Photo: Uriel Mont

Is it cheaper to buy shelves or build them?

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.

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

Is plastic sheeting a good insulator?

The short answer to the question “is plastic a good insulator” is yes, it is. Plastic conducts neither heat nor electricity, making it well-suited...

Last updated Nov 29, 2020

Can you put asphalt over old concrete?

Well, the answer is yes! It is safe to pave asphalt over concrete. Concrete is a great base material because it is stable and allows for excellent...

Last updated Nov 18, 2021

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!

Is it OK to build a shed on grass?

There are two primary reasons that you should not install a shed directly on the lawn: moisture damage and uneven surfaces. Even though the lawn...

Last updated Feb 25, 2019

What should I not tell my appraiser?

Just keep your communication to the appraiser about the facts of the home and neighborhood, how you priced the house, and any other relevant...

Last updated Apr 19, 2019

Can I build my own shed?

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

Learn More »

Promotion

Can Command strips support a shelf?

I have a wooden wall shelf hanging up on my wall with Command™ strips. If you are planning to put heavy things on the shelf then it will not work. I have a plant on mine and it's been holding for at least 3 months. Make sure you get the Command™ strips that can hold the most weight possible, just in case.

diy.stackexchange.com - Can I hang a bathroom shelf with command strips or something similar?

I'm currently living in an apartment that doesn't allow me to put anything larger than a finishing nail sized hole in the wall. I have a small bathroom shelf that I would like to put up that consists of a lightweight metal frame with three tempered glass shelves as well as a towel rack on the bottom.

Initially my thoughts went to the 3M command strips. I know they have picture hanging strips that essentially consists of velcro on top of command strips. But I have a feeling that this wouldn't hold up and the shelf would fall down. So I was thinking it might work out to buy the plain command strips and put them directly on the back of the shelf where it would contact the wall. I see that they're rated for around 5lbs each and I believe loaded the shelf wouldn't be more than 10lbs or so. I'm just curious if this would work or if it might end up causing more damage than just putting holes in the wall?

Does anyone have any experiences with hanging something of this nature without damaging the wall?

At what temperature does shivering stop?

Typically, shivering stops between 86–90°F (30–32°C).

Last updated Mar 31, 2018

Is Mint toxic to cats?

All parts of mint, particularly leaves, flowers, and stems, are unsafe for your feline friends. These plants are loaded with essential oils, which...

Last updated May 16, 2020

Can I build my own shed?

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

Learn More »

Promotion

Is it better for vents to be in the floor or ceiling?

Ceiling vents do a better job cooling and floor vents do a better job heating. If your priority is cooling, put your HVAC in the attic and ducting...

Last updated Jan 23, 2022

Can I build my own shed?

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

Learn More »

Promotion

How do I keep my shed moisture free?

How To Keep Your Garden Shed Moisture-Free Seal Any Leaks. Your primary line of defence against moisture is to prevent water from getting into your...

Last updated Aug 24, 2019