Using overhead garage storage as an option to store loose items and organize your garage is highly recommended. It is the best way to make use of unused ceiling space and you can still easily store a car underneath.
The best overhead garage storage is the Fleximounts System, which has a weight capacity of 600 LBS and an adjustable height that provides 105 cubic feet of space.
Unlike garage shelving, using overhead garage storage solutions will not take up any floor space required for storing cars. Depending upon the structure you choose, many overhead racks can hold a large amount of weight.
Table of Contents
Overhead Garage Storage Comparison
| Overhead Garage Storage | Storage | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Fleximounts Ceiling Rack | 105 cu-ft | 600 LBS |
| SafeRacks Overhead Rack | 120 cu-ft | 600 LBS |
| HyLoft 00540 System | 30 cu-ft | 250 LBS |
| NewAge VersaRac | 104 cu-ft | 600 LBS |
| SafeRacks Narrow Rack | 60 cu-ft | 400 LBS |
If your garage is prone to flooding or you have items that need storing out the way, the use of hanging ceiling racks is recommended. The ceiling of your garage is often empty and install a rack can be relatively straightforward.
Almost every overhead garage storage system will be height adjustable, which allows you to set a height suitable for your requirements. In most cases, you should still be able to park a car underneath the rack with room to spare.
Below is a list of the best overhead garage storage systems that easily attach to the ceiling and increase the floor space in your garage.
The Overhead Garage Storage
1. Fleximounts Overhead Garage Ceiling Storage
The Fleximounts Garage Overhead Storage is by far the most popular available in the US. Unlike many of the alternatives, it has has an integrated grid design that is more stable than the alternatives with a separate frame and wire.
In terms of the construction of this Fleximounts rack, the dimensions are 4 x 8 feet and it is available in a white or black finish.
Other features of the Fleximounts Overhead Rack include:
- Heavy duty cold-rolled steel construction
- Max weight capacity of 600 LBS
- 105 cubic feet of storage space
- High quality hardware included
- Long ceiling brackets for vertical support
- Adjustable from 22 to 40 inches
The popularity and brand reputation are strong indicators to the quality of this rack. It has been built to the highest standards with a heavy duty construction that it built to last. Compared with other similar sized alternatives, it also provides excellent value for money, which is always a bonus.
Check it Out2. SafeRacks 4×8 Overhead Garage Storage Rack
All of the hardware of this garage ceiling rack has been heat treated and case hardened for superior durability.
Other features of this Safe Racks Overhead Garage Storage include:
- Patented design
- 120 cubic feet of storage
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Industrial strength
- Powder coated finish
- Easily adjustable
- 27 inch ceiling brackets
Overall, this SafeRacks Overhead Garage Storage System is a well-made rack that provides plenty of storage space. The brand also offer an impressive limited lifetime warranty for peace of mind.
Check it Out3. HyLoft 00540 Garage Overhead Storage System
An affordable option for garage overhead storage is the HyLoft 00540, which is best suited for light loads. It uses a 3.75 x 3.75 feet steel construction that will hold up to 250 LBS of evenly distributed weight.
The compact design will fit almost any joint configuration and is easily height adjustable from 17 to 28 inches.
Other features of the HyLoft 00540 Rack include:
- Provides 30 cubic feet of storage space
- Available in a white or hammertone gray
- Scratch resistant powder coating finish
- Includes all the hardware
- Easy installation due to the smaller size
Overall, it is a cheap overhead garage storage system that is suitable for light loads. If this garage ceiling rack is too small for your requirements, Hyloft also offer many other larger sizes at an affordable price.
Check it Out4. NewAge VersaRac Overhead Garage Ceiling Storage
Another popular overhead garage storage is by the NewAge Products brand. It uses a 4 x 8 feet steel frame construction that is capable of holding up to 600 LBS in weight.
The VersaRac provides 104 cubic feet of storage space with an adjustable height that ranges from 18 to 42 inches, which is the most of any ceiling rack.
Other features of the New Age VersaRac Overhead Storage include:
- Length adjustable by 2 feet
- 13 gauge steel frame
- Powder coated finish
- Available in grey or white
- Multiple accessories available
Overall, the NewAge VersaRac is an excellent all-round overhead garage storage rack that offers great value for money. The unique ability to adjust the length enables you to set the size to suit your garage or storage requirements.
Check it Out5. SafeRacks 2×8 Overhead Garage Storage Rack
Another SafeRacks storage system is the unique 2 x 8 rack, which is ideal for narrow ceiling space. It uses the same industrial steel construction as the larger alternative with the impressive lifetime warranty.
Although it is smaller than most other overhead racks, it is still capable of holding up to 400 LBS in gross weight.
Other features of the SafeRacks Narrow Overhead Storage include:
- 27 inch ceiling brackets
- 60 cubic feet of storage space
- Heat treated and case hardened hardware
- Adjustable height from 24 to 45 inches
- Powder coated finish
- Easy to install with instructions
The unique narrow design of this SafeRacks garage ceiling rack enables is to be placed in tight spaces that would otherwise be unused. It is a well-made overhead storage solution that will not disappoint.
Check it OutOverhead Garage Storage Buying Guide
The idea of storing some items in your garage out of the way is very desirable for many people. One of the best methods is to use high quality garage ceiling racks, which can be installed to virtually any garage ceiling with brackets.
It may be possible to create your own ceiling rack but the risk of it falling from the ceiling is quite scary. All of the recommendations are relatively affordable and saves you the effort and stress of creating your own storage system.
To help you make an informed buying decision, we have produced the below guide regarding overhead garage storage.
Size of the Rack
One of the most important factors that you must get right is the size of the ceiling rack. If it is too small for the items that you wish to store, it will be pointless. However, if you choose a size that is too big, it may not even fit inside of your garage.
The most popular sizes for overhead garage storage include:
- 4×8
- 4×6
- 3×8
- 3×6
- 2×8
Some brands even offer adjustable sizes, which can be useful if you intend on adding more items to the rack in the future.
Construction and Hardware
In order to withstand the garage environment and large amounts of weight, the racks must use high quality materials. This ensure that no screws or brackets will bend and increase the weight capacity that the rack can hold.
Most of the best overhead garage storage systems will use strong steel with various beam designs in order to hold plenty of weight.
Many brands even go a step further and enhance the durability of the hardware used during the installation. Both SafeRacks and Fleximounts have heat treated and case hardened the hardware for superior durability.
Weight Capacity
The majority of garage ceiling racks are designed to carry between 100 to 600 LBS. However, the rack is not the main issue with regards to the weigh capacity because it also depends upon the ceiling joints used in your garage.
Most garages in the US will use 2×6 joists, which can approximately support a weight of 50 LBS per square feet. Therefore, if you exceed the weight limit of both the joists and the rack, there could be severe damage caused if it were to fall from the joists.
Adjustable Heights
Most overhead storage system have the ability to adjust in height by several inches. This is a great feature as it allows you to tailor the height to the items that you are storing on the rack. Most are adjustable from as little as 17 to 45 inches.
Before setting up the rack and installing it to the ceiling, we advise that you take measurements beforehand. If you plan to walk or park a car underneath the rack, you should subtract that height by the total height from the floor to the ceiling. This will provide you with the maximum height that you can set the rack.
Compatibility and Placement
Before buying any storage rack, you will want to make sure its compatible with your garage ceiling. It must be able to attach to various joists using the brackets that the manufacturer of the rack supplies.
Once you have found a compatible mounting position, you will want to make sure the placement is correct. For example, it shouldn’t block any garage lighting, alarm systems or other features of your garage that are in constant use.
Safety Considerations
When storing items onto the overhead garage rack, you will want to ensure that you distribute the weight evenly. You shouldn’t push all the items to one side of the rack because this can strain the rack and hardware.
For good practice, it is always worth checking to see if there are any cracks or visible signs of strain from the joists. This is a clear sign that too much weight is being held on the rack and you should take action as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Installation of the ceiling rack in your garage is fairly straightforward with most manufacturers providing instructions. However, if are not planning to do the installation yourself, most professionals can install any of the above in just a few hours.
All of the recommendations within this article are suited to a range of garage ceiling space and budgets. If you have the space available, opting for the larger racks is highly recommended for the additional storage space and weight capacity.
