Ever opened your garage and felt like the shelves were working against you instead of for you? You’re not alone. Choosing the right width for garage shelves is one of the most overlooked decisions in storage planning, yet it can make or break the functionality of your garage. Go too narrow and tubs hang off the edge, making the space look messy. Go too wide and suddenly you can’t swing the car doors open without a thud.
After more than 20,000 garage makeovers across Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra, I’ve learnt that shelf width isn’t about guesswork—it’s about matching your shelves to your space, your lifestyle, and the gear you need to store. From tradies’ tool sheds to family garages bursting with kids’ sports gear, the right width transforms frustration into order. In this guide, I’ll walk you through standard sizes, practical factors, and real examples that show exactly what works and why.
Standard Width Options For Garage Shelving Units
When clients ask me, “What’s the best shelf width for my garage?” my first response is usually: “Let’s measure your space and talk about what you’re storing.” But it helps to start with the common, off-the-shelf widths you’ll find in Bunnings, Mitre 10, or from professional garage fit-outs like ours. Each width has its sweet spot, and I’ve seen them all in action across thousands of garages.
24-Inch Garage Shelves – Compact And Space-Saving
At roughly 600mm, these shelves are the “all-rounders.” They’re narrow enough to fit into tight spots—like the single garages common in Sydney’s inner west—yet wide enough to hold toolboxes, paint cans, and those stackable tubs everyone seems to buy from Officeworks.
A client in Brunswick had a row of 24-inch shelves tucked neatly along a side wall. They didn’t protrude into the car bay, and the family could still swing open both car doors without a scrape. It’s proof that sometimes smaller widths aren’t a compromise—they’re the secret to keeping the garage usable.
36-Inch Garage Shelves – The Balanced Middle Ground
At about 900mm wide, these shelves hit the sweet spot for most suburban homes. They provide ample storage without hogging space, which is why they’re one of the most popular choices in our installations.
One family in Glen Waverley used 36-inch shelves to line their back wall, and we set them up to hold gardening tools, kids’ sports gear, and some camping boxes. It’s the sort of size that handles variety without forcing you to over-engineer supports. In my book, if you’re unsure where to start, 36 inches is a safe bet.
48-Inch Garage Shelves – Wide Shelves For Bulky Storage
Stepping up to 1.2 metres, 48-inch shelves are the workhorses. They can carry bulkier items like eskies, lawnmowers, and large plastic tubs. But you need the space.
We fitted a double garage in Brighton with a run of 48-inch wide shelves, and it transformed the space. The homeowner was a keen surfer and needed a place to store his boards and beach gear. With 48-inch shelves, he got depth and width to stack boards safely without squeezing them into corners. The trick with shelves this wide is ensuring they’re braced properly so they don’t bow under weight.
72-Inch Garage Shelves – Heavy-Duty Width For Maximum Storage
At a whopping 1.8 metres, these shelves are built for big garages, workshops, and serious storage. You’ll often find them in commercial-style set-ups, or in homes where the garage doubles as a shed. They’re perfect for long-handled tools, big tubs, or multiple cartons stacked side by side.
In Canberra, we once worked with a family who ran a small landscaping business from home. Their garage doubled as storage for everything from wheelbarrows to bulk fertiliser. Standard shelves were never going to cut it, so we installed 72-inch racking with reinforced steel frames. The difference? They could store everything off the floor, making the garage safer and freeing up space for the family’s cars.
How Standard Widths Compare To Metric Sizes In Australia
Australians often work in millimetres, so here’s a quick translation and comparison of the common shelf widths:
| Shelf Width (Inches) | Metric Equivalent | Best Use Case |
| 24” | ~600mm | Small garages, paint tins, hand tools |
| 36” | ~900mm | Suburban garages, mixed storage |
| 48” | ~1200mm | Bulky gear, surfboards, large tubs |
| 72” | ~1800mm | Workshops, commercial use, landscaping gear |
It’s worth noting that some suppliers offer even longer runs—up to 3.6 metres—great for industrial spaces but overkill for the average home.
Key Factors To Determine The Ideal Width For Garage Shelves
Every garage is different, and after 20 years of consulting, I can tell you there’s no “magic number” that suits everyone. Instead, the best width depends on a handful of practical factors. Below, I’ve broken them down into the six key things we always look at during a consultation.
1. Item Size And Weight
Not all shelves are created equal, and the gear you’re storing should drive your choice.
Examples of width by item type:
| Item Type | Recommended Shelf Width | Why It Works |
| Hand tools, paint cans, sprays | 400–600mm (16–24”) | Compact, prevents wasted depth |
| Power tools, medium storage tubs | 600–900mm (24–36”) | Balance between access and load |
| Large tubs, camping gear, eskies | 900–1200mm (36–48”) | Enough space for bulky items |
| Lawn mowers, surfboards, cartons | 1200–1800mm (48–72”) | Suit heavy-duty and oversized storage |
Quick tip: For items like 50-litre storage tubs, a 600mm (24-inch) shelf is spot-on. Any shallower, and the tubs will hang over the edge.
2. Available Space
Measure twice, cut once. Shelving width should never be chosen before checking the space it will live in.
Checklist for measuring garage space:
- Measure wall length, depth, and height.
- Note any obstacles: doors, windows, water heaters, switchboards.
- Allow for vehicle clearance – at least 800mm on either side of a parked car so you can open doors comfortably.
- Consider walkways – don’t make shelves so wide they become tripping hazards.
- Plan around storage you already own (like bikes or bins).
I’ve seen plenty of garages in Melbourne’s inner suburbs where a shallow 450mm depth was the only realistic option—anything more and the car wouldn’t fit.
3. Accessibility And Convenience
If you can’t reach it, you won’t use it.
- Arm’s reach rule: Avoid shelves deeper than 600mm unless you’re storing large, seldom-used gear.
- User height: Keep most-used items between knee and eye level.
- Mobility: Families with older relatives often opt for narrower shelves so no one has to stretch dangerously.
A retired couple in Camberwell told me their old 1200mm-wide shelves were a nightmare—things vanished at the back. We replaced them with 600mm shelves, and suddenly everything was within easy reach.
4. Growth And Flexibility
Your storage needs will change over time. That’s why I always recommend modular or adjustable systems.
Options worth considering:
- Adjustable shelves – reconfigure spacing for different tub sizes.
- Modular systems – start small, expand later.
- Add-ons – hooks, baskets, and wall tracks for future upgrades.
We fitted a modular wall system in a Doncaster garage five years ago. The client started with two bays. Now he’s added three more as his kids’ sports gear has multiplied.
5. Safety And Stability
Safety is non-negotiable. Width should never come at the expense of structural integrity.
Safety checklist:
- Check the manufacturer’s weight ratings.
- Secure shelving to studs or masonry walls.
- For concrete floors, bolt down heavy-duty racks.
- Place the heaviest items on the lowest shelf.
- Spread the load evenly across the width.
Material tip: For DIY shelving, 19mm (¾-inch) plywood suits 600mm deep shelves. Go thicker if you plan to span more than a metre. Steel remains the gold standard for heavy-duty storage in Aussie garages.
6. Aesthetics
It’s not just about function—width affects how neat the garage looks.
- Enclosed cabinets: Hide clutter, give a clean finish.
- Powder-coated steel: Looks modern, resists rust.
- Consistency: Stick to one width type across the wall to avoid a patchwork effect.
One family in Sydney’s North Shore insisted on all shelves being the same 900mm width. The result? A uniform, professional look that made the garage feel more like part of the home than a dumping ground.
Garage Shelf Width For Different Storage Needs
Every garage has its own personality. Some are packed with tools, others with kids’ sports gear, and many with a mix of “stuff we’ll use one day.” Over the years, I’ve learned that the trick isn’t just adding more shelves—it’s choosing the right width for the type of gear you’re storing. Below are the most common categories we see in Aussie garages and the widths that work best.
Shelf Width Recommendations For Tools And Equipment
Tools are the bread and butter of most garages, but they vary wildly in size.
| Tool Type | Best Shelf Width | Storage Tips |
| Hand tools (spanners, pliers, screwdrivers) | 400–600mm | Narrow shelves prevent clutter. Pair with hooks or magnetic strips. |
| Power tools (drills, saws, sanders) | 600–900mm | Use labelled containers or dividers. Keep at waist height for easy grab-and-go. |
| Large tools & machinery (lawnmower, pressure washer) | 900–1200mm | Place on wide, low shelves for stability. Don’t lift heavy items too high. |
Real-world story:
We worked with a tradie in Reservoir whose garage was overflowing with power tools. His old 450mm shelves were too narrow—tools stuck out dangerously. We installed 900mm steel shelves, and now everything slots in neatly, with space to grow.
Gardening Gear And Outdoor Storage Needs
Garden tools bring their own set of challenges—some are long and awkward, others small and messy.
| Item Type | Ideal Shelf Width | Notes |
| Small tools (trowels, gloves, pots) | 400–600mm | Combine with baskets or pegboards. |
| Medium gear (watering cans, fertiliser bags) | 600–900mm | Medium width makes items easy to lift. |
| Long-handled tools (rakes, shovels) | 900–1200mm | Better stored upright with hooks, but wide shelves help for tubs of gear. |
Example:
In Werribee, we fitted 900mm adjustable shelves for a keen gardener. She loved the flexibility—smaller pots went on top, while fertiliser bags sat safely on the wider lower shelves.
Holiday Decorations And Seasonal Storage Bins
If there’s one thing I hear often, it’s: “Where do I put the Christmas tree?” Seasonal gear is bulky, awkward, and only touched once a year.
| Item Type | Best Shelf Width | Why |
| Small decorations (lights, ornaments) | 400–600mm | Perfect for labelled plastic tubs. |
| Medium items (wreaths, figurines) | 600–900mm | Shelves wide enough for tubs but not so deep they get lost. |
| Bulky items (Christmas tree, outdoor displays) | 900–1200mm | Wide shelves give stability and prevent tipping. |
Case in point:
A family in Sydney’s Hills District kept their Christmas gear piled in the corner. After one season of dragging the tree box through spider webs, they wanted order. We gave them a 1200mm-wide bottom shelf—now the entire Christmas setup slides in neatly and is out of the way until December.
Wide Vs Narrow Garage Shelves – Which Works Best Where?
Both wide and narrow shelves have their place. The trick is knowing when to use each.
Narrow shelves (400–600mm):
- Ideal for small garages and tight walls.
- Perfect for light, frequently accessed items.
- Less risk of “lost in the back” clutter.
Wide shelves (900–1200mm+):
- Best for bulk storage and commercial-style garages.
- Great for tubs, heavy gear, and seasonal items.
- Must be braced properly to prevent sagging.
Rule of thumb:
- Narrow shelves for everyday items.
- Wide shelves for big, bulky gear.
I often tell clients: “Don’t fight your garage—work with its shape.” A mix of narrow and wide shelves, tailored to what you own, usually beats a one-size-fits-all approach.
Optimising Shelf Width For Small Vs Large Garages
The size of your garage sets the rules. A narrow single garage in a Melbourne terrace home demands a completely different approach from a sprawling double garage in Canberra. Over the years, I’ve seen homeowners try to squeeze wide shelves into tight garages, only to end up with doors they can’t open and walkways that feel like obstacle courses. On the flip side, I’ve also seen large garages with shelves so narrow they waste half the space.
Getting the width right depends on how much room you’ve got to play with.
Best Shelf Width For Narrow Garages And Limited Floor Space
Small garages need smarter thinking. If you’ve only got one bay, or if your garage doubles as a laundry or workshop, shallow and narrow shelves are your best friend.
Top strategies for narrow garages:
- Stick with shelves 400–600mm wide. They’re shallow enough to keep the car bay usable.
- Use wall-mounted tracks and hanging baskets to free up floor space.
- Install shelves higher up the wall for items you rarely use.
- Prioritise vertical storage—tall shelving units work wonders.
- Keep walkways clear by placing shelves against a single wall only.
Example:
In inner-city Carlton, we fitted 450mm-wide shelves for a family who parked a hatchback inside. Anything wider would’ve clipped the car doors. With narrower shelving and a few overhead racks, they reclaimed the space without losing vehicle access.
Wide Shelf Solutions For Double Garages And Workshops
If you’re lucky enough to have a double garage or a dedicated workshop, you can afford to go bigger.
Advantages of wider shelves (900–1200mm+):
- Store bulkier gear like surfboards, eskies, or bikes.
- Create designated “zones” for tools, camping gear, or seasonal items.
- Maximise long wall spans with fewer vertical uprights interrupting the layout.
Example:
We worked with a family in Canberra who had a three-car garage. They opted for 1200mm-wide shelving along one side wall, giving each family member their own “bay” of storage. Dad’s tools, Mum’s gardening gear, and the kids’ sports gear each had a space—no more arguments about missing equipment.
Space-Saving Garage Shelf Width Ideas To Maximise Organisation
Sometimes it’s not about going wide or narrow—it’s about being clever.
Space-saving tips:
- Mix widths: Use narrower shelves near doorways, wider shelves along uninterrupted walls.
- Corner shelving: L-shaped shelves make use of awkward corners.
- Overhead racks: Store camping gear or seasonal items above car bays.
- Pull-out bins: Shallow shelves with sliding tubs save space and improve access.
- Custom widths: In odd-shaped garages, a 700mm or 800mm shelf can be the perfect middle ground.
Comparison Table:
| Garage Type | Recommended Widths | Space-Saving Ideas |
| Narrow single (2.4–3m wide) | 400–600mm | Vertical storage, wall-mounted tracks, overhead racks |
| Standard double (5.5–6m wide) | 600–900mm | Mix of medium and wide shelves, corner units |
| Workshop/large (6m+) | 900–1200mm+ | Wide shelving zones, heavy-duty racking, and modular systems |
The best width for garage shelves isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s a decision shaped by your space, your storage needs, and how you use your garage day to day. Whether you’re working with a narrow single bay in inner Melbourne or a large workshop in Canberra, the right width balances accessibility, safety, and capacity.
The golden rule is simple: shelves should work with your garage, not against it. By measuring carefully, planning for the future, and choosing widths suited to your items, you’ll create a garage that’s organised, safe, and a pleasure to use.
