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Garages

Garage Cabinets, Slatwall or Shelves: Which Is Right for You?

Key takeaways

  • Cabinets hide clutter and protect items
  • Slatwall puts tools and gear in view and is easy to rearrange
  • Shelves are simple and good for bins
  • A mix usually works best

There is no single best way to store things in a garage. Each system does something different well.

Cabinets

Cabinets give you closed storage that hides the clutter, protects items from dust and can be locked. They cost more than open shelves but make the garage look finished and keep chemicals and tools out of sight.

Slatwall

Slatwall panels hold hooks, baskets and shelves that you can move any time. They are ideal for tools, bikes, ladders and sports gear you want to see and grab quickly.

Open shelves

Heavy-duty shelves are simple and good for labeled bins. They are a fine choice for seasonal items and for areas where closed storage is not needed.

Why many garages use all three

A typical plan puts cabinets along one wall, slatwall above a workbench and open shelves or overhead racks for bins. Each system covers the items it handles best.

How to decide

  • Do you want things hidden or visible?
  • Will your needs change often?
  • How heavy are the items?
  • How much does the look matter to you?

Related services

Questions about your own space? Call or text 800-224-9245, or use the quote form below.

Request a quote

Tell us what you are seeing.

Tell us where the space is, what is not working and what you would love instead. We read every message and reply with clear next steps.

  • What you want to store and where, so we can send the right designer with the right ideas
  • A photo of the space, rough measurements if you have them, or a result you saved from a tool on this site
  • A plain-English plan: the design, the finishes and what to expect, before anything is built
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