Garage storage depends on available wall space and ceiling height. More open wall space and height will provide design flexibility, allow for superior options, and dramatically increase linear footage. Depth from the wall is also a key factor, as usable space can increase 20-40% with a 6″ depth increase.

As a consumer, you will have to consider if it is important to keep everything clean, meaning behind the doors, or if it works as open storage. The doors will BIGLY increase the price since they need hardware (hinges, plates, handles), use as much (or more) material as a couple of vertical panels, and require extra man hours to install. Without a doubt, the doors provide a cleaner appearance and will keep your garage equipment cleaner.

Open storage is actually more useful as it allows deeper items to stick out. Who doesn’t have a cooler, lawn chair, or odd-sized piece of wood that isn’t exactly 18″ or 24″ deep? You also need to consider what you will be putting on the shelves. Arrange your heavy stuff—paint cans, water crates, motor oil, spare parts, and tool bins—on multiple shelves. No self-respecting garage company will extend shelves more than 30″ wide. Despite the best intentions, they will overload and eventually fail if they are too wide. A 24″-30″ shelf, no less than ¾” thick , it will hold most typical garage items with no problem.

Most garages, depending on which part of the country you are in, have a minimum height of 9 feet. Newer homes can easily go as high as 12′, and depending on building codes for sloped roofs, could even be higher. Since the vast majority of vehicles are less than 7′ tall, that allows 2-3′ of usable space above the hood of the vehicle for a downward hanging rack.

These top shelves can add a tremendous amount of storage space to an otherwise crowded garage. In a typical two car garage it will be about 22-28′ wide and will allow for 2-3 large shelves. The largest of the top racks is the same size as a sheet of plywood (4′ x 8′) or 32 square feet. Considering the space will likely be at least 2 feet deep, you now have waist-high storage for everything from holiday decorations to tax records.

If you can add three of similar size, it’s like creating a new 10′ x 10′ room just for storage! Be sure to check the load rating of the rack, as they vary widely. I happen to use the Onrax product which supports up to 800lbs if installed correctly.

Your garage has a ton of storage space, and the right combination can free up tons of interior space for everyday items. Consult your local storage professional for ideas and professional installation.