Tired of moving 6 boxes just to reach the tennis racket. Tired of smashing your shins on the stuff that’s on your garage floor? Yeah, we’ve all been there.
Looking for the best overhead garage storage? The short of it is, only a few of the options we reviewed are total duds – most are decent options. However, in our opinion, one manufacturer stands out among the rest.
Winner
What makes a good overhead garage storage rack?
There are 6 things we evaluated.
- Weight capacity: Maybe the most important criteria. You’d be surprised how the weight piles up when you store your stuff.
- Ease of installation: An obvious one, no one wants to struggle to get this thing up to the ceiling.
- Flexibility: here we are looking for a solution that has extra features like hooks and other things that can be added.
- Height adjustment: Since there are lots of different height requirements in each garage, height adjustment is an important factor. You also want to make sure you can fit two storage bins on top of each other or you’ll have wasted space.
- Cost: Always a consideration – well, for most of us!
- Size: Most manufacturers have a 4x8ft version, a 4x4ft, and some other sizes. We tried to evaluate the 4×8 size for each.
Overhead Storage Racks Mounting Tips and Tricks
The tips below will help ensure that you choose the best overhead garage storage unit and get them properly installed.
Ceiling Joists
You’ll need to attach the overhead storage rack to the wooden joists. Joists are wood beams in your ceiling that typically run in one direction. They usually spaced at 16″ or 24″ on-center intervals. The overhead storage racks can be mounted parallel or perpendicular to these joists. Mounting them parallel is the easiest option but it can be done perpendicular as well. We suggest finding out which way your joists run before you purchase and plan where you want to install your garage ceiling storage. This way you’ll be prepared to make the right choice when purchasing. While most of the options do have the flexibility they won’t all fit every ceiling situation.
Mounting height
Definitely measure the height of your space first. For example, if plan to mount above your garage door, you’ll need a ceiling-mounted rack that can adjust to a height that is smaller than the space your garage door leaves when open.
Large 96 x 48in (4x8ft) Ceiling Storage Options
HyLoft 164 4x8ft Super Pro Ceiling Shelf
- Holds up to 600 lbs. of evenly distributed weight
- All steel construction with scratch-resistant white powder coat finish
- Height-adjustable from 24 in. to 44 in. to fit almost any joist configuration
- Installs on both flat and vaulted ceilings (finished and unfinished)
- Hardware included
This overhead storage system by HyLoft is versatile, as it can be adjusted within a range of 17 to 28 inches, and therefore fits a lot of joint spacing. It can also be easily adjusted for either vaulted or flat ceilings, and installation is as easy as following the steps indicated in the instructions and takes as little as 30 minutes. Its finish is also coated with a scratch-resistant powder, thus allowing the storage system to look good for years and years.
- Weight capacity: 600lbs
- Ease of installation: Comparable to other options. It has a 17 to 28 inches range for each joist mount.
- Flexibility: Hyloft does offer some accessories but not as many as other options.
- Height adjustment: from 24 in. to 44 in. to fit almost any joist configuration.
- Cost: Comparable to other options.
Pros
Just as heavy-duty as any of the other options. It’s a good choice.
Cons
Is often out of stock, which is kinda annoying.
SafeRacks 4×8 overhead garage storage rack
No products found.
The SafeRacks Heavy Duty Storage comes with a lifetime warranty if purchased directly from them, so you don’t have to worry about shelling out cash for repair purposes in the future. Its ceiling drop length can also be adjusted according to your needs and space, and it can support as much as 600 lbs worth of items, making this one of the strongest ones around. Comes with some accessories.
- Weight capacity: 600lbs
- Ease of installation: Comparable to other options.
- Flexibility: Hyloft does offer some accessories but not as many as other options.
- Height adjustment: from 24 in. to 44 in. to fit almost any joist configuration
- Cost: A bit more than other comparable options.
We did a more comprehensive SafeRacks Review here
Pros
Often comes with accessories like different size hooks and such.
Cons
This size isn’t always available with prime
Fleximounts 4×8 Heavy Duty overhead garage storage
- Avoid water damage by storing your items off the garage floor. Protect your items and use garage ceiling space to store seasonal and unused items. 22"to 40"ceiling dropdown provides up to 105 cu.ft of storage. Dimensions: 96 in. L x 48 in. W x 22-40 in. H. (Hooks sold separately)
- STRONG AND SECURE: Buy overhead storage racks with long ceiling brackets designed to be attached to 2 studs. Combined with 6 vertical posts, it is the optimal structure choice to ensure safety.
- HIGH QUALITY: Thicker M8 screws selected and all hardwares have gone through strict tests. Heavy duty cold-rolled steel construction provides safely loading up to 600 lbs.
- INTEGRATED GRID DESIGN: More stable and sturdy compared to others with separate frame and wire.
- DIY INSTALLATION: Installation template helps make plan. This overhead storage rack fits all ceiling joist spacing≤24", if joist spacing>24", only fits the ceiling spacing of 48".
Quality is one thing you can be assured of with all Fleximounts products, as their storage racks undergo rigorous testing, together with their other hardware. It is made of cold-rolled steel, which is heavy-duty and is thus capable of supporting weight as much as 550 lbs.
They also provide you with the screws necessary for installation. Its grid is integrated for simpler assembly and is thus more sturdy and stable compared to other designs where the frame and wire are separated. Also, it provides ample storage, given that its dimensions are 96x48x22 in. It is also universally compatible with ceiling joists’ spacing of different types.
- Weight capacity: 600lbs
- Ease of installation: Comparable to other options.
- Flexibility: Fleximounts does offer more accessories.
- Height adjustment: from 22 in. to 40 in. to fit almost any joist configuration
- Cost: Comparable options.
Pros
Often comes with accessories like different size hooks and such. If not included, there are more options than other offerings.
The grid is attached in a sturdier way than other options
Long ceiling brackets designed to be attached to 2 studs. Combined with 6 vertical posts, it is the optimal structure choice to ensure safety.
Cons
Not many – really. This is a good solution.
NL 4x8ft Overhead overhead garage storage
- This garage ceiling storage rack can hold up to 1,000 pounds of gear while maximizing the garage space at 2.6 cubic meters. Easy to install in dry wall storage rack or directly installed in the ceiling of the garage. Height and length are adjustable. Strong powder coated steel structure.
- The height can be adjusted between 19 and 35 inches. The length can be adjusted between 4feet and 8 feet to meet your various needs for storage space.
- Maximize garage space is 92 cubic feet. Minimum garage space is 18 cubic feet.
- We have two legs in the middle of this rack for heavy duty, so this rack has six legs. All legs are adjustable. The item including all hardware and instruction book. Tools needed: Pencil, Drill Bit, Tape Mesuer, Stud Finder, Ladder, Safety Glasses, Wreach, Rubbr Mallet, Scredrive, Gloves.
- WOOD BOARD IS NOT INCLUDED IN THIS SET. This Product does not come with wood board or wire decks. Customer needs to purchase these materials separately. We recommends 3/8” thick wood board.
- Weight capacity: 1000lb
- Ease of installation: Comparable to other options.
- Flexibility: HL does not offer accessories
- Height adjustment: from 19 in. to 35 in. to fit almost any joist configuration
- Cost: Cheaper than other options but doesn’t include decking
Pros
Is less expensive than other options
Cons
Doesn’t include a deck so you’ll have to buy wood which won’t allow for accessories like hooks.
Medium to Smaller overhead garage storage
These are the smaller siblings of the larger options above. Note that it is not always the same exact product! It’s not like you are buying half of the larger units. Some manufacturers downgrade the material and strength of these smaller units.
HyLoft 00625 45×45″ overhead garage storage
- Holds up to 250 lbs. of evenly distributed weight
- All steel construction with scratch-resistant black powder coat finish
- Over 30 cubic ft. of storage space for seasonal decorations, luggage, coolers, and more
- Height-adjustable from 17 in. to 28 in. to fit almost any joist configuration
- Hardware included
- Weight capacity: 250lb
- Ease of installation: Comparable to other options.
- Flexibility: Offers some accessories
- Height adjustment: from 17 in. to 28 in. to fit almost any joist configuration
- Cost: Cheaper than other options.
Pros
Is less expensive than other options, but also a lighter duty solution
Cons
The mounting brackets are very limited so you’ll have to luck out and find ceiling joists at the predetermined spacing force on to you by the rack’s width
HyLoft 50175-10 60-Inch by 45-Inch Pro overhead garage storage
- Holds up to 300 lbs. of evenly distributed weight
- All steel construction with scratch-resistant white powder coat finish
- 35 cubic ft. of storage space for seasonal decorations, luggage, coolers, and more
- Height-adjustable from 31” to 41”. Perfect for use with common garage joist spacing 24” to 36” apart
- Hardware included
This is a good mid-sized, mid-strength option.
- Weight capacity: 300lb
- Ease of installation: Comparable to other options.
- Flexibility: HyLoft 50175-10 60″ x 45″ Ceiling Mount Shelf
- Height adjustment: from 31 in. to 41 in. to fit almost any joist configuration
- Cost: Cheaper than other options.
Pros
Is less expensive than other options, but also a lighter/medium duty solution
Cons
The mounting brackets are very limited so you’ll have to luck out and find ceiling joists at the predetermined spacing forced onto you by the rack’s width. Most of the time this works out fine – but not always.
Fleximounts 3×8 overhead garage storage rack
- RECLAIM YOUR GARAGE:Use garage ceiling space to store seasonal and unused items.22"to 40"ceiling dropdown provides up to 80 cu.ft of storage.Dimensions:96 in. L x 36 in. W x 22-40 in. H.(Hooks sold separately)
- STABILITY ＆ SAFETY-With our specially designed longer ceiling brackets that attach to two joists, FLEXIMOUNTS overhead garage storage racks are more stable and secure compared to others!
- HIGH QUALITY:Thicker M8 screws selected and all hardwares have gone through strict tests.Heavy duty cold-rolled steel construction provides safely loading up to 600 lbs.
- INTEGRATED GRID DESIGN:More stable and sturdy compared to others with separate frame and wire.
- DIY INSTALLATION:Installation template helps make plan.This overhead storage rack fits all ceiling joist spacing≤24",if joist spacing>24",only fits the ceiling spacing of 36".
- Weight capacity: 350lb
- Ease of installation: Comparable to other options.
- Flexibility: Offers some accessories
- Height adjustment: from 22 in. to 40 in. to fit almost any joist configuration
- Cost: Comparable to other options
Pros
Grid attachment is better than other options
Great mounting flexibility compared to other options
Cons
Not many, Fleximout has really figured this stuff out and wins our best overhead garage storage award
SafeRacks – 3×6 overhead garage storage rack
- Please note that this item ships in multiple boxes that may arrive a few days apart.
- Customizable Ceiling Drop-Length. Choose from 3 Adjustable ranges: 12"-21" Drop-Length, 18"-33" Drop-Length, and 24"-45" Drop-Length
- Heavy duty ceiling brackets made of 14-gauge steel and are designed to span to 2 ceiling joists for maximum safety and rigidity.
- Heavy duty wire decking with "waterfall" design for a quicker, easier, and safer assembly.
- Grade 8 Case-Hardened Lag bolts ensure the safest and most secure connection to your ceiling.
- Weight capacity: 400lb
- Ease of installation: Comparable to other options.
- Flexibility: Offers some accessories
- Height adjustment: Customizable Ceiling Drop-Length. Choose from 3 Adjustable ranges: 12″-21″ Drop-Length, 18″-33″ Drop-Length, and 24″-45″ Drop-Length
- Cost: Comparable to other options.
Pros
More flexible mounting compared to some other options
Construction is strong enough to have no middle support beam – which means you can fit boxes in that center space
Cons
Not always prime eligible
MonsterRax 2×8 overhead garage storage rack
- Weight capacity: 600lb ??
- Ease of installation: Comparable to other options.
- Flexibility: Offers some accessories
- Height adjustment: from 24 in. to 45 in.
- Cost: Comparable to other options.
We did a more comprehensive Monsterrax review here
Pros
Great for tighter spaces because of unique, narrow size. Not many other manufacturers offer this size.
Cons
Not any, this is a really good solution
Frequently Asked Questions
Is overhead garage storage safe?
Yes, if installed correctly these are safe solutions. Not a single reviewer complained about breakage.
How Much Do Overhead Garage Storage Racks Cost?
Most solutions range from around $60-$200. It all depends on how large the shelves are.
What Are The Benefits Of Overhead Garage Storage Racks?
Simple, get the stuff off the floor and clear up your garage. Make sure you maximize your overhead garage storage space and increase your storage capacity with ceiling mounted racks.
Verdict on the best overhead garage storage
You came here looking for best overhead garage storage options. The best overhead garage storage rack award goes to Fleximounts. The other options are good as well. Fleximounts however, are just more thoughtfully designed products that will be a great overhead garage storage solution. Many of these best overhead garage storage solutions have similar features. Powder coat, adjustable height, accessory hooks, high load capacity, scratch resistant, etc. We found that with these overhead storage systems it’s not so much about these features, rather – the most critical things are their maximum weight, a full support center (if they are the wider 4x8ft units), and that the mounting options allow you to attach the best overhead garage storage rack to the garage ceiling. Making the most use of your garage ceiling to store seasonal items like holiday decorations is a great idea – if you don’t mind climbing ladders occasionally. These solutions are ideally suited if they have enough vertical space above your garage door if that is where you plan to mount the storage unit. Our review of the best overhead garage storage didn’t uncover any that have a full lifetime warranty but most do come with warranties of some length. Some of these garage ceiling racks have terrible installation instruction making the installation process difficult. How much weight one can carry is a function of their heavy duty construction – or lack there of. All in all these overhead racks will increase your storage space and help with your storage needs by making better use of your ceiling space. In many cases, depending on their adjustable height you’ll probably get enough space to stack two typical large plastic storage bins. As noted above their are some units that could be considered a weak rack so be careful to place only lighter loads and not surpass their weight limit. So if you are looking for more space these units are the perfect solution. The Fleximounts unit has an innovative design which is why we awarded it the best overhead storage rack.
Other Garage Ceiling Storage Reads
Motorized overhead garage storage units were not reviewed here but they are an interesting solution. They are more costly than regular overhead garage storage units. The big advantage is the ease of access. Perhaps using one motorized unit for and use stationery units for the others is a cost-effective and convenient solution? Read the motorized overhead garage storage review here. There are also overhead garage racks that work with a pulley system.
