Storage Options

[halloweenlover]

Hi everyone, first post here but I have been reading the forum and have gotten some good information. We are building new garage that is 30 x 28 it will have 2 10' doors and 2 entry doors. We have upgraded to 9' walls so with the block foundation the ceiling height will be 10'.

Even though it is a good size we have a lot of stuff to fit inside it so I want to be as efficient as possible. So with the height of the walls we have a lot of space to go vertical with storage. I can hang cabinets on the walls obviously, but I am looking to see if anyone has ideas for other ways to make use of the height for vertical storage?

I would put less used stuff towards the top so getting ladder out occasionally is OK. Any ideas or things you have done that you can share would be appreciated.

 

[Stuart in MN]

What kinds of stuff are you storing? Engine blocks, or feather pillows? Makes a difference on what kind of shelving you'll need.

Another thought - now is a good time to take a really hard look at the stuff you have, and get rid of a lot of it. I did a big purge a few years back; there were all kinds of things I was hanging on to because I was going to use it some day, but finally decided to toss...the funny thing is I haven't missed any of it.

 

[matt_i]

Greatest improvement imo is attic storage trusses with a high (8+:12) pitch to maximize volume. I think its the biggest bang for the buck after doing all of the concrete foundation work, etc.

E.g. spend $30k to get 1100sf of enclosed space. Spend $2k additional to get 480sq ft additional "dry storage"....

The side benefit is one usually gets a "deep" bottom chord in which to lay copious insulation and make the building warm in winter.

 

[mushia]

Welcome. Storage is important.

 

[astroracer]

If the garage is in the planning stages I will agree with matt_i. Add some attic or "loft" trusses to the design. Tons of storage for cheap.
Mark

 

[theoldwizard1]

I have a standard 20x20 garage. The previous owner installed a 4' deep shelf at about 54" off the ground (plenty of clearance underneath for the nose of a car if necessary) across the entire back. I has been a godsend even thought they walls are only 8'

I actually installed some heavy duty shelf bracket about 2' down from the ceiling joist (there is no ceiling) and use them to store long lumber and a few seldom used light items.

If you want storage, you can not beat a gambrel roof, even if it only uses attic trusses.

 

[Trey T]

If you don't have "high-lift" garage doors, then you can install two over head racks above the doors.