The Garage Wall Upgrade That's The Solution To All Your Storage Problems

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Big or small, garages sometimes don't feel large enough to fit everything you need or want. The trick is to make the best use of the space you have, and you can do that by putting your walls to work. But rather than drill numerous nails into your walls, making your garage look more cluttered than organized, you could invest in a slatwall upgrade. You've probably seen slatwalls while shopping, especially in clothing stores. Similar to pegboards, they use slats or grooves instead of holes to hang items.

You can hang shelves, hooks, and even baskets from slatwalls. This makes them ideal for storing a myriad of garage items, from tools to bicycles. They allow you to get things off of the ground and counters, giving you more space for your vehicle and lawn mower, as well as for working on projects. Slatwalls will solve your storage problems and help you stay organized. Installing your own slatwall doesn't have to be expensive, and it's pretty easy to do with some time and the right tools — just cut the slatwall sheets to the size(s) you need. Of course, if you're doing the entire garage, you'll be investing more time and money than if you're doing only one wall. 

To prep for the project, ensure you have enough space to work, clean and wash your garage walls, and gather your materials. You'll want a strong glue to attach the slats to the wall. You can also screw your slat panels in place, or use a combination of glue and screws, offering greater stability.

If you're ready to do a garage overhaul and think a slatwall is the right choice for your space, you'll want to pick the right material for the things you plan to hang. Slatwalls are available in different materials; some support heavier objects better than others. Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) is the most affordable option and one of the two most commonly used in garages and homes. It's not ideal for very heavy objects, but it works well for organizing small tools. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a better choice since it is more durable. It is also moisture-resistant, unlike MDF, so you can worry less about mold – and you definitely want to protect your garage from mold growth. While you may be able to hang some heavier tools on PVC, it won't support excessive weight. If you want to go the professional route and hang heavy tools, bicycles, and other bulkier things, metal is your best choice. This is your most expensive option and isn't easy to DIY. 

Expect an investment, regardless of the route you choose. You can buy slatwalls at The Home Depot or your local hardware store. For under $300, you can get enough NewAge Products PVC Slatwall Panels to cover 40 square feet. If you're working with a smaller space, you can get a two-panel GarageEscape MDF Slatwall Panel pack for under $125. These panels are the best way to maximize a small garage and better organize storage in a large one.