You've Already Decided To Install An Overhead Garage Storage Rack In Order To Make More Space In Your Garage. Measuring And Planning Is The Next Step. You Need To Decided What Size Rack Is Appropriate For Your Garage, And You Need To Determine Where You Want To Mount The Shelf. Making A Plan Will Help You Avoid The Aggravation Of Buying A Shelf That Doesn't Fit, Plus It May Bring To Light Other Installation Options That You Hadn't Originally Considered.
Round up tools to form your plan. Use a notebook and pen to record dimensions and sketch various options you are considering. Have a stable step ladder and good measuring tape. Measuring tapes identify how long you'll be able to extend it by a characteristic known as standout. It will be helpful to have a tape measure with a minimum of 8 foot standout; otherwise, get the help of a friend to measure long distances. Lastly, you may need a stud finder to check the direction of the ceiling joists. A few manufacturers mandate installation only across the ceiling joists, that will reduce your choices of where you could set it up in your garage. Numerous shelves consist of ceiling hangers longer than 24" that attach flush on the ceiling in whichever orientation is required to reach multiple joists, and then a vertical support bracket is attached to the ceiling bracket on whichever side is needed to get the desired positioning of the shelving.
Generally, your location choices are in a corner, along a wall, or floating in the middle of the ceiling space. Corner installs are going to be the least difficult. Corners tend to be an excellent out of the way location for a storage area anyhow. Down a wall offers other options for locating your overhead rack. Additionally you can chain together several racks to span the whole wall. Floating away from walls allows for even more of the ceiling as potential storage space. You get quick access to each side of your shelving when it is attached center-ceiling. Since a 4' deep shelf could be stacked double-deep with boxes it's nice to have the ability to get to each side.
Look for less obvious locations for your rack, too. Put is above your garage door if your ceiling heights allow for it. Check the vertical installation requirement on whichever rack you are considering buying. You might instead install the rack above the access door. If you don't have high ceilings, put the rack in an infrequently walked area of the garage. Store floor items such as the mower, snow blower, and saw horses on the floor under the rack. You won't be losing walking space. You'll be adding space above floor storage space. Lastly, the space above your vehicle's hood is empty space. Be sure to install high enough that you have clearance for your car, including the antenna and any accessories sticking out of the hood.
Be cautious about typically overlooked obstacles such as windows and lights. If the rack would be down the wall, consider trim on doors and windows. Remember to keep walking spaces clear and have adequate head space. Check for less conspicuous items like electrical conduit attached to the surface of the wall or electrical outlets which you do not wish to block. Mark the dimension of your shelf on the ceiling to ensure it doesn't overlap your garage door opener.
I hope these tips will help you have a successful overhead shelf installation, and the additional space for storage created by it will enable you to reclaim space in your garage.
Round up tools to form your plan. Use a notebook and pen to record dimensions and sketch various options you are considering. Have a stable step ladder and good measuring tape. Measuring tapes identify how long you'll be able to extend it by a characteristic known as standout. It will be helpful to have a tape measure with a minimum of 8 foot standout; otherwise, get the help of a friend to measure long distances. Lastly, you may need a stud finder to check the direction of the ceiling joists. A few manufacturers mandate installation only across the ceiling joists, that will reduce your choices of where you could set it up in your garage. Numerous shelves consist of ceiling hangers longer than 24" that attach flush on the ceiling in whichever orientation is required to reach multiple joists, and then a vertical support bracket is attached to the ceiling bracket on whichever side is needed to get the desired positioning of the shelving.
Generally, your location choices are in a corner, along a wall, or floating in the middle of the ceiling space. Corner installs are going to be the least difficult. Corners tend to be an excellent out of the way location for a storage area anyhow. Down a wall offers other options for locating your overhead rack. Additionally you can chain together several racks to span the whole wall. Floating away from walls allows for even more of the ceiling as potential storage space. You get quick access to each side of your shelving when it is attached center-ceiling. Since a 4' deep shelf could be stacked double-deep with boxes it's nice to have the ability to get to each side.
Look for less obvious locations for your rack, too. Put is above your garage door if your ceiling heights allow for it. Check the vertical installation requirement on whichever rack you are considering buying. You might instead install the rack above the access door. If you don't have high ceilings, put the rack in an infrequently walked area of the garage. Store floor items such as the mower, snow blower, and saw horses on the floor under the rack. You won't be losing walking space. You'll be adding space above floor storage space. Lastly, the space above your vehicle's hood is empty space. Be sure to install high enough that you have clearance for your car, including the antenna and any accessories sticking out of the hood.
Be cautious about typically overlooked obstacles such as windows and lights. If the rack would be down the wall, consider trim on doors and windows. Remember to keep walking spaces clear and have adequate head space. Check for less conspicuous items like electrical conduit attached to the surface of the wall or electrical outlets which you do not wish to block. Mark the dimension of your shelf on the ceiling to ensure it doesn't overlap your garage door opener.
I hope these tips will help you have a successful overhead shelf installation, and the additional space for storage created by it will enable you to reclaim space in your garage.
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