A messy garage not only makes it hard for you to move around, but too much clutter can restrict the airflow as well, increasing its temperature.
Plus, if you are working on any home improvement projects in your garage, clutter will make it hard to work and find the tools you need for your project.
Most importantly, a messy garage can be hazardous — causing you or people in your household to trip and fall on clutter on your floor. Keep your garage organized, safe, and clutter-free by investing in shelves for your garage.
Shelves can provide designated spaces for the clutter in your garage, making it easier to find them when needed and keeping them off your garage floor.
There are many options available in the market for shelves. Depending on what the shelf is made of and its size, it can hold a few hundred to a few thousand pounds.
Garage shelves can be categorized into three groups:
- Free-standing shelves. These look like cabinets without doors. While it may require some assembly, it doesn’t need to be mounted to the wall or ceiling, therefore reducing your installation time. However, it does take up floor space in your garage.
- Ceiling-mounted shelves. These shelves have brackets that you drill into your ceiling’s studs. This type of shelving maximizes that space in your garage but is more complicated to install than the other two types.
- Wall-mounted shelves. Some of these shelves have brackets that you drill into your wall’s studs. Some shelves do not require studs. This type of shelving also maximizes space in your garage but is more challenging to install than free-standing shelves.
What to Look For When Choosing Shelves for Your Garage
- How much you need to store. If you only have a few tools and odd items, you may only need one shelf. But if you have many things to keep, you may need more.
- Type of material the shelf is made of. Most shelves for your garage are made of metal or wood. The wall-mounted and ceiling-mounted ones are usually made of metal, while free-standing shelves are made with both. Metal shelves are more durable than wood ones, but you can have wooden shelves customized to the look you want to go for.
- Installation time. All shelves require assembly, but the wall-mounted and ceiling-mounted ones need more installation time and are not as easy as free-standing shelves.
- How much free space you have in your garage. If you don’t have much space in your garage, you should opt for wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted shelves to maximize the space in your garage.
Here are our recommendations for high-quality garage shelves.
R5 Series: 4-Shelf Large Storage Rack
A heavy-duty storage rack from Origami. This shelving unit comprises commercial-grade powder-coated steel and four professional-grade caster wheels, with two wheels with a smart-lock function.
The rack is pre-assembled, and you do not need any tools to set it up. It unfolds in under 5 seconds, latch it, and it’s ready to use in 20 seconds. You can also fold it flat and store it when not in use.
Best for: Those who don’t want to spend too much time assembling a shelf.
The biggest advantage: This shelf folds flat, is portable, and easy to unfold and use.
Specifications:
- Overall dimensions: 36″ (W) x 21″ (D) x 60″ (H)
- Folded dimensions: 3.5″ (W) x 21″ (D) x 61.75″ (H)
- Distance between shelves: 19″ (H); 17.5″ (H), 17.5″ (H) from top to bottom
- Weight: 41 lbs
- Weight capacity per shelf: 250 lbs without wheels; 75 lbs with wheels
Pros:
- Easy to install – no assembly required
- Portable and folds flat if you need to store it
- You can have it with wheels if you need the rack to be mobile
Cons:
- Shelves can bend if you do not evenly distribute the weight
- Items can get damaged during shipping and may not latch properly if any beams or shelves are bent and misaligned
- Heavy and difficult to get out of the packaging
Sterilite 0155 – 5 Shelf Shelving Unit
A heavy-duty and durable shelving unit. Each shelf is ventilated, so your items stay dry and odor-free.
Since the unit is made out of plastic, it will not rust, dent, peel, or chip. There is some assembly required, but no tools are needed.
Best for: Those looking for a less costly shelving unit.
Specifications:
- Overall dimensions: 36″ (W) x 18″ (D) x 75.25″ (H)
- Folded dimensions: 13.75″ (W) x 18.375″ (D) x 37.125″ (H)
- Weight: 29 lbs
- Weight capacity per shelf: 150 lbs per shelf
Pros:
- Has ventilated shelves to help keep your items dry
- Easy to assemble – no tools needed
- Cheaper than other shelving units
Cons:
- A bit challenging to get the shelves in the posts completely
- Some of the holes in the shelves for ventilation have a bottom and can collect liquid
- The ventilated shelves make it unsuitable for storing smaller items
Finnhomy 8-Tier Wire Shelving Unit
This shelving unit can go as high as 6 feet but can be used as two separate, smaller shelving units.
This unit has eight shelves for your things, and is made out of rust-proof alloy steel. The shelves are adjustable in height, and so are the legs in case of uneven floors.
Best for: Garages that are small but have high ceilings
Specifications:
- Overall dimensions: 24″ (W) x 14″ (D) x 72″ (H)
- Weight: 27.18 lbs
- Weight capacity per shelf: 250 lbs per shelf
Pros:
- It is made from steel, so it is sturdy and durable
- The chrome finish is attractive
- Easy to assemble
Cons:
- The liners on the shelves are flimsy
- Pricier than other shelves
- It can be challenging to pry the plastic end caps, which you need to do if you want to assemble it as an 8-shelf unit
Whitmor Supreme 3 Tier Shelving
This shelving unit is made from metal and has a chrome finish. It’s very durable and certified for commercial kitchen use.
The unit has adjustable wire shelves and leveling feet for uneven floors. It also comes with a 10-year warranty. Plus, each shelf can hold up to 350 lbs of weight, but the shelves are made from lightweight materials.
Best for: Those that have heavier items to store but need shelving that isn’t bulky.
Specifications:
- Overall dimensions: 36″ (W) x 14″ (D) x 36″ (H)
- Weight: 4.36 lbs
- Weight capacity per shelf: 350 lbs per shelf
Pros:
- It can hold more weight compared to other shelves
- A 10-year warranty covers it
- Well-made material and is very sturdy
Cons:
- Pricier compared to similar shelves
- Hard to assemble
Dewalt DXST45003 Shelf 4′ Industrial Storage Rack
Another heavy-duty rack for your garage. This shelf has solid laminate decks, top caps to protect your things from damage, and safety straps with weld nuts, making it easier to assemble.
The shelves are made from black laminate wood composite. Each shelf has cross beams and two types of support straps to keep them sturdy and stable.
The shelves are also adjustable in 2.35-inch increments with locking pins, ensuring that each is installed correctly. Plus, each shelf can hold up to 1,500 lbs of weight.
The support straps, crossbeams, and uprights are made from powder-coated steel, and the feet have nylon footpads, so it doesn’t damage your flooring. The rack has a wall mount bracket to prevent the shelf from tipping.
Best for: Those that have a lot of space in their garage.
Specifications:
- Overall dimensions: 49.63″ (W) x 18″ (D) x 47.63″ (H)
- Weight: 76.21 lbs
- Weight capacity per shelf: 1,500 lbs per shelf
Pros:
- It can hold a lot more weight compared to other shelves
- Very sturdy
- You can stack other units to make bigger shelves
Cons:
- Pricier compared to other shelves
- Hard to assemble
- Big and bulky
StoreYourBoard Garage Pro Tool Storage Rack
Made of heavy-duty steel and aluminum, this is a wall-mounted shelf with six storage attachments you can use for your various tools.
It has hooks for your long-handled tools and utility straps where you can hang your hoses, ropes, and cords. The wall brackets are adjustable to fit your wall stud spacing.
Best for: Maximizing the storage space in your garage.
Specifications:
- Overall dimensions: 46″ (W) x 15.5″ (D) x 17″ (H)
- Weight: 19.6 lbs
- Weight capacity per shelf: 100 lbs.
Pros:
- Keeps your tools mounted on the wall and organized
- The rack is customizable
- Includes a storage shelf
Cons:
- The storage shelf is small and can only hold up to 100 lbs
- Pricier than similar wall-mounted shelves
- The metal used bends easily
NewAge Products Shop Pro Series Wall Mounted Steel Shelves
This wall-mounted shelf provides 16 square feet of storage. It comes with support cables that are aircraft-grade and fasteners that you can use for concrete or wood stud installation.
The shelf itself has a powder-coat paint finish and a lifetime warranty.
Best for: Garages that do not have enough space for free-standing shelving.
Specifications:
- Overall dimensions: 96″ (W) x 24″ (D) x 66″ (H)
- Weight: 90.6 lbs
- Weight capacity per shelf: 600 lbs.
Pros:
- Stores your things off the floor
- A space-saver
- The shelf is sturdy
Cons:
- Installation is required
- Requires 24″ on center studs
- The instructions aren’t easy to follow
Fleximounts GR48B 4′ X 8′ Overhead Garage Storage Rack
This shelving unit, made of cold-roll steel, keeps your things off the floor, and the shelves provides 105 cu. ft. of space.
It is safe and secure when installed properly, with six vertical posts and long ceiling brackets attached to two studs providing maximum support.
You can buy additional hooks so you can hang other items from the wire grid deck.
Best for: Storing items that you use seasonally or you don’t use frequently.
Specifications:
- Overall dimensions: 96″ (W) x 48″ (D) x 40″ (H)
- Weight: 59.7 lbs
- Weight capacity per shelf: 600 lbs.
Pros:
- The height of the shelves is adjustable
- The wire grid and frame are welded together, making the unit safer and more stable
- Screws used are thicker compared to other ceiling-mounted shelving
Cons:
- Installation required
- The unit is heavy and a challenge to install alone
- Instructions on how to install it are not clear
- The wire platform bends easily
If you’re an avid biker and looking for optimal ways for storing bicycles in your garage, read our guide with 9 bike storage ideas for efficient and clutter-free garage.
