Shelving for a tidier garage

The bulk of any garage storage will most probably be shelving, so it’s important to make sure the right ones are chosen for the specific needs. Buying shelving that is too weak to support the weight of the items to be stored will only defeat any organisational efforts.

It is paramount that adequate support for the stored materials is used in the construction of shelves. For example, if the shelving is made from 3/4-inch-thick particleboard, it should not span more than 19 inches without support. Medium-density fibreboard shelves of the same thickness need support every 21 inches. Plywood or pine boards can span up to 34 inches.

If sturdier, more robust shelves are required, choose metal systems with two rows of holes in the vertical standards—they support about twice as much weight as single-track racks, and brackets mount to them more securely. Although manufacturers sometimes suggest installing the top rail and then hanging the standards from it, a shelving system will support more weight if the standards are attached to wall studs. Doing so can increase the system’s weight tolerance up to 600 lbs. per standard.

Overhead shelves are great for storing lightweight items that would otherwise take up a lot of space, such as sleeping bags. With ladder brackets installed for extra support, the shelving itself can be very lightweight.

A well-built tool chest is an effectual means to store tools and yet keep them handy. Clearly label the storage place of each tool to keep the garage organized for months to come.