Garage Overhead Storage: Inspiring Ways To Add More Space For Your Cars
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Garage overhead storage is one of the best ways you can create more space in the same room where you park your car. Maybe you’ve never considered your garage ceiling as a practical storage area, but that’s what makes ceiling storage so ingenious.
Among DIY installation projects, garage ceiling storage is sturdy compared to other storage options.
If you need a few ideas, below you’ll find our favorite overhead garage storage systems. When you’re done reading, you’ll have plenty of inspiration to try one out or create something original for your home.
Types Of Overhead Garage Storage Systems
Not all overhead storage systems are the same and there are a few distinct types to consider. You can differentiate these types by where they’re meant to be installed. For example, some storage systems are designed to be placed over the garage door.
Others are meant to go above the hood of your car or truck. There are also modular storage systems that come in multiple units.
6 Best Overhead Storage Ideas For Your Garage
SafeRacks 4×8-2 Rack Package
The SafeRacks system is a garage ceiling or wall option that can hold a variety of items. There is plenty of shelf space for large boxes, seasonal items, sports gear, and other things. The hooks on the underside can hold bikes and anything light enough to hang from a hook.
Racor – PHL-1R
In case your garage ceiling has an angle, the Racor storage system might be exactly what you need. It has these built-in nylon rings, allowing it to adjust to any ceiling, and to keep your items nice and level. You can raise or lower the shelf using a crank and secure it in place when done.
SafeRacks Overhead Garage Storage Combo Kit
A combination of SafeRacks systems can fit in the corner of your garage, saving space, making more room on the walls and floor. It can also keep your items organized and out of the way. You could also extend your storage system and add additional ceiling-mounted racks.
FLEXIMOUNTS 4×8 Overhead Garage Storage Rack
Another good option is the Fleximounts storage rack which has long brackets and keeps your items off the floor, out of the way and safe from water damage. Install as many racks as you need and leave your garage floor clean, so you have room to park your car and walk around.
Motorized Garage Storage Hoist
Overhead garage storage is very practical but lifting all those heavy items up there on the racks in the first place may not be something you can do. The motorized platform lift does all the heavy lifting for you so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
You can control it with an app on your smartphone.
StoreYourBoard Double SUP & Surf Ceiling Storage Rack
Surfboards definitely take up a lot of space and they’re usually kept in the garage which can be an inconvenience. Get them out of the way with a ceiling-mounted surfboard storage rack. This one has heavy-duty construction and can hold multiple boards.
Choosing An Overhead Garage Storage System That’s Right For You
A few things to consider when choosing an overhead storage system for your garage. Some of the criteria to base your decision on are general while others are unique.
Size
An integrated grid design will help keep your garage organized. Not all garages have the same size or proportions and not everyone needs the same amount of storage. Typically, overhead storage systems measure somewhere between 4 ft x 4 ft and 4 ft x 8 ft.
Placement And Setup
Before you start looking different products, survey the garage space. Figure out how you want to organize it, all the elements you want to add, and decide where the overhead storage system will go.
This way you can take measurements, and you’ll know exactly what to look for in terms of size and shape.
DIY Installation
Make sure your storage system fits in the space you’ve selected. You should be able to install and secure it to the ceiling. If you have wires or other things in the way you might not want to go further. Consider hiring a professional to handle the installation if you’re not sure how to do it yourself.
Storage Capacity
Be sure to check the weight capacity of the storage system and to make sure it suits your needs. If you plan on storing lots of heavy items like various tools, equipment and so on you might need to look for a reinforced storage system.
If you only want to store lightweight items there’s no point in investing in something super strong unless you want the system to be future-proof. On the same topic, make sure you also know how much weight your actual garage ceiling can hold.
Accessibility
Overhead garage storage systems are not meant to be easily accessed. They’re meant to hold various seasonal items or things that you use or need. Often you can use a ladder to reach the shelves and to access the items stored on them.
If you want easier access to them you can consider a motorized storage system that can lift and lower the racks whenever needed.
Labeling
Regardless of the type of storage system you get for your garage, consider that it’s meant to hold lots of items you don’t use on a regular basis. A labeling system is a good idea. Label your boxes or add marker labels to your storage racks so you know where to look for an item when you need it.
Accessories
Take full advantage of your overhead storage system and maximize its efficiency by adding various accessories to it. For example, you could use a particular set of hooks to hold tires in place and to store them side by side to save space.
You can also add safety nets to hold smaller items, various utility hooks for sports equipment and tools, etc.
How To Create A DIY Garage Storage System
If you need a few examples of how to add a storage system inside your garage, then you’ll like the three ideas we’ve selected below.
Overhead Storage Rack
Many overhead garage storage systems are simple from a structural point of view, which means if you wanted to you could build something yourself. A storage rack made of wood might do. Make sure it’s strong and sturdy and can withstand the weight you’ll be putting on it.
Check out this tutorial on strongtie to learn more.
Ceiling Rack
Check out another tutorial on how to build overhead garage storage shelves on instructables. You can hang the shelves at any height depending on how much storage space you needed and the height of the ceiling.
The main material used here is wood and if you want to keep the cost of the project low you can use reclaimed boards or pallets.
Corner Garage Storage
When you’re building overhead garage racks and storage systems you get to decide where and how you’re organizing everything. You can make the shelves any size you want. You could go with a waterfall design if that’s what you wanted.
If you install wood shelves, make sure you give them a powder coat finish, which will keep them protected. For example, place them around the edge, along the walls, leaving the center open and shelf-free. Check out instructables for more inspiration and ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ
How Much Do Motorized Overhead Garage Storage Cost?
An overhead garage storage system costs roughly $100 to $300 per storage rack. A 220-pound electric lift for overhead garage storage might cost $150 to $250. Small garage organizers such as baskets and pegs can cost anywhere from $5 to $50 and up.
For this DIY installation project, use high-quality materials. You don’t want to cut corners on a garage ceiling space project.
How Do You Stabilize Free Standing Garage Storage Shelves?
Drill a hole for each foot in the underside of one of the legs and tap in the foot, using a hammer. Right the bookshelf and put it back into position.
Raise or lower each foot until the bookcase stops wobbling. Raise the feet by turning them clockwise; lower them by turning them counterclockwise.
How Much Weight Can A Ceiling Joist Hold?
Simple pounds per square foot. If your chair does not weigh over 9 pounds—you can hang one on a joist for every foot of length. This is based on an attic floor which is designed by code to support 10 pounds per square foot and then subtract 1 pound for ceiling weight.
Can You Insulate A Garage Without Drywall?
If you’re redoing your detached garage, drywall may not be the best choice for the walls. There are a variety of alternatives that can make your garage space more practical.
If you plan to convert it into a living space, insulating the walls, ceiling, and floor with foam panels will help make it cozy and comfortable.
What Causes Most Garage Fires?
Electrical malfunction is the leading cause of garage fires. A flame frequently gets started when there is a short in the wires, the wires are damaged or electrical outlets are overloaded. Garage fires are dangerous and more severe because of the number of flammable materials often stored inside a garage.
Overhead Garage Storage Conclusion
When installing an overhead garage storage rack, you will need a few tools. A stud finder will be necessary as the tool will help you locate the studs in your wall. You’ll also need lag bolts, lock nuts, and ceiling joists.
Installing overhead garage storage racks is a good DIY project. If you do not have advanced DIY skills, ask a friend to help you to ensure safety. You don’t want to make any mistakes when working with ceiling brackets, for example.
The effort you put into it will be worth it as overhead garage storage shelves provide you with more garage space.
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