Types of garage cabinet configurations can include modular, wall-mounted and full-size cabinets. Modular cabinets are easy to move around, while wall-mounted units are perfect for decluttering floors, and full-size cabinets offer exceptional space to store a variety of items.
Gladiator brand offers all three of these garage cabinet types to help handle tough storage needs.
What type of cabinet is best for you depends on what type of storage you are looking for. Consider factors like storage needs and garage space. Then, you’ll want to look at what types of materials, features, accessories, your budget and installation before purchasing your garage cabinets. Continue reading to understand how these factors influence your decision when purchasing cabinets.
What you are storing and how often you’ll access your storage can also determine what type of cabinets you’ll need. If you plan on accessing items frequently, it may be helpful to use cabinets that are not high off the ground. Similarly, items that may not be accessed frequently can be placed in overhead storage to free up space for more everyday items. You may also want to consider buying cabinets that lock. Gladiator brand offers a variety of cabinets with a multi-point locking mechanism to help keep your gear secure.
The weight of what you are storing is also an important factor. If you are storing heavy power tools or bulky sports equipment, you’ll want a cabinet that has a large weight capacity. Gladiator brand offers a variety of cabinet systems, including a 5 cabinet system that can hold up to 2,499 lbs as well as individual cabinets that can hold up to 1,400 lbs. Another consideration is the size of the items you are storing. Physically bulky or long items may need a taller cabinet, while smaller items will not need as much space.
Be sure to evaluate your space before purchasing cabinets so you have the proper cabinet size. Consider the ceiling height, available wall space and the overall dimensions of your garage. If you have limited space, you may want to consider overhead storage or wall-mounted cabinets to free up floor space. Garages with more space may want to consider a cabinet system for a comprehensive garage storage system.
The durability of your cabinets is significantly influenced by the quality of the materials used. Wood and steel stand out as superior choices for garage cabinets, but it's crucial to select reputable brands to guarantee the materials' durability and quality. Wood thickness can also play a role in the overall strength of the cabinet. MDF wood has a high weight capacity, but is more susceptible to moisture. Plywood has a higher weight capacity, but may come at a higher price.
You should also consider the environment of your garage. Wood cabinets can be an excellent choice; however, you might want to reconsider if your garage is subject to temperature swings, both hot and cold.
Gladiator® cabinets are built with heavy duty steel and a corrosion-resistant hard coat finish for lasting durability.
Elevate your garage storage systems even more with accessories. Caster kits can easily transform your cabinets into mobile storage units, while brackets enable you to mount cabinets off the ground, saving valuable floor space. Additionally, hardwood tops can help convert any cabinet into a functional workspace. For interior organization, you can add storage baskets, hooks and hanging rods and more to further streamline and optimize your garage area. Discover what Gladiator brand has to offer in cabinet accessories.
Before buying garage cabinets, you’ll want to determine your budget. Larger, heavy duty garage cabinets will cost more than smaller or everyday cabinets. Construction materials may also drive up the cost. Plastic or lower quality steel cabinets may come at a cheaper price but may need to be replaced more frequently. Gladiator® garage cabinets are built with durability and longevity in mind, with features like heavy duty steel and corrosion-resistant hard coat finish on most cabinets. Most products also carry a Limited Lifetime or a 10-Year Limited warranty, while certain products hold a 1-Year Limited warranty.
Certain cabinets can come with easy-to-adjust shelves, locks and more to promote storage safety. If you have kids, easy-to-adjust shelves and locks can help keep kids away from dangerous tools or materials.
When installing wall-mounted cabinets, you have some flexibility on how high or low the cabinets should be. In general, you should consider your height and the height of others who may be accessing the cabinet. You should also consider the depth of the garage cabinets before installation. The industry standard for base cabinets is 24” deep, while wall-mounted cabinets are usually around 12” deep. This may vary between cabinets—always check your specific product measurements to get the most accurate size.
You may have to assemble your garage cabinets yourself, or they may come pre-assembled, like Gladiator® Premier Pre-Assembled cabinets. Be sure to check your product’s warranty or owner guide for more specific installation information.
When organizing your storage, you have plenty of options to help maximize space efficiently. Pegboards, wall hooks and track systems are great for getting items off the ground and freeing up floor space. Storage racks and shelving can be another option if you want easy access to tools and other items.
Garage cabinets can help declutter your space and reclaim the space into something new. Using baskets and bins, like these from Gladiator brand, can help organize your cabinets even more.
Steel cabinets come in many different gauges, also known as the strength of the steel. This is based on the thickness and weight of the steel cabinets. What gauge you need for your garage depends on what you plan on storing. 20 to 24-gauge steel cabinets are some of the strongest, built for tools and other heavy items. If you plan on storing seasonal decorations, lighter tools, sports equipment or other generally light items, 14 to 18-gauge steel cabinets can handle the job.
Keep your cabinets looking their best with regular cleaning and maintenance. You can use multi-purpose spray and a rag to wipe down the interior and exterior of your cabinets. Be sure to declutter your cabinets once or twice a year to ensure that unused items aren’t taking up space.
Warranties or guarantees may differ between different companies. Gladiator brand offers a Limited Lifetime or a 10-Year Limited warranty on most products, while certain products hold a 1-Year Limited warranty. Check your owner manual or warranty guide for more specific information.
Before installing your garage cabinets, make sure the area is clear of clutter and tripping hazards. If your cabinets are wall-mounted, use a stud finder to identify the optimal placement for your cabinets. If your cabinets are not wall-mounted, you may also want to use anchors to securely attach your cabinets to the wall and prevent tipping. Be sure to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to avoid errors or safety issues.
Both garage cabinets and shelves, as well as racks, come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Shelves and racks, often more affordable, provide complete visibility and flexibility for storing your items. Garage cabinets can offer a more polished look and provide protection for items that shelves cannot, as well as organization within the cabinets such as drawers, shelves and bins.