Overhead storage racks can keep your belongings organized and contained without taking up more floor space. However, purchasing an overhead storage rack without the right weight capacity can be detrimental to the integrity of your ceiling.
For durable and safe options, our experts have reviewed impressive garage storage racks on the market.
Reviews of the Top Overhead Garage Storage Racks
1. Fleximounts 4x8 Overhead Garage Storage
The Fleximounts 4×8 overhead storage rack will keep your items safe from water damage and only takes up ceiling space and frees up room on the floor and walls. The overhead racks can be customized between 22 to 40-inches in drop length, so taller or shorter people can reach items easily.
You get 105 cubic feet of storage and everything is held up with top-quality hardware. 6 vertical posts are secured to long ceiling brackets that can hold up to 600 pounds.
The design features an integrated grid instead of just frame and wire on other storage options to bring even more durability.
What We Like
- Keeps items elevated off the garage floor
- High-quality materials
- No need to rent a storage space
- Gives additional storage space up top
- Integrated grid design
- 600-pound weight limit
- Very heavy duty
- Cold-rolled steel construction
- 105 cubic feet, a lot of space
- Combo packs available
- 2 colors
What We Don’t Like
- Accessory hooks not included
- Installation takes time
2. SafeRacks Overhead Garage Storage
The SafeRacks is the best overhead storage rack for people who have a ton of items in large storage bins. It is a combo of two 2×8 ft racks that have a customizable drop-down length between 24 and 45 inches.
The SafeRacks Overhead Garage Storage is not difficult to mount, though it could take some time, but it comes with a very easy-to-understand user manual. If you are someone who needs a larger storage capacity, our team feels there is no better choice than these overhead ceiling racks.
These garage storage accessories feature industrial strength to make sure there is little to no wasted space by carrying up to 600-pounds of items.
What We Like
- Heavy-duty construction
- Comes in a pack of 2
- Customizable drop length
- Weight capacity of 600 pounds
- The perfect solution to store seasonal items
- Powder-coated steel
- Installs in 10 minutes
- 2 colors
- 120 cubic feet of storage space
What We Don’t Like
- No pulley system
- Needs to be properly installed for safety
3. HyLoft 00540
Manufacturers now follow a trend of providing various color options in order to match your interiors. Rest assured that whichever color you pick, this Hyloft model will be ideally suited to maximize your space and meet your storage needs while still being durable and safe.
Aside from being a budget option, the HyLoft 00540 is also a more compact version out of many other overhead garage storage solutions. It’s also a great choice if you don’t have a lot of garage ceiling space to spare.
Each color has a powder-coated finish and the height is adjustable to fit almost all ceiling joists.
What We Like
- Smaller overhead storage system
- Fits most ceiling joists
- 2 colors
- Easy installation process
- Powder coat finish
- 30 cubic feet of storage space
- 250-pound limit
What We Don’t Like
- Not a ton of space for people who have a lot of things
- Larger racks may drop down more
4. MonsterRax-2x8 Overhead Garage Storage Rack
The patented MosterRax 2×8 garage ceiling rack supports up to 300 pounds and is an excellent in-between option in terms of size. The durability is almost unmatched and it comes with a lifetime warranty to boost your confidence in its construction.
You can still customize the ceiling dropdown from 12 to 21 inches. The ceiling racks from the brand are constructed with top-quality steel with a powder-coated finish. The staff are friendly and always ready to assist you should any issues arise.
Keep in mind that the ceiling racks have a 300-pound weight limit but a 600-pound breaking limit. It’s best to stick within 300 pounds.
What We Like
- 2 colors
- Heavy-duty wire decking
- Lifetime warranty
- Customizable ceiling drop
- High-quality steel
- Powder finish
- Best overhead garage storage rack for capacity
What We Don’t Like
- Studs will take time to secure
- Price will vary by color
5. SafeRacks – 3x8 Overhead Garage Storage Rack
SafeRacks makes it on our list again with a slightly larger overhead garage rack option. Larger garage storage solutions can free up even more garage space to make parking easier.
The drop length for this particular unit is highly adjustable and the ceiling brackets are made of heavy-duty 14-gauge steel that will take up not one ceiling joist, but two.
The larger SafeRacks 3×8 Overhead Garage Storage Rack can withstand 600 pounds of weight with a breaking strength of 1500 pounds! It has to be one of the best overhead ceiling racks for durability and it comes with a lifetime warranty for purchases with the brand.
What We Like
- 600-pound limit
- Highly adjustable
- Made from 14-gauge steel
- 1500-pound breaking strength
- Grade 8 lag bolts
- Spans 2 joists
What We Don’t Like
- Installation takes some work
- Instructions aren’t the best
Overhead Garage Storage Racks Buyer’s Guide
The best overhead garage storage racks need to be tough and provide strength to support hundreds of pounds all the while looking inconspicuous. In order to help you get an overhead storage unit in one shot, our construction team has listed important factors to consider.
Size
The size of the garage storage rack will determine how much you can store. You will notice that the storage capacity is listed in cubic feet. The more cubic feet of room you have, the more you can store. Our construction team included the best overhead ceiling racks of various sizes to suit anyone’s needs.
You have to figure out what can fit into your garage. There are some lucky folks with 3-car garages that can fit a larger garage rack, while others may have just a single-car garage that only fits our HyLoft budget choice. If you have more than enough space, you won’t have to worry as much about the measurements.
Our experts have a few tips for consumers to consider when taking measurements. You have to account for your vehicle height in order to figure out if the hanging height for the overhead storage space-saver.
Feel free to buy more units to maximize your space, just be sure to account for the added length or width. Also, make sure you can actually install your hanging storage racks by looking for studs and rafters.
Weight Capacity
When considering overhead shelving, it is natural to have some concerns. However, you can ensure its safety by adhering to the weight limitations specified by the manufacturer. The weight capacity of the shelving unit will be clearly indicated in the product description. It is important to focus on the weight capacity rather than the breaking strength to ensure that the shelves can safely support the intended load.
When in doubt, our experts suggest going for the option with a higher capacity to avoid a weak rack. The higher weight capacity will also hint at the material quality. However, the size of the storage unit will also affect how much it can hold.
Mesh vs Bare Storage Rack
Our options all include mesh, grid, or wiring on the bottom of the racks, which means they are better choices for DIY installation because they come ready to use. However, there are ones that are bare for those who want to make their own bottoms. For simplicity, we would recommend going for mesh included options.
Retractable Storage
Our options are not retractable, but they do come with adjustable drop lengths. For those looking for a more innovative design, there are retractable options such as the Bluworld Retract a Rack garage storage lift. This unit can keep smaller items off the ground, but it’s not the recommended choice for bins and boxes.
You can always add accessory hooks to your overhead garage storage rack to keep smaller and longer items off the ground such as fishing rods and garden tools.
Ease of Installation
Although you’re purchasing online, it’s still possible for you to get it professionally installed. There are units that won’t take much time for a skilled DIYer, and won’t even need a cabinet hardware jig, but for ease of installation, you can always turn to a professional. Otherwise, all you will be left with is an instruction manual that may or may not be clear.
For something that is designed to be reliable and keep your heavy items off the ground, you should avoid any chance of it coming apart or collapsing due to poor installation.
Benefits of Overhead Ceiling Storage Racks For a Garage
Keeping your stuff off the ground is an excellent way to avoid water damage since garages can be prone to flooding. At the same time, you can free up more space for added wall shelving or floor space. Sometimes you barely have any room to park your car, so hoisting your belongings off the ground will also create more space for your vehicle.
No one likes unpleasant surprises. We share the earth with other critters such as mice and raccoons, and these animals do like to rummage around and make a home in your boxes, but this can be avoided with hanging storage.
Lastly, you can keep items away from kids and pets just in case you are storing toxic or dangerous things such as paint and tools.
FAQ
How much can an overhead ceiling rack hold?
Like heavy-duty lumber storage racks, ceiling racks can meet multiple weight capacities, with a very common one being 600-pounds for 4×8 units and smaller racks can hold around 250 pounds. Keep in mind that the size of the rack as well as the construction materials will have a hand in how much it can support. The middle ground is 400 pounds, but we suggest choosing higher weight limits if your space allows it.
Are overhead storage racks safe?
Overhead units can be safe if they are installed properly. Tough 14-gauge steel [1] units with powder-coated finishes such as the Fleximounts unit are very safe. When in doubt, always hire a professional installer and be sure to make note of the construction materials as they are the primary influencer for the unit’s strength.
Our Top Pick For an Overhead Garage Storage Rack:
FLEXIMOUNTS 4x8 Overhead Storage
The best overhead garage storage rack is definitely the one from Fleximounts. It’s a larger 4×8 unit that has a weight tolerance of up to 600 pounds. Made from heavy-duty cold-rolled steel and an integrated grid, the Fleximounts 4×8 overhead shelving is supported by top-quality hardware and reliable ceiling brackets all with a powder-coated finish for longevity.
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