Off the Floor Cabinets

[j_b_wheel]

Hello all:

Has anyone used the "Mills Pride" 70" Tall Multipurpose Cabinets

http://www.millspride.com/assembleinstall/closet_specbook/storageCabs.htm

from Home Depot or the "Do Able" tall storage cabinets and installed them to the wall off the floor about a foot or so. I like the "off the floor" look for cleaning, etc. but I am afraid of them coming off the studs.

I also am considering building my own (need some plans) but the pre-made cabinets may be the easier and less expensive approach. I only plan on using the cabinets for basic items such as oil, some power tools, etc. (not really heavy items) but I want them to be secure.

I read that I could use a 2x4 underneath the cabinets and maybe a french cleat. The 2x4 I can do...the french cleat I am not sure without instruction.

I would like to have those tall wall cabinets off the floor and was wondering if I could install them to the wall or maybe even put them on casters. Any ideas?

Thanks.

 

[REFLEXX]

Search Craigslist.org for used kitchen cabinets or office cabinets that have been pulled out. I got $5,000 worth of executive office cabinets, countertops, sinks and undersink heaters for $1,000.

 

[Steve_S]

I've used those cabinets before. If you install them once and leave them there, they will last a few years of regular use. If you move them around, they will eventually break. If you want something to last forever then look for real wood (not MDF) or metal.

 

[6t7gto]

http://www.newwoodworker.com/frenchcleat.html

david

 

[BoostAddiction]

Bacause of their contruction, the Mills Pride cabinets will absorb moisture and delaminate if they get (and stay) wet at all. That means no hanging damp towels on the doors, etc.

If they stay dry, they are an inexpensive solution in some cases. I used to have them in several places in the garage but got rid of them all except one during the extreme makeover I did over the summer.

-Will

 

[69lkmno]

Here's what I have. I had it custom made:

 

[j_b_wheel]

Thanks all for the comments. Based on everyone's experiences, it doesn't sound like those pre-fabbed cabinets will last long. I may end up building them then and put them on wheels, on legs or use the French Cleat per David's link.

I guess of plywood - maybe 1/2 inch if I can get away with it. Plywood gets pretty heavy. Any ideas on the wood/material and thickness of the cabinet?

I'll wait to hear of any other ideas. Thanks again.

P.S. Your cabinets look great 69lkmno!

Will - The infamous "Garagenous Zone" looks fantastic!!!'ll trade you those Lista cabinets for a shiny new set of Mills Pride ones.

 

[Darren M.]

I haven't implemented them yet but what ever hanging cabinets I choose I'm going the French Cleat route. Click the link posted above and make sure your solution can accomodate the design.

<---- Huge Craigslist fan!!!

 

[joecaver]

Home Depot carries a line of unfinished cabinets. Not all their locations have them but I found them around here. They are all plywood construction but very plain jane looking which I felt was perfect for garage storage. I hung mine using the french cleat and painted them red and black and they looke great. I'll post pictures of them soon. Also they aren't very expensive. I bought only wall cabinets, two 30" and one 36" and they totaled under $200.00.

 

[REFLEXX]

Also consider used/new steel storage cabinets, they're not affected by much.


As for putting cabinets on the floor or off the floor, here's my 2c:

Off the floor:
1. MINUS- you need support legs. custom fab or do they exist and how much?
2. MINUS/PLUS- dirt will get under and brooming not so easy?
3. MINUS- more weight supported by the wall instead of the ground.
3. PLUS- a flooded shop will not ruin your cabinets.
5. MINUS- in a flood/spill, what about the drywall behind the cabinets?


On the floor:

1. MINUS- flood water might damage the bases, but...
2. PLUS- use a plastic baseboard, caulk along the bottom, no flood concerns!
3. PLUS- dirt will not get underneath, less floor to clean.
4. PLUS- cabinets can hold more weight since they are sitting on the floor.

I'll be putting my (permanent) cabinets on the floor.

 

[Steve_S]

I put all my cabinets on wheels. Doesn't cost much and it allows a lot of flexibility for cleaning, moving equipment around, etc. Also makes it easy to move everything out if you ened to recoat your floor. Just cut a piece of plywood, attach wheels and screw into the cabinet. For all-wood or steel cabinets just attach directly to the bottom.

 

[Hamptons]

If you want cabinets that are suspended, call PremierGarage (www.premiergarage.com). They have designed their base cabinets to be completely suspended without any requirement for support. The cabinet boxes are constructed with much thicker material and so won't tear off the walls when loaded. I installed a bunch of these and they are great. Cost wise, it is reasonable, on par with average Home Depot cabinets.

 

[zen garage]

Have you looked into any plastic cabinets that hang from slatwall. I have installed hundreds of them and have them in my own garage. Never had a problem, easy to assemble, they move very easily if mounted to slatwall and hose right off.

 

[Roadster]

Have you looked into any plastic cabinets that hang from slatwall. I have installed hundreds of them and have them in my own garage. Never had a problem, easy to assemble, they move very easily if mounted to slatwall and hose right off.

I agree. That's what I have in my garage. They are also easy to move around in the garage as your storage needs (and preferred locations) inevitably change. Very easy to clean the floor underneath with a broom or hose, too.

 

[zen garage]

Roadster, I noticed you ar in chciago. who did your garage?

 

[ZRWON]

If you want cabinets that are suspended, call PremierGarage (www.premiergarage.com). They have designed their base cabinets to be completely suspended without any requirement for support. The cabinet boxes are constructed with much thicker material and so won't tear off the walls when loaded. I installed a bunch of these and they are great. Cost wise, it is reasonable, on par with average Home Depot cabinets.

I agree. I never gave much thought about "off the floor" cabinets until I got some installed. Now that I'm planning to do the floor, I realize how convenient the
off-floor design really is. Considering proper planning, S & H and professional installation, Home Depot and the other big box stores couldn't come close to my cost for these! They're designed to hold 300 lbs each. Here's the company for mine if it helps. http://www.garagestoragecabinets.com/ In the Pacific NW here's their distributor who did my total installation: http://home.comcast.net/~thegaragefanatic/index.html

 

[dtrigg]

ZRON:

I really like the looks of you cabinets. Thanks for the link. I just sent them an e-mail to find a distributor in my area.