Garage cabinets play a big role in organisational efficiency. Like most homeowners, you probably use your garage to store everything from holiday decorations to lawn equipment.
A well-organised garage is not only more functional but also looks great. That's why selecting the right material for your garage cabinets is important.
GarageSmart® Storage Cabinets, Draws, & Work Benches are the perfect way to organize your garage! With GarageSmart®, you’ll have plenty of storage space for all of your tools, sports equipment, and other belongings.
So, what is the best material for your garage cabinet needs? Read on to find out!
The Most Common Garage Storage Cabinet Materials
Among other garage cabinet materials, the most common are metal, wood, or plastic. Here's a quick look at each one:
Wood
Wood cabinets are versatile and may be painted or stained to match any decor. In contrast to other types of cabinets, however, they are the simplest to disassemble.
Wood isn't weatherproof and will deform if it gets wet.
General benefits of wood
As a storage solution, powder-coated wood cabinets are on par with any metal cabinet manufacturer.
The powder coating comes in both standard and custom colour options. As a result, most businesses that specialise in making garage cabinets out of wood will have a wider selection available.
Plus, a wood structure can be quite cheap, depending on how many cabinets you need and the style you choose.
Consequences of wood use in general
When it comes to wood cabinet brands, not having a protective finish is a major drawback.
The lack of a stable temperature in unheated garages and workshops will hasten the deterioration of these systems.
Because of substandard cabinet structures and cheap equipment, mass-produced wooden cabinets are especially susceptible.
Metal
Robust and able to withstand the test of time and the elements. Metal cabinets are often built of steel or aluminium.
However, steel toolboxes are neither portable nor easy to move around the garage compared to aluminium because they corrode and are heavier.
General Metal Benefits
Metal cabinets are wonderful because they can endure the temperature swings and humidity levels found in a garage.
A high-quality metal cabinet with a good finish should not rust.
Both excessive humidity and water will not cause them to distort, and neither will extremes in temperature.
Most metal storage units will also be stain- and chemical-proof.
General Drawbacks Associated With Metal
The high price tag is undoubtedly the major drawback of high-quality steel cabinets.
These cabinets would look great in my garage if they weren't so expensive.
Aluminium storage cabinets are likewise attractive, but it's tough to rationalise spending so much on them since they lack a protective surface when used in a garage.
Some brands of mid-range steel cabinets can be found at a discount, but they are not likely to be of high quality.
We should expect a lot more cheap, one-wall cabinets made in factories. In an effort to keep production costs down, several manufacturers may use subpar hardware to assemble these cabinets.
Most of these manufacturers also offer subpar drawer construction and a limited selection of cabinets.
Plastic
Very low-priced and easy to carry.
Although plastic has its uses for short-term storage, it can't withstand the rigours of regular use.
It's fragile and won't last long. The unpredictability of the plastic means that even it can shatter.
Metal cabinets are built to last, but they are also rather hefty. While wood cabinets are similarly hardy and long-lasting, they may rot or distort if left outside in wet conditions for too long.
Likewise, while plastic storage units have the advantage of being lightweight and convenient to move, they may not be as long-lasting as their metal or wood counterparts.
Which kind of cabinet will best fit your needs? The answer lies in your requirements and tastes.
Metal cabinets are a great option if you need a lot of storage and want something that will last a long time.
Wood cabinets are a great option if you like a more rustic aesthetic or are on a tight budget. However, if you're looking for something lightweight and cost-effective, plastic cabinets are your best bet.
People who place a premium on appearance typically choose wood for their garage or workstation, despite the fact that it can warp from moisture and has less holding power than metal.
Metal cabinets make it simpler to hang larger items, but cheap ones can rust or dent quickly.
Metal cabinets built to industrial standards are usually the best bet for garage storage, especially in more severe regions with higher humidity.
The combination of plastic's resistance to extreme temperatures and its light weight make it a convenient material for many uses.
It can withstand spills and stains better than other surfaces but can still be damaged if mistreated.
Other Garage Cabinet Materials
Stone
Although natural stone retains its form even in severe environments, it is more challenging to work with than metals or plastics.
People who want a marble counter in the kitchen or an antique look in the garage without worrying about breaking or rust often choose stone countertops because they are typically protected against staining and liquids.
Stainless Steel
While stainless steel cabinets are durable and won't rust easily, they can be heavy and difficult to move.
But, on the other hand, they are sleek and simple to maintain.
MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard)
MDF, or medium-density fibreboard, is a form of wood that isn't readily dented and is resistant to moisture.
So it's possible that MDF, which readily sticks and receives various sorts of paint well, is the ideal option if you're seeking something simple to paint.
It's also scratch- and moisture-resistant, performing well in both environments.
Aluminium
Considering Aluminium's small weight, aluminium cabinets were designed to be installed inside portable trailers.
In addition to being rust-resistant, durable, and aesthetically pleasing, it is an excellent material for garage storage cabinets.
Most aluminium storage units will have an anodised coating.
An anodised treatment improves corrosion resistance and gives manufacturers more colour options, but it does nothing to prevent cabinet scratches or increase the unit's overall robustness.
Moreover, you should know that aluminium is a soft metal so it won't be quite as robust as steel.
However, you only need the slightest of knocks to damage your storing system.
In many aspects, aluminium is superior to other materials. You don't have to worry about rust or corrosion with this.
It is inexpensive and lightweight, with excellent durability.
The advantages of these cabinets are most apparent in a few key settings.
Low-Maintenance, Sturdy, and Reasonably Priced
You'll end up saving cash by installing these cabinets.
We promise that they will last a lifetime even under the rigours of regular use.
In addition, they are simple to disinfect. To remove dust or grime, merely wipe it away. They may be cleaned in any standard household detergent.
Use in a Wide Variety of Settings
These versatile cabinets can be used in many settings, including new or old residences, hot or cold climates, high or low humidity, and dry conditions.
As a result, they can be used in various situations.
Need Help In Choosing The Best Garage Cabinet For You?
StorageSmart offers the perfect garage storage cabinet for your needs.
We offer a comprehensive range of garage storage cabinets to help you organise your garage.
Our cabinets are modular, so they can be customised to fit your specific needs, and they're made from high-quality materials that will last for years. Learn more about our cabinets at StorageSmart today!
Conclusion
It is imperative that you select the appropriate material for your garage cabinets. Metal, wood, or plastic constitute the majority of the market.
Metal cabinets are built to last, although they are typically quite heavy due to their construction. If you prefer an old-fashioned look but are working with a limited budget, wood cabinets are a good choice to consider.
Cabinets made of plastic are your best bet if what you're searching for is something that's not just affordable but also lightweight.
MDF, which stands for medium density fibreboard, is a type of wood that is not easily dented and resistant to moisture effects.
It is a wonderful material for garage storage cabinets since it is not only resistant to corrosion but also sturdy and attractive to the eye.
While cabinets made of stainless steel are long-lasting and resistant to rust, they are also notoriously heavy and difficult to relocate. Aluminium cabinets were developed specifically for use as fixtures within transportable trailers.
Content Summary
- Cabinets for the garage are an important component of efficient organisation.
- You probably use your garage to store various things, from seasonal decorations to lawn equipment, just like most other homeowners do.
- A garage that is neatly organised is more useful and looks wonderful when it's done.
- Because of this, it is essential to choose the most appropriate material for your garage cabinets.
- Metal, wood, and plastic are the three materials most frequently used for the construction of garage cabinets.
- Wood cabinets are versatile since they can be painted or stained to match virtually any interior design.
- However, in comparison to the other types of cabinets, they are the ones that can be taken apart with the least amount of difficulty.
- Strong and able to survive the passage of time as well as the effects of the environment.
- Cabinets made of metal are often constructed of steel or aluminium.
- However, in comparison to aluminium toolboxes, steel toolboxes are less portable and more difficult to move around the garage due to the fact that steel toolboxes corrode and are heavier.
- Aluminium is the prefered material for usage in the construction of metal cabinets due to the material's low weight and excellent durability.
- Aluminium of a quality suitable for aerospace and military usage is sourced for the construction of our cabinets.
- Extremely cheap and convenient to transport.
- Plastic may have some use for temporary storage, but it is not durable enough to sustain the demands of routine use.
- It is easily broken and won't last for very long.
- Metal cabinets are built to last, but they are typically quite heavy due to their robust construction.
- Even though wood cabinets are similarly durable and long-lasting, they run the risk of rotting or warping if they are kept outside in moist conditions for an extended period of time.
- Plastic storage containers, on the other hand, may not be as long-lasting as their metal or wooden equivalents, despite the fact that they are more portable and lightweight than their metal and wooden counterparts.
- What kind of cabinet would be most suitable for your requirements?
- The answer depends on your preferences and the conditions you're looking for.
- Metal cabinets are a wonderful option to consider if you need a lot of storage space and are looking for something that will last a long time.
- Natural stone is more difficult to deal with than materials such as metals or plastics, despite the fact that it can maintain its shape even in harsh situations.
- People who want the look of marble in their kitchen or an antique look in their garage but don't want to worry about cracking or rusting frequently pick stone countertops because they are often protected against staining and liquids. Stone countertops also look great in any room of the house.
- However, despite their longevity and resistance to corrosion, cabinets made of stainless steel can be quite heavy and difficult to relocate.
- On the other hand, they are sophisticated and need little effort to keep clean.
- MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard)
- MDF, which stands for medium-density fibreboard, is a type of wood that is resistant to moisture and does not dent easily.
- If you are looking for something that is simple to paint, then it's conceivable that MDF is the best option for you because it readily adheres to paint and accepts different kinds of paint effectively.
- In addition, it is resistant to scratches and wetness, functioning exceptionally well in both of these conditions.
- Because aluminium is such a lightweight material, cabinets made of aluminium were developed specifically to be fitted inside of portable trailers.
- It is a wonderful material for garage storage cabinets since it is not only resistant to corrosion but also sturdy and attractive to the eye.
- An anodized finish can be expected to be present on the majority of aluminium storage cabinets.
- An anodized treatment strengthens the unit's corrosion resistance and gives manufacturers a wider range of colour possibilities; nevertheless, it does nothing to protect the cabinet from scratches or make the device more robust overall.
- You should also be aware that aluminium is a soft metal, which means that it will not be quite as sturdy as steel. This is something that you should keep in mind.
- On the other hand, all it takes is the least bump for your storage system to become compromised.
- Aluminium excels in performance when compared to a variety of other materials.
- When it comes to this, you won't have to be concerned about rust or corrosion.
- It has a low price point, is not overly heavy, and has outstanding durability.
- The benefits of these cabinets become most obvious in a select few locations and configurations.
- Installing these cabinets will ultimately result in cost savings for you.
- Even if they are put through the wringer consistently, we guarantee they will last a lifetime.
- In addition to that, it is not difficult to sterilise them.
- Simply wiping something down will get rid of any dirt or grime.
FAQ About Garage Cabinets
Is It Cheaper To Build Or Buy Garage Cabinets?
So, to answer the question, it's going to be cheaper to build your own garage cabinets – only if you already have everything it will take to do so. If you have zero experience, then buying them already built and having an expert install them is your only option.
Should Garage Cabinets Be Off The Floor?
How high should garage cabinets be off the floor? Generally speaking, to get all of the benefits of having your garage cabinets off the floor, you should count on keeping them about 4.5″ above the garage floor.
What's The Best Wood To Make Cabinets Out Of?
The 5 best and most popular woods for kitchen cabinets are pine, oak, hickory, cherry, and maple. Pine, oak, and hickory are cheaper and easier to get. Cherry and maple look luxurious and cost more than the others. All 5 work well in the kitchen's hot and humid environment.
How Deep Should Storage Cabinets Be?
Standard wall cabinets (sometimes referred to as “upper cabinets”) are 12 inches deep; standard base (below-counter) cabinets are 24 inches deep. But these days says Scott, more companies are making wall cabinets 15 inches deep, which gives more storage space.
What Is The Most Durable Wood For Cabinets?
Cherry and maple wood cabinets are the most durable for a long life span. There are two types of wood you can craft your cabinets with, broad-leafed, hard trees and soft trees. Hard trees yield birch, oak, maple, cherry, and hickory cabinets. Meanwhile, soft trees yield pine, spruce, and cedar cabinetry.