While price and size are good starting points – most homeowners want to consider the lifespan of the garage shelving and the load bearing capacity and durability of the shelving under the conditions within a garage. Over time, heat, humidity, heavy loads and the occasional knock from a passing vehicle or tool all take their toll and the question of whether a unit will last for decades or bend, rust or collapse in a few years is almost always a reflection of its construction and materials.
Types of Materials Used in Garage Shelving
Garage shelving is created using a variety of materials, every one having its own specific qualities relying on the use. The material used most for heavy-duty applications is steel, which provides a high load-bearing capacity, durability and resistance to the wear and tear that occurs in a garage. Powder coated steel is also a protection from moisture and rust which cannot be achieved by bare or painted steel over time. Timber shelves will find their niche where lighter storage is required, and are also less resistant to moisture damage, warping and pest penetration than steel, and therefore are not as suitable as a main storage in most garages. Wire shelving is also light and lets air in which can be a good thing in some areas, but it has no flat surface for smaller items, and the load rating for heavy garage storage. Powder coated steel shelving is for most garage storage needs the most reliable steel shelving option because of its strength, durability and ease of maintenance.
How Garage Shelving Is Configured for Different Spaces
No one shelving system will fit all parts of a garage, and the best combination of units is the one that allows you to achieve the goals you want in each part of the garage. Heavier, deeper shelving is along the back wall for bulk items and smaller, shallower shelving are along a side wall to accommodate smaller, more frequently used items. Often there is a variety of items to fit in the unit and with adjustable garage shelving you can use the same unit without wasting vertical room between the shelves. Add-on bays can be added easily to an existing shelving run, making it simple to increase storage as needs change, without needing to replace units or build from scratch. Garage designs that incorporate corners utilize space that is often empty, helping to create the most space for the least amount of storage space.
Benefits of Getting Garage Shelving Right From the Start
Using quality garage shelving from the beginning eliminates the need to continually replace the less expensive shelving units that fail under load, sag over time or simply fail to provide the necessary value in the garage. Correctly installed and well specified shelving can help keep a garage organised, safe, functional and will allow for the daily activities to help stop clutter from returning to the garage for many years. Another benefit of having a garage which is properly shelved is the fact that the garage gains a certain visual improvement that makes the area more efficient and will not create stress in the rest of the home. Anyone who has already used sub-standard storage and who has been back at square one within a year or two will understand that once you invest in the right garage shelving, it is the one decision that will change that.
