Storage Cabinet Advice Wanted

[Platonic Solid]

I’ve slowly been working my way around the garage cleaning and organizing everything. Leaving the major disaster for the end. The garage is a 2 car garage, but the previous owner put a furnace in the short bay making it unusable for parking. Before snow falls I need to put the 73 Mach 1 back in the garage.

I definitely need to chuck some stuff, but that’s not the main problem. This washing everything down cause it’s dusty from grinding metal to wood working is getting old. There’s no point to this exercise if I don’t do something about getting the majority of this stuff behind closed doors.
I really like the look of the Newage Cabinets, but:
1. I’m not sure it's worth the money. I’d like to stay under $3,000.
2. My garage isn’t worthy of that level of cabinetry. Nor is it ever likely to be – at least not until I build the new one (pending . . . for about 10 years now).

So here’s what I’m working with (see pictures below). I primarily need to deal with the work bench area and stuff to the left and right of it. Yeah – OK, and the stuff on the floor, but that’s only there cause I’m trying to clean. I’m willing to tear down the 2x4 workbench and shelving that came with the house. I really hate the typical flimsy doored large plain generic industrial steel door cabinets and I don’t want to install wooden kitchen style cabinets either.

Are there reasonably priced quality garage cabinets similar to the Newage cabinets?

I do see the Newage stuff on sale at various places online. I just haven't had the opportunity to see how well they're made first hand.

From reading stuff here on GJ, I’m definitely going to get the 44 in. 13 Drawer Roller Cabinet from Harbor Freight, so that will put a good dent in my tool storage problem.

Any suggestions welcome. (click images for larger view)

 

[txvwnut]

I actually bought some from Walmart of all places. I had to order them from the website as none of the stores around me had them in stock. $61 bucks a peice for a wall mount cabinet that is close to 18ga metal. They do screw and snap lock together and come with a French cleat style mount setup and seem really decent for the money. If you'll go to my gallery you'll see pics of them from the un-boxing through final assembly.

 

[dittle fart around]

NewAge makes a knocked down version of the Bold Series cabinets.
I don't show them on my website, cause I didn't sell any. Check out the build your own page on my website. Pick the cabinets you want and you can get the Welded Bold price. The Ready to Assemble are between 15 and 20% lower priced. If you're interested, I can get exact pricing tomorrow.

<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/56109633" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[Platonic Solid]

txvwnut - Sweet! Nice price too!

dittle fart around - Before I pull the trigger, I'll give you chance to quote.

all - Now these cabinets are nice looking, but for a workbench base I'm not sure I can give up the 2x4 workbench. I use the vice there regularly for aggressive disassembly of stubborn auto and plumbing parts. I can't totally give up functionality for aesthetics.

 

[rvieceli]

let me make another suggestion:

that spot just to the right of the overhead door seems like a natural place to put some type of enclosed storage for a lot of the clutter on the open shelves. consider getting an outdoor shed for all the garden tools you have there now.

I got one of these last year and moved that stuff out of the garage and freed up a lot of space.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Rubbermaid-3-ft-x-4-ft-Large-Vertical-Storage-Shed-1887156/204721844

There are threads about building a storage cabinet in that area.

 

[CJ7VFR]

Another alternative to metal cabinets is wooden kitchen cabinets.

You can get some really nice wooden kitchen cabinets for alot less than $3000, and install those. And they would look nice too.

I was lucky to have a neighbor who was re-doing their kitchen, and they were throwing out the old cabinets! I asked them if I could take them, and they said sure.

I put them up in my garage and they work great! Because they were originally installed across a corner in their kitchen, I was able to fit them perfectly into the corner space of my garage where my two work benches come together.

I also used two parts of the old kitchen countertop and cabinets that were underneath them to surround my washer and dryer in my basement. This added needed storage space and also created a really nice surface to fold clothes on.

This is just another alternative to metal cabinets.

Jim

 

[TonkaJoe]

I actually bought some from Walmart of all places. I had to order them from the website as none of the stores around me had them in stock. $61 bucks a peice for a wall mount cabinet that is close to 18ga metal. They do screw and snap lock together and come with a French cleat style mount setup and seem really decent for the money. If you'll go to my gallery you'll see pics of them from the un-boxing through final assembly.

I had no idea Wal-Mart had cabinets like this?! They look pretty nice for that gauge of steel and the price to boot!

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[Mika401uba]

Yea thanks for the heads up put an order in today.

 

[FJ 432]

First off, I like your layout.

In your position I would consider a cabinet/ shelving system that would extend your shorter wall (where you have a dresser and three shelves above the dresser) to the beam support. IMHO that is an area that is kinda dead space and by building/finding a cabinet that utilizes that space it might help you with storage. You could place longer pieces or boards/pipe on top of this storage item in the empty space by your duct work.

Once other thing, I would make or find this piece (mentioned above)that is deep (24" or deeper). It appears by the photos that the shelving you currently have is on the shallow side and in looking around you have some items on the floor that may require a deeper cabinet to hide or find a home).

Another option would be constructing a wall between the beam support out of sheet rock to utilize more pegboard space and possibly using a curtain to slide from the beam to make the woodworking area closed off to dust and noise abatement.

 

[TonkaJoe]

I went with a set of New Age cabinets.. very pleased with them and well under the 3k mark. They are super sturdy, clean easily and hold a pile of stuff. I actually still have a couple of blank wall cabinets to fill up after I organized everything and tossed the junk. Worth every penny spent in my opinion!. Here's the set I bought, its a 12pc. The T-8 light, valance and pegboard were made by myself customized to fit this set up and obviously didn't come with it.

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[ilovevocs]

I had the basic finish yourself cabinets from home depot in my garage. Stained them black then put on a satin finish poly. They worked fine, however, I did not find the cabinets to be as usefull or efficient as shelves / pegboard / slatwall / racking. I got away from cabinets in my new garage and started storing infrequently used items in the HDX totes and labeled them. If it doesn't fit in the tote at least I can store it on the shelf next to totes.

If I had the money to put in high end garage cabinets with tons of drawers, parts storage ect it would be great. However for concealing the junk, doing it quickly with a minimal investment and the additional ease of reconfiguration I am very pleased. Also if you move the racking is easy to disable and take with you.

 

[ilovevocs]

I went with a set of New Age cabinets.. very pleased with them and well under the 3k mark. They are super sturdy, clean easily and hold a pile of stuff. I actually still have a couple of blank wall cabinets to fill up after I organized everything and tossed the junk. Worth every penny spent in my opinion!. Here's the set I bought, its a 12pc. The T-8 light, valance and pegboard were made by myself customized to fit this set up and obviously didn't come with it.

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Nice looking setup.

 

[txvwnut]

I had no idea Wal-Mart had cabinets like this?! They look pretty nice for that gauge of steel and the price to boot!

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Neither did I. I actually found them on ebay but there was no information in any of the listed acutions on them. I googled the name of the cabinets and found them on the Wal-Mart website for less than any of the ebay aucitons. I'm pleased with mine especially for the price. I plan on painting the gray part of the doors a different color just not sure what color yet.

 

[akdiesel]

Platonic Solid

You look like you like to build things wood or metal.
You can build your own cabinets to fit your shop and your needs. I did mine out of Unistrut but it can be done with any type of metal framing.

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Each shelf can hold 200# and rolls out for ease of access.
This cabinet is 8' wide x 93" tall x 30" deep. And I think it cost me approx $2000 for parts. I did have some extras I put in that may not need to be done... powder coating, and electrical outlets.

 

[72Anthony]

I also second the idea of getting a plastic shed for your lawn tools.

It also looks like you could benefit from some deeper shelves. One option is the slotted uprights and wire shelves used for closets and pantries. They are adjustable and have shelves of 12 and 16 inch depth that allow you to use plastic totes/boxes. This helps manage some of the bulkier items.

 

[Platonic Solid]

rvieceli - Good suggestion. I could hide that under my deck pretty easily. I'll organize the rest of the garage first and see if I really need extra space.

CJ7VFR - Makes perfect logical sense, yet somehow it's not my preference. I'll blame GJ for having shown me too many cool setups (as if throwing some shiny metal cabinets in my space will magically transform it into an oasis... not).

FJ 432 - Good insight, but extending the wall where the dresser is won't work for this area. When the Mustang is in the garage, which it is most of the time, I need that area clear so I can get to the other bay.

TonkaJoe - Wow. I mean WOW! Look at those walls! Those cabinets! I think I'm better off if my garage doesn't look THAT good. I'd be too afraid to mess it up. Can I assume you have a workbench somewhere else? I have no shortage of chemicals and implements of destruction that I would never trust near your setup.

ilovevocs - I have industrial warehouse type shelving in the downstairs room with lots of storage boxes filled mostly with classic Mustang parts. It's great for long term storage, but not so much for things that get occasional use. It's just too easy to put stuff in a box and forget about it.

akdiesel - That's a serious cabinet. Impressive. And you're right; I do like to build things out of wood and metal when I can make the time. To take that one step further, I have full access to make any sheetmetal parts I want and have them powder coated. That said, I do have to pick my priorities, and I'd rather buy premade cabinets and concentrate my efforts on creating the next generation of light fixtures.

72Anthony - I hadn't thought of that, but I'd still like it even easier to clean. I'm really more interested in smooth surfaced storage with doors that can be quickly wiped down.

 

[pamike]

Platonic Solid- Got a question for you. In your first pic you have shovels/rakes etc hanging from the wall. What are you using to hold them? The older is gripping on the handle? Is it just those red U shaped hangers all the hardware stores have??

 

[TonkaJoe]

Platonic Solid - Thank's for the kind words!. Once it's completely done I'll post a build thread, the before pictures aren't even close to that clean lol. I use that bench a lot for multiple things such as small engine work, wood working etc.. I just put a rubber mat down to save the wood. I have another 6' bench on order which will sit along the opposite wall with my drill press, table saw and bench grinder.. it will house a vise and sit on casters for the heavy work!.
I like to keep it clean now that I've spent MONTHS ( literally) organizing my tools, tossing the junk, etc out there. I also built a new 10x16 shed on a slab, complete with a loft to accommodate all of my garden tools, lawn mower, snow blower, hoses, spare lumber etc..
and my own '' implements of destruction'' which took up the majority of the floor space. This has allowed me full use of my garage for workspace and a nice place for some cold beers with friends finally!.
I do have a small shop on the one side of my basement with a bench, and a few more locker cabinets. etc where I can do general repairs, paint trim etc during the winter months... but I keep it clean as well since it's used to work on my firearms also. I had to go with cabinets to avoid shoving junk onto my shelves as I walked by lol! and it definitely worked... now things go where they BELONG, ALWAYS.. anyone can have a clean and tidy shop! plus once it's done it almost forces you to take good care of your hard work.

 

[Platonic Solid]

Platonic Solid- Got a question for you. In your first pic you have shovels/rakes etc hanging from the wall. What are you using to hold them? The older is gripping on the handle? Is it just those red U shaped hangers all the hardware stores have??

Crawford 36360-4LGW Lawn and Garden 36-Inch Ultra Hold Tool Rack
I got them as a gift quite some time ago, but was able to track them down.

 

[fivespdcat]

I just recently picked up a heavy duty craftsman cabinet. I have to say m quite impressed. It's made by Waterloo in the usa and is welded together. You can catch the cabinets in sale for $350 broke any discounts or points back. The small wall cabinets go for around $150 but I just got in on the $99 gladiators.

 

[Platonic Solid]

I just recently picked up a heavy duty craftsman cabinet. I have to say m quite impressed. It's made by Waterloo in the usa and is welded together. You can catch the cabinets in sale for $350 broke any discounts or points back. The small wall cabinets go for around $150 but I just got in on the $99 gladiators.

Where did you get $99 Gladiators?

 

[Slednut]

Platonic, I see a table saw in your photos, make hour own.

 

[Platonic Solid]

Platonic, I see a table saw in your photos, make hour own.

That's a nice setup. Your workbench looks nice and deep. I was trying to avoid yet another project. In the interest of getting this done, maybe the answer lies somewhere in between. The storage under my workbench is deep, thus would be much more convenient if it had pull out shelves. Crawling on the floor to get things in the back corner kinda ***** and the plastic container routine is just OK for some things.

Each shelf can hold 200# and rolls out for ease of access.

Can you provide a link to the shelf glides used?

I have a pile of old solid wood smooth doors from a Yale construction project that might make decent workbench tops to replace the rather annoying 2x6s that are there now.

 

[TonkaJoe]

Platonic, I see a table saw in your photos, make hour own.

That's a really nice set up you have there!

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[PhantomEB]

Mine pretty much gonna be like Slednut's.

A very short workbench with dedicated beer fridge that will have its own 110 outlet, one drawer and one cabinet, probably for the chopsaw then the rest will be overhead from about 6' and up. I want max floor space for everything and anything which will have wheels.

Small very shallow cupboard beside the tool box for the bolt bins, solvents, auto fluids, etc.

 

[akdiesel]

That's a nice setup. Your workbench looks nice and deep. I was trying to avoid yet another project. In the interest of getting this done, maybe the answer lies somewhere in between. The storage under my workbench is deep, thus would be much more convenient if it had pull out shelves. Crawling on the floor to get things in the back corner kinda ***** and the plastic container routine is just OK for some things.



Can you provide a link to the shelf glides used?

I have a pile of old solid wood smooth doors from a Yale construction project that might make decent workbench tops to replace the rather annoying 2x6s that are there now.

Platonic Solid

Here is the link to Amazon for the same ones I got. Knapp & Vaun (spellling).
Another option would be to get some of those long heavy duty metal file cabinets and use their drawer glides to fit your own creation. You can pick them up reather cheap and you have 4-5 sets in each file cabinet. But I think they are only rated to 100# or 150# a set.

 

[OJ Bartley]

I was trying to avoid yet another project. In the interest of getting this done, maybe the answer lies somewhere in between.

Platonic Solid, what about a DIY solution that you can do in stages? Frame up some shelves that can be put to use quickly, and then finished into enclosed cabinets when you have the time/desire to get into it? Even some simple plywood "boxes" mounted as open cabinets that you could add doors to later. this would give you total customizability, and reasonably easy and inexpensive.

Just wanted to try to contribute something for all the lighting help you've given us.

 

[McLean]

OP- I know you said you aren't a fan of traditional sheet metal cabinets, but if you are on a tight budget it's hard to beat the value of office type surplus. A couple metal 2 door office cabinets or lateral file cabinets would do wonders for all those small items. I'm sure if they were painted with some industrial colors/textures, you'd probably forget they aren't "Garage" cabinets.

I just recently picked up a heavy duty craftsman cabinet. I have to say m quite impressed. It's made by Waterloo in the usa and is welded together. You can catch the cabinets in sale for $350 broke any discounts or points back. The small wall cabinets go for around $150 but I just got in on the $99 gladiators.

Always liked the looks/specs of these, but had no idea they were mfg in the USA, let alone by a reputable mfg like Waterloo. Thanks for the info

 

[Platonic Solid]

Platonic Solid

Here is the link to Amazon for the same ones I got. Knapp & Vaun (spellling).
Another option would be to get some of those long heavy duty metal file cabinets and use their drawer glides to fit your own creation. You can pick them up reather cheap and you have 4-5 sets in each file cabinet. But I think they are only rated to 100# or 150# a set.

Link?

 

[Platonic Solid]

OP- I know you said you aren't a fan of traditional sheet metal cabinets, but if you are on a tight budget it's hard to beat the value of office type surplus. A couple metal 2 door office cabinets or lateral file cabinets would do wonders for all those small items. I'm sure if they were painted with some industrial colors/textures, you'd probably forget they aren't "Garage" cabinets.

I'm not on a tight budget. More interested in reasonable quality. I don't want to worry about putting too much weight on the shelves and don't want to feel like to whole thing could collapse every time I open the doors.

 

[Platonic Solid]

Platonic Solid, what about a DIY solution that you can do in stages? Frame up some shelves that can be put to use quickly, and then finished into enclosed cabinets when you have the time/desire to get into it? Even some simple plywood "boxes" mounted as open cabinets that you could add doors to later. this would give you total customizability, and reasonably easy and inexpensive.

Just wanted to try to contribute something for all the lighting help you've given us.

That's on my list of possibilities. Some of my shelves are quite thick (over 1"), these are also remnants from a Yale renovation.

 

[OJ Bartley]

Oooooh, scholarly!

 

[akdiesel]

Link?

Sorry about that.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005WXHTZO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[4AudiQ]

txvwnut: What is the brand name of those Walmart cabinets?
I can't quite read it from your pictures.
Thanks.

 

[Jo Diesel]

slednut has the right idea. By the time you find some that you could use, I bet you could have exactly what you want. I built my garage cabinets out of white oak shipping crates that truck parts came in. Took my belt sander to it then stained and urethane. Used OSB for doors and took a router to bottom edge so I did not need knobs then I did 2 coats primer and 2 coats paint and they came out pretty smooth. The shelves were the sides of shipping crates. Cabinet is 10' long and I doubt I have $100 into it.
The only thing I think I would do different is set the shelves back a little and then put shelves in doors for all the spray cans I have.
The picture in my avitar is not the ones I am talking about. The ones in my avitar are built out of 2x4's

 

[Slednut]

I guess I should have explained that the cabinets are made of half inch ply board, the face frames and doors are melamine. There is a 2x12 lying flat that runs along the front edge under the bench top which is what the small drill press and vise are bolted to. I did add onto the shop so now they live on a different wall. The first picture is from the same spot as the one in my previous post.

 

[Namdam]

txvwnut: What is the brand name of those Walmart cabinets?
I can't quite read it from your pictures.
Thanks.

They look to be Work Pro
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Work-Pro-Wall-Cabinet-26-5-8-Wx11-3-4-Dx26-3-4-H/39590576

 

[Hobbit]

These are $60 harbor freight cabinets set end to end that I painted partly red, The total cost for six of them including tax with paint, tape & beer was less that $440.00 the other three are on the opposite wall. They are mounted on tapcon affixed studs with large washers to the Block walls. Several have a dozen gallon size, full paint cans. The first is a little of a challenge to assemble due to pissy instructions but that is what the beer was for. Hint, take a good look at the display and maybe some picture that might fill in the missing gap in the instructions.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

These are $60 harbor freight cabinets set end to end that I painted partly red, The total cost for six of them including tax with paint, tape & beer was less that $440.00 the other three are on the opposite wall. They are mounted on tapcon affixed studs with large washers to the Block walls. Several have a dozen gallon size, full paint cans. The first is a little of a challenge to assemble due to pissy instructions but that is what the beer was for. Hint, take a good look at the display and maybe some picture that might fill in the missing gap in the instructions.

Those look pretty damn good! I've thought about those cabinets before mostly because of price and I've played with them at Harbor Freight. They're not all that, but then neither are ANY of the low cost light gauge metal cabinets and these are cheaper.

I thought about the opposite color scheme - leave the cabinet black and paint the doors red because that would match my Craftsman tool boxes. These have the textured paint, right? Did you knock that down with a sander or did you just paint over them as they were?

 

[MagicMarker]

Where did you get $99 Gladiators?

Sears.com has them on occasion... I have them (Premier line) and they are a great value for $99 uppers.