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You are here: Home / Archives for overhead storage rack

Garage Renovation Obstacles

February 14, 2020 by Rick Scully

With any garage renovation project it is fairly common to encounter situations that require a bit of creativity in order to set up the best storage solutions.  These situations can be broadly classified into two main categories: those that involve movable objects or materials and those situations when it becomes necessary to work around appliances or other fixtures that are for the most part not readily movable.  As you might expect, situations involving movable storage obstacles are fairly straightforward to address.  On the other hand, storage obstacles arising from immovable storage solution obstacles need a bit more creativity and planning.  However, as you will soon see there are options available for both.

There are a few optimized storage obstacles that show up with any garage renovation project.  Each of these must be handled with proper planning and foresight to achieve the optimized storage you desire. 

1.5 car garage, etobicoke - overhead platform storage, garage cabinets, slatwall organization system, camlock camlok hooks, polyaspartic floor, cement block coating - beforeThe most frequently encountered storage solution obstacle is the central vacuum.  You may have noticed the central vacuum is often left hanging there on the wall taking up a lot of space. Most new home builders mount these central vacuums in the middle of a wall, either the back wall or one of the sidewalls.  Also, the central vacuum is typically mounted about half way between the ceiling and the floor. While this position certainly allows you to access the unit for service, it makes storage above and below rather cumbersome. 

All of that being said, the central vacuum is actually an appliance that can be relocated relatively easily.  The vacuum pipes coming to the central vacuum unit are simply common p.v.c plumbing and the electric is typically a standard outlet plug. Relocating the central vacuum merely means choosing an optimum location, mounting the unit and re-piping the vacuum lines as required.  Oftentimes, the best location is found to be mounted in a side corner such that the unit is still accessible but it is mounted a bit higher and out of the way. By relocating your central vacuum, you gain valuable storage space below and of course along the wall where the unit was originally located.  For example, if you relocate a central vacuum stuck there in the middle of your sidewall to the back corner, now you have the option to install slatwall, storage racks or other optimized storage solutions in the newly freed up space.

The next most frequently encountered obstacle to optimized storage is the doors and windows. Obviously, in most cases you aren’t going to be moving a door or window.  On the other hand, there are practical storage solutions that can be installed to optimize the space.

Start with the door into your garage from inside your home.  The most obvious answer is to install an overhead storage rack.  An overhead storage rack above your door will add valuable storage space that is useful, yet still out of the way.  At the same time, you want to be aware of the fact that there is an optimum way to install an overhead storage platform and there is a sub-optimum way. 

The very best solution is to install an over the door storage platform using hardware hung from the ceiling.  However, sometimes eager do-it-yourselfers will instead install this overhead platform and support it with vertical posts. While this is okay and does give you the overhead storage, the vertical posts can be an eyesore, not to mention getting in the way of other things you want to have in the garage. 

One other scenario to consider is when the door is located in the middle of the wall.  In this case, more often than not a customized solution could be the best choice.  For example, you could install a combination of overhead platforms, shelving or platforms on one side and slatwall on the other side.  Of course each garage design is unique so many who chose to renovate their garages end up selecting a custom solution.

Although windows are not really that common in most garages, customers with garage windows often are looking to optimize the space around the window.  The one big issue is often the location of the window.  In other words, if the window is in the middle of a sidewall versus being located towards one side or the other will determine the type of renovation options available. One typical storage solution option is the installation of an overhead platform with a slatwall installation to the sides and beneath the window.  This option maximizes the utility of the space around the window while still allowing the full functionality of the window itself.

garden hose reelA minor situation that sometimes shows up in garage renovation projects is the location of the fresh water hose bibb.  The hose bibb may be installed in a location that means stretching an attached hose along the garage floor and outside.  Some renovation customers may choose to have this hose bibb relocated further along the wall to a more convenient location. 

Alternatively, to save the trouble and expense of relocating the garage water supply, a more optimized hose reel and storage fixture can be installed.  The hose reel can be conveniently mounted on the wall to allow easy access and storage. 

One final situation that might be a factor is the automatic garage door opener.  The garage door opener operates off of the normal household electrical outlets. Unfortunately, there is rarely an outlet mounted in the ceiling in a convenient location for the opener.  Consequently, many homeowners end up draping an extension cord across the top of the garage and down a wall.

 Of course, this is not the best solution and is definitely not recommended.  Keep in mind that an extension cord is only designed for temporary use; it is not supposed to be used as a permanent electrical supply.  The solution is to bring in a electrician to mount an outlet close by the garage door opener.  Absent wanting to install another outlet, the other option is to more permanently affix the extension cord with cable clamps or similar hardware.

Conclusion: as you can see from the above, each and every garage renovation project presents its own challenges and surprises. However, with some simple planning along with a discussion of the best storage solutions for your situation you can have a garage that works for you.

Filed Under: Garage Interior Design, Garage Makeovers Tagged With: appliances, cable clamps, central vacuum, doors, electrical outlet plug, electrical supply, electrician, fixtures, garage design, garage door opener, garage renovation, homeowners, hose reel, household electrical outlets, optimize space, overhead platforms, overhead storage, overhead storage rack, p.v.c. plumbing, renovation options, slatwall, storage obstacles, storage racks, storage solutions, storage space, vacuum pipes, water hose bibb, windows

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

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