Ceiling Mounted Rack [Bike, Surfboard, Clothes Drying & Wine]

Organizing your garage is important. It always allows you to access the garage with ease and move around better compared to when everything is all over the place.

If it sounds like something you would want in your garage, then this guide on the best overhead garage ceiling storage racks is what you need.

We will look at why you need an overhead garage storage system, if it is safe, how to choose one, among other things.

By the end of the guide, you would have a clear decision to pick and use the overhead garage storage systems.

Why Overhead Garage Racks

Maybe you are new to using garage racks, and you are unsure if you should consider getting one.

Well, these racks can have a lot of benefits if only you choose the right ones for the job and set them up correctly.

Before you can buy the garage racks, here are some interesting benefits of the racks.

• Good for garage organization

This is probably the most common reason for opting for an overhead garage rack.

The rack will provide enough room for organizing the garage better. As such, it would be easier to get different supplies and tools in the garage.

Organizing would help in categorizing the various equipment you might have in the garage.

Let us say you have mowing, gardening, bikes, and many other tools. It would be easy to get them as they would be arranged better in the garage racks.

• More space for you

You might think that the garage is full until you start to utilize the overhead storage. That is when you would realize that you had a lot more storage in the garage.

It is common to find people opting for wall shelves to create more storage space. However, they will end up forgetting about the overhead space.

When you install the overhead racks, you can now get more space to store your tools and equipment.

• Easy to access

Different garage racks would have different designs. However, the overhead racks are often a standard size. Their designs are usually easier to access.

The same goes for the mounting process. Sometimes it is best to leave the installation to the professionals.

The last thing you would want is for the racks to fall after loading up with your tools and equipment.

Always watch out for the overall weight capacity of the storage rack. Keeping the load within the recommended weight capacity ensures you never have to worry about it falling from the ceiling.

• Keep the valuables from flooding

You are likely to come across people who live in flood-prone areas. Such people need the best way to protect their valuables in the garage.

That is why such people would have roof racks to hold their valuables just if there is flooding in their area.

You could still use it for storing different valuables even if your area does not flood more often.

• Frees up the wall space

Whenever you walk into a room, your focus might be on what is stored on the wall shelves. Without proper organization, you are likely to end up with a mess too.

As such, the overhead garage storage would come in handy to give you more storage room to free up the wall space.

Consider storing what you need to use more often on the wall shelves. Everything else can go to the overhead storage rack where you do not have to get a ladder and use the tools more often.

Is an Overhead Garage Storage System Safe?

Most people who install the overhead garage storage system would want to be sure if the system would be safe or not.

Well, the overhead garage storage systems are quite safe, like other storage options in the market.

You should ensure that the rack is installed correctly. Also, do not exceed the recommended weight limit.

Some people might be scared to park their car under a ceiling storage rack.

Well, that should not be something you worry about so much, considering the racks are often installed correctly.

Now that you know that overhead garage storage systems are safe, how can you ensure they remain that way?

Here are some tips to help in improving the overhead garage racks safety.

• Use heavy gauge steel

It is no secret that having a heavier gauge steel frame means that you have a stronger overhead storage system.

The metal thickness is measured in terms of gauges. With the increase in the metal thickness, the gauge number will decrease.

So, make sure you understand the gauge rating on the metal before buying a rack

It would make more sense if you invested in a thick metal to get the best durability out of the rack. Also, such a rack would hold more weight without coming crashing down.

• Check the weight limit

Another thing to keep in mind is the weight limit. Sometimes it is easier for you to go overboard with your items and overload the garage storage capacity.

The first thing you have to consider before loading the rack with stuff is looking at the rack’s weight capacity.

Manufacturers of these racks will always indicate the weight capacity as a way of keeping them from breaking.

When you are loading, you also have to consider the kind of ceiling supports you are using to hold the rack.

People will often concentrate more on the rack’s weight limit and forget about the ceiling mounts’ weight limit.

The type of ceiling material is also important to consider. It should be able to hold more weight depending on what you plan to store on the racks.

Luckily, manufacturers would recommend the type of ceiling and mounts to use for their specific overhead rack.

As such, you would know how best to set up the storage system and keep it from falling off the ceiling.

• Get a professional to install the rack

It is okay if you like to do some projects by yourself. Being a DIYer is fun, but sometimes getting a professional to handle some projects is essential.

Most overhead storage racks will have instructions on how to do the installation correctly. Most people should find such instructions vital for them to install the garage racks with ease.

Still, there are thousands of YouTube videos where people share how they install the storage racks.

They can come in handy if you want more visuals for installing the overhead garage racks.

If you still find the videos or manufacturer’s instructions too much, it is best to consider professional help.

Getting someone who is an approved installer will guarantee ending up with a safe and secure installation.

It would be easier to use the garage rack with everything set up correctly, knowing that it will not come crumbling down.

As you can see, the overhead garage rack can still be safe as a traditional storage system. All you have to do is use the rack as recommended to avoid accidents.

What Should I Consider When Choosing an Overhead Garage Storage System?

If you are new to using an overhead garage storage system, sometimes you might not be sure where to start.

Well, it does not have to be hard. We discuss some of the things you have to keep in mind when choosing the best overhead garage storage system.

1. Size

Garages would have different sizes and shapes, so it is best to get the right size of the overhead storage system that can better fit your garage.

Most models start around 4ft x 4ft and 4ft x 8ft. It comes down to what you feel would be good enough to store different supplies and tools.

Some can be sold as one big unit or several small units. Keeping in mind that people would have different space needs, you should only pick a model that will deliver on your space needs.

Look at the amount of space available to install in the garage. There will be no point in getting a storage rack that would not fit in your garage ceiling.

2. Easier installation

Of course, you always have to consider the installation process. Look at what is the installation process and how you can attach the storage system to the ceiling.

Some models are likely to be easy to install, while others are hard. Luckily, most manufacturers will include the essential installation instructions in the box of your rack package.

It is from the instructions you would know how easy or hard it is to install the rack.

Look at reviews of other people who have used the overhead garage storage to see if it is something that can work for you or not.

When many people claim that it is easy to install the overhead rack, consider getting it.

3. Height adjustable and storage capacity

Having the option of adjusting the height should work for most people. The height adjustment option comes in handy to ensure that you can get more room from the rack or make it lower for ease of accessing it.

Height adjustment is not in all the racks. So, if it is something you want, consider looking at the various models to find the correct one for your needs.

Also, look at the overall storage capacity. This will largely depend on the size of the rack and the material used to make it.

It might be a large rack, but it does not have the best weight limit. So, it is always better to spend more to get a larger storage rack with the best weight capacity too.

4. More sturdy and stable design

It is hard to go wrong with a sturdy and stable overhead storage rack.

Sturdiness and stability depend on the rack material and the installation process.

A good rack should be made of strong and heavy gauge metal. This ensures it can handle more weight without crumbling.

Look at the mounts used to hold the rack into position. You might have a strong rack, but its mounting hardware is the worst.

At this point, it is best if you consider getting the right storage rack that also features strong installation hardware.

4. Universal compatibility with different ceiling joists spacing

The chances are you might find that other ceiling joists are better at installing the racks to the ceiling.

However, are they compatible with your overhead storage system? At this point, you also have to consider looking at the compatibility with other ceiling joists.

Some manufacturers are kind enough to recommend the type of joists you can still use with their racks. Being compatible with many options in the market will mean you never have to worry that the rack cannot be installed correctly.

5. Accessories

Another thing to keep in mind is the kind of accessories you can get with the garage system.

Even if the rack does not come with accessories, you should always consider the type of accessories that can work with the rack system. Having a model that can accept more accessories is better.

A good example is when you want to hang bikes on the underside of the rack. Will you have the space to attach the hooks?

That is one of the questions you have to consider when you plan on installing the garage rack.

Types of Overhead Storage Systems

You are likely to come across different overhead storage systems in the market. As much as they can be from different manufacturers, the chances are they will be standard overhead racks or motorized overhead racks.

1. Standard Overhead Racks

These racks would often be installed over the garage door or a place where they will not hinder the garage door’s operation.

Depending on the rack you get, the weight capacity is likely to differ from one model to another.

We recommend that you go for a higher weight capacity model if you hope to store heavier items.

Such models would also come with the best security as once they are installed, they do not have to move.

You are likely to find them being used for various applications without them coming off the ceiling.

Unlike the motorized models, this one does not have to deal with moving parts.

We all know that moving parts can mean you need to do more maintenance to keep the rack in good working condition.

Of course, the downside compared to using the motorized option is that sometimes it is hard to reach the tools stored on the rack.

You always have to get a ladder to get to the rack, which might not be ideal all the time.

2. Motorized Overhead Garage Racks

Remember when we pointed out that it would be harder to get up to the rack because it does not move? Well, a motorized rack is more convenient and safer too.

The rack will have motors and chains important for lowering and raising the rack. You can lower the rack to a height that you feel is good enough to retrieve the different tools you need.

Depending on the manufacturer, some models would come with apps for controlling the raising and lowering of the rack.

With the advancement in technology, this is something many people would want to enjoy using more often.

The best part is that many manufacturers will offer great warranties on such movable racks. The aim is to help you be confident about the racks.

A bit of research about the motorized overhead garage rack is necessary so that you get something that works great.

Look at what others say about it. Do not end up spending money on a motorized track that cannot live up to your needs.

Best Overhead Garage Storage Ceiling Racks

1. Fleximounts 3×6 Overhead Garage Storage Rack

This storage rack is a nice way of reclaiming your garage space. If you find yourself having many unused items, it is time to use the rack to store them out of the way properly.

The rack measures 72 x 36 x 22-40 inches. You will find it is ideal for the bigger garages where you want to store a lot of stuff in the room for its size.

One thing that makes more people consider getting this rack should be the height adjustment option. It can be adjusted from 22 to 40 inches. This is almost enough to double its capacity. As such, you can rely on it for more space.

Another reason to get the model is its stability and safety. The manufacturer made it with longer ceiling brackets important for holding the overhead rack better.

The rack is also strong to withstand a lot more weight than other models in the same price range.

The overall quality makes it a top choice for most uses as its weight limit is 450 lbs. It is easy to find that it can hold more weight without much of a problem.

Install Yours In Just A Few Steps:

2. Henson Overhead Garage Storage Rack

This is another option as the best overhead garage storage rack to buy right now in the market.

To be the best, it is made of strong tubular steel material. The steel is then coated with a thick corrosion-resistant coating. As such, it can live up to different conditions, and it will still be great.

The plastic caps on the ends help to prevent any cases of damage when installing it.

As for the size, it has the dimensions 28” W x 11.5” H x 0.8” D, making it ideal for small spaces. If you find yourself looking for something compact for your overhead storage, this can be a nice option.

The model comes with utility hooks important for making it versatile. Because of such, you can use the model for hanging ladders, fishing rods, bikes, garden hoses, and more.

The model might not have the highest weight limit, but it still works great for various applications.

Each hook has a working weight limit of 50 lbs. You should always find applications for it in your garage that involve storing items overhead.

The model comes with its mounting hardware. The idea is that you can get down to installing the rack once you get it from the manufacturer.

Other Best Garage Storage Options

There are many other options other than the overhead garage storage racks. They are fun and can still be useful. We will look at some of the options to consider getting more storage in your garage.

1. Bike Storage Ceiling Rack

Bikes can sometimes be a pain when it comes to storing them. This is because they can take up a large amount of space when stored on the ground.

Getting a wall hanging mount would be an ideal option when considering storing the bikes. Depending on the ceiling rack you get, it would have enough space for several bikes.

So, if you have kids with many bikes, you can always have a place to store their bikes.

Most models would have more weight capacity. If you are going to store a lot of bikes, it is best to get a model with more weight limit.

2. Garage Wall Mounted Shelves

Getting several tool chests in a garage is nothing new. However, they tend to take up a lot of space.

The worst is when you barely use these tools. An alternative would be to have the garage wall-mounted shelves.

As the name suggests, all you need to mount these shelves to the wall to start using them.

The shelves come in different shapes, designs, and sizes. It is best if you can get one that will work great for your application.

Let us say you want to store your drills. Well, you need a shelf with slots to hold the drills. The same applies when you need to store the screwdrivers and other related tools.

So, look at what the manufacturer offers first before making up your mind about which shelves would be ideal for your applications.

3. Garage Ceiling Storage Lift

You might be used to using the traditional overhead garage storage racks. However, you can also get the ceiling storage lifts to do the same job.

The advantage of a garage ceiling storage lift is that you can always lower it for ease of accessing the different things stored on the rack.

This means you do not always have to get the ladder to access the storage.

There are various models such as these in the market. It would be best to look at what extra you are getting for the money.

No one wants to spend so much money on a lift that might not deliver on the best storage and general performance.

4. Garage Hanger Tool Organizer

A tool organizer would go a long way in making sure that it is easier to find your tools whenever you need them.

The tool organizer can hold tools of different applications. Let us say you like gardening, it would then be great to have all your gardening tools in one place and the automotive tools in another place. As such, you can always get the right tool whenever you need it.

As much as tool organizers might be small, they are likely to have impressive weight limits. Also, look at the number of tools it can hold at any given point.

Always go for a model that holds more tools to store as many tools as possible in one place.

5. Garage Storage Hooks

Having garage storage hooks is awesome as you can always have many applications for them.

Many people love the hooks as installing them is often easy. All you have to do is find space on the wall and install them into position.

It is best if you can space them out depending on what you need to install.

These garage storage hooks are known for holding more bulky items compared to some traditional tool racks in the market.

If you have a drill and several screwdrivers, it should not be hard to install the hooks in the garage.

10 DIY Garage Storage Ideas To Help You Reinvent Your Garage On A Budget

Garage storage ideas do not always mean that you spend so much to get the storage setup.

Below, we will look at several ideas you could implement in your garage, even if you are on a budget.

1. Fishing rod organizer

If you are into fishing, you would always want something to organize your fishing rods once you are done with fishing.

For this project, all you need is a PVC pipe of 3 inches in diameter and a foam swimming pool noodle.

Proceed to drill 1-inch holes in the PVC pipe all spaced at 4 inches apart. Using a utility knife, proceed to cut slits in the foam noodle.

Also, keep the spacing between the slits at 4 inches.

Screw the PVC pipe to the wall at a lower level compared to the foam noodle. Make sure that the slits align with the holes in the PVC pipe.

The holes in the PVC pipe will hold the lower end of the rod while the slits in the foam holding the top part.

2. Use a pegboard

Sometimes you might have many lawn tools lying around the floor or leaning against the wall. At this point, it is best if you can consider using a pegboard to store the tools better.

Some of the tools you can store on the pegboard include shovels, rakes, shears, and more tools you often use in the garden.

Storing them on the pegboard will also make it easy to retrieve them whenever they are required for some work in the garden.

3. Vertical bin storage

For a long time, bins have always been used as a top choice for organizing the garage space. The best part is that bins are easily available while at the same time remaining cheap.

You will not have to worry about spending so much to get the best bins for the jobs.

Many people find it eye-catching to have bin storage in their garages. All you have to do is nail shelves to the wall and stack the bins on them.

Make sure that the bins are correctly labeled so that you know what each bin holds. The last thing you would want is to take down each bin to find what you need.

You can add as many bins as possible depending on the space available in the garage.

4. Grab and go baskets

 

The image above shows you what you can expect to get with this type of storage system. They can be used in your garage or even in the main house.

Such baskets are an ideal choice for storing umbrellas, shopping bags, and other miscellaneous items you would not want to lose easily.

The best part about these baskets is that they are cheap. Even if they are affordable, it does not mean they will not be long lasting. They are often made of strong material so that you have years of use.

The baskets are also easy to set up. With a few nails on the wall, you should have the baskets ready for use.

5. Bike racks

When you have kids, or you simply love to ride bikes, the chances are you might have several bikes in your home.

It is important that you get yourself the best bike racks to organize the bikes in your garage.

Consider an overhead bike rack or a wall-mount option. Either option will help provide for vertical bike storage. When you store the bike vertically, you will end up saving a lot of space.

Many people would opt for the wall-mount option since it is practical to retrieve the bike for riding.

This is for those who ride their bikes more often. The overhead option might make it harder to reach the bike more often.

6. Store the kids’ toys better

If you have kids, then you know the kind of mess they can make with their toys. As such, it would be best if you can have a section for them to store their toys once they are done playing with them.

There are many toy organizers in the market you can opt for. We have included one in the image above so that you know what to look for as the best toy organizer.

With the organizer in position, your kids will learn better on how to organize their toys better than before.

7. Organize your garage with PVC pipes

We had already mentioned how PVC pipes could be used to store the fishing rods. With a different orientation, you can use the PVC pipes to store other equipment types in the garage.

The image above gives you an idea of how the PVC pipes can be cut and installed on the wall. Use the pipes in two sections so that you can hold the equipment better.

Such an orientation would be good for storing shovels, brooms, rakes, and more.

It is still an affordable method that should get a lot more people interested in using the garage storage idea.

8. Use wall organizers

You might be wondering what wall organizers are. Well, the image above should give you an idea of what to look for when doing this DIY project.

These wall organizers would have several pockets important for storing the different tools you might have in the garage.

In most cases, you want to store the lightweight supplies in the wall organizers. This is to prevent the organizer from easily tearing off the wall.

The durability is relatively good as the wall organizers would be made of canvas material.

Many people find it easier to set it up as you have to nail it to the wall, and you are good to use it.

9. Always have a trash bin in the garage

It might not seem like people need to be reminded about it, but many garages out there do not have a trash bin.

The trash bin can be bought at any local store for a few bucks. You can still make one from leftover materials at home.

Most people find it easier to have a trash bin in their garages for better organization. The trash bin will provide space to discard the garage’s different trash to leave you with a cleaner garage.

10. DIY ball cage

This is another method important for organizing your garage space. This one involves coming up with a ball cage as shown in the image above.

As you can see, you need a few pieces of wood and strong cords to hold the balls in position.

Once the kids play with their balls, they can put them back between the cords for better storage and organization.

Conclusion

Some people often find it hard to organize their garages. Well, from the guide above, that should not be a problem anymore. This is because we have come up with some creative ways to organize your garage space better.

The best about garage space organization is that it does not have to be expensive. All you have to do is find something suitable for your garage.

Those who never thought the overhead space could be useful now know what to do with it.

Always keep in mind the weight limit the manufacturer recommends so that you do not end up breaking your overhead garage storage.