a maximum of 800 pounds of steel parts.
These rivet-and-slot shelves are distributed by Edsel to almost every discount and home improvement store in the United States. Esdal’s customer service has assured customers that the only noticeable difference between their product and the house brand Maxi Rack is cosmetic. These rivet-lock shelves are a good alternative to the Gladiator, costing only about a third as much.
Excel ES-602472P – Most Durable Garage Shelving
While Excel has been around for far less time than some of the other brands on our list, they have swiftly made a name for themselves. Excel Hardware was established in 2003, and it began as a manufacturer of tool storage solutions such as toolboxes, cabinets, and chests. This sparked the company’s entry into new markets for various types of storage products.
The company’s roots are in the production of storage solutions for specialists in robust sectors, and this approach permeates all of their offerings, even when the end users have less stringent requirements. Consequently, it shouldn’t be surprising that the Excel shelving unit is the most sturdy option we considered. There are several methods for accomplishing this.
First, the supports on this shelving unit are unparalleled. These rods are composed of powder-coated steel and are far more substantial than the rather flimsy supports included in the majority of the other items here. The cylindrical shape and increased thickness of the supports are what really set them out as the strongest option. What’s more, we found that the wire shelves were among the few few that have a central strengthened support. Having heavier objects distributed evenly throughout the shelves will help keep them from bowing or bending.
Even though its weight capacity is somewhat lower than our largest evaluated product, this shelving unit nevertheless provides a respectable 600 pounds per shelf. This shelving unit is one of the few on the market with shelves that are a full five feet by two feet, so it provides a lot of storage space for its price. Nonetheless, Excel is one of the conventional bookcases that has fewer than five shelves.
If you don’t need to store as many bulky objects as four shelves provide, you may find the shelving unit to be too spacious. The lack of wheels is another feature of the Excel that some people find disappointing. Due of this, it will be very challenging to relocate the shelf after it has been built. There are self-leveling feet included, however they aren’t always stable and they don’t help with portability.
This shelf unit may be assembled without the use of any special equipment or more than one person’s time. It’s worth noting that this product is the only one we looked at that secures the shelves with plastic wedges. While the plastic is tough enough to endure some rough use, it can be difficult to keep it in place during installation. You may need several efforts to get it properly levelled and fastened.
Gladiator – Heavy Duty Rack
The Gladiator – GARS484TEG wire-rack shelves are stronger and more stable than comparable tool-free garage shelves. This shelf’s capacity may be excessive for storing holiday decorations, but if your garage is typical, you’ll soon come to appreciate the extra space.
The Gladiator system is distinguished from standard boltless shelving not only by its use of angled slots as connecting points but also by its lack of the keyhole-shaped connections often used in such systems. Unlike other boltless designs, which rely on the gimmick of shipping individual components that are kept together by shelves or couplers, the Gladiator’s uprights are all one piece. A central support brace prevents the wire shelving units from leaning to one side.
Our scrap metal tester knew immediately which shelf he wanted to use after visiting a local home improvement store and comparing the Gladiator wire rack to the thin-gauge wire racks offered for other common boltless shelves. The only significant drawback is that the six-foot-long packaging cannot be stored in a hatchback like other snap-together systems can because of the one-piece sides.
While the wire racks are more durable and attractive, Gladiator also offers shelving units with plastic shelf decks that are only a quarter of an inch thick.
One of the Gladiator pieces was slightly bent when we opened the box, but the Edsel – Muscle Rack had the same problem. Our group wasn’t slowed down in the least by the bent corner, which was quickly fixed with pliers. This shelf unit was assembled by our test subject and a buddy in under 20 minutes.
Classic Wire Rack from Seville
The affordable wire shelving available at discount retailers and even the Amazon Basics type we graded higher are both outperformed by the Seville Classics – UltraDurable wire shelving. We looked over thousands of Amazon customer reviews and found that this particular wire rack brand had the highest overall satisfaction rate. Comparable warehouse suppliers like ULine.com and this company offer shelves of a similar calibre, and their wire gauge is thicker than some of their less expensive competitors’.
Because wire racks are sturdy and simple to maintain, the term “UltraDurable” is apt. Any load placed on the shelves, like with the majority of tool-free shelving, just strengthens the joints. Practically anything may be stored on these shelves, and you can always instal a shelf liner if you absolutely don’t want anything to fall through the wire.
Instead of zinc plating, which gives cheaper wire shelves their bluish hue, this item has a genuine chrome finish. This greatly lowers the potential for corrosion over time.
However, when we tried to construct the Seville Classics rack we bought, two of the twelve joints wouldn’t screw together.
If you need a complete 18-inch deep shelf and prefer the look of a wire rack, Seville Classics has a better track record than the competition, though quality control difficulties are (unfortunately) not uncommon with any brand of shelving when you’re paying such a cheap price. Both the final design of the shelf and the speed with which Seville Classics shipped us replacement parts satisfied us.
Pricing for Garage Shelving
- Under $50: Garage shelving is available in this price range, but it has some restrictions. Three-layer racks are a characteristic of some of the best garage shelving systems available at this price point, and they can support up to 200 pounds per tier when distributed equally.
- This is the price range for reliable yet inexpensive wire racks. You can utilise these storage solutions in any part of your home. They serve as storage for pantries and attics in addition to being used in the garage. Wire racks with four and five tiers, both with and without casters, are available here. The majority of households have garage storage solutions that cost between $100 and $200. There are several alternatives in this broad area, from ceiling-mounted shelves to fixed garage shelving.
- If you purchase a unit in this price range, you might have additional cash to spend on accessories like pegboards and tool organisers. These garage shelving systems cost $300 or more and are intended for commercial establishments seeking the best garage shelves. Although you don’t have to pay a lot of money to get the greatest garage shelves, there are more options available in this price range. Larger sizes and improved durability are extra characteristics that you may anticipate costing more. Loads up to 1,000 pounds can be accommodated by units in this category.
Important features to consider
Shelf material
Wire shelving is ideal if you park vehicles in the rain directly next to your storage and need something that won’t rust or mildew. Chipboard shelves are sturdy and passably appealing, and they can be coated to protect them from the elements in less demanding environments.
True weight capacity
The strength of the frame determines the maximum load rating of a shelf, which is usually expressed in terms of hundreds of pounds. Half of that weight placed in the centre of an unsupported chipboard shelf will cause it to bow or possibly break. Only the Gladiator, among the boltless clip-together shelving systems we evaluated, includes a centre support bracket, but additional supports are often available for purchase. Shelving on a wire rack is more sturdy since each shelf is strengthened with a welded truss.
Shelf dimensions
Remember that you’ll need standing room in front of the shelves when measuring the available garage space. Most of the greatest storage containers, both small and medium, may be accommodated on shelves with a depth of 18 inches, which is the standard. The shelves come in depths of 24 inches, so if you need to store a 21-inch lawn mower for the winter, you’ll want to go with that option.
Tool-free assembly
Putting shelves together with screws or bolts is a time-consuming chore. Our time and energy were well spent testing various tool-free shelving options. When putting up a bookcase by yourself, the first shelf is notoriously difficult.
Wheels or anchors
Boltless shelves are not as sturdy as those with predrilled holes at the base of the uprights, so you may need to tie the former to the floor. Wire racks, on the other hand, are somewhat inflexible, so if you want to be able to roll your parts shelf around the garage as you work, you may purchase it with casters.
If you’ve let your closets and attics become dumping grounds, it’s time to do a full-scale Marie Kondo on your belongings.
If you want to get rid of clutter, the easiest way to do so is to find a home for everything. For most people, this means either getting rid of stuff or getting more storage. Having everything neatly displayed and easily accessible makes open shelf units ideal for maximising vertical space.
In conclusion, shelving solutions, particularly wire racks, are a highly effective and versatile way to enhance garage organization. Their ability to store a variety of items while maintaining durability and ease of access makes them an excellent choice for anyone looking to reduce clutter in their workspace. Wire racks, such as those from popular brands like Amazon’s Wire Rack, Edsal – Muscle Rack, and Seville Classics – UltraDurable, stand out due to their robust construction, adjustable configurations, and corrosion-resistant finishes. These shelves provide ample support for heavy tools and equipment, making it easier to keep everything in its place.
While some options like the Gladiator shelves may come at a higher price point, they offer additional features such as greater stability and specialized design elements, such as angled slots and plastic shelf decks. For those on a budget, rivet-lock shelves provide a similar functionality at a fraction of the cost, proving that affordable solutions do not necessarily mean sacrificing strength or reliability. Overall, selecting the right shelving system depends on specific needs such as space, mobility, and durability, but with the variety of options available, anyone can find the ideal solution to transform their garage into an efficient and organized workspace.
