Here in the Fort Worth, Texas area, the winters are cold enough that going outside is avoided if possible. So many of us find things to do inside, like watching movies and drinking hot chocolate. After a few days of that though, we get restless and are ready to get off the couch and head to the garage. And there, we determine the need for organization, starting with garage storage cabinets.
You may have started with an organized garage when you moved there, but over time, it has become disorganized. You can’t find anything, so you buy another of whatever you’re looking for, and then it gets lost in the disorganization too.
The longer you live there, the more stuff you accumulate and it all needs a place to go. Garage storage cabinets are a good starting point. So, what type of cabinetry is best for garage storage cabinets? Because this area is typically not insulated and can often have materials and products that can pose a danger, may leak, and are expensive, you need to choose the right type of cabinetry.
The following are common materials used for garage storage cabinets:
- Aluminum Garage Storage Cabinets
Aluminum is lightweight, making DIY installation easier. Yet, it is a durable, sturdy material that is corrosion-resistant and rust-resistant. And to keep your garage looking good, they are available in a wide choice of colors.
- Plastic Garage Storage Cabinets
Another option to go with is plastic garage storage cabinets. They are lightweight also, making DIY installation easier, rustproof, and a less expensive option than aluminum or other types of materials. A downside to plastic is that its lifespan is shorter and it can’t hold as much weight as other material types.
- Metal Garage Storage Cabinets
Another option of durable and lightweight garage storage cabinets. Metal cabinets made with military-grade aluminum will maintain their durability with heavy-duty items without bending or breaking. Metal is corrosion and rust-resistant and can withstand the swing in humidity and temperatures in the garage. These are available in various design options, including colors and powder-coated finishes.
- Stainless Steel Garage Storage Cabinets
Stainless steel garage storage cabinets are a great long-term material for the garage. However, it is a heavier material, a DIY installation may be challenging, and they are more expensive than the other options we’ve listed. Stainless steel cabinetry offers a stylish appeal and a robust structure that will give you a long lifespan.
- Wooden Garage Storage Cabinets
Using wood for garage storage cabinets will provide aesthetics that are cozy and timeless with the many different options you can choose in colors and styles. But they aren’t going to be as long-lasting with durability and strength as the other materials we’ve mentioned. While engineered woods are more resilient than solid timber, they are easy to warp in humid weather.
Is it cheaper to build your garage cabinets instead of ready-to-use?
Yes, it can be cheaper, but you need to consider the logistics, starting with these questions:
- Do you have the tools needed to build your garage storage cabinets?
- Do you have the skill set it takes to build aesthetically pleasing, durable, and sturdy cabinetry?
- Do you have the space to build them?
- Do you have the space to let the project sit during downtimes?
If you need garage storage cabinets and worksurfaces now, as well as non-cabinet storage items, you probably don’t have the work and storage space for the interim of construction.
Should garage storage cabinets be off the floor?
Depending on what you’re storing in your garage storage cabinets can be the determining factor to answer this question. If you’ll be storing any of the following, it is recommended to install the storage cabinets a minimum of 4-1/2 inches off the floor. This will protect things like boxes, documents, photos, and metal tools from getting damaged or destroyed. Other reasons you should install your garage storage cabinets off the floor include:
- Frees floor space which can save you from tripping over stuff.
- Saves the back and knees not having to bend over to pick up things.
- Keeps the garage clean and organized.
- Makes cleaning easier.
- Avoids possible water damage.
Why are garage storage cabinets so expensive?
You want your garage storage cabinets for the long run, not a temporary setup. This requires using durable materials that will last, such as metal or plastic. These materials are more expensive than using cardboard boxes. Garage storage cabinets are an investment.
What is the best depth for garage storage cabinets?
The industry standard depth for garage storage cabinets base unit is 24” deep and for the upper cabinets, the standard depth is 12”. This prevents banging your head on the cabinet while standing at the counter or work surface. Most garage storage cabinets are 48” wide to maintain stability.
Closing Notes
Okay, not everyone has a budget to purchase new metal or plastic garage storage cabinets. So, can any type of cabinets be used for garage storage cabinets? That would be the least expensive way to set up a garage storage cabinet system, but you need to make sure they are durable.
This would be using cabinets that are made of the same types of materials we’ve covered in this article such as metal or heavy-duty plastic. Again, you want a material that is resistant to corrosion or rust and can be secured with a locking system.
