Best Garage Storage Racks Buying Guide
If you haven’t gotten one before, it might be an intimidating task for you to distinguish the overhead storage rack that is ideal for your storage needs. Lucky for you, we’ve curated this buying guide that will help you through your purchase.
With that being said, let’s now look at the key factors that will determine an excellent overhead storage rack for your garage, kitchen, home store, or any other purpose. You better get ready!
What Should You Consider While Purchasing Garage Storage?
Holding capacity
The storage needs vary according to the place of use of the storage rack. That means a homeowner may need a different storage capacity from a garage owner. So in short, the suggestion is you should first look at the holding capacity of the garage storage rack.
Typically, the overhead garage storage racks have a weight capacity of 200lbs up to over 1000lbs. Preferably, a garage should have an overhead garage storage rack with a weight capacity of at least 400lbs, while a kitchen ceiling rack can have even 200lbs weight capacity depending on the user’s needs.
Height
Yet, height is another critical feature of garage racks, especially if it is a ceiling mountable item. For a wall-mountable garage storage rack, the height should be slightly shorter in comparison to a ceiling mountable rack. However, overhead garage storage racks with adjustable height are highly recommended because you can easily increase or decrease its capacity by changing its height.
Mounting
Overhead garage storage racks can be mounted on a wall, ceiling, or hung on a surface. Hence, they have different designs for various mounting styles. Also, some of the storage racks may need extra support to install. Therefore, you should consider the mounting style of the overhead garage storage rack before paying for it. Also, if it will need an extra cost, you should have its budget separately.
Durability
One thing that most people detest is paying for an item that does not live up to its term. Yes, nothing that lives forever, but at the very least, let it complete its term before it wastes. For that reason, durability in an item is nothing to debate about.
Specifically, the frames of the overhead garage storage racks should be of heavy-strength metals. Also, it would be best if the construction metal has a treatment against harsh conditions such as rust and scratches. Thus, you can be sure that you are making the right investment with your money.
Storage Space
You want to be sure whatever storage solution you get has enough storage space to fit your needs. If just one rack doesn’t offer enough storage space for your stuff, consider buying another rack.
Price
An expensive overhead garage storage rack does not imply a high-quality item, nor does a low-cost rack always imply a fragile item. The solution? First, look at the features you need in your overhead garage storage rack, our buyer’s guide should help. Next, get a list of items that meet your requirements. Then lastly, compare the prices of these items, and go with the one that meets your budget.
From several statistics, you can get an overhead garage storage rack with as low as $30 to over $200. But, most of the quality storage racks cost approximately $100.
How Do I Install a Storage Rack?
Overhead garage storage racks are mounted on a wall or a ceiling. It’s important that you follow correct installation instructions that come with the overhead garage storage rack lest they fall destroying all your items or even causing an injury. Fortunately, the installation of storage racks is not rocket science and anybody can do it.
Here are a few steps to help you get the hang of it:
Step 1: Take the measurements
The first thing while installing the overhead garage storage rack is taking the measurements of the wall or the ceiling. These measurements should be equivalent to the actual sizing of the frames.
Step 2: Perform the connections
After taking the measurements and noting them on paper, you should perform the connections. Thus, connect all the joints of the overhead garage storage rack to have one big full structure
Step 3: Align the ledger
At this point, you have the complete structure of the storage rack. So, get the ledger and drive the screws through it. The ledger should be aligned appropriately according to the measurements taken in step 1.
Step 4: Attach the L hanger
The L hangers are the parts that hold the joists. Attach the L hangers to the ledger using a power meter and a power saw to check on its positioning. Drive in the screws carefully and ensure that you do not leave any gap between the L hanger and the ledger.
Step 5: Install joists
Lastly, you should place the joists on the hangers. With a driver and screw, tightly install the joists.
Step 6: Analyze the whole structure
To wrap it all up, it would be wise to check the entire structure and confirm that the installation process has been flawless. Check through the joists and the joints. Also, make sure that all the screws are tight for safety.
It makes no sense to not take it seriously while looking for a storage rack. Imagine this as an item you are mounting on your wall or ceiling. Thus, if it’s a mediocre product, the items may slide out of the rack, or worse, they may come crumbling over your head. Yes, it is as serious as that.
The overhead garage storage rack should be easy to install, durable, and have an ideal holding capacity. Additionally, its design should prevent the stored items from sliding out.
For an in-depth video explanation of how to install a storage rack, Eternal Harvest Decor has a helpful resource:
