5 Best Overhead Garage Storage Racks (2020 Reviews)

Why should you even consider getting an overhead garage storage rack? With more people finding it increasingly challenging to store stuff in the house, the first place they resort to is their garage. However, by keeping all the extra items in this dedicated space, you risk overflowing it and make it even more difficult to use the garage for what it’s originally meant for – the car!

By installing a dedicated overhead storage shelf in your garage, it becomes much easier to store your excess items and tools in a well-organized manner, without compromising on space. Another great thing about overhead garage storage is that it even enables you to store items like bike and other outdoor equipment.

Today, the best ceiling garage storage shelves come in different styles and configurations. That said, have a look at these 5 best overhead garage storage racks and see which one fits your requirements.

Reviews of The 5 Best Overhead Garage Storage Racks

1. Fleximounts 4×8 Overhead Garage Storage GR48B

This overhead garage storage from Fleximounts is an adjustable model that offers increased capability and flexibility. The heavy-duty style storage allows you to stack your essential items off the floor, thereby preventing any water damage.

This 4×8 metallic ceiling storage solution is available in 1 and 2 pack, and two-color variants – black and white. It features a unique amalgamated grid and frame design made with robust cold-rolled steel, making it more sturdy and stable as compared to the traditional overhead storage solutions.

The weight capacity of this model has undergone rigorous testings to examine its limits, and hence, it can easily load up to 600 lbs. You can adjust the height between 22-40 inches to either increase or reduce the ceiling drop-down. This Fleximounts model offers you a drop-down storage space of 105 cu ft maximum, 48-inch width, and 96-inch length.

This garage overhead rack is ideal for both ceiling studs as well as solid concrete ceilings. However, it isn’t suitable for metal joist ceilings. Also, you’ll have to check your ceiling’s structure before investing in this model.

Unlike conventional overhead shelves, the Fleximimounts storage solution comes with high-quality bolts and m8 screws, thereby ensuring maximum safety.

You don’t need to have special skills for installing this model as it comes with an easy step by step installation guide. And if that’s not enough, you’ll also find a link to a tutorial video on YouTube to follow in real-time.

If you want, you can even add clamps and hooks easily to this 4×8 metallic rack once you’re done with the installation. In doing so, you’ll be able to hang other outer items like bikes and hand tools.

2. HyLoft 00540 45″x45″ Overhead Storage System

This garage ceiling storage from Hyloft is another excellent product worth considering. First of all, it’s the most affordable option as compared to other variants in the list here. Though cheaper, there’s no compromise on its functionality, especially if you need a smaller storage rack, the Hyloft 00540 is an ideal option. Also, because of its small build, you can install it anywhere in the garage, depending on your requirements. This overhead garage storage measures 45×45 inches and is available in both white and hammertone gray colors, the latter being slightly pricier.

It features a basic all-steel construction and has a powder coating finish, which prevents it from scratches and gives it a more sleek look. Its small compact structure doesn’t necessarily mean it’s weak. In fact, it’s quite sturdy and has a loading capacity of 250 lbs.

You can alter the height of this rack between 17-28 inches, allowing you to install it in almost every joist configuration. If you do get this product, you’ll also get all the hardware with the purchase, making this overhead storage system a perfect option for storage organization. It can even hold baskets, bins, and large items with ease.

To help you have enough floor space, you can even connect this rack with other Hyloft storage units to increase the storage capacity. As such, if you wish to extend your overhead shelves in the dedicated area, it’s quite simple to do it.

Overall, the Hyloft storage shelf is a functional storage unit that’s easy to install as it comes with a helpful installation guide video.

3. MonsterRax 4×8 Adjustable Ceiling Mounted Rack

If you need an overhead storage system for storing larger bins, then you might want to consider this MonsterRax rack. This overhead storage unit from MonsterRax is an excellent mid-range price product that boasts an adjustable ceiling drop length. Aside from the 12’’-21’’ adjustable drop length, you also have two other choices – 18’’-33’’ and 24”-45”. This product is available in both white and hammertone colors.

It features a heavy-duty steel material build coupled with a powder finish and a firm fastening system. Thus, it’s scratch resistant and dust-free all-round. The white model comes with silver decks and powder-coated rails.

The design is patented and is devised to hold up to 600 lbs with a breaking strength limit of 1,500 pounds. The manufacturer, however, advises strongly not to load more than the weight limit or you risk causing severe damage to your life, home, and personal property.

Additionally, you can adjust the ceiling drop length from 12-21 inches, offering you enough vertical space to store several bins and baskets among other things.

The MonsterRax garage overhead rack is easy to set up; however, you’ll have to spot your ceiling studs correctly to install the unit successfully. It comes with casehardened and heat-treated screws to fit, unlike the low-grade variants that are susceptible to snapping. As such, it’ll still remain robust and durable over time.

This unit makes sure that every unused area in your garage is used efficiently by storing everything off the floor in a well-organized and neat manner. You also get an instruction guide to set up the unit with ease.

4. SafeRacks 4×8-2 Rack w/Accessory Hooks

The SafeRacks with accessory hooks is another excellent product with a groundbreaking design that’s worth your money. The shelf is spacious and measures 4 by 8 feet so it offers enough space to stow your storage boxes and bins.

This model also features a fully customizable ceiling drop length and is considered the best in its class. Made using industrial-strength metal, this garage overhead rack comes with a powder-coated finish, making it more robust and capable of loading more weight, unlike conventional designs.

With a patented design, this overhead garage storage can comfortably support 600 lbs at maximum. In addition, its breaking strength is 1,500 lbs. The manufacturer also advises you not to load more than the recommended weight or it may cause unfortunate problems.

Another great thing about this model is its adjustable drop length. You can alter the drop-down space from 18-33 inches from your ceiling. By dropping the shelf to 33 inches, you’ll have adequate vertical space for stowing each storage bins above another. You also get enough space below the rack.

This overhead garage storage is engineered to maximize the garage area by reclaiming any wasted space. This way you can set it up anywhere, even above your garage door.

This SafeRacks overhead rack is also easy to install, which is mostly because of the fact that it comes with their simple step-by-step guide manual. They also have a support center if you require further assistance.

Furthermore, this product uses case-hardened and heat-treated screws, ensuring maximum durability. It also comes with accessory hooks, allowing you to hang your bicycles and other items. Finally, the manufacturer also offers its users a limited lifetime warranty.

5. NewAge Products Garage Overhead Storage Rack

This garage overhead storage rack by NewAge Products is an innovative tool to free up space in your workshop or garage. It’s durable and safe, and its perimeter beam support has been engineered using extra tough 13-gauge steel. It’s also coated with scratch and dust-resistant powder finish.

This robust steel overhead shelf comes in both white and gray color options, both of which will give your garage that clean look.

This rack will not only safeguard your items from moisture and liquid but also prevent kids or pets from playing around with the tools. It can load a maximum of 600 lbs, making it an ideal solution for stowing large and bulkier items off the ground.

You can even adjust the drop-down height as per your needs – 27-42″ from the roof. This gives you enough space to store items like bikes, toolboxes, camping gears, and spare tires safely.

Another thing you’d really like about this product is that it provides two adjustable hanging bars with your purchase.

When your garage or workshop is well-organized, it becomes much easier to access your tools, equipment, and other stuff, which, in turn, saves more time and space for you. It features an adjustable width between 6-8 ft, offering you additional organization.

You also get a well-illustrated manual for installing the rack. This guide will help you in setting up the system safely and securely. It can, however, be installed only in wooden joists. It’s not ideal for steel joists.

What Make The Best Garage Ceiling Storage

Purchasing an overhead storage rack is a good investment as it can significantly minimize the wasted space in your workshop or garage. However, as there are a plethora of options in the market, it can be quite challenging for you to get the best one.

It’s imperative that you do your homework and keep some things in mind before making your purchase. Here are some things you may want to consider:

1. Size

This is very important when looking for the best overhead storage for your garage. It’d be a bad idea to pick one that’s too small. There are fixed and expandable size options available. If you know how much stuff you need to store, then the fixed size is ideal. If you feel that you’ll need more storage space in the future, then go for the expandable one that’s fully customizable.

Also, measure the area where you wish to install the tool and then pick one with a dimension close to the measurement.

2. Construction

It’s also essential to consider the structure of the overhead storage as it’ll accommodate heavy stuff eventually.

It’d be in your best interest to go for products that are made using high-grade steel and has a powder-coated finish. These variants tend to be more durable. Also, remember to examine the mounting hardware it comes with, to ensure that the storage solution is mounted securely and safely.

3. Weight Capacity

This is another important thing worth considering when looking for a good ceiling storage rack. The type of rack you’ll settle for will depend on how much weight you intend to stow on it.

Most conventional storage solutions can store up to 50 lbs per sq. Ft. Exceeding the weight limit will damage the rack automatically as well as endanger family members.

The loading capacity differs according to its beam construction. Z-beam and L-beam designs tend to have a lesser weight capacity. On the contrary, C-beams have a higher loading limit.

4. Adjustable Heights

If there’s plenty of items with minimal space in your garage, then going for overhead storage solutions that feature an adjustable height is ideal for you.

Opting for such designs will enable you to adjust the rack’s height to either increase or reduce the vertical storage space as per your needs.

5. Overhead Storage Safety

When looking for the best overhead storage tool, you need to make sure the product offers some safety features. Clearance is the first one. It determines the amount of space you’ll need for installation. It’d be a mistake to take your measurement with the storage door open.

Also, if you plan on adding a shelf to fill the void between the overhead garage door and the ceiling, you’ll need a minimum clear open space of 19 inches to enable you to store without hindering the door’s operation.

Aside from clearance, check if you get all the essential fastening bolts along with the product.

6. DIY Installation

You don’t want to be in a position where you’re unable to install the storage system or takes too long to get it done.

An excellent overhead storage product comes with a well-illustrated guide to help you install the system with ease and tool-free.

7. Accessories

Going for products that come with accessory kits will offer you various options to maximize your storage capabilities. The best storage system out there offers accessories that are painted with powder-coated finish making it rust and dust-free.

Hanging bars, J-hooks, and multi-purpose hooks are some great accessory kits to look for, so make sure the one you buy offer such items.

Conclusion

An overhead storage shelf is an excellent tool to help you free up the floor space in your workshop or garage, allowing you to store your items in a much more organized manner.

That said, the products mentioned above are all great products and well worth the money. However, the best one to go for will ultimately depend on your needs. Also, keeping some of the few considerations in mind will be quite helpful in making the right investment.