There’s nothing more satisfying than a well-organized garage with every tool stored in its own place. Garage shelving isn’t just about having more storing space. It also offers better safety and more protection for you, your family, and your car.
The best garage shelving we recommend is the Topeakmart 5 Tier Storage Rack Heavy Duty Adjustable unit. It is made from sturdy, rust-resistant and galvanized metal for durability. And it comes with adjustable racks to accommodate items of varying heights and sizes.
17 Best Garage Shelving Reviews
1. Topeakmart 5 Tier Storage Rack Heavy Duty Adjustable unit
What Topeakmart shelves excel at is their ability to store heavy items thanks to the galvanized, rust-resistant frames and the middle supporting beams. On average each shelf can hold up to 386 pounds of items distributed evenly with a total capacity of 1930 pounds per unit.
The only drawback with this unit is the need for gloves to assemble it. It is recommended to wear gloves to avoid cutting yourself and to use a rubber mallet.
Pros:
- Galvanized and rust-resistant metal frames.
- Adjustable racks.
- 5 tiers to save space.
- Sturdy and durable.
- Bolt-free installation.
- Easy to assemble.
- Rubber feet for better stability and avoid damage to the floor.
- Middle supporting beams to handle the weight.
Cons:
- Requires a rubber mallet to put together which is not included in the package.
- Some users complained about the smell of the unit out of the box, but that tends to dissipate after a while.
2. AmazonBasics 5-Shelf Shelving Storage Unit
Much like the self-branded products you get at Walmart and Costco, Amazon decided to take a shot at the garage shelving market with the AmazonBasics Shelving Unit. And the result is not disappointing if you’re looking for an adjusting storage unit that has the sturdiness and durability of steel and the classy looks of a black-coated finish.
Besides this high capacity, the unit is easy to assemble. You’ll be happy to know that you won’t need any special tools to put the AmazonBasics together. But that’s not all. You can adjust the shelves with the help of plastic sleeves. That way you can store different items of varying heights and bulk on the unit to efficiently save your garage floor space.
So does the AmazonBasics unit have drawbacks? Indeed it does. On the downside, it comes without wheels. That’s not very handy if you want to move it around. However, you can still fix it with a set of wheels that you’d have to purchase separately. Another drawback is the plastic sleeves used for adjusting the shelves tend to wear out fast.
Pros:
- Adjustable shelves.
- Durable unit made of steel with a black-coated finish.
- Good capacity.
- Easy to assemble without tools.
Cons:
- Plastic sleeves wear off quickly.
- No wheels.
3. Seville Classics 5-Tier Steel Wire Shelving with Wheels
One of the oldest brands in storage solutions, Seville Classics puts reliability front and center. Described as a heavy-duty shelving unit, this Seville Classics has 5 adjustable tiers and comes with wheels for mobility. You won’t need to empty the shelves every time you want to move the unit to the other side of the garage. A little push is all it takes to rearrange the space within your garage.
While humidity can be a concern to garage owners, the Seville Classics puts your mind at ease with a shiny chrome finish that is both rust-resistant and easy on the eyes at the same time. In addition, both the compact design and shelves that you can adjust at 1-inch increments make this a useful unit for someone looking to organize their garage and save space all in one.
However, a few drawbacks stand out about this product. The caster wheels are made of plastic which frankly speaking cannot hold the weight of a ton and a half of materials when the unit is fully loaded.
Pros:
- Rust-resistant chrome finish.
- Industrial-strength steel wire shelves.
- Easy to adjust, move around, and put together.
Cons:
- Plastic wheels give out easily.
4. 2x4basics 90164 Custom Work Bench and Shelving Storage System
When you’re looking for an innovative-looking unit that can serve either as a storage unit or a workbench, the 2X4basics got you covered. To call it a customizable project that will send tingles down the avid DIYer, is an understatement.
Even if you’re not a DIY projects fan and don’t like to get your hands dirty, this unit is easy to assemble and you can put it all together within a short period of time. You’ll just need a saw to cut the wood and an electric screwdriver and you’re ready to go.
That said, the very points that make this shelving unit a fun DIY project are the same ones that might put people off. It doesn’t arrive at your door with all the needed components. You’ll need to cut wood and measure things twice. So, if that’s not your cup of tea, you might want to scroll down for the next product.
Pros:
- A fun DIY project that works either as a shelving unit or a workbench.
- Easy to customize according to your space needs.
Cons:
- Lumber not included.
- Rather expensive considering you still need to make the shelves yourself.
5. LANGRIA 6 Tier Garage Shelving Shelving Unit
When it comes to tiers stacked on top of each other, LANGRIA gets the last word. With 6 heavy-duty shelves, you got plenty of storage space to keep all those wayward garage items in one place. Durability and sturdiness are the two features that distinguish this shelving unit.
Another feature related to sturdiness is the noticeable steadiness of the unit. Even if your garage floor is as uneven as a back alley in a deserted town, the adjustable feet compensate for all of that. The feet have 4 levels allowing you to keep it firm on unlevel ground. Moreover, the powder coating keeps the unit rust-free even in a damp garage.
So what do flaws have we found in this unit? The first one has to do with the heavy-duty labeling. This unit is not for rough usage where you can store paint cans and other unsavory car fluids. This is pretty apparent from the modest storage capacity. Also, putting it together isn’t as easy as the accompanying manual claims.
Pros:
- 6 adjustable tiers.
- Adjustable feet for uneven floors.
- Rust-resistant powder coating finish.
Cons:
- Low capacity.
- Not easy to assemble.
- Not suitable for heavy-duty storage.
6. Sandusky Lee PS361872-5B Plastic Shelving
We all know that the garage is the last place you’d store dainty or valuable items. That’s what the cupboard and your jewelry box are for. Sandusky Lee is well aware of that fact and has designed a shelving unit that can take as much abuse and rough treatment as you can throw at it.
Setting up the unit is a breeze. You won’t need any special tools or skills of any kind beyond looking at the manual and following the instructions. If you’re pressed for time, you can assemble and start using it in a matter of minutes, not hours.
With all these good qualities, you might think it’s the perfect shelving unit for both your indoor and outdoor needs. But you shouldn’t be so hasty. The resin shelves don’t have much weight capacity and can only support 150 pounds of material each. This puts the capacity of the unit at the not-so-grand total of 750 pounds.
Pros:
- Durable resin shelves that resist rust, stain, and dents.
- Can be used outdoors and indoors.
- Easy to set up with no tools required.
Cons:
- Low capacity.
- Only good for light items.
7. Whitmor Supreme 5 Tier Shelving with Adjustable Shelves and Leveling Feet
Durability is an important feature of a garage shelving unit. After all, garages are full of hazards, chemical containers, and heavy tools which require a rigorous shelf to stand on its own feet. And with that in mind, Whitmor Supreme was designed from scratch.
The load capacity of the shelves is another indication of their durability. Each shelf which can be adjusted at one-inch increments, is able to hold 350 pounds of weight as long as they’re even distributed. In total the five-tier unit can store 1650 pounds of material comfortably. As for the leveling feet, they make the unit stand its ground even when the ground itself is uneven.
So what’s the downside? While the frame is made from NSF certified steel, other parts such as the latches that snap on the poles are made from plastic. And these can be the Achilles’ heel to this otherwise sturdy shelving unit. In addition, assembling the unit is not as straightforward as one hopes for and take some time to cobble it together.
Pros:
- NSF certified steel construction.
- Leveling feet to keep it in place on unlevel ground.
- 1650 weight capacity.
Cons:
- Plastic latches tend to break easily.
- Takes longer time to assemble the unit.
8. Akro-Mils 10144 D 20-Inch by 16-Inch by 6-1/2-Inch Hardware and Craft Cabinet
Rather than follow the herd and create a product that is almost identical in every way to tens of others, Akro-Mils looked for a gap in the market, found one, and filled it with the Akro-Mils 1044 D. The gap we’re talking about is the need to store small items and tiny tools in a safe unit that not only protects them but makes retrieving them an easy and hassle-free effort.
The Akro-Mils cabinet has 12 large drawers as well as 32 small ones. They all have the same depth of 5.3 inches. Once you have these cabinets you can finally put some organization in your chaotic garage. The design of the cabinet makes it easy to label each drawer and store all the little items in one place. In addition you can either stack the cabinet or mount it on the wall to save more storage space.
Of course, this is a very specific shelving unit for a limited purpose. It only serves to hold those beads, fishing tools, and crafts which are usually small in size. Large tools or bulky items of varying size and height will not fit in this cabinet.
Pros:
- Can be mounted or stacked.
- Sturdy polystyrene frame.
- Plenty of drawers of varying sizes.
Cons:
- Only for small items.
9. Origami General Purpose Foldable 4-Shelf Storage Rack with Wheels
The design of this nifty piece of garage shelving reminds one straightaway of the art of paper folding that hails from Japan. And once you inspect the Origami General Purpose closely you’ll notice that the similarities are more than skin deep.
Capacity is another feature that is this unit was designed specifically to address. Made from commercial grade steel, the shelves can hold up to 250 pounds each, bringing the total capacity to 1,000 pounds. The powder coating ensures a long lasting life and protects against erosion and rust.
However, since the wheels that come with the unit are not as sturdy as the frames, loading the unit to the maximum can flatten the wheels. Another drawback is the non-adjustable shelves. If you have items of different heights and hefty weight, this might not be the right product for you.
Pros:
- Foldable design.
- Easy to assemble.
- Commercial-grade, powder-coated steel frame.
Cons:
- Shelves cannot be adjusted to accommodate items with different heights.
- The plastic wheels cannot hold weight and give away if the unit is loaded to the maximum.
10. MonsterRax 24″x92″x84″Garage Shelving – Hammertone Bolted Shelving Rack
As we have seen so far, each product tries to excel in a certain aspect. Some products are foldable, while others have leveling feet that allows them to stay stable on uneven ground. What MonsterRax offers however, is sturdiness. In fact this unit is so sturdy, the shelves are actually bolted to the steel frame. It doesn’t get any sturdier than that.
And when we say shelves, we’re not talking about wire shelves or those made from particle boards. These are real frames made from heat-treated solid metal and attached to the construction with hardened bolts. The result? A shelf that can carry a whopping 500 pounds of weight with a total capacity of 2,000 pounds.
You’re probably wondering, with a solid product like that, what could possibly be the drawbacks? Well, for one, you can’t adjust the shelves. Your items have to fit between the shelves or you need to shop for another shelving unit. Also expect to spend a little more time putting the unit together.
Pros:
- Solid and sturdy unit made from heat-treated steel.
- Impressive capacity of 2,000 pounds.
- Case hardened bolts keep the shelves in place.
Cons:
- Fixed shelves that cannot be adjusted.
- Assembly is a lengthy process.
11. Hardware & Outdoor Heavy Duty Garage Shelf Steel Metal Storage
This newcomer is another heavy duty shelving unit for your garage. Thanks to the Z beam construction, It is both strong and rigid when handling heavy objects. The unit measurement is 72 inches high, 48 inches wide, and 24 inches deep. This gives you plenty of storage room to make your garage both tidy and neat.
Besides its steep price tag, this unit has durability issues, especially in humid environments. If your garage isn’t dry enough, the edges of the unit might rust. In addition, assembling the unit might not be easy for one person alone.
Pros:
- Z beam construction.
- Adjustable racks.
- 5 tiers for better storage.
- High capacity of 4000 pounds in total.
- Black finish.
Cons:
- It has a steep price compared to other products in this category.
- When installed in humid garages, the edges get rusty.
- Not easy to assemble for just one person.
12. EDSAL Black Steel Storage Rack, 5 Adjustable Shelves
With a long history and experience in consumer products, EDSAL offers this garage shelving unit made of steel that comes with 5 adjustable shelves. Its storage space is quite decent and has a total capacity of 4000 pounds for each unit.
Still, this product is not fault-free. The lack of middle supporting beams means the shelves would bow in the middle under heavy loads. Moreover, the particleboard itself isn’t very durable and tends to deteriorate with time. If your garage is damp, this can shorten the life of these shelving units considerably.
Pros:
- Affordable price for a standard steel shelving unit.
- Good storage space.
- Adjustable 5-tier shelves.
- Rivet-lock design for easy assembly.
Cons:
- Shelves made of particle board which isn’t durable.
- Lack of middle supporting beams causes shelves to bow in the middle.
- The unit has stability issues.
- Humidity impacts the shelves and shortens their life.
13. Muscle Rack UR184872-R 5-Shelf Steel Shelving Unit
The Muscle Rack offers a shelving unit for your garage that is both eye-pleasing and sturdy. Made from industrial-strength steel, this unit lives up to its name. Strength-wise, it can handle a total of 4000 pounds or 800 pounds per each shelf.
On the downside, the unit ships without rubber feet which makes it wobbly. If you move a loaded unit around the garage, you risk scratching the garage floor. Another drawback is with the limited number of slots in each post and also the couplers don’t have slots of their own which limits your ability to adjust the shelves.
Pros:
- Sturdy shelving unit with 4000-pounds capacity.
- Industrial-strength steel frame.
- Red coating to protect against rust.
- Easy to assemble.
Cons:
- No rubber feet for stability and garage floor protection.
- The posts have 24 slots, not 25 which limits the shelving adjusting range.
- Couplers don’t have slots and block two slots each when installed.
14. Seville Classics Commercial 7-Tier NSF 16 Bin Rack Shelving
Seville Classics tries to carve a niche for itself by specializing in small items storage solutions. Unlike other products, this one comes with various bins and offers 7 tiers instead of the usual 5 typical for standard-type garage shelving units. With 16 bins to use, all your tools will have a place in this unit.
That said, this product isn’t without its flaws. One of those flaws has to do with the bins made from polypropylene plastic which tend to break easily. In terms of capacity, and despite the 7 tiers, this unit doesn’t excel in either capacity or storage space.
Pros:
- Offers two types of storage, bins and shelves.
- Sturdy steel frame with platinum powder coating.
- Wheels to move it around.
- Adjustable shelves made of heavy-duty grates.
Cons:
- Polypropylene plastic bins are not durable.
- Smaller storage area compared to other products in the same category.
- Modest weight capacity.
15. Racor – Ceiling Storage Heavy Lift – Up to 250 lbs
From steel shelving units with bolted shelves to foldable shelves, they all have one thing in common. They take up space on your garage floor. And that’s something Racor is trying to address with its overhead storage unit. Just hang it from the ceiling and forget about it.
The only drawback to the Racor is the low capacity. But that’s something that all overhead shelving units have in common. And you will need at least 5 hours to install the unit.
Pros:
- The frame is made from heavy-duty steel.
- Pulley to raise and lower the shelves with ease.
- Integrated safety lock.
Cons:
- Low capacity of only 250 pounds.
- Long installation time.
16. FLEXIMOUNTS 2-Pack 2x6ft 24-inch-by-72-inch Wall Shelf Garage Storage Rack Floating Shelves
Some people would prefer to keep their great off the floor of the garage but not go as far as storing them near the ceiling. So FLEXIMOUNTS came up with a solution to please them. Mounted shelves on the walls. No need for pulleys or risk things falling off the racks as they move up and down.
While installing you’ll need to make sure the shelves are level and parallel to the ground. But the installation manual that comes with the product gives you detailed instructions on how to achieve that.
The FLEXIMOUNTS has a few drawbacks. It doesn’t support all stud arrangements which can make the installation a bit tricky. And when it comes to storage space, this isn’t the most spacious unit you can find in the market.
Pros:
- Saves floor space.
- Made from heavy gauge steel for reliability.
- Brackets supported with special buckle design.
- Powder coated to protect against rust.
Cons:
- Low capacity.
- Installation can be tricky.
17. FLEXIMOUNTS 4×8 Overhead Garage Storage Rack
Another product that comes from FLEXIMOUNTS that also avoids storing your stuff on the floor. What sets this ceiling garage rack from others of its type is that the rack is adjustable. In addition it comes with two sets of joists instead of one. This gives it more stability so you don’t have to watch your head every time you lower the unit.
Capacity-wise, the FLEXIMOUNTS Overhead pushes the limit and gives you 600 pounds of storage capacity. And you have the cold-rolled 14 gauge steel construction to thank for that capacity. And unlike other overhead products, this one has an integrated grid design which takes the hassle out of the installation process.
When installing this product you’ll need to get your measurements right. Most importantly you need to leave two feet of dropdown clearance. Otherwise, using the unit can be hazardous. Another drawback is the shelves which tend to bow in the middle when fully loaded.
Pros:
- Integrated grid for easy installation.
- Cold-rolled gauge steel for a sturdy construction.
- Rust-resistant coating.
- Better protection against damp floors and the elements.
- Double joists for better stability.
Cons:
- Installation is an intensive process.
- Middle of shelves bow when loaded.
Benefits of Garage Shelving
A messy garage is an accident waiting to happen. Just think of all the power tools and screwdrivers sticking out of toolboxes. Finding what you’re looking for in a chaotic garage can take ages and you might give up your search before locating it. Garage shelving can make your life easier in more ways than you think.
Safety
If you’re like me, then your garage must be full of hazardous chemicals such as vehicle fluids, antifreeze, gasoline, and old paint, to name but a few. Keeping those items lying around on the floor is a high risk.
This is especially true when you have children and/or pets who have access to your garage. They’re both nosy and inquisitive by nature. Shelves take these dangerous materials out of the way and store them in a safe place away from the reach of children and pets.
Extra Space
Shelves not only keep your garage safe, they also free up more floor space. Once you’ve organized all the stuff you keep in your garage and stored it away, your garage will look more spacious. And you can finally walk around without stubbing your toe with every step.
The upside, of course, is now you have more storage space to store even more items. Shelves take advantage of the usually unused areas in your garage such as the walls and ceiling to carve out extra storage areas for your belongings.
Vehicle Protection
A tidy garage is a safe place to park your car. Shelves take away all the sharp and pointy objects that could damage the body, tires, and paint of your precious car and stores them away. Most people forget that garages are essentially homes for cars, not a deposit for our junk.
As every avid DIYer would tell you, rust and wear and tear are the enemies of any equipment just lying around on the garage floor. By restoring order to the garage you’re not only protecting the car but also all the power tools and heavy machinery you keep in there.
Types of Garage Shelving
Based on their functionality, shelves come in three varieties. Each serves a different purpose and suits a specific need within your garage. Which type you choose depends on the space you have in your garage and why you need a shelving unit in the first place.
Standard
Standard shelving types are quite popular because they’re easy to install and can be moved around the garage. A standard type consists of a frame with shelves lined up inside of it. They come in a variety of shapes, materials, and colors to suit every need.
Another reason for their popularity is they’re sturdy and can handle objects that are both heavy and bulky. The main drawback is that they take up a lot of your floor space. Also, anything you keep there, especially on the lower shelves, is usually exposed and easily accessible to children and pets.
Overhead
To add to your storage space, overhead shelves hang from the beams of the roof and offer a safer solution to store large items. Overhead shelves keep your items protected from the elements as well as the reach of others.
Many people prefer this type of shelving since it doubles the storage surface area of the garage without coming in the way of the car park space. That said, you shouldn’t store items on overhead shelves that you use regularly. Retrieving your tools from the ceiling isn’t as easy as keeping them in standard shelving.
Wall Mount
The third type of shelving is the wall mount. These are shelves that you mount on the wall, preferably at higher levels to give you the best of the two other types, standard and overhead shelving. They’re easy to install and can be mounted anywhere you like.
The only issue you have with these shelves is their low weight capacity. You can’t store heavy or bulky items on them. So people use them mainly to store small tools and rarely used items.
What to Look for in Garage Shelving
Not all garage shelvings are created equal. Before you decide on the best garage shelving for you, make sure the unit satisfies your specific needs in terms of capacity, durability, space, and material.
Capacity
The size of the shelf has little to do with its capacity. Capacity here refers to how much weight can the shelf handle comfortably without collapsing or ruining the stored items. Factors that you need to consider when evaluating the capacity of the shelving unit include the material, the structure, and the type of the shelf.
In terms of capacity, standard shelves have the highest of all types followed by overhead units. Wall mount shelves come last and are usually reserved for lighter items that aren’t easily damaged.
The Best Wood to Use for Wood Shelves
When it comes to what type of wood to use to make wood shelves you don’t go for what looks good, rather what works. In this case, your best option is plywood. It’s available, affordable, and it can handle the weight. If you don’t like the drab look of plywood, it’s easy to paint too.
Another option is red oak. It’s an excellent choice for wood shelves, but only if your budget allows it. Red oak is usually more expensive than plywood. But for that extra cost, you get a more appealing shelving unit that blends in with the garage design.
How Deep Should Garage Shelves be?
In general, garage shelving units are not designed to keep things out of your sight and reach. Storing units would do a better job. Rather, you use the shelves to keep items out of the way while making them easily retrievable.
With that in mind, you don’t want to push an item any more than 12 inches to the back of the shelf. This is usually the standard for comfortable storing. Larger units would be needed to store large items and these can give you 18 inches of space for easy storage.
What is the Best Distance Between the Shelves?
When installing shelves you need to take into account the size of the garage as well as the size of the items you need to store. Closely set shelves make it hard to keep large items while setting the shelves wide apart means you have plenty of space left that you could utilize.
DIY experts suggest keeping a distance between 7 and 15 inches between each shelving unit. Any more than that would be a waste of space and any fewer means you can’t keep the bulky stuff. Also, make sure to keep at least 5 feet of space between the shelves and the garage door.
What is the Best Material for Shelving?
Most shelves in the market are made either of metal, wood, or plastic. In terms of durability and capacity, metal shelving is the best. Shelves made from chrome-finished steel tend to last longer as they resist rust and the usual wear and tear.
Wood is another good option, especially for DIYers. Although wood shelves don’t handle the weight that well. Which brings us to plastic shelving. Plastic shelves are more affordable and assembling a unit is a breeze. However, they’re the least durable of all three materials and don’t have much capacity.
Conclusion
For the best garage shelving, we chose the Topeakmart 5 Tier Storage Rack Heavy Duty Adjustable unit. It is the clear winner of this roundup because it offers the consumer all they need from a shelving unit and then some.
Thanks to the rust-resistant and galvanized frames the Topeakmart is both sturdy and durable. No matter how damp the garage is, the unit doesn’t rust. The middle supporting beams make the shelves extra-strong especially when you store heavy items on them.
With 5 tiers, you get to save a lot of space in your garage. You can adjust the shelves to your needs at 1.6-inch increments allowing you to store items of different heights. You’ll also appreciate the rubber feet for keeping it steady and protecting your garage floor against scratches and cracks.
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Mike Zhang. Founder of FamilyLifeShare