Are you in search of ideas and tips on how to install a garage storage rack? Do you wish to know what tools are needed when it comes to the installation process of the storage rack?
Well, if you are searching for an answer to these questions then you have come to the right article here; we will be taking a thorough look at how you could safely get through the process of installing storage racks in your garage. So without further ado, let’s dive in.
Finding a Reliable Company
When it comes to installing a garage storage rack of any sort, many people go looking for a reliable and affordable company that has experience and guarantee in their products.
If you are someone who has never done work involving the installation of wall-mounted storage racks, then you should probably make the wise decision of going to a reliable manufacturing company. To get started, you could do your research online and find websites that have good rating systems and reviews.
Besides this, you could meet the contractor of your home and ask them for a company that they know and trust. The last thing you would want is to purchase storage rack tools from a company that is unknown and relatively inexpensive.
Once you have figured out a way and have contacted the company’s team, then you should have them come to your garage and make measurements. If for some reason, that is not possible, you could hire a house builder to do the job.
Assembly Process
Once you have made sure that you have all the necessary equipment and tools as well as the racks themselves, the next step would be to assemble the pieces. Now you may think that this process is a difficult one, but it, in fact, is quite the opposite.
If you are looking to install a 4 by 8 rack base, then you should make sure that there are four panels that you would use to attack together with a wrench and screws. After this is out of the way, the next important step is to figure out where the ceiling joists are.
In this stage, you want to decide whether you want the installation to be perpendicular or parallel to the length or width of your garage unit. Once you have that figured out, you should then mark with studs.
It is important to keep in mind that if during this stage, the studs or joists do not hit the screws at every point, your rack will not be able to support any sort of weight, and the project will fail entirely.
Installing Rack Panels
After you have successfully made sure that the rack base is in place and connected with the rack legs or panels, then the next step would be to lift up the rack entirely and place markings on the ceiling where the drilling will take place with screws.
Remember that during this process, you might need the help of a friend or two as well as a ladder so that you know how far up your rack is going to be.
Following that step, your next mission is to take measurements from the rack base to the ground floor of the garage to see the distance.
Many people make the mistake of installing double ceiling brackets attached to one another before taking measurements, and after they are done, they realize that the wire grid of the storage rack is too below, causing hurdles when walking or passing by.
You want to make sure that the storage rack installed is at least two to three feet above the surface of your head.
Weight Limits
Once you have successfully installed the storage rack, the next step is to figure out how much weight you can put so that the rack can hold without falling down on the ground.
It is worth mentioning that frames that are 4 x 8 can hold weight up to 600lbs. 4 x 6 and 3 x 8’ can hold up to 500lbs of weight. If you are someone who has a relatively compact and small garage unit, we would advise you to install a rack frame that measures 2′ x 6′ or 4′ x 4′ as it could hold weight up to 300lbs.
You should also keep in mind that this is merely a rough estimate, and if you are looking to get accurate weight limits, then you should consider hiring a professional home builder who will help you. If you do not wish to go through this hurdle, then you could do online research under the search for garage storage installation.
Essential Tools Needed
Now you might have been wondering what tools are needed besides the wire grid and rack panels? Well, you should keep in mind or even make a list of all the necessary equipment needed such as tape measure, flat head screwdriver, rubber mallet, drilling machine, and pencil. Sturdy ladder, safety glasses.
It is worth mentioning at this point that the majority of the time, companies give out products of garage storage for homes that are built on wood frames, but if your house has a steel frame, you should let the company know so that they can guide you accordingly.
Moreover, if you are someone who has a compact garage and wishes to make the most out of the garage storage rack, then one thing that you could do is purchase extra tools such as a deck hook, utility hook, or rail hook.
A utility hook is designed to hold long items, while rack hooks are used to hold items that are around the edge of the safe rack, and lastly, the deck hook is used to hold medium-sized gadgets and equipment.
Conclusion
So hopefully, now you have a better understanding of how you could safely install a garage storage rack. Always make sure that before you start the project, you have done plenty of research and are free of doubts.