Ideas for garage ceiling storage?

[stewiesnr]

does anyone have ideas for simple storage

I have a ceiling in my garage and i was after some ideas for some type of storage hanging from the roof beams for light  but bulky items like christmas tree and decorations.

Appreciate any ideas

Steve

[Jason]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @andrewrobbo and thanks for joining in the discussion.

Is there anything in particular you need to store? Would you also like to share a couple of photos of the space so members can see what you are working with and provide more specific suggestions?

Thanks,

Jason

[EricL]

Hello @andrewrobbo 

Thanks for sharing your question about ceiling storage on your ceiling slab. Before you drill into your ceiling slab, I suggest speaking to the building manager or body corporate and asking them if it is safe to drill into the ceiling slab. If it is, I suggest using the Ramset 8 x 65mm DynaBolt Plus Hex Nut Bolt. 

I recommend a minimum of six bolts to hold the Metal Mate slotted angle frame in place. The rest of the assembly can be put together using the Pinnacle M6 x 10mm Zinc Plated Round Head Bolts And Nuts. But if you find that the size is too small you can go to the next size up.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[Neo19]

Hi @MitchellMc  

I like your idea of overhead storage in plastic tubs, and I’ve been exploring different ideas when I came across your post.

My main concern is the quality of plastic containers—specifically, the top part of the tub that stays within the track and bears the weight of its contents. I'll be worried about this part giving way eventually!.

I’d prefer a system with a ceiling-mounted shelf where the tubs could be placed securely, eliminating any worry about them falling on people or cars.

Is there any way I could set up something like this? The metal shelf you’ve shown in your second post—can it be customized to different lengths? And could I attach it to timber, similar to the runner in your first post? I don't mind timber or metal shelving!

Also, what is the acceptable load limit for ceiling battens (if that’s the correct term) to consider when installing an overhead shelf like this?

[Nailbag]

Hi @Neo19 

Though outside of the Bunnings range, last summer I helped a mate install this system with heavy duty tubs specifically made and load bearing for this application that might be worth considering. We went for this due to the same concerns as yourself with quality of the tubs long term and ease of use.

Nailbag

[JacobZ]

Hi @Neo19,

Thank you for your question.

There are general recommendations for ceiling battens' load capacity, but they are usually relative to the sheet products like plasterboard that are attached to them. Unfortunately, the load-bearing capacity of your ceiling battens is something you'd need to check with an engineer.

The Metal Mate 32 x 32 x 1.5mm Slotted Black Angle comes in a variety of sizes to fit most applications, but you can always cut them with an angle grinder to make custom lengths. You would just need to ensure your cuts are between the slots so they can still be joined or connected with components from the Black Slotted Angle Starter Pack. 

Make sure you check out the weight loading and spanning guide to ensure you are building something strong enough to support the weight on it.

You could then use Rack It 1000KG 1196mm Wire Shelfs or MDF to create the platform for your containers to sit on.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[Neo19]

Thanks @Nailbag! I appreciate the suggestion. I didn't know there are heavy-duty tubs specifically designed for this purpose. If you don’t mind, could you point me to where I can check out the ones you installed? Are they similar to this I found on the Bunnings website? Thanks again for your help!

[Neo19]

Hi @JacobZ Thanks so much for the detailed reply and helpful suggestions! I’ll definitely look into the wire shelf system—I really like the idea of customizable lengths!

[Nailbag]

I have some of those tubs myself and though excellent @Neo19 they don't have much of a lip. That supplier of the metal ceiling frames I had included put us on to a supplier they recommend, but I couldn't tell you who they are and my mates hasn't a record. I would give them a call.

Nailbag

[Neo19]

Thanks for the feedback @Nailbag! I’ll definitely keep that in mind. I’ll reach out to the supplier to see if I can get more details about those tubs!

I still haven’t decided on the system I’m going to use, but having all the information will definitely help me make a better choice!

[MitchellMc]

Hi @Neo19,

For contents that have any significant weight, I'd recommend your shelf idea. The one I posted above would be best suited to light-weight items, like duvets. I wouldn't put anything heavy in them, and the lips might distort and bend over time.

Mitchell