Garage cabinets are an item that many people don’t consider when they think about adding a garage or fixing up an old one. Having a fixed or mobile storage space can make your old parking space usable again. Not sure which type you would need? Just think of the items you have stored on the floor and against the wall. This will give you an idea of how much storage space you need. You’ll need a tall vertical unit for baseball bats, skis, shovels, and more. You’ll also need a smaller unit for garden tools, small hand tools, and a power drill. Let’s look at the different grades of metal used in the manufacture of garage cabinets.
rails
Almost all brands of metal storage units are made from three types of steel: aluminum, medium-grade steel, and high-grade steel. Each of these types of metal offers you something slightly different.
Aluminum
This metal is mainly used for indoor storage, mainly because it is a very light material. It is rust resistant, durable and can be painted in many different colors. Most finishes are anodized, which means coating the metal with a protective oxide making the metal an anode of an electrolytic cell. It is important to note that aluminum is a soft metal and will not protect against scratches and dents.
medium grade steel
This metal is found in storage components that you find at your local department store. These items can be quite affordable and are readily available. Most of these units will have a powder coat finish. While decorative and functional, most of these items are single-wall construction types, meaning you only get one sheet of steel per wall.
high quality steel
The quality of the steel will probably be the highest grade of metal you can find. Companies that use this steel go to great lengths when building their units. Most will use a powder coat finish, double wall steel construction, and heavy duty hardware and hinges.
A Different Alternative
Wood cabinets can be divided into three categories: mass-produced, custom-built, or made-to-order.
Mass produced
Mass-produced units are available at your local department store. They are typically made from particle board or plywood, and are finished with a laminate or melamine, two different types of protective coating.
Custom built
Your local lumber store or a carpenter will be the source for these. The beauty of using a local store is that you can have exactly what you want: a completely custom system built to your exact specifications. You can also choose which wood you want, as well as the finish, be it natural, stain, paint or melamine.