show me your overhead (overdoor) storage

Sully · 08-17-2007, 07:18 AM

I need to build some storage for the garage space I have recently acquired. To start, I'd like to concentrate with making use of the wasted space above the garage door. This includes both wall mounted shelving above the door opening and/or ceiling hung shelving in the space between the ceiling and the garage door, when the doors is open.

The garage is finished, so I don't have direct access to the sides of the ceiling joists. I'm a little nervous about purchasing a commercial ceiling-hung system (e.g. hyloft) because of the weight capacities. But maybe that anxiety is unwarranted?

Anyway, show me what you got! I need some ideas.

Thanks,
J

woodArtz · 08-17-2007, 08:08 AM

Hey Jay,

I have a very high ceiling in my garage as well. I decided to use a commercial wire shelving system to fill the space above the garage door. Don't know if this is what you are looking for but here goes. Good luck.

NCPete · 08-17-2007, 08:09 AM

current issue of Workbench magazine has a garage storage system....

nelsone · 08-17-2007, 08:20 AM

I have installed the Hyloft system for some people. It seems to be a pretty nice system. I wouldn't recommend it for lumber storage if that is what you are planning.

Arguseyed · 08-17-2007, 06:27 PM

I hade one of these built when we first moved in our house. Lots of storage and pretty stong.

www.bigshelf.com

Sully · 08-17-2007, 09:31 PM

Originally Posted by woodArtz

Hey Jay,

I have a very high ceiling in my garage as well. I decided to use a commercial wire shelving system to fill the space above the garage door. Don't know if this is what you are looking for but here goes. Good luck.

Bob,

Is that the ClosetMaid garage system like they have at Lowes? It looks similar. Are you satisfied with the depth/weight capacities? I'd be storing mainly small tools (drills, etc.). I don't plan on storing wood on such a system.

Thanks for the info,
Jay

woodArtz · 08-17-2007, 10:07 PM

Yes Jay, that is indeed the ClosetMaid garage shelving system. It is pretty indestructible. Depth seems ok at 16". I have the standards set at 12' apart over the door ('cuz that's how they set the studs), so it'll hold a freight train up there. Hope that helps.

ajmtrader · 08-17-2007, 11:26 PM

You should have no trouble finding wood to anchor to since the headers above the door behind the drywall is probably at least a 2x10 or 2x12. The frame on the sides is probably a 2x6 or 2x8. The header can hold a good amount of weight if anchored correctly.

DaveD · 08-18-2007, 01:42 PM

I built a 4' deep shelf over the garage door by spanning the 21+ feet with a homemade beam made from two 2x10 with 1/2 plywood laminated between them. Added a ledger board to one side. Lots of liquid nails and 16 penny nails.

Beam was 4' in from garage door face. Made 'floor joists' out of 2x4 to go from beam, 16" oc. (resting on ledger board) to wall over garage door. Covered whole thing with 1/2" plywood.

That was 9 years ago. It is totally filled/packed (mostly 'junk') and to this day there is no noticeable sag in the homemade beam/shelf.

Fairly inexpensive, very strong and about 80 sq ft of storage space.

In a previous house I had I did something similar except across the back of the garage and the near edge was suspended from the ceiling joists on 3/4" threaded rod. This was a lower 4' deep shelf that was just high enough to get the car hoods underneath it.

If you do suspend something be sure that if you have ceiling trusses that you don't compromise the integrity of the trusses by hanging too much weight off of them.

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