Is it time to redo the shelves inside your garage? Or are you simply fed up trying to keep a garage without any shelves neat?

Installing some proper shelves in your garage is probably one of the very best decisions or investments you will be making this year. Tidy garages have become a major trend and the sky is the limit when it comes to different shelving and storage solutions.

If you are redoing your garage on your own then you will most likely ponder between wood and metal garage shelves. Both of these shelf types can be very functional so let’s compare these two materials so you can find the most suitable garage shelving type.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Wood Garage Shelving

It is pretty common to see wooden shelves built into residential garages. A lot of homeowners go with this shelving material because certain wood types like pressed wood or plywood are a lot more affordable than metal sheeting. Wood shelving is also a common pick among DIY enthusiasts because it is a lot easier to cut and put these types of garage shelves together with simple hand tools. But wooden shelves are not a suitable option for just every garage. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of wood shelves.

Advantages

• Affordable materials
• Practical for DIY enthusiasts since you can make them yourself
• Ideal for those who require fixed shelves
• It is possible to customise the shelves exactly the way you need them
• Wood can be cut to any size or shape
• Wood is ideal for creating a workspace that suits your needs
• Wooden garage shelves can look very beautiful if they are properly constructed

Disadvantages

• Wood is vulnerable to moisture and can easily be damaged by water
• Wood is vulnerable to termite infestations
• The material will absorb fluids which will cause stains
• Cheaper wood doesn’t have a very long life expectancy
• You won’t be able to remove any stains absorbed by the wood
• The shelves need a lot of maintenance and coating to keep it from drying out too much
• Installation is laborious and time-consuming
• Dirt and grime will build up on the textured surfaces
• The shelves are not very easy to clean and you cannot use chemicals
• The fixed shelves cannot be moved around

Advantages and Disadvantages of Metal Shelving

There are many different types of metal garage shelves that you can get for your garage. The ones by TopRax are an especially good option because they are so easy to assemble and so durable. These flexible shelves are also highly functional. Let’s take a look at some of the main pros and cons of these types of shelves.

Advantages

• Metal shelves are pre-constructed and can easily be assembled without any tools
• The shelves are freestanding and can be placed in any spot you like
• These racks are adjustable in height
• Metal racks tend to have a much greater load-bearing capacity than most wood types
• The smooth metal surface is easy to clean
• The metal is stain and water-resistant and will hold up well
• Hardly any maintenance is required to keep the shelves in good order
• You can use any type of chemical to clean up spills
• It is very easy to clear deposits and spills off the smooth metal surface

Disadvantages

• The size of the shelves is non-adjustable or customisable
• Might not be as aesthetically pleasing as some fixed wooden shelves
• If the powder coat finish is damaged, the metal shelves can start to rust in the damaged parts

From this guide, it is pretty clear that metal garage shelving from Toprax Australia is a much better option for your garage. These shelves can handle more wear and tear, they are easier to clean, they are more water and stain-resistant and they tend to be more functional for a changing work environment.