How to create adjustable shelving above a garage workbench?

[New2Retirement]

Hello all,

I have a large brick wall area above the workbench in my garage that is in desperate need for a facelift.

The existing shelving has been added by various owners with simple wall mounted brackets as the need arose.

We would like to remove all the old hotch-potch shelves and replace with a uniform, adjustable shelving system.

The Flexi Storage Home Solutions system looks ok but appears to be a polished system for inside the house.

Is there a similar, perhaps more robust shelving system (say, galvanised) available?

The shelving area is approx 3000L x 500H x 700D

Thank you.

[JacobZ]

Hi @New2Retirement,

This sounds like a great opportunity to customise your space and make it your own.

What were you looking to store in this space? 

Is it hand tools and the like that could be stored on a pegboard?

Or more heavy things like paint tins or engine oil?  

Can I trouble you for some photos of the existing space so we can see what we are working with?

In terms of adjustability, the Flexi Storage system really is your best option. I understand that it might not fit the aesthetic as much, but you should still consider it if adjustability is your main concern.

There is also the Rack It 1029 x 1029 x 630mm Wall Starter Kits which would be useful if you'd like a more heavy duty rack with some ability for modification. The height of this kit is a bit more than the available space, but if you could adjust for the uprights, they could be a good option. Have a look at their Rack It Planner and see what you come up with. 

If you upload some photos of the space, I can have a good think about what else could be possible.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[New2Retirement]

Hello Jacob.

Some good ideas already - thank you.

I'll go with the Flexi storage so won't need the any Rack It kits.

Attached is a photo of the existing space:

1. A 1200 x 900mm peg board will fit perfectly on the right of the power switch which I've outlined in red.

2. The RH side (above the sink) allows for 500H x 700D shelving with the lowest shelf 500mm above the sink.

3. The LH side of the power switch allows for 500H x 1700D shelving

4. The LH side wall (see ropes etc) allows for 500H x 700D shelving which is the same size as 2. above

All my heavier tools, oils, chemicals etc are already stored on racks.

I intend to use the new shelving for a lot of smaller ready stuff - nuts & bolts, spray cans etc

Are you able to recommend the depth & heights between shelving please?

Thank you.

[JacobZ]

Hi @New2Retirement,

Thank you for the images and dimensions.

I'd suggest using the double slot system, which utilises a Double Slot Hang Track and Double Slot Wall Strips to attach your shelving to.

This system is designed around the wall strips being spaced at no more than 558mm apart (inside of track to inside of track), so we'd need to work around this spacing for the wall strips. You could either use the 762mm White Double Slot Wall Strip and trim a bit off the bottom or use two 300mm White Double Slot Wall Strips with a Double Slot Wall Strip Joiner.

With the wall strips. you can set the heights of your shelves however you like; that is the beauty of the system. Just disconnect the double slot brackets and move them up and down.

Shelving comes in a variety of depths from 200mm up to 430mm deep, with brackets to suit each size.

There are also Flexi Storage 572 x 200mm Pegboards which are compatible with the system and will fit in the space above the sink well.

You might like to have a play around with the Flexi Home Solutions Planner and see what you come up with. 

Let me know what you think and if you need some further help, please let me know.

Jacob

[New2Retirement]

That's great advice, thank you Jacob.

I've made a plan using excel & will use the double slot style for extra strength just in case.

An observation that you may not be aware of but may be able to direct me to the correct Dept please.

Our local Bunnings store must be smaller than most as I've often found they are "Out of Stock" according to their web site.

However, "Out of Stock" is ambiguous because I've found out, it could either mean, 1) they've ran out of stock which would make sense & are able to place a Special Order, or 2) They do not stock the item, and I am unable to request as a Special Order so must look elsewhere.

A few of the items I'll need for this project appear "Out of Stock" from 4 of the closest stores but is available form a store 80km away.

To try and avoid me contacting the 4 closer stores, is there a more efficient way to identify if any of them fall into category 1) as described above?

PS - Obviously, the best long-term solution for customer service would be to enhance the Bunnings web site to eliminate this ambiguity but that's a big ask.   

Thanks again for your help Jacob - glad you're with us

[EricL]

Hello @New2Retirement 

If you are not in a great hurry, I suggest contacting the closest store in your vicinity and placing a special order for the parts that you need. The store team does have the ability to see which store actually has stock of the item that you are after. You can ask the team member if any of the stores close by has the item in stock, this saves you the effort of calling each store. 

But as you mentioned, if it is out of stock, it can be special ordered to the store. My best advice is to double check your list before placing the order.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[New2Retirement]

Hello Jacob & Eric.

This project is finished but may need a few tweaks as it gets used. See attached photo.

One major thing I learnt along the way which will be of great use to others - Not all warehouses are willing to order "Out of Stock" items as a Special order. Both of the stores I tried do not usually stock the items I required. One store refused to order (& not the first time I tried) and the other went to the trouble of contacting the supplier who was willing to send the quantity I required, so you know where I'll be shopping from now on.

[EricL]

Hello @New2Retirement 

Thank you very much for the update. It's good to know that you got the parts that you needed. The shelves and work area look great and well organized.

Eric