When properly arranged, any garage and workshop can boost efficiency, safety, and even productivity. The right shelving type also ensures that tools, equipment, and supplies are always easy to reach. Choosing the best shelving is easier said than done with so many options available. With this guide, we try to help you narrow down the search based on your individual requirements.
1. Assess Your Storage Needs
Before investing in shelving, take inventory of the items you plan to store. Consider the following questions:
- What types of tools, equipment, or supplies need to be stored?
- Are the items lightweight or heavy?
- Do you need shelves for large bins, small containers, or both?
Meeting your storage goals with the right amount of weight, durability, and size starts with clearly defining your storage needs.
2. Choose the Right Shelving Material
Shelves are manufactured from different materials, and each type has its advantages. The most preferred materials for workspaces and garage shelving include:
- Metal Shelving:Best suited for heavy storage, metal shelves have the strength and durability to endure significant amounts of wear and tear. They can withstand tools, automotive components, and large pieces of equipment.
- Wood Shelving: Wooden shelving is inexpensive and practical, but is best suited for lighter items, as it will not endure heavy loads as well as metal shelving.
- Wire Shelving: Wire shelving is lightweight and easy to use, making them ideal for items like paints and these chemicals, which need to breathe. Wire shelving is also light and easy to clean.
- Plastic Shelving: Ideal for light items, plastic shelving is rust and moisture resistant, making it the ideal shelving for environments with a high severity of humidity and moisture.
3. Consider Weight Capacity
When selecting shelving, the most important factor to check is weight restriction. Shelves that are abused with too much weight become a safety hazard and can be destructive. If you want to store heavy tools and power equipment or large storage bins, then opt for high capacity metal shelving. You should always check the manufacturer’s weight capacity before purchasing.
4. Select the Right Shelving Style
Different shelving styles offer varying levels of convenience and functionality:
- Freestanding Shelving Units: These shelving types are ideal for places like garages and workshops because their location is adjustable depending on the storage needs. Furthermore, you can move them around as you please.
- Wall-Mounted Shelving:These shelving types are perfect if you are short on floor space because they do not require any additional floor space. When mounted you should check if the anchors can handle the weight of the items intended to be stored.
- Adjustable Shelving: This option allows you to modify shelf heights to accommodate items of different sizes, making it a flexible storage solution.
- Overhead Shelving: Perfect for maximizing unused space, overhead shelves are great for storing seasonal items, bins, and less frequently used equipment.
5. Optimize Space and Organization
Shelving can be improved in both function and appearance by using storage accessories such as hooks, containers, and labels. Tools and supplies can also be easily accessed when placed in labeled containers. Furthermore, clearer visibility is ensured with clear pegboards. Also, extra storage for minute tools can be stored using magnetic strips on your shelving.
6. Consider Durability and Maintenance
Regardless of what materials are kept on the shelves, it is a good idea to select durable storage space. The ideal shelving option would consist of metal shelves with a powder-coated finish, as they don’t corrode and are perfect for long term usage. If you go the route of wooden shelving units, it is important to ensure that they are treated to withstand moisture. Taking care of your shelving regularly will keep your garage or workshop tidy and organized and increase their longevity.
7. Factor in Budget and Installation
Shelving units provides a grate space to save money in the long run, but durable options usually come at a premium cost. In order to get the most value for your buck, it is best to compare features across other retailers and sites apart from RackZone. Moreover, self erecting shelving units allow easy installation, while some may prefer professional assistance.
Conclusion
When trying to choose the best shelving units to buy for a garage or storage workshop, it is vital that one considers the storage requirements, materials needed, weight capacity that is needed, as well as organizational features. Proper shelving will greatly increase productivity, be it heavy duty mounted metal shelving for tools, or adjustable mounted shelving units for space efficiency. Take the time to look at quality shelving units from reputable stores like RackZone to ensure you get the best shelving for your space.
