What is Overhead Garage Storage?

Overhead garage storage is storage shelving that hangs down from the ceiling of a garage, usually using beams above the ceiling as support. They are considered good storage solutions, especially for those who wish to maximize their space yet still have a place to park their vehicles. The supports, as well as the shelving itself, can be metal or wood.

Some choose to construct their own overhead garage storage system, which may be a more custom alternative but may not be any cheaper than the ready-made products. The nice thing about a custom-made system is that clearance and volume can be determined by the builder. This may not be the case with some other systems. While there may be different choices for clearance, these will all be preset marks, not custom options.

These measurements could be very important when considering the amount of head clearance a garage may have. Some may find that low clearance will lead to some very painful encounters with the overhead garage storage racks. As ceiling clearance in each garage is different, it is important to consider how much you may need.

In some cases, it may be possible to choose pre-manufactured overhead garage storage solutions of varying heights. For example, if there are appliances located in the garage, such as a washing machine and dryer, it may be possible to bring those storage racks down a little bit. This will allow for more storage, yet minimize opportunities to cause an injury because there is no direct path underneath the overhead garage storage racks.

Metal systems for overhead garage storage shelves can be very economical and relatively easy to install. These come in pre-measured lengths and can often be placed back to back to run along the entire length of the garage. This also helps maximize space.

When installing an overhead garage storage system, it is important to understand how much weight the shelves and beams can hold. Generally, the manufacturers of the systems will provide some basic guidelines. Disregarding these guidelines could cause substantial damage to the shelves, as well as the contents stored on them and anything under them.

In addition to being placed over pedestrian areas of the garage, these systems can even be placed above the garage doors itself. This is a very effective way to utilize space which is otherwise wasted because nothing can usually go near the garage door. In these situations, the shelving is placed above the tracks for the garage door.