Garage Shelving Units

[greenc51]

Hey all

I'm a noob here just looking for a little advice and guidance.
I currently have an Edsal steel shelf. While the shelf is rated to hold 800# per shelf and 4000# total, it looks flimsy and wobbly as all get out and not that attractive overall.

However, I was eyeing a plastic shelf that is much more visually appealing. Howver, the rated weight it can hold is 175# per shelf, 875# overall. Additionally, I've been reading that plastic degrades and the shelf will just go kaput over time.

Are there any stronger plastic shelving units that are still visually appealing? Or do I have to go steel to get that kind of strength? Are there any steel shelving units that are visually appealing, yet not flimsy/wobbly looking?

I don't want to break the bank at all - these both of these shelves cost 50-70$ and I would like to stay in that range. Less is even better.

Thanks guys

 

[evildky]

There is no right answer for garage shelving and cabinets as everyones needs are different, but there sure seems to be a lot of wrong answers form my own personal experience.

I like the wire pallet rack type shelving, I set the lowest shelf on a couple of units at work height, all my shelves then have a shelf at eye height so I can clearly see to the back and a top shelf at max reaching height without having to stand on anything. This way I can access everything on the shelves without clumsily standing on something I probably shouldn't be standing on because i'm too lazy to grab a stool. The wire racks allow light to pass through making everything on the shelves easier to see and making the garage seem brighter as a whole. having the lowest shelf at work or eye height allows me to store large things under them, I have a lot of big stuff, welders, parts washers, blast cabinet, mobile cabinet etc. now it can tuck in under the shelves while allowing great use of the space above. The shelves themselves are strong enough to store engine blocks, cylinder heads, tools etc without stresing. If you're needs are met by the lightweight shelves by all means go for it just be honest with yourself about your storage needs.

 

[kd3pc]

I have three large and three small units of the edsals in your original post, they barely hold 80 pounds per shelf - with the supplied OSB and no mid shelf supports (total 320-350lbs) and even with that small amount of weight the OSB sagged to the point of falling through in less than 6 months use.

I called Lowe's, where I bought mine and Edsal...lowe's promptly cut some 1/2" plywood. I had to argue/explain about 5 times to the girl from edsal...she did finally get it and sent out a dozen braces that you place on the outside of the longer side, it has a hook that catches each side rail and braces the middle of the osb. Other than having to unload the shelves and place these brackets and the OSB with the lowe's provided plywood, not a big job.

There is no way either of the shelves shown will support the weights described.

Nothing in your price range is going to do what you want, unless you find some 10-12 year old "gorilla" brand shelves. And not the new ones, they are no where near as sturdy as the old ones.

Up the budget or build your own from lumber or steel framing.

 

[CT2012]

i've used those plastic type shelves from home depot (they're about 50 bucks per 5 shelf unit) and load the heck out of 'em (rated to 150 lbs per shelf, and i've put just about that on each shelf), subject to lots of abuse (in a commercial environment--some items stay for long time, some sit for long time). have used for several years with no issues. they will sag a little eventually, but it's not bad.

this is what i'm referring to.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-5-Sh...ated-Storage-Shelving-Unit-17601471/100006678

 

[greenc51]

I have three large and three small units of the edsals in your original post, they barely hold 80 pounds per shelf - with the supplied OSB and no mid shelf supports (total 320-350lbs) and even with that small amount of weight the OSB sagged to the point of falling through in less than 6 months use.

I called Lowe's, where I bought mine and Edsal...lowe's promptly cut some 1/2" plywood. I had to argue/explain about 5 times to the girl from edsal...she did finally get it and sent out a dozen braces that you place on the outside of the longer side, it has a hook that catches each side rail and braces the middle of the osb. Other than having to unload the shelves and place these brackets and the OSB with the lowe's provided plywood, not a big job.

There is no way either of the shelves shown will support the weights described.

Nothing in your price range is going to do what you want, unless you find some 10-12 year old "gorilla" brand shelves. And not the new ones, they are no where near as sturdy as the old ones.

Up the budget or build your own from lumber or steel framing.

That's a shame. Everything is some low quality and/or china made ****.

 

[G McKay]

I have one of the metal shelves and a metal cabinet, too. it might be a good idea to put some diagonals on the back and sides to keep it from racking.

Or, just screw it to the wall in a few places. Use long deck screws and maybe some washers if the holes are too big. Try to hit a stud and that will really give it some support.

 

[tipsy]

For that price you can buy a half dozen 2x4's and a sheet of 3/4" plywood and build your own if you want that kind of weight support.

 

[alxdgr8]

I have some plastic shelves and they sagged after a few months...perhaps I overloaded them, but I didn't weigh the stuff before I put it on. I would guess I only had 100lbs on them. I upgraded to a metal Whalen (Costco) 800lb/shelf one (for about $15 more than the plastic ones) and it's MUCH nicer. I've got probably 2-300 lbs of car parts sitting on each shelf. Not wobbly/flimsy at all if placed on a flat surface. I also just ordered two of the Gladiator 8k lb wire shelves for heavier stuff.

 

[InPrimer]

Dependa how hot your garage gets, here in AZ a plastic shelving will eventually dis intergrate, in very cold climate, it may shatter, just a thought

 

[BikerDad]

You don't indicate where you live, but around here the local equivalent to Craigslist is awash with heavy duty shelving. (It's a cultural thing.) check CL, you'll likely find some good deals.

 

[SteveCh]

For that price you can buy a half dozen 2x4's and a sheet of 3/4" plywood and build your own if you want that kind of weight support.

Seriously easy to build some out of wood, yes.