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Finishing Touches for Your Garage Project, Part 1

January 30, 2020 by Rick Scully

2 car garage willowdale showcase - 4 post hydraulic car lift, garage cabinets, polyaspartic garage flooring, overhead platform storage, tire storage, satinless steel work station, flatscreen tv fixture

Previous articles have addressed the refinishing of your garage floor.  We covered everything from the fundamental steps required for proper floor preparation to the application of your new floor covering. Next, you will want to consider what is commonly referred to as the finishing touches. In this case, finishing touches can be separated into three key areas: drywall, painting and lighting.

Drywall is an established garage wall covering material found on both existing and newly constructed homes.  Unfortunately, in many cases the drywall installation is only about fifty percent finished.  That is, when the home builder was done with the garage, he may have left the drywall both unsanded and unpainted.  Now understand this is a common practice and totally above board.  The builder is simply following the building code and completing what he needs to do to complete the job.

Yet unfinished drywall is not just found in newer homes.  Actually, there are quite a few existing homes out there where the garage hasn’t actually been touched since the builder left.  That’s quite common, and now that you have decided to move forward and upgrade your garage you can be sure it’s done right, the way you want.

You see, the time you have set aside to refinish your garage floor gives you the perfect opportunity to take care of that drywall.  Here are a couple of options for you to consider.  First, imagine the scenario where the drywall is already installed and thoroughly covering your garage walls.  With this scenario, the existing drywall might only need to be sanded and painted.  Also, there may be a few areas where the existing drywall needs to be patched or repaired and then re-mudded. “Remudding” is just contractor speak for applying new joint compound to the seams between the drywall sections.  Remember, the point of the “mudding” process is to make the joints invisible so that your wall looks smooth and uniform.  Of course, at this point you will want to choose a paint color complimentary to your home exterior and garage floor covering.

1.5 car garage, etobicoke - slatwall, overhead platforms, polyaspartic floor coating, shelves bike racks - before

Another scenario is when the drywall installation doesn’t cover as many walls as you want or is damaged in one or more areas.  When this is the situation, you can choose to install drywall over any other areas you want as well as replacing or patching any damaged drywall.  One thing to keep in mind with new drywall installation is that the building code requires newly installed drywall to be at least 5/8 inch think and fire retardant.  After the correct drywall is installed, the same “mudding” process, sanding and painting procedures needs to be completed.

Once you have addressed the drywall in your garage, now you will want to consider painting.  Of course, if your garage walls are drywall, they will have been painted as explained above.  But what about exposed concrete or exposed brick walls?  You will be pleased to learn that both of these garage wall surfaces are prime candidates for a new coat of paint.  There are combination paints that serve as both a sealant and paint. We’re experts at making your garage interior match your home’s exterior as well as garage flooring, so whether you already have garage flooring or coloured cabinets, we can recommend colours which will make your garage match the rest of your home when the door is open and being enjoyed by your entire family during the warmer months.

T8 LED tube light

Lighting is the third area I’d like to discuss when considering finishing touches for your garage. The typical garage lighting is modest at best.  Often times, there are either one or two incandescent fixtures with a single bulb.  While that may be all right for the builder, it may not look so good once you refinish your garage. In fact, most people who choose to transform their garage use this opportunity to upgrade their garage lighting.

There are three popular options available to you when you decide to upgrade your garage lighting. Your first option and the most popular choice is replacing the incandescent fixtures with LED lighting fixtures.  LED’s have exploded in popularity and dropped in price. They consume far less energy, put out more light, last a lifetime, have controls over the color temperature, and come in a variety of very attractive fixtures. Fluorescent bulbs are still a good option, but one precaution to be aware of is to make sure your fixture includes T8 rated bulbs.  The ‘T8’ rating indicates those bulbs are designed to work in colder temperatures. Fluorescent tubes do go out and have to be disposed of carefully as many contain elements that are not appropriate for regular landfills. LED lighting is the fast and economical upgrade recommendation to your existing garage lighting.

On the other hand, the alternate lighting option is to install recessed lighting or what the home builders refer to as “pot lighting”.  Recessed lighting or pot lights need an opening or recess to accommodate the new fixtures and is most commonly found in garages with finished ceilings or often, under our custom overhead storage platforms where we again have the space to recess the pot lights and run the electrical wiring.

Next month, we’ll review additional finishing options such as baseboards, casings and doors.

Filed Under: Before-After, Garage Cabinets, Garage Floors, Garage Interior Design, Overhead Garage Storage Tagged With: brick wall, builder, building code, bulb, coloured cabinets, contractor speak, drywall, economical upgrade recommendation, finishing touches, fire retardant, floor preparation, fluorescent lighting fixtures, garage floor, garage interior design, garage lighting, garage renovation, garage wall covering material, home exterior, incandescent fixtures, joint compound, Lighting, paint color, painted, painting, patched, Remudding, sanded, seam, T8 rated bulbs, unpainted, unsanded

Storing Outdoor or Camping Gear in Overhead Areas of the Garage

June 7, 2018 by Rick Scully

retractable attic ladder garage mezzanineWith the kids nearly out of school and the great weather all around us, we can’t help but think of getting away. Leaving the hustle and bustle of the city for the quieter and more peaceful surroundings of being near nature is one of many people’s favourite summer activities.  We may have grown up camping during our childhood or we may just enjoy connecting with the outdoors and nature.  Either way, summer is definitely the season to spend more of our time outdoors.

Many of us enjoy the summer on or in the water.  We bring our kayaks, canoes or stand-up paddle boards to the cottage or campground.  Or, we may even want to make sure that we maximize our time outdoors while getting more exercise when we’re on vacation. We may want the whole family to cycle to the general store, the beach or around the campground while we’re away.  So, we’ll want to haul the bikes on a rack at the rear of our vehicle or SUV.

The Thule or Yakima racks, hitches and cargo boxes make it all possible for us to carry sleeping bags, tents, kayaks, bikes and much more for the summer adventure but when it’s time for the family to return home, where will we store it all?  Well, we have some garage storage solutions that make it easy and convenient not only to store the gear but also make it easy to pack up our vehicles for the adventures that await us this summer.

Of course, overhead storage solutions is the best way to get the most out of our garage space. This allows us to keep things out of the way until we are ready to use them or access them frequently.  Let’s discuss some of the garage storage options.  Or, you can get a complimentary in-home consultation for a garage renovation to discuss how to use the space overhead to maximize your garage for your family lifestyle.

Hydraulic Overhead Storage Lifts

bike storage solutions - bicycle storage ceiling lift Not only are the hydraulic lifts an easy way to whisk bulky items upwards and out of sight, they are also easy on people who want unload or retrieve those bulky items safely from their location up high.  Most families use these hydraulic storage lifts to store bulky items such as Thule cargo boxes, bikes, kayaks, canoes, stand up paddle boards and golf clubs into the empty overhead spaces.  So, whether you’re over 6 feet tall and the strongest member of your household or you’re 8 years old and trying to retrieve your bike to get to school, the hydraulic lift can be operated by just about every family member regardless of the their size, strength or stature.

An option to the hydraulic overhead storage lift is the manually operated lift which can be installed safely and securely to hold a few hundred pounds of bikes, sporting gear or cargo boxes.  Any of the lifts can be positioned to lower to an exact spot in the garage for handy retrieval or mounting.  For instance, many of our lifts for Thule racks and cargo boxes are positioned so that when lowered, they will sit directly over the vehicle’s rack system.  From there, just strap the cargo box securely to the roof of the SUV, minivan or other vehicle and it is ready to load with the family’s toys and sports gear.

Made-to-Measure Overhead Storage Platforms

2-car-garage-north-toronto-overhead-platform-slatwall-organization-system-hooks-baskets-polyaspartic-garage-floor-coating-central-vacuum-left-side-afterOne of the most versatile of the overhead storage mediums is the custom made-to-measure overhead platforms which are secured to the ceiling with airline cables making them capable of supporting several hundred pounds of items per square foot of space.  Undermount pot lights add visibility for a workspace just below or to the overall brightness of the garage.  The whole platform can be finished and painted to match the colours of the garage.

They can run along the sides and back wall of the garage so that it optimizes the overhead storage space.  The platforms are designed just deep enough so that most adults can reach to the back of the platform and retrieve any item stored along the back edge against the wall. 

Using overhead storage to store items which are not in season or used rarely is the ideal way to leverage this type of storage medium.  Some examples of storage items include seasonal items such as tires which are swapped twice a year or holiday decorations which are used once a year.  When it comes to sports equipment, snowboards are accessed frequently throughout winter but then, it becomes wakeboards in summer. Tools such as snow shovels and salt in winter which are required weekly or daily are then swapped out for rakes and lawn mowers which are necessities to maintain our yard or garden in summer.

Overhead Storage Racks

Overhead storage racks are typically stainless steel with a mesh platform so that items stored on it can be seen from underneath as well as all four sides in many cases.  Again, they do need to be mounted to the ceiling securely but once this is done, they can carry anywhere from a few to several hundred pounds worth of your belongings.  Because they can be accessed from all four sides, the rack can have a larger dimension but not too large that people can’t reach the centre of the rack for the item that gets tossed there.

A lot of people use these racks for things such as tents, sleeping bags and other items which require a bit more storage space while also needing some air circulation.  Both the racks as well as the platforms may require a step ladder for people to retrieve or store the items.  Now, if the garage is quite tall then there are some additional custom built solutions which are also easier to use.

Overhead Storage Mezzanine

1 car garage, central Toronto - attic mezzanine overhead storage for 1.5 storey garageThe storage mezzanine comes with a glass railing so that it is easy to see the items being stored above and prevents things from being knocked off the mezzanine.  Built-in stairs or a pull-down loft ladder which lower to the garage floor and tuck away flush with the mezzanine floor make access to the mezzanine convenient.  The stairs are weighted so that they only require a small effort to pull down or push back up into place.

Because family members are meant to walk up onto the mezzanine, it is sturdy enough to carry people as well as a wide variety of belongings.  Some of the access options include the elevator style electric stairs or ladders or in one case, an auto lift was used to port the homeowners to the mezzanine level to retrieve stored items.  Each mezzanine is made-to-measure with options to suit the homeowners and their families.

Plan a Garage Renovation

If you are in need of some extra storage space, all that we need to do is look upwards for the answer.  To plan a garage renovation, start with a complimentary in-home consultation to understand the full range of possibilities that would suit your garage and your family’s lifestyle. 

Filed Under: Overhead Garage Storage Tagged With: auto lifts for garage, elevator style electric stairs or ladders, garage renovation, garage storage options, Hydraulic Overhead Storage Lifts, made-to-measure overhead storage platforms, overhead storage mezzanine, overhead storage racks, Overhead Storage Solutions, pull-down loft ladder, Undermount pot lights

Overhead Storage is Our New Year’s Resolution Friend

January 7, 2018 by Rick Scully

2 car garage markham ontario made to measure overhead platform portable work space slatwall organization system polyaspartic floor coating hose central vacuum overview afterEach year, we wrap up the Christmas or Midwinter celebration with new festive decorations to our already extensive collection of decorations. They may be dishes, candelabras, stockings, outdoor lighting and much more.  Once we’ve cleaned up from the extended family gathering, we realize that we’d like our living space to be less cluttered when we start the New Year.

At this time of year, we’re enjoying the beautiful winter wonderland as well.  We’re enjoying having our kids and our own inner kids enjoy the snow of white slopes on snowboards, skis or even toboggans.  Maybe, you’ve decided to break out the skates to enjoy the many outdoor ice rinks or surfaces around the city.  Winter and the activities of the season get us hauling out all sorts of toys, decorative items as well as sports equipment.

Finding a way to organize the things we need to prepare for winter and all the great activities we enjoy, celebrate or do to adapt to the winter season can be daunting.  A made-to-measure overhead garage storage system or garage renovation to create the space needed for these types of items is a great way to start off the New Year!

Why Consider Overhead Storage?

Eventually, our family lifestyles become so dynamic that it’s difficult to find a place to store everything.  That’s when we encourage people to consider using the space overhead.  A lot of the space overhead in the garage may often remain underutilized.  If the height of the garage is 10 feet or higher, it’s a good idea to consider overhead storage systems.

Overhead platform storage may need a little more effort to use.  People only want to access overhead storage from time to time since it may take a ladder, a set of stairs or a couple of people to store and organize the overhead space.  That’s why overhead platform storage is ideal for seasonal storage where items are moved into the overhead space or out of the overhead space once or twice a year. 

Overhead storage is out of the way so when we’re not using items for long periods of time, this type of storage works well.  Platforms are also a form of open storage where we can see exactly what’s up there.  When we’ve forgotten or we need to remember what we’ve got, an open platform storage system helps us find things easily.

What to Store in Overhead Storage Platforms

Seasonal items may include outdoor patio furniture or outdoor decorations. From lawn ornaments, outdoor patio lighting, BBQ or firepit accessories, there are a lot of warm weather outdoor items that get stored indoors for the winter.  It may also include gardening tools and bags of soil, seeds or fertilizer.  In the winter, it may be snow removal equipment, salt, sand, cat litter, antifreeze and other handy winter survival items.

When it comes to enjoying the lifestyle of the seasons, it’s sports equipment and toys applicable to specific seasons.  Some of these sports may include hockey or snowboarding / skiing in the winter and cycling, wake boarding, kayaking and more in the summer.  There are other storage systems ideal for keeping the sports equipment and toys easily accessible during the season but when it’s the off season, overhead can be a good place for keeping them out of the way.

Whether we celebrate Christmas, Winter Solstice or other seasonal festivities, we all seem to need a few decorations to honour the activities and rituals of the festival.  These items are also used rarely so it’s handy to store them above where they remain safe from damage for the rest of the year.

Overhead Storage Platform Choices

1 car garage, central Toronto - attic mezzanine overhead storage for 1.5 storey garageThere are a wide variety of overhead platform storage systems.  Most of them are typically shelving units or platforms where we just place the items on top.  This means, that our choice of shelf or platform can’t be too deep.  After all, if our arms can’t reach far enough back to grab our stored items, it won’t be possible to retrieve items from their location.  Some of the platforms have a 4×8 base platform.  This means, it was intended to be mounted in the middle of the ceiling where it would be possible to place a ladder on any of the four sides of the platform to reach items from any of the four sides.  This means that this type of option requires enough space on all four sides for a ladder and space for the item to leave the storage platform.

There are also shelves that are mounted against the walls of the garage.  Typically, shelves are not more than a couple of feet deep so that anyone in the family can reach to the back and still access belongings that they want to retrieve from storage.  This also makes it easy to take a visual inventory of where things are stored when standing in the middle of the garage.

All storage platforms are secured either from the top via the ceiling or from the bottom via supporting beams to the garage floor.  When storage platforms are secured properly, they can easily hold a few hundred pounds worth of your belongings. 

Whether you purchase the pre-manufactured metal platforms, build a wooden one yourself or have one of our garage renovation specialists build a made-to-measure overhead storage platform system as part of an overall garage design. Securing the platform is most important to assure there is no damage to the belongings, family members walking through the garage or the vehicles parked in the areas beside or below the platform storage.

Finished Platforms for a Finished Garage Design Look

Finally, making a choice of platform may depend on how finished a garage design may be desired.  A barebones garage may be well suited to a pre-manufactured platform or a DYI platform made of wood beams. 

On the other hand, you can get an overhead platform capable of holding several hundred pounds per square foot with a finished made-to-measure storage platform with a drywall finish, an under mount LED lighting system and minimal overhead structure from one of our garage renovation specialists. Contact us for a free in-home consultation to discuss your options.

Filed Under: Overhead Garage Storage Tagged With: family lifestyle storage, made to measure overhead platform storage, open garage platform storage system, outdoor patio furniture, overhead garage space, seasonal storage solutions, winter season sports equipment

Winter vs All Weather Tires – Garage Storage

November 6, 2017 by Rick Scully

With fall under way and summer safely behind us, we start to wonder what kind of winter is ahead for us and how to prepare.  Of course, when it comes to our home, it’s better to be safe than sorry.  And, when it comes to our vehicles this is even more true in order to protect ourselves as well as our little ones.

When winter is really cold with a lot of snow, we have driving challenges in winter.  When winter is milder with temperatures fluctuating just above 0°C or just below 0°C, we have a lot of slippery and icy driving challenges throughout winter.  Regardless, it’s always a good idea to get tires to suit the winters here in Southern Ontario.

Storing Tires in the Garage

There are a variety of ways to store tires in the garage.  The main goal of tire storage is not to leave the tires on the garage floor where it uses up valuable space for the vehicle or both vehicles to be able to park inside the garage. 

The best way to store the tires that we’re not using on our vehicles is to have them kept up and off the floor of the garage.  Overhead platforms of a variety of heights make a lot of sense.  When installed properly, overhead platforms can carry up to 600 – 800lbs of whatever you want to have something tucked up and away in the storage space within your garage.

The second option is to mount a tire rack to the wall of the garage.  Specifically designed for tire storage, these racks can be mounted at a variety of heights depending on your available space and height requirements.  It’s a great way to ensure your investment in winter and all season tires are protected.

Winter Tires

snow-winter-tire-treads
Winter Tire Treads

Since the advent of all season tires, winter tires have become an overlooked necessity to vehicle ownership throughout Canada.  In some provinces, it is law for us to have winter tires on our vehicles.  In Ontario, you can get a discount on your car insurance if you use winter tires.

Depending on where you live around the GTA or Toronto, you may not experience a lot of snow.  In addition, people mistakenly believe that winter tires are “snow” tires.  They are actually meant for the change in temperature.  In fact, that change in temperature which warrants the consideration for winter tires starts at 7°C where the typical All Season tire starts to lose it’s ability to grip the road.  So, by 0°C, it’s very important that we’re using winter tires. 

In Quebec, where winter tires are the law, they found that the 10% who didn’t apply winter tires were involved in 38% of the most severe vehicle accidents.  It makes a difference to drive with winter tires.

All Weather Tires

2 car garage oakville overhead storage platform slatwall organization system hooks camlock baskets tire storage racks after

These days there is a new category of tires called All Weather tires.  These tires will work well under wet, slushy and snowy conditions.  They work well above 7°C where winter tire rubber starts to wear down extremely quickly and loses its ability to grip the road as the temperature rises.

The All Weather tires are made with rubber designed to stay flexible whether the temperature is above 7°C or below 7°C. And, the tread is designed to push water and slush away out the sides of the tread pattern channels.  On the other hand, the winter tires were designed with rubber that stays soft even in colder weather below 7°C which is why it works so well on snow and ice.  And, this is the same reason it is not safe to drive on winter tires over the summer where it will easily melt on the hot asphalt and lose its integrity to grip the road. 

All Weather tires are closer to a 4 season tire for those of us who live in areas of Ontario where we may experience a somewhat mild winter.  For real winters like those experienced throughout Quebec and areas of Central and Northern Ontario, people who use winter tires will have a safer drive avoiding the stress and the potential of a severe accident.

All Season Tires are Really Tires for 3 Seasons

all_season_tire_treads
All Season Tire Treads

Finally, the All Season In All Season tires is a bit of a misnomer.  With its ability to handle well in temperatures above 7°C, it doesn’t remain flexible enough below 7°C to grip the road.  And, the tread design doesn’t lend itself to pushing slush and snow out to the side from the channels.

So, the All Season tire is great for 3 of the seasons in Ontario but not winter temperatures or the weather typical of winter including slush, ice or snow.

Tire Storage for Good Tire Habits

tire storage solutions - custom overhead tire storage platformFor peace of mind and safety, the winter tire is your best bet.  When you do this, you can save on your vehicle insurance and with a garage storage solution, you can save on storage costs annually.

To find out how you can manage both, contact us for a free in-home consultation.

Filed Under: Garage Storage Solutions, Garage Storage Systems, Overhead Garage Storage Tagged With: all season tires, all weather tires, garage design, garage renovation, overhead garage storage, overhead platform storage, tire rack, tire storage solutions, tire treads, winter tires

Cargo Boxes, Roof Racks and Storage for an Active Family

August 8, 2017 by Rick Scully

Your family enjoys experiencing the outdoors or taking scenic road trip vacations.  The next thoughts are that you have more things you need to haul on the vacation than you have space in the SUV or minivan. You’ll need a vehicle rack of some kind.  Will it be a roof rack, hitch rack, trunk rack or spare tire rack?  And, what about a carrier for loose items?  There is a choice of cargo boxes, cargo carriers and cargo bags to carry loose items and make more room available for the family inside the vehicle.

The vehicle needs more storage space for all the stuff the family needs for that next outdoor adventure.  All of this is fairly straightforward to accomplish with the help of a reputable service to help you install a system.  And, you’ll probably end up using a system from one of the more reputable brands in the industry such as Thule vehicle rack and cargo systems or the Yakima vehicle rack and cargo systems.  All of this you can discuss with your local service provider.

What I’d like to review are the challenges of getting your garage storage spaces to work well and make packing for that adventure weekend getaway or family vacation that much easier to do.  Let’s take a look at how you might want to design and strategize your garage storage to work well with vehicle storage packing needs.

Roof Racks

vehicle roof rackThis is one of the go to items when looking to find a method of hauling bikes, skis & snowboards, stand-up paddle boards are more for a fun and active getaway.  Many SUVs today come with half racks as a standard feature.  By adding cross bars, this easily converts the half rails to a full roof rack which can now mount a wide variety of options such as cargo carriers or boxes, bikes, skis or snowboards and much more.

During the off season, storing the cross-bar accessories in the overhead platform areas of the garage makes the most sense.  And, if you’re off to an adventure often throughout the year, some slatwall storage basket options are available to easily store, access and swap or switch out accessories.

If you’re using your roof rack for bikes, consider a hydraulic lift storage system bike rack to lower bikes directly onto the roof rack directly from their storage location in the garage.  These overhead storage systems can also accommodate a canoe, kayak or stand up paddleboards which lower watercrafts directly onto the roof rack of the vehicle making packing quick, easy and efficient preparation for that adventure weekend away.

Trunk Racks

For those who need a more portable rack system to carry a couple of bikes, the trunk rack is fairly universal and can mount onto many types of car trunks.  They’re easily removable so it can be used for a single trip from time to time.  One of the drawbacks is that people can’t get into the trunk from the back of the car.  They may need to use the fold down seats to reach into items stored in the trunk.

It’s easier to get a bike onto a trunk rack than a roof rack system.  Between trips, use the hydraulic overhead bike rack or wall mount racks to store the bikes.  In addition, a space on the overhead platform to store the trunk rack itself is the likely spot for this portable vehicle rack.

Hitch Racks

yakima hitch rack 4 bikes

Hitch racks are attached to the hitch of the vehicle.  They’re sturdier and they are typically used to transport and secure mountain bikes, skis or snowboards.  Many people keep the hitch in place until the end of the season.  They can carry up to 5 bikes so they are great for a family of bikes.  And, the bikes can be secured or locked to the rack.  When driving, the bikes don’t bump or jostle because they can be fixed into place.

Combine the hitch rack with an overhead hydraulic bike storage rack in the garage or any number of wall mounted rack systems to make it convenient to mount bikes onto the back of the vehicle before the start of any trip.

Spare-Tire Rack

Some vehicles have a spare tire mounted on the back of the vehicle.  If that’s the case, the spare-tire rack works similarly to the trunk rack.  It typically carries a couple of bikes, wake boards or skis and while the spare-tire rack is removable, many people keep the rack in place.  These racks don’t lock the bikes in place but because they sit behind the spare tire, the vehicle is protected from moving bicycle tires or handles.

Wall mounted storage options or overhead storage racks with hydraulic lifts would both work with this type of vehicle rack.

Basket Style Cargo Carriers

With a full rail roof rack, basket style cargo carriers can be mounted to help secure a large amount of camping or other gear to the top of the vehicle.  There are also hitch style basket carriers to carry bikes or wakeboards and other gear safely and securely.

Some of the hitch carriers can fold up when not in use so that they are out of the way when not carrying items.  During the off season, keep it in the overhead space of the garage for re-mounting the following season. Bikes, skis, wake boards and other sporting equipment can be stored on wall-mounted racks or overhead hydraulic lifts which makes it easier to pack.

Cargo Bags

hitch cargo carrier with cargo bagSometimes, people combine a cargo bag with the carrier basket so smaller items are easily secured within the bag and to the vehicle.  Some bags are designed for the roof rack or a carrier basket intended for the roof of the vehicle.  Many others are designed for the hitch style basket carriers.  These make the most sense as the soft bag doesn’t protect the belongings within from dings and dents of fast flying debris.  Situated behind the vehicle, the bag is minimally exposed to flying debris and anything which might cause dings to the belongings and sports gear contained within.

As long as your gear is clean and dry after each trip, the cargo bags make for a great way to store all the sports accessories in a single space.  Carve out a space on the overhead storage platform of the garage for the bag and the full gear.  If you have multiple outdoor past times with just as much gear, get a separate cargo bag for each type of outdoor adventure and you’ll be pre-packed for any adventure.

If you have multiple cargo bags each packed with its own adventure, you may also find an overhead sling system helpful in lifting them up and away or easily lowering them directly onto the basket carrier making for quick packing or preparation for any vacation.

Pick the correct cargo bag to pack onto the hitch style basket carrier and you can have a different adventure every weekend of the summer. 

Cargo Boxes

Personal floatation devices, paddles and even the kids’ toys are smaller items that are not secured individually to the roof rack.  Instead, a cargo box for the roof of the vehicle allows everyone in the family to just throw items into it and everything can be locked inside the cargo box for safety.

When the trip is done, smelly wet gear can be removed and the whole box is easily cleaned with a garden hose and some environmentally friendly soap.  Then, leave the box open to dry for a short while to dry under the sun before driving it into the garage. 

The best way to store a Thule or Yakima cargo box is with an overhead storage sling operated on a pulley as a hydraulic or manual lift. So, when your cargo box is clean, dry and ready to store, drive your vehicle under the overhead sling.  Strap the cargo box into the sling and unhitch it from the vehicle’s roof rack system.  With the single push of a button, your hydraulic cargo box sling will be lifted up and into the overhead area of the garage.

When you’re ready for your next trip, drive your vehicle directly under the cargo box sling and use the hydraulic switch to lower the Thule or Yakima directly onto the roof rack of your vehicle.  Secure the cargo box and then unhook the overhead sling mechanism.  Storing and mounting a large awkwardly shaped cargo box can be a breeze with the right garage storage system.

Match Your Garage Storage System to Your Vehicle Rack & Cargo System

Make the packing and unpacking of your family’s road trip vacation a breeze.  Or, get on your way to a different and exciting outdoor weekend adventure every weekend in minutes with the right garage storage system to match your vehicle rack system including carriers, cargo boxes and bags.

The right storage system can help you spend less of your time packing and more time enjoying the outdoors and time with your family or friends.  Get a complimentary in-home consultation to get a strategic garage storage system custom designed for your road trip vacation and outdoor adventure lifestyles.

Filed Under: Overhead Garage Storage Tagged With: basket style cargo carriers, carrier boxes, garage renovation, garage storage spaces, hitch racks, hydraulic overhead bike racks, overhead platform storage, roof racks, spare tire racks, Thule vehicle rack system, trunk racks, wall mounted rack systems, Yakima vehicle rack system

Water Ways to Celebrate World Ocean’s Day

June 7, 2017 by Rick Scully

World Oceans DayOn June 8, 2017, we can celebrate the annual World Ocean’s Day.  In large part, we can thank Canada’s recommendation at the Earth Summit in 1992 when it was our delegates who suggested an annual celebration to improve our international awareness to the issues surrounding water systems around the world.  Since 2002, each June 8th this day has been celebrated as World Ocean’s Day.  In 2008, the United Nations then officially passed a resolution to recognize this day officially.

June 8th is a great day to break out the canoe, kayak, paddleboard and more to reconnect with the many water ways throughout our neighbourhoods. Celebrate by making it a full family day on the water with conservation activities and more.

Celebrating World Ocean’s Day

Every lake, river, stream or body of water is part of a watershed that eventually empties into our immense oceans. Caring for our local water systems helps reduce the downstream effects of our footprint on them.  Here are some suggestions from Canada’s World Ocean’s Day website and how you could turn it into a family activity:

Reduced Energy Consumption

Do simple things such as swapping out existing lightbulbs with LED lightbulbs.  Use fans instead of using air conditioning to cool our homes this summer.

Choose Sustainable Seafood

Marine Stewardship Council EcolabelThere are sustainable species that we can eat. As a family event, visit a local fish market and plan a meal that honours sustainable seafood is a great way to educate and celebrate.  Some fish to consider are albacore tuna, Pacific cod, sardines, Dungeness crab and some specific types of farmed fish too.

Use Less Plastic

Plastics harm and kill a lot of our ocean life each year.  To reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in our oceans we can do things such as owning and using a reusable water bottle.  Bring your lunch in a reusable container. Use cloth or reusable bags for groceries and other shopping.  And, of course, recycle whenever possible.

Look After Our Beaches and Shore Lines

When spending the day at the beach or the park, remember to pick up after ourselves afterwards to reduce the footprint we leave behind.  Also, spend some time walking a quiet shoreline for some fresh air and a way to clean up odds and ends that you find there. Spend the day paddling the shores of your local water way and picking up garbage along the shores as a way to contribute to cleaning up our waters.

Avoid Buying Products which Exploit Marine Life

Avoid buying shell or coral jewellery to reduce the exploitation of marine life.

Ocean-friendly Pet Ownership

Read the labels of food that you’re feeding your pets to be sure the seafood ingredients are sustainable species.

Travel the Water Ways Responsibly

Avoid using foam products near the water as foam wears down and breaks down leaving debris in the water.  Sanitize boats, canoes, kayaks and other water going crafts thoroughly inside and out to avoid cross contamination of new waters with a trip last week whose water may have been infested.  Specific species such as zebra mussels and quagga mussels have been destroying water ways.

Enjoy the Day on the Water around Ontario

Spending the day on the water is the best way to become connected to the importance of clean water to our existence. There are so many places throughout the province of Ontario to enjoy our water systems.  To plan a trip along one of our many water systems, visit the Ontario Trails website for a location.

Even if you live in a large city like Toronto, it’s not that difficult to stay in the city and still be able to enjoy a day kayaking or canoeing.  Some of the launches for paddlers can be found at Bluffer’s Park, Kew / Balmy Beach, Brickworks along the Don River, Cherry Beach, Harbourfront Canoe and Kayak Centre, Sunnyside Beach, and along the Humber River at several spots. 

Care and Clean for Canoes, Kayaks and other Watercrafts

Remember to protect the waters and your equipment by cleaning, maintaining and storing your water crafts safely.  Not only will this get rid of the millions of microbes to keep your family and pets safe, but it will also get rid of the creepy crawlers that may have hopped on board for a ride.

The best way to wash your kayak or canoe is to use some eco-friendly soap and water.  These are easily found at your local camping store or health store.  Some of the more popular brands include Castle brand soap which can be found at most health stores and Campsuds which is available at most sporting goods or outdoor stores.

Leave your kayak or canoe in the backyard under the sunlight for several hours to dry.  Not only does this help dry your watercraft but it helps remove some of the dips or dents which polyethylene boats are prone to acquire.  Under the sun for several hours will provide the heat necessary for these deformations to work themselves out.

Canoe, Kayak and Accessory Storage

Store your kayak or canoe up high along the wall or in the overhead storage space of the garage. With a pulley system to hoist the boat up above, this makes it easy to use for the whole family.  With the canoe or kayak secured by a rubberized sling, it will keep the craft safely out of the way of harm from vehicles and kids rushing in and out of the house. 

If your family enjoys multiple water sports, accessories such as Personal Flotation Devices (PFD) and safety kits for your boat, canoe or kayak can be stored on hooks or in wire baskets of a slatwall organization system. Wire baskets and hooks are the best ways to store items which are used again and again.  It also makes it easy to have these items dry out thoroughly between trips back to the water.

If you don’t have one of these solutions, during your next garage renovation project consider implementing these valuable garage storage solutions to store, dry and care for your watercrafts.  And, enjoy the water this coming World Ocean’s Day!

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Overhead Garage Storage Tagged With: canoe storage, Cherry Beach, Earth Summit, eco-friendly soap, garage renovation, garage storage systems, Harbourfront Canoe and Kayak Centre, Humber River, kayak storage, paddleboard, paddles, personal flotation device, Sunnyside Beach, sustainable seafood, United Nations, watershed, World Ocean's Day

Five Ways to Maximize Storage in Tall Garages

February 23, 2017 by Rick Scully

Having cathedral ceilings in the house gives a spacious inviting feeling to the room or space in the home.  In the garage, most of us just don’t spend enough time living in the space to enjoy the tall ceilings in the same way.  Instead, more often, we use the garage as a place to store and easily access a wide variety of tools and lifestyle items from bikes, kayaks, canoes, tires, seasonal decorations, and much more.  For the car enthusiast, a drive in a favourite vehicle is always just moments away.

The tall garage with its abundant overhead space is one of the most versatile design spaces in an entire garage renovation.  With a wide range of overhead storage solutions available, the tall garage has the most potential for unique options of both form and function.

The Mezzanine

1 car garage, central Toronto - attic mezzanine overhead storage for 1.5 storey garageThe mezzanine is a way to create a functional space in the garage.  With tempered-glass safety railings, the mezzanine offers a storage space which is comfortable to access.  Instead of constantly having to reach overhead, access to the mezzanine can be as inconspicuous as a retro style pull-down attic ladder which maximizes the use of overall space.  Or, it can be actual stairs which can automatically lower with the push of a button.  And, in one instance, where a car lift already existed, it was incorporated as an actual lift to reach the mezzanine platform overhead.

To consider a mezzanine, the higher the ceiling height the more well-suited the garage is to a mezzanine. Ideally, people would be able to walk around on the mezzanine without running their heads into the ceiling above.  The ideal depth would be a platform area of 8 feet or more.  Mezzanines are typically situated above the garage door or to the rear of the garage depending on what makes the most sense.

Storing seasonal decorations, off-season sports equipment and other bulky or seldom-accessed items is the ideal use of the mezzanine.  In a tall garage, the mezzanine makes it possible to leverage the entire height as well as depth of the overhead storage space.

Overhead Platform Storage

People rarely realize how to leverage the overhead space in the garage to maximize storage space while opening up the floor space in the garage for vehicles to be parked and your family to get around the garage safely. There are many options to use the overhead garage space to add additional storage space.

A storage solution like an overhead rack or a platform is a good answer to many storage challenges.  We offer aluminum Hyloft racks which we’ll install securely to the ceiling of your garage.  The other option is the Strong Racks steel racks which come in two styles: the overhead platform or the wall shelf which attaches high along the side or rear wall of the garage.

Racks are typically mounted near the centre or away from walls so there is clearance on multiple sides to access the items stored above.  On the other hand, a steel shelf is typically not as deep as a rack as it gets mounted to walls of the garage.  The overhead height is adjustable so that more or less space may be made available to store garden or winter tools, seasonal decorations and sports equipment.

Made-to-Measure Platform Solutions

overhead custom build storage platformOur made-to-measure platform solutions are made to measure and will fit all the nooks, crannies and turns which the wall takes.  Our custom platforms are made to the specified depth and length while being mounted to the specified height from the ceiling. 

Not only are they secured to the garage wall but using airplane cable, the platforms are mounted to the ceiling joists allowing them to wrap around the side and rear walls of the garage.  Alternatively, poles can be used instead of airplane cable for supporting the platforms.  In general, poles limit the amount of usable floor space available.  Whether it’s airplane cable or poles, the platforms can support 750 lbs worth of off-season tools, spare tires, seasonal decorations, automotive accessories and more.

Made to measure custom platforms can also be finished with drywall and pot lights below to improve the lighting of the garage or the workspace areas of the garage.

Sports & Vintage Car Lifts

garage storage - auto car lift, 4 postFor automotive enthusiasts who love to be near their cars, in their cars and out driving their cars, the hydraulic car lift is one of the ways to park extra vehicles in the garage.  Not only are additional parking spaces a concern but for vintage or sports vehicle owners, securing  and safely storing these vehicles makes it possible to preserve and prolong the life of these limited edition treasures.

When considering an automotive lift, the minimum garage height depends on the vehicles being stored but a tight squeeze would be 10 feet or 11 feet.  And, of course, the automated garage door mechanisms may need to be replaced by a Jack Shaft Operator which allows the garage door to slide up along the ceiling to clear the overhead space for the vehicles.  The garage also needs an appropriate width to safely operate the lift to avoid damaging the vehicle or other belongings.

From there, a decision can be made for a 1 post, 2 post or 4 post lift.  If you’re considering a car lift, book an in-home consultation with a garage renovation specialist to work out the viability of a lift in your tall garage.

Overhead Bike and Water Sport Storage

bike storage solutions - bicycle storage ceiling liftHydraulic lifts are not only for vintage vehicles but also for bicycles. A whole family of bicycles can be parked on a single rack and lifted up and out of the way with the click of a switch.  While there are numerous bike storage solutions using walls as well as ceilings, the hydraulic bicycle rack is accessible by every member of the family regardless of their height or strength.  And, it’s a good way to leverage the space overhead and use the overhead space in the centre of a garage.  In addition to the hydraulic bike rack, a wide variety of bike rack solutions are available to suit any bike lifestyle.

In addition to bikes, water sports crafts such as kayaks or canoes tend to be stored in the garage as well.  Water crafts tend to be bulky and don’t tend to fit standard storage solutions such as platforms or shelves.  To optimize the overhead garage storage space, an overhead sling is one of the safest ways to store water crafts and keep them out of the way of being damaged by a vehicle or damaging a vehicle.  In addition to kayaks and canoes, wake boards and stand up paddle boards can be place in an overhead sling storage solution.

The Versatile Tall Garage

overhead storage, kayak or canoe slingIf you have a tall garage, there are many ways to use the overhead space to improve and increase the usable space in the garage. Not only are these garage renovation solutions functional but they can also add visual appeal to support even the most dynamic of family lifestyles.

Filed Under: Overhead Garage Storage Tagged With: airplane cable, aluminum Hyloft racks, attic ladder, automated garage door mechanisms, automatic stairs, automotive lifts, cathedral ceilings, drywall, garage renovation, hydraulic bicycle racks, hydraulic bike rack solutions, hydraulic car lift, Jack Shaft Operator, made-to-measure platform solutions, mezzanine, overhead garage storage space, overhead platform, overhead sling, overhead storage rack, Overhead Storage Solutions, pot lights, strong racks steel shelving, tall garage, tempered-glass safety railings

Five Ways to Maximize Space in Your Garage with Overhead Storage

July 12, 2016 by Rick Scully

There never seems to be enough storage space in our homes. When we exhaust storage space inside, the garage is the most likely space to fill the void. However, with a limited amount of space, the garage can quickly become a cluttered dumping ground for the entire family.

Our garages house important items like tools, lawn and garden supplies and sporting equipment. However, mounting garage clutter often includes items that are broken, outdated or no longer needed. If your garage is overflowing; you’re forced to park your vehicles in the driveway; or you haven’t seen your garage floor in years, you’re probably frustrated with your storage situation. Before you consider renting additional storage space, look for ways to maximize your available space.

The first step to reclaiming precious square footage in your garage is to annually purge unneeded items. Give new life to an old table or dresser by repurposing or donating it. Give away unnecessary duplicate items. Toss broken toys and furniture. Safely dispose of expired household cleaners. Once you’ve pared down to the necessities, you may discover that you still have more than you can fit comfortably in your garage. To find additional space, look overhead.

Overhead space offers an ideal way to store items while reserving premium floor space, maximizing unused space, keeping items stored out of sight and out of the reach of small children and pets. With a variety of overhead storage options available, let’s explore five ways you can use overhead storage to save space in your garage.

Store Seldom Used Items on Overhead Shelving

overhead storage - stainless steel, wall hooks, garage door, dark brownOverhead shelves come in a variety of options. Sturdy steel overhead garage shelves—secured to ceiling joists or to the ceiling and a wall—are designed to support several hundred pounds. For safety, overhead shelving should be installed by a garage renovation specialist or an experienced professional knowledgeable about how to properly install weight-bearing shelves.

Holiday decorations, camping gear and other seasonal, or seldom-used items can take up considerable space in your garage. Such items are ideal for overhead storage because they don’t need to be accessed frequently. A small step ladder provides access to overhead shelves. If climbing up and down a step ladder isn’t appealing, try hydraulic shelves. With the touch of a button the shelf lowers for loading. Another push of the button raises it overhead again.

Lift Ladders and Bulky Household Items Overhead

Large ladders come in handy if you own a multilevel home. Yet, they can be difficult to store. Even when stored along a wall, a large ladder consumes a lot of valuable real estate. Store bulky household items overhead using overhead shelving or an overhead rack made especially for storing such items.

Keep Kayaks and Seasonal Sporting Goods Overhead

overhead storage, kayak or canoe slingLadders aren’t the only bulky items that might be stealing space in your garage. Kayaks, skis, surf boards, snow boards, fishing poles, roof racks and other unwieldy recreational items can either be stored on overhead shelving, specialty hooks or a customized overhead sling. A made-to-measure overhead garage sling has the added benefit of making it easier to load kayaks and roof racks onto your vehicle.

Utilize Overhead Bike Racks

bike storage solutions - bicycle storage ceiling liftIt can be difficult to find just the right place to store your bicycle. A variety of vertical and horizontal wall racks are available. However, if there is limited wall space left or you already have a tight fit in your garage, overhead bicycle storage provides another good option.

Overhead bicycle storage racks operate on a pulley system that is either manual or motorized. A two-bike pulley system stores bikes flat against the ceiling and requires minimal clearance space. The five-bike pulley system, which requires 60-inches of clearance, is designed to take advantage of the generous height of tall ceilings.

Maximize High Ceilings with a Custom Built Mezzanine

Towering garage ceilings offer another exciting option for maximizing storage space. A custom-built mezzanine provides additional space ideal for storing seldom-accessed items. To accommodate a garage mezzanine, the ceiling must be at least 14-feet high and deep enough to accommodate the 8-foot depth of the platform, without obstructing garage door rails.

retractable attic ladder garage mezzanineMezzanines run the full width of the garage and can either be installed at the rear of the garage or over the garage door. The overhead garage balcony is accessible via step ladder, stairs or even a car lift. Light, bulky items—like seasonal decorations and off-season sports equipment—are ideal for storage in a mezzanine.

Overhead space is an untapped storage jackpot in most garages. Sturdy steel overhead shelving is the perfect place to store seasonal and seldom-used items. Specialty racks make light work of storing ladders and other bulky items overhead. Customized overhead slings make lifting and lowering kayaks, roof racks and other sporting goods a breeze. Overhead bicycle racks safely store multiple bikes while reserving floor and wall space. A made-to-measure mezzanine provides loads of overhead storage space for bulky items.

Need more storage in your garage? Contact a garage renovation specialist to discover how overhead storage options can maximize your storage space.

Filed Under: Overhead Garage Storage Tagged With: garage door, garage renovation specialist, garage storage, hydraulic shelves, kayak canoe storage, made-to-measure garage mezzanine, overhead garage balcony, overhead storage options, overhead storage racks, overhead storage slings, steel overhead garage shelves, storage space

Strong Racks Shelving – Maximize Garage Storage

March 24, 2015 by Rick Scully

strong-racks-overhead-wall-storageWhether your garage is big or small, it probably doesn’t have nearly enough storage space to accommodate your family’s lifestyles. Bikes, sporting goods, lawn care equipment and gardening tools take up lots of space. Then there are bulky items like tires, kayaks and roof equipment racks that consume as much space as a small vehicle. So how can you possibly fit all of these items in your garage and still have space to park your vehicle?

Last time we discussed the importance of optimizing available storage space, as one of three steps to prepare your garage for the change of season. Now we’ll consider how sturdy, steel shelving can be used to maximize the storage space in your garage.

Boost Garage Storage with Strong Racks Steel Shelving

Inside your home there are designated spaces for storing items. The closets, laundry room and pantry have racks, shelving and perhaps even cabinets. However, the typical garage consists of three bare walls. Without distinct storage space, it’s no wonder families often resort to using the entire garage as a dumping ground. The key to eliminating clutter in the garage is creating clearly defined storage space for each item. Shelving creates much-needed storage space while keeping items clearly visible.

There are a variety of shelving options available, from freestanding shelving units to garage wall organization systems with movable shelves that lock into place. Another option is sturdy, steel shelving, which does not require a paneled wall system for installation. Strong Racks ceiling shelves provide sturdy overhead storage. This reserves premium floor space, allowing room to park your vehicle inside the garage.

Strong Racks wall shelving provides a sturdy space for storing boxes, cans and other items that are solid underneath. Available accessories, like ladder and bike hooks, double your storage by creating space in front of the shelf to hang these items.

Make Use of “Unusable” Space

Overhead storage racks convert “unusable” space into functional storage space; perfect for seasonal and rarely used items. With the highest weight capacity in the industry, Strong Racks provide safe, convenient overhead storage. Available in chrome or white, these shelving units are highly-configurable. The height of the shelves can be adjusted to accommodate tall items.

strong-racks-automated-ceiling-overhead-storageStoring heavy items overhead can be challenging for some, as it requires ascending and descending a ladder with heavy items in tow. However, a motorized lift system allows the rack to be lowered with the touch of a button. Load the rack with heavy tools and boxes or bulky items. Then simply push the button to hoist the shelf back into place overhead.Push button, motorized overhead storage is an ideal solution for storing large, bulky items like kayaks, canoes and roof rack equipment carriers.

The Key Advantages of the Strong Racks Steel Shelving System

Strong Racks provides an excellent system for getting items off of your garage floor by utilizing what is normally considered unusable space. While other overhead shelving system are available, Strong Racks shelving is superior in these key areas:

Strength:

  • The Strong Racks mounting rack is the thickest and strongest in the industry. It is made of strong, 11-gauge steel, not the low-cost angle iron, or steel straps used by some competitors.
  • The square tubes used to hang the racks are made of strong steel.
  • Each overhead rack holds up to 750 pounds. Wall mounted overhead racks can accommodate up to 1,000 pounds.

Safety:

  • Each 4’x8’ section is secured to four ceiling trusses with sixteen, three-inch screws. This distributes the weight over a wider area of the ceiling, ensuring that each rack remains firmly and safely attached.
  • Sixteen bolts are used to secure the grid system to the rails, for added strength and safety.
  • The exclusive, patented rail brackets used to secure shelving allows the shelf to be secured to a wall, for additional safety and increased weight capacity.
  • A two-inch safety lip surrounds each shelving unit to prevent items from inadvertently being shoved off of shelves.

Quality:

  • Strong Racks are backed by a lifetime guarantee, when professionally installed.
  • The durable ceiling assembly uses thirteen pieces of hardware to attach the shelving to the ceiling.
  • The quality construction and installation of each rack eliminates movement in installed shelves.

Flexibility:

  • Strong Racks come in depths of 2, 3 and 4-feet, to accommodate items of all sizes.
  • Multiple Strong Racks can be mounted in a variety of configurations, creating up to 99 different platforms sizes, to easily accommodate your specific storage needs.
  • Two square steel tubes are used per mounting rack, allowing the height of each rack to be adjusted between 27.5 and 41.5 inches.
  • The Super Drop system adjusts platform height between 40 and 96 inches from the ceiling, to allow racks to be hung at an accessible height, even in garages with high ceilings.

strong-racks-wall-shelvesStrong Racks can be purchased for DIY installation, or be installed by a garage renovation specialist. However, these racks are made to hold a considerable amount of weight overhead. It is crucial that they are installed correctly to ensure your family’s safety.Also, when installed professionally, Strong Racks come with a lifetime guarantee.

Garages haven’t changed much in the past few decades, but our lifestyles have. Homeowners want a garage that will accommodate their active lifestyles and provide space to park the cars. The installation of Strong Racks steel shelving is a simple way to transform your garage from a chaotic dumping ground to an organized space with designated spots to store all of the things you need. Are you ready to transform your garage with Strong Racks overhead or motorized shelving? Request your free consultation today.

Would you prefer to keep items in your garage stored out-of-sight, rather than on-display on shelves? Next time we’ll discuss how to keep your clutter under wraps, without breaking the bank, by installing laminate cabinetry.

Filed Under: Garage Cabinets, Garage Storage Solutions, Overhead Garage Storage Tagged With: double your storage, freestanding shelving units, garage renovation specialist, garage wall organization systems, key to eliminating clutter in the garage, Maximize the storage space in your garage, motorized lift system, motorized overhead storage, movement in installed shelves, optimizing available storage space, prepare your garage for the change of season, shelving options, space to park your vehicle, steel shelving, storage space, Storing heavy items overhead, Strong Racks, transform your garage

Five Essential Tips for Maintaining and Organizing Your Garage

December 16, 2014 by Rick Scully

As the year quickly draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to recap some of our favorite garage renovation tips from this past year.

Winterize Your Garage (and Everything in It)

If you haven’t already prepped your garage for winter, there’s no time like the present. Defend your garage, and home, against the harsh, cold weather by doing the following:

  • Replace the batteries in your garage door openers.
  • Check garage door weather stripping and replace, if needed.
  • Check all moving parts of the garage door. Get a pro to repair damaged or malfunctioning parts.
  • Lubricate garage door rollersand hinges to ensure smooth operation.
  • Test the garage door safety reverse sensor. If not functioning correctly, adjust the sensors or have them repaired.
  • Shut off water supply to exterior spigot.

Use Specialized Solutions for Your Unique Storage Needs

custom storage overhead of canoes & kayaksIf your garage is stuffed to the gills, preventing you from parking your car(s) inside, specialized storage solutions could be the answer to your problems. Bulky items, like lawn mowers, snow plows, motorcycles and canoes take up considerable room in a garage. However, there are a variety of specialized garage storage solutions that can help. Here are a few:

  • Tire racks–Specialized tire storage racks come in a variety of configurations, allowing tires to be stored vertically or horizontally, on a wall or overhead.
  • Lawn mower racks or lifts – Riding and push mowers take up substantial garage space, making it difficult to park vehicles inside. Worse, vehicles can get scratched when the door is opened, or while the lawn mower is being moved.Lawn mower racks store push mowers off the ground, so additional items can be stored underneath. For a riding mower, a motorized lift will lift and lower the riding mower with the push of a button.
  • Motorcycle lifts – Motorcycles often hijack space needed for the snow blower, or to park a second vehicle. A professionally-installed motorcycle lift can safely store the bike off the ground, reserving premium garage floor space.
  • Kayak and paddle board racks – It can be tricky to find just the right place to store these seasonal items in your garage. If not properly stored, expensive paddle boards and kayaks are easily scratched or toppled. However, specialized kayak and paddle board racks provide safe, attractive storage for these items.Overhead, wall-mounted and freestanding racks are available. Many models can hold multiple boards/kayaks.
  • Overhead pulley systems – Canoes, truck caps and other heavy items which must be lowered onto a vehicle are excellent candidates for an overhead pulley system. Such a system allows users to lift and lower heavy items with minimal effort. Pulley systems are also available for single, double or multiple bicycle storage.

Maximize Garage Storage

1.5 car garage, etobicoke - right wall, bare cement block, slatwall organization system, camlock hooks, basketsThe specialty storage solutions outlined above lift bulky items and preserve essential floor space. However, a variety of smaller items also pilfer valuable space when stored at ground level. A wall organizer system is the key to maximizing garage storage space by storing items vertically. Once installed, a professional-grade garage wall organization system, like slatwall, has infinite configurability, thanks to corresponding accessories:

  • Baskets – Store balls, sports pads, household goods and other items in baskets. Create a separate basket for each task, sport or individual.
  • Hooks – Use hooks to hang a wide range of items from gardening tools to sporting equipment, like hockey gear and bicycles.
  • Shelving – Shelves fit into the grooves in slatwall, enabling heavy items to be stored securely. High shelving provides the perfect storage space for items that should be kept out of the reach of pets and children, like automotive fluids, household chemicals or flower pots.
  • Specialty hooks – Many professional-grade garage wall organization systems offer specialty hooks for items like golf equipment, skateboards, snowboards and more.

All hooks, baskets and shelves can easily be relocated, creating endless configuration possibilities.

Find a Way to Use “Unusable” Garage Space

garage-storage-custom-overhead-platform-toy-storage-slatwall-camlock-hooks-bicycle-helmets-golf-clubs-stairs-bannister-central-vacuum-garden-toolsOne of the keys to maximizing storage space in your garage is to find clever ways to make use of “unusable” space. Look around your garage. Perhaps you have high ceilings, oddly configured corners, poorly placed appliances and other dead spaces that create storage challenges. However, a garage renovation specialist can find creative solutions for such challenges, like custom-built overhead platforms; custom-built or customizable cabinetry; custom-built slings for storing canoes and rooftop sports equipment carriers overhead; and other custom-built options.

Make Keeping the Garage Organized a Family Affair

Standing back and surveying a neat, organized garage almost makes the entire Saturday you spent cleaning it feel worthwhile. But what happens a week later, once the entire family goes back to using the garage as a dumping ground? The garage quickly returns to utter chaos. This often occurs because only one person in the family is charged with the responsibility of keeping it clean. Put an end to this cycle of chaos. Get the entire family invested in keeping the garage organized. If everyone contributes to the hard work of cleaning and organizing the garage, they are more likely to work toward keeping it that way.

Explore these and other garage renovation and organization topics to ring in the new year with a clean, organized garage that will stay that way.

Filed Under: Custom Garage Storage Solutions, Garage Cabinets, garage door, Garage Makeovers, Garage Renovation, Garage Storage Solutions, Garage Storage Systems, Organizing Tips, Overhead Garage Storage Tagged With: attractive storage, custom-built overhead platforms, custom-built slings, garage renovation specialist, garage wall organization system, Kayak and paddle board racks, Lawn mower racks, lawn mower racks or lifts, maximizing garage storage space, motorcycle lifts, multiple bicycle storage, organizing the garage, Overhead, overhead pulley systems, slatwall, specialized storage solutions, Specialized tire storage racks, specialty storage solutions, storage challenges, wall organizer system, wall-mounted and freestanding racks

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