Photo: Laura James

Is it cheaper to buy or build shelves?

Lower Cost – Generally, buying the materials for your garage shelves should be cheaper than purchasing prefab – just make sure you do everything right the first time.

middlesexohd.com - Garage Organization: DIY Shelves vs. Buying - Middlesex Door Systems

Why should I do woodworking?

Woodwork is exceptional for developing children's creative and critical thinking skills as children tinker and experiment with the possibilities of...

Last updated Jan 15, 2022

Is SketchUp 2022 Good?

2022 is off to a great start with brand-new updates in SketchUp Pro and LayOut. The SketchUp 2022 release includes new and improved modeling tools,...

Last updated Mar 6, 2019

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

At Middlesex Door Systems, we know everything about garage doors and lots about garages. Here is some good advice about making your garage a place you’ll be proud of. Shelves make garage organization quick and easy, and ensure that you can find things when you need them. You have the option of making your own shelves or buying ready‑made options that you just have to install. To help you decide which option is best for your needs, check out the pros and cons of each choice.

DIY Pros and Cons

Building your own shelves can be beneficial for some, but may not be the right choice in every situation. The pros of DIY shelving include: Lower Cost – Generally, buying the materials for your garage shelves should be cheaper than purchasing prefab – just make sure you do everything right the first time. Tailored – Making your own allows you to build shelving that meets your exact needs. You can tailor the design to your space and the items you need to store. Durability – As long as you choose quality materials and a solid design, your DIY shelves will be more durable. Direction – You can find many different how‑to guides for a variety of options by looking on the Internet, which makes the process easy – even for novices. Pride – You get to take pride in knowing you built everything yourself While there are several benefits to building your own shelves, there are also a few cons to consider: Increased Difficulty – Making your own is more difficult than just buying ready‑made options. Time Consuming – DIY does take more time since you have to buy materials, take measurements, and build them. Buying shelving may or may not be your best option, depending on your needs, abilities, and available space. The pros of ready-made or prefab garage shelving are: Quicker and Easier – It is much faster just to buy your shelving so you can hang them immediately, which doesn’t require serious construction knowledge. Flexible – Pre‑made shelves are typically modular, which allows you to add additional storage space as you need it. Increased Cost – Buying shelves is more costly than buying the materials to make them. Durability – Don’t forget that you get what you pay for – if the shelves are cheaply made, they may not provide the strength and durability needed for long term use. Make It Fit – You will lose some customization ability so make sure you take plenty of measurements and consider what you need to store.

Other Considerations for DIY Garage Shelves

There are a few things you need to consider before choosing to make your own shelves: Time – Make sure you have enough time to get your shelves built in a day or two to avoid adding to the clutter in your garage. Bins – While some ready‑made options come with bins, remember that you can buy them on your own cheaply, and find a DIY guide for that style. The decision of DIY vs. ready‑made is up to you. Regardless of the option you choose, make sure to measure everything twice to avoid additional costs and hassles. To top off a well‑organized garage, why not a new garage door? At Middlesex Door Systems we can show you the possibilities. Call us at 1-800-696-1926!

Do small shelves need studs?

Make Sure You Have Studs or Drywall Anchors Again, you can't just hang up your shelf without some support. Most walls can't handle the weight of a...

Last updated Jul 27, 2020

What is the most durable wood for a front door?

Mahogany is one of the most reliable materials for exterior door construction. Mahogany has a straight, fine, and even grain. It can range in color...

Last updated Jan 13, 2018

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

What kind of paint do you use on a Keter shed?

Some of our sheds have Duotech™, walls which can be painted. Storage sheds such as our Oakland and Artisan Sheds can be decorated with water-based acrylic paint for exterior use. If you choose to paint your shed, we recommend solid, light shades, satin, or a semi-gloss finish.

keter.com - Product FAQs - Keter

You’ll want to have a flat, level surface before the setup of any Keter products. For large items, like one of our storage sheds, we highly recommend having a foundation made of concrete or wood. You’ll also want to have space around all sides of the shed (60cm/2ft) for proper assembly. This will help you get a step ladder all the way around and have the proper space for the assembly of your storage shed. We also recommend that you assemble the shed where it will be kept permanently because of its size and weight. In addition, you are responsible for the build-out and siting of your items.

Does aluminum foil keep mice away?

Mice hate the sound and smell of aluminum foil. They also can't grip onto it, despite generally being good climbers. If you want to use aluminum...

Last updated Dec 23, 2020

What type of foundation is suitable for gravel?

Gravel and sand A shallow, reinforced, wide strip foundation may be suitable. Sand holds together reasonably well when damp, compacted and uniform,...

Last updated Apr 10, 2019

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

Do I have to allow my Neighbour access to my property?

Entering your neighbour's property without their permission is trespassing, and so you must obtain their consent before trying to gain access. The...

Last updated Nov 22, 2020

Promotion

How do I measure for a roll up door?

Measure the width of the rough opening at the widest point. This is the distance between the right and left sides of the finished opening in feet...

Last updated Sep 16, 2019