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Shelving, you either love it or hate it. Either way, you need shelving to store items, reduce trip hazards, and declutter your garage. But the only issue with that is you’re met with an abundance of different garage shelving options when you browse online.
So, which unit will suit your needs the most? To better understand this, I recommend you become familiar with our comprehensive guide on the best garage shelving of 2021. Here you’ll undoubtedly find something that suits your needs at an affordable rate.
How we selected the garage shelving units
Before we get into the best garage shelving of 2021, we thought it would be great to explain how we selected these units. After all, you need to understand why we chose them to determine whether or not they’re suitable for you. To carefully choose these units, we asked ourselves four questions. These are:
Are they practical?
For something that’s considered the best, it needs to be practical. In this case, can it successfully store an array of goods in a size-dependent space without affecting its surroundings? Many units are available on the market, which doesn’t have a sufficient size to capacity ratio. For example, a 50” inch high shelving unit may be ideal, but if the capacity is only 1000 lbs, it’s practically useless. Therefore, all the units we mentioned below have an adequate ratio between size and capacity to ensure you can store many items.
What is the reputation of the brand or listing?
As we all know, reputation is significant as it determines the quality of the product. Because of this, we’ve taken a detailed look either at the brand or listing. We decided to search both because some brands don’t have many reviews on Amazon, but their websites are much different.
Who can use this shelving unit?
Including the above, we also thought about who could use this shelving unit. Can a typical homeowner, builder, DIYer, or single mom own this unit? If so, what will they store, and will it be able to provide them benefits? Asking yourself these questions is vital if you want to see the versatility of a product.
Is the unit worth the price?
Lastly is the price. Pricing is essential in all purchasing situations. Let’s be honest, we all want the best value of money possible, and this, along with quality, is one of the main variables.
Now you understand how we selected the below, let’s discuss some important considerations you’ll want to think about before making the initial investment in garage shelving.
Important factors to consider
Before you purchase anything, you’ll want to discover whether or not it’s the right product for you. The most effective way of achieving this is by thinking about the critical considerations to your specific needs. To better understand what these could potentially be, see the below:
- Assembly – Some people are much more DIY savvy than others, so ease-of-assembly may be something you’ll want to consider. If you’re not worried about how “hard” a shelving unit is to construct, you may want to look for more robust and sturdier fixings, like bolts.
- Dimensions – “Measure twice, cut once”, is a quote that’s stuck with me throughout my life, and the same comes to purchasing. Be sure to accurately measure your potential garage shelving area before making the purchase. This way, you’re able to narrow down your options by searching for a specific size.
- Capacity – Whether you’re storing tools, spare bike parts, or even engines, the heavier the goods, the more likely you’ll need higher capacity storage shelves. Again, the last thing you’ll want to encounter is purchasing a shelf that isn’t suitable for your needs, and worst of all breaks when loaded.
- Material – When choosing a base material, be sure to opt-in for something based on the environment of your garage. For example, suppose your garage is subjected to fluctuations of temperature, frost, moisture, etc. In that case, you’ll need a shelve with non-rust material such as stainless steel or powdered coatings.
- Portability – Again, this depends on the end user’s requirements and needs. If you need portable shelves, you’ll need to find something with wheels. However, if portability isn’t something you’re worried about, this isn’t an issue.
Although we’ve recommended the above considerations, always think about yourself. The honest answer to which shelving unit you should invest in depends on your requirements. This could be it needs to have a tool-free assembly, wheels, 25” deep, a specific color, etc. The list truly never ends, but the above is an excellent place to start.
Great, you now understand why we chose the below products and listed some considerations that you’re looking for in a shelving unit, but there’s one thing left to do. Of course, that’s to show you the best garage shelving units of 2021.
1. Fleximounts Garage Shelving Unit
The first and most prominent garage shelving unit we wanted to mention is by Fleximounts. This sturdy garage shelving is remarkable for anyone needing to store small, heavy equipment.
The shelf itself is made from heavy-duty powered coated steel. This doesn’t just make it strong but also weather resistant. Due to both of these factors, you receive an extremely long-lasting shelving unit that can certainly pack a punch due to both of these factors.
Additionally to the above, it’s also completely customizable depending on the customer requirements. You’re able to achieve this by removing or adding shelving units during the assembly. For example, you could have two Fleximounts units connected side-by-side, one being a workbench, the other being storage shelves. The possibilities to be creative are endless and most certainly something that gives this shelving unit the upper hand compared to its competitors.
Including all of the above, it’s relatively simple to use. To assemble this unit, all you need is the universal wrench which is supplied with every order. So, for what you get, ease of assembly, sturdiness, customizability, and rust resistance, it’s a pretty good option to consider when comparing shelving units for your garage.
Fleximounts Garage Shelving Unit
- Assembly: Wrench only
- Dimensions: 49.6 x 18.1 x 46.8 inches
- Capacity: 4650 lbs
- Material: Powered coated heavy-duty steel
- Portable: No, plastic foot pads
- Looks sturdy due to its heavy-duty industrial metal
- You can combine this into multiple units for your very own personal and unique design
- It comes equipped with plastic foot pads to protect your floor
- It’s only available in black and no other options
- The unit has incredible capacity weights, but it’s relatively smaller in size than other units
- People have mentioned that you’ll need at least two people to assemble this unit
2. SafeRacks Garage Shelving
Moving further down the list, and this shelving unit is from SafeRacks. The reason we like this garage shelving is highly down to the reputation they’ve built. On Amazon, they currently have 200+ five-star ratings on their shelves. Just from that alone, we can start to understand better the quality provided by SafeRacks.
Quality is one thing but having the option between several sizes is another. With SafeRacks, you have three different sizing options; these are 24” x 48” x 84”, 24” x 92” x 84”, 24” x 72” x 84”. From offering this, you’re able to opt-in for a shelving unit which is more personally designed for you. For example, you may need a wider shelving unit, if so their 24” x 92” x 84” is the perfect option.
However, there are some flaws with this garage shelving. The problem is that they have large, netted platforms on the shelf. Although this isn’t a problem for most, you won’t be able to store smaller items on this shelving unit. But, if the sizing is correct, you could always add a sheet of ply, metal, or cardboard to the base to ensure nothing falls through the netted steel.
SafeRacks Garage Shelving
- Assembly: Alan bolts and key
- Dimensions: 24” x 48” x 84”, 24” x 92” x 84”, 24” x 72” x 84”
- Capacity: 1,200 lbs
- Material: High-grade steel
- Portable: No, steel base
- Various dimension options to ensure they can supply adequate shelving depending on their customer’s needs
- It comes with heat-treated grade 5 alan bolts which provide strength and sturdiness
- It’s a well-trusted shelving unit with 200+ five-star reviews
- It doesn’t come equipped with any floor-protection mechanisms like plastic feet, etc
- Many people claim that theirs commonly missing parts (such as bolts, etc.) when assembling this unit
- When assembled, stability isn’t its most significant advantage
3. Safco Products 5244BL Boltless Steel Shelving
Next is this shelving unit from Safco, and this has one unique feature that the other shelves on the list don’t acquire. Unlike the additional shelves mentioned, this one from Safco is completely boltless. This is perfect for anyone who isn’t highly involved in DIY, as you can hammer the shelf together.
Although many people are worried about the sturdiness of a boltless shelf, you’ll be shocked by its strength. In total, this shelving unit can hold around 3,250 lbs and about 650 lbs per shelf. For something that doesn’t require you to bolt anything into place, that’s remarkably impressive.
It’s also highly versatile, as you can customize it to suit your requirements. Due to this, you can either use it as a five-shelf storing unit or a tall 36” workbench. The possibilities are truly endless and something you should be considering.
Safco Products 5244BL Boltless Steel Shelving
- Assembly: Boltless
- Dimensions: 48” x 72” x 24”
- Capacity: 3,250 lbs
- Material: Black coated steel
- Portable: No, steel base
- It’s completely boltless and doesn’t require any tool to assemble
- The unit is made from powder-coated steel to provide optimal strength
- Entirely customizable, use this unit with five shelves, or just as a 36” high workbench
- Only available in black and one size of 48” x 24” x 72”
- People aren’t 100% keen on the boltless assembly as it requires a rubber mallet
- The more shelves you remove, the less sturdy the unit is
4. Hardware & Outdoor Heavy Duty Garage Shelf
Maybe you need more than one garage shelf? Then this option from Hardware & Outdoor may be the perfect solution. Trying to get “bulk” discounts on Amazon is complicated. You have to message the seller, wait for them to reply, and hopefully, they’ll provide you a good deal. However, with this listing, it’s much different. Instead of going through that annoying process, you’re able to receive a great deal in a matter of a few clicks.
Additionally to the above, it’s a huge rack. If you require a lot of storage space, then it’s the ideal option. With two racks of 72” x 48” x 24” are situated next to each other, it’s an enormous amount of space. It’s unlikely a homeowner will need shelves of this size in their garage, but it may be more suited to you if your garage is a large workshop.
However, there is a downside to this shelving unit. It doesn’t come equipped with any plastic feet. Because of this, you could damage the floor of your garage with the harsh metal base. Although you can purchase these separately, it’s just another extra cost.
Hardware & Outdoor Heavy Duty Garage Shelf (2 pack)
- Assembly: Rivets
- Dimensions: 72” x 48” x 24”
- Capacity: Around 4,000 lbs
- Material: Heavy-duty steel
- Portable: No, steel base
- The rack itself is very tall and wide, meaning you can store an array of items
- It comes with two units instead of one, making it great value for money
- Shelves can be installed or removed for complete customizability
- It doesn’t look visually pleasing, and It would be better if they powdered coated the steel
- Comes with very awkward to use rivets, which can cause problems with the setup period
- Has a lack of reviews on Amazon, so quality cannot be guaranteed
5. Edsal Heavy Duty Garage Shelf
One or two shelves isn’t enough? Why not four? EDSAL has made it easy for everyday home or business owners to purchase garage shelving on Amazon. On this listing, you’re able to buy a pack of 2, 3, or most notably, 4. These shelves have a dimension of 72” x 48” x 24”, so they’re remarkably spacious.
With these racks, each shelf can hold around 800 lbs due to its five-level racking system, which gives you a total of 4,000 lbs of storage. If you calculate that over four different shelves, it’s a remarkable amount of storage you could potentially provide your garage.
Although most bulk deals like this can seem somewhat questionable, we don’t generate that feeling from this listing. With 500+ 5-star ratings, it can be hard to say that their shelving units aren’t high-quality. Clearly, if 500+ people have rated them as “excellent”, they’re doing something right.
EDSAL Heavy Duty Garage Shelf (Pack of 4)
- Assembly: Wrench only
- Dimensions: 72” x 48” x 24”
- Capacity: 4,000 lbs per unit
- Material: Heavy-duty steel
- Portable: No, steel base
- Come in 2, 3, and 4 packs to ensure the best pricing
- Highly reviewed on Amazon with over 500+ 5-star ratings
- Most buyers only want to purchase one rack at a time and expand
- There have been several one-star reviews compared to others on the market
6. Nexel Wire Shelving
Lastly is Nexel Wire Shelving, and this is something worth talking about. This looks like an ordinary shelving unit from an outsider’s viewpoint, but it’s much more advanced than that.
The first notable difference is the trademarked Poly-Z-Brite coating the steel has. This clear epoxy finish is specially designed to reduce the chances of the steel becoming damaged from moisture or temperature extremes. In an environment like a garage, this is superb as most don’t have sufficient installation.
Including the above is their Nexguard anti-microbial agent. As temperatures fluctuate from cold to hot, bacteria can build. However, this agent protects the epoxy coating covering the steel from all bacteria, mildew, and mold.
Nexel is so confident about their product that they offer all their customers a fifteen-year warranty against any rust or corrosion that may appear on the unit. This alone shows the confidence this company has in its products.
Nexel Wire Shelving
- Assembly: Mostly without tools
- Dimensions: 30” x 54” x 18”
- Capacity: 3,200 lbs
- Material: Steel
- Portable: No, adjustable base
- It comes with Poly-Z-Brite, which is specially designed to handle temperature and moisture extremes
- Includes Nexel’s trademarked NexGuard anti-microbial agent
- Shelves can be adjusted without tools by one inch
- For a shelf of this size, it’s costly if you don’t need their additional features
- The base of the unit isn’t the sturdiest on the market
- Shelves are meshed, meaning you can’t store small items
Summary
As you can see, there’s an abundance of different garage shelving options you can select. Depending on your considerations and requirements, some may be more advantageous than others. However, all mentioned on this list have been labeled by us as “good-quality”.
So, now you understand what we think the best garage shelving options are for 2021, will you be opting in for some of the above options?
Further Reading