There are so many accessories and equipment out there to keep your tools organized, but what about your lumber? A lumber rack needs to be durable and can support heavy loads or it will become a safety hazard. To avoid having your wood tumble off, our woodworking team has reviewed the best and most sturdy ones today.
Reviews of the Top Lumber Storage Racks
1. Bora Portamate Wood Organizer
The Bora Portamate wood organizer lumber rack is top-rated for a reason. Our team liked the wall-mounted design for storing wood and keeping lumber off the floor and away from potential water damage. Not to mention, it also saves floor space!
There is a total of 4 levels each with the max weight capacity of 110-pounds, which totals to 440-pounds on the Bora wood organizer. The steel tube construction of the lumber racks is powder-coated for durability and weather resistance.
The installation of the lumber racks is also simple and straightforward and won’t take you much time.
What We Like
- Keeps your wood straight for easy access
- Easy installation
- 440-pound weight limit
- 4-shelf lumber storage
- Wall-mounted design
- Safely store your wood
- Doesn’t take up too much space
- Frees up garage room
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t store pipes well
- Works best for flat wooden boards and long pieces of wood
2. West Horizontal Storage Rack
For those looking for multi-purpose and very versatile lumber racks, then the one from West Horizontal is the best lumber storage rack for you – at a price. It can hold pipes, rods, and differently-shaped lumber. The seven arms of the West Horizontal storage rack can be adjusted in and out depending on your needs, and it has one of the highest weight capacities out there at 2000 pounds max.
The entire lumber rack is constructed from 14-gauge galvanized steel for extra durability and protection against corrosion. It’s an excellent solution for longer and bigger storage needs. Users can also support their own DIY lumber shelves if they decide to store smaller pieces.
What We Like
- Very durable lumber storage rack
- Can store wood and more
- Metal rack with 14-gauge galvanized steel
- Adjustable vertical bars
- Makes lumber easily accessible
- Keeps your garage neat
- Multiple units can be used together
- Very high weight capacity
What We Don’t Like
- Can’t be wall-mounted
- No wheels for portability
3. KASTFORCE KF1004
You can also find a great solution for your wood storage needs on a budget. The KASTFORCE KF1004 is a 180-degree change from the West Horizontal Storage Rack. The KF1004 is our team’s budget choice and it has a smaller profile and can be mounted on the wall.
This is our professional recommendation for a smaller shop or garage. You can store lumber off of the ground and keep your wood safe from moisture. It’s a 3-level lumber storage rack system with a total of 330 pounds of support.
You are able to customize the installation size according to the measurements in the product details.
What We Like
- 330-pound total load support
- Smaller storage rack
- Wall mountable
- Made from alloy steel
- Budget price
- Easy installation
- Versatile
What We Don’t Like
- Lag screws are not included
- May not come with mounting hardware
4. DeWalt 3-Piece Wall Mount
DeWalt is known to be an excellent brand for power tools and accessories, which is why their 3-piece wall mount makes it among the best lumber storage racks. The depth is customizable and the arms are adjustable for easy access.
The entire rack can support up to 273 pounds in total and is suited for everything you need for woodworking projects, DIY projects, and even bigger jobs. The steel arms are powder-coated to protect them from corrosion, chipping, and fading.
What our experts loved about the DeWalt 3-Piece Wall Mount are the arm stops. They prevent boards, pipes, and anything else you are storing from rolling off the racks.
What We Like
- Arms stops
- Customizable depth
- Adjustable arms
- Powder-coating protection
- High capacity
- Easy mounting rails
- Multiple racks can be used together
- High bottom rack capacity
- Steel construction
What We Don’t Like
- Can’t be ceiling mounted
- Not the best lumber rack for very heavy wooden boards
5. 7BLACKSMITHS Lumber Storage Rack
If you need more lumber racks, then the 7BLACKSMITHS model is the best lumber rack of choice. The wall-mounted storage is excellent for outdoor and indoor use. It has 6 levels with 100 pounds of support per level totaling 600 pounds.
Unlike a plywood storage cart, the storage capabilities of the 7BLACKSMITHS lumber rack is versatile. You can place any long item on it such as skateboards, broomsticks, rods, etc. With all it can do, the lumber rack still has a very simple design, which makes assembly and installation very easy.
What We Like
- Can store many long items
- 6 shelves
- Durable powder-coated construction
- Wall mountable
- 600 pounds of weight support
- Simple installation
- Great for indoor and outdoor use
What We Don’t Like
- Can’t be installed on the ceiling
- No arm stops
6. CLEAR STYLE Lumber Storage
The Clear Style lumber rack has 2 style choices with 2 or 4 units. The storing solution is made from high-grade steel, with a galvanized coating. Set it up against your walls to save room and the installation only takes 4 screws!
One of the best parts about the Clear Style storage shelves is the 100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back! One more inclusion the racks have is a cuts off basket storage that catches fallen pieces or can be used for extra storage space in your garage for the shorter boards.
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What We Like
- Strong construction
- Saves space in your garage or workshop
- 100% money-back guarantee
- Simple installation
- Has a cuts off basket
- Can support 260 pounds
What We Don’t Like
- Not the best for large plywood boards
- Not recommended for ceiling installation
Lumber Storage Rack Buyer’s Guide
There are various types of lumber storage shelves with various load capacities and mounting types, but which is best for you? You can figure that out by following our woodworking team’s checklist below.
Size and Fit
Where do you plan to install the storage rack? Is it in your shop, your home, or your garage? Take a look at the space available to find a unit that can fit into the space you need for it. The next step is to think about what materials you plan on storing on the shelf.
Do you want to pile thin lumber, or do you usually work with large sheets of plywood?
Maybe you’re looking to store metal pipes on the rack and not even wood.
You have to make sure your wood storage rack can accommodate your needs. There are units that can be installed on the wall and kept out of the way, while others are in the form of a floor rack or even carts with wheels for mobility. Think about which type of storage rack suits your needs the best.
Material Quality
The material matters because you want the storage rack to be as reliable as possible and last for a long time. You can find steel units and others that are a combination of wood and steel. Our team suggests all metal racks because they tend to be more immune to damage and wear.
Whether you plan to store wood or store lumber, your best bet is to find ones with a powder-coated finish that will prevent the metal surface from fading, chipping, rust and corrosion.
Ease of Installation
The installation should not only be easy, but the best lumber racks will also be very sturdy. Check to see if the best lumber racks you have your eye on come with mounting hardware. It will save you a lot of time if they do, but even if they don’t, it’s not difficult to run to your local hardware store to pick up the necessary pieces.
Depending on the type of lumber rack you’re going for, there could be ready-made options available, like the wheeled carts. However, if you’re looking at a wall-mounting type, some installation will be required but only minimal.
Look for units that are quick and easy to install. It may be difficult to be 100% sure until you have received the unit, but there are brands such as Clear Style that boast their rack only requires 4 screws for mounting.
You can also go for storage solutions that have a money-back guarantee so you have the option of returning it if it doesn’t work out.
Make sure the mounting kit suits hardwood [1], studded walls, brick walls, or whichever type of wall you have. Rest assured that hardwood, block, brick, and studded walls are most compatible for mounting anyway.
Importance of Lumber Storage Racks and Shelves
Do you really need a lumber storage shelf for storing wood? Piling all the pieces in the corner seems to work for some. The short answer is – yes, you do! There are many benefits to investing in a lumber rack.
Keeps Wood From Warping
Many members on our woodworking team have experienced wood warping at some point, as we are sure you have as well. If you do not store lumber the correct way, then your wood will be more prone to warping.
Warping happens when there are changes in humidity, namely the moisture content, or if you don’t store wood that’s not dried or cover it for protection. The floor of your garage is more susceptible to changes in humidity within the ground, so keeping wood above the ground with a rack will avoid warping.
Humidity control will prevent the wood from absorbing moisture, as will keeping the pieces elevated. If just one side of the wood is touching the ground, that’s the side that will remain moist while the top side dries out quicker, which will also warp or shrink the wood.
The elevation provided by the best lumber storage racks is more important than most people would think.
Organization
Of course, the rack also keeps your space neat and tidy. Littering the ground with loose pieces of wood can not only take up a lot of area, but it will be an eyesore as well. Even if you aren’t a neat freak, keeping all your tools and materials in one place makes them easily accessible and you won’t need to spend time looking for things.
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FAQ
Is it safe to keep wood in a garage?
You can rest assured that storing wood in your garage is fine, but only if it’s temperature and humidity-controlled. Using storage solutions will add an extra layer of protection to your wood pieces. Make sure to store your lumber on a flat surface. Wet wood should have even air exposure and dried wood should be covered.
How does temperature affect the quality of wood?
Temperature can speed up or slow down the decaying effect on wood. Temperature control will make sure the lumber doesn’t absorb or lose extra moisture in order to maintain its most optimal state. It’s best to store wood away from sunlight in a cool shaded area.
How do you prevent wood from warping?
Humidity and temperature and light exposure control are the key components to preventing your lumber from warping. Absorbing or losing moisture is the primary reason why lumber will warp, so you should do your best to avoid this. Store your wood in cool and dry places away from sunlight.
Our Top Pick: Bora Portamate Lumber Storage Rack
The best lumber storage rack is undoubtedly the Bora Portamate. It has amazing storage capabilities and has a load limit of 440 pounds. The durable design makes it suitable for indoor and outdoor use and the shelf height can be customized. The installation of the Bora Portamate Lumber Storage Rack is quick and easy and our team suggests this unit for workshops, garages, and sheds.
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