Buyer’s Guide: 4 Best Ceiling Mounted Storage Racks

The best garages often have excellent organization, which means ample storage space that is also easy to access. However, when the wall space is no longer available, the next option is probably to use the ceiling. 

Keeping this in mind, we spent hours researching and checking out the best ceiling storage in the market. Allow us to present the 4 best ceiling-mounted storage racks for your consideration.

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Our Top Picks

Best Value	Best Price	Best Feature
Great performance, with a great price SunsGrove 4X8 Feet Overhead Garage Storage System	Most wallet-friendly option HyLoft 45X45 Inch Overhead Storage System	Best performance, with prices secondary. MonsterRax Overhead Garage Storage System

How Do We Select the Storage Racks?

Size: Most homes and small garages are not too big. Most garages may be able to fit two cars, and that is pretty much it. Ceilings may also vary in height, meaning some garages may have shorter ceilings and much more space; they can construct a loft. 

This means when we select storage racks, we try to look for racks with multiple sizes and heights. This helps make it easier for you to pick the right size and height and install them in your home garage. 

Installation: Despite our interest in DIY, most of us may not have the ability or tools to perform complicated installation processes. Most home garage owners probably just want a more straightforward ceiling storage system that is affordable, easy to maintain, and not jam-packed with features.

Keeping this in mind, we try to recommend ceiling-mounted storage racks that require only a simple installation process. Aside from one or two power tools, such as a drill, or a wrench, you probably do not need anything else to install these racks. 

We also look for light racks with simpler surfaces to make cleaning and maintenance easier. You will not see us recommending fancy storage racks with over-the-top features, such as racks that can be lowered with remote control or other things like that. 

Pricing & Cost: In many cases, small, home-based garages are set up as a way to store things or indulge in occasional projects. This means the garage will not be making much money for you.

On top of that, suppose you have just started engaging in your projects. You may find yourself needing tools. This means you need to allocate more funds to purchase these tools. 

You want to keep things cheap on the ceiling storage rack. You definitely do not need anything over the top, just a storage system that can help you store items well and free up the wall and floor space in your garage. 

Aside from more affordable storage racks, we also recommend ceiling-mounted storage systems with better long-term costing. They are affordable yet are made of sturdy materials and are finished in ways that may slow down things such as rust.

Best Ceiling Mounted Storage Racks

HyLoft 45X45 Inch Overhead Storage System

HyLoft racks come in multiple colors, such as black and white. You can easily powder coat them if you prefer a custom color. 

This makes HyLoft different and may be more suitable for your garage, depending on the storage requirements. You may get HyLofts in a standard 45 X 45 inches (114 X 114 CM approx.)

The installation process is also relatively simple. You first assemble the rack before drilling holes in the ceiling and securing the frame to the ceiling. You should need only a drill and a wrench. The package comes with all the nuts and bolts to fasten the rack. 

You can also add a lot of customization on your racks when ordering. These things help to either improve your rack’s aesthetics or add some additional functions to your racks.

You can start by looking at the custom boxes they offer. These boxes are made to fit nicely into the storage racks, meaning you do not need to worry about buying boxes or boxes that do not fit into the racks. 

If you are concerned about climbing a ladder to access the racks, you can always lower the rack. In this case, you can do so with HyLoft. You can order a manual pulley system to lower the racks to your height. 

Pulley systems might be handy if you have balancing issues such as Vertigo or back issues. You don’t want to carry loads while on the ladder. 

However, HyLoft isn’t a 100% perfect ceiling rack. One issue we have with it is the lower weight limit. The rack can handle only up to 250 pounds (68KG) of weight, meaning you can’t really load it up like other racks listed here. We suppose this is the trade-off you make to have the ability to install a pulley system. 

Aside from that, we are a little concerned about the wires used to form the surface, as they look a little thin. They may start to rust and break faster if the powder coating wears out. The sharp edges on the racks are a little concerning as well. We suggest angle grinding it slightly to dull the edges before installing it. 

Why We Like This: Flexibility. This is probably the most customizable ceiling-mounted storage system on this list. You can adjust the height and pick up custom boxes to fit well into the racks. You can even spec up the storage system by installing a pulley system to lower or raise the storage racks. 

MonsterRax Overhead Garage Storage System

If you are looking for a more comprehensive storage solution with capacity that allows you to load in some serious weight, check out MonsterRax. On the surface, the ceiling rack looks like a serious contender. The frames feel thick and sturdy. And bolts and nuts look reliable, and it gives you that sense of confidence. 

The confidence is warranted, as the rack can handle up to 500 pounds (226KG) of serious weight. On top of that, MonsterRax is confident about its racking system. They even give you additional hooks to hang things under the rack. 

In fact, if you look at their promotional images, you can see bicycles and heavier stuff hooked on the rack. This shows that MonsterRax is a rugged rack that can handle a lot. 

The MonsterRax comes in multiple colors, such as black and white. You can easily powder coat them if you prefer a custom color. Installation should also be a straightforward affair. You assemble the rack before taking measurements, drilling holes, and securing the frame to the ceiling. 

The MonsterRax’s legs are also adjustable, from 12 to 45 inches (30 to 114 CM). The rack is 4 X 8 feet (121 X 242CM) in width and length.

If we are to try to find some issues with the rack, we are slightly concerned about the wires used on the rack surface. They will need some care, and then, as if rust made its way into them, they will rust and break quickly.

We are also concerned about the edges of these racks, which may be a little sharp. Some angle grinding and powder coating should deal with this, though.

Why We Like This: This ceiling system may work for those looking to store larger items since it has a larger footprint. The legs are also adjustable, and the mesh surface helps provide a good surface while keeping the rack lightweight. The rack also has about 20 hooks of multiple designs to hang your things under the rack.

SafeRacks 4X8 Feet Overhead Garage Storage System

Saferacks do not differ too much from MonsterRax. It is 4 X 8 feet (121 X 242CM) in width and length, comes in black or white color, and has adjustable legs.

But what it wins on is the additional weight load capacity. If MonsterRax can handle 500 pounds (226KG), you can further load up the Saferacks. It can deal with up to 600 lbs (272KG) of weight. 

You can see this additional load capacity on the frames. They can be thicker and sturdier than many of the ceiling racks here. They also come in holes that allow you to adjust the leg height and hook things underneath the rack. 

The storage legs can be adjustable, allowing adjustments from 12 to 45 inches (30 to 114 CM). This will enable you to maximize the storage rack to your ceiling height. You can store taller things up the racks if you have a high garage ceiling.

The installation process is also pretty straightforward. You first assemble the rack before drilling holes in the ceiling and securing the frame to the ceiling. You should need only a drill and a wrench. The package comes with all the nuts and bolts to fasten the rack.

If we were to find some issues with Saferacks, we would complain about two things. First is that it does not have doors or paneling, meaning everything you store there will be visible. This means it may look messy, and things may be exposed to dust. You will need to find boxes or bags to store items up here. 

The other is that the edges are not rounded but kept a little sharp. This may be a bit of a bad idea, as it may scratch things easily, or your clothes or skin may get caught on it and bleed. It may be an excellent idea to dull the edges with an angle grinder and follow up with powder coating to avoid rusting.

Why We Like This: This ceiling rack system can handle some serious weight. The thicker mesh surface helps to provide a good surface and may deteriorate slower than finer mesh surfaces. The legs are also adjustable and may fit into various ceiling heights. 

SunsGrove 4X8 Feet Overhead Garage Storage System

If you are looking to really pile up stuff on your storage rack, you have to check out SunsGrove. 

When you look at the racks, this thing screams, ‘load me up.’ The rack frames are thick, sturdy, and tough. The holes in the frames help with adjustment and hooking up things. 

The storage surfaces are not steel wires but bars, similar to what you see on drain covers. This gives the whole ceiling rack an air of toughness. This is proven by its weight capacity. The SunsGrove handles up to 750 lbs (340KG) weight, which is the most of all the racks here. 

The legs on the SunsGrove are also adjustable, from 12 to 45 inches (30 to 114 CM). The rack is 4 X 8 feet (121 X 242CM) in width and length. This means you can maximize your storage space vertically. If your garage has a high ceiling, you can store more stuff.

Installation is similar to other racks. You first assemble and bolt in the racks. Then you drill holes in the ceiling and get the bolts laid in. You finally hoist up the racks and secure them to the ceiling. No special tools are required. 

You may need to be careful about some potential issues with SunsGrove. First is the weight. Since it does not use wires but bars for its surface, it is heavier. It only comes in one color, black. SunsGrove also has the same issue with sharp edges with many racks here. You may need to grind down edges to dull it for safety. 

Why We Like This: This ceiling system comes in multiple sizes and configurations, making it flexible to fit into your garage. The legs are also adjustable. The ultra-thick rack surface makes it extra sturdy and should last much longer compared to mesh surfaces. It is also one the most heavy-duty racks on this list, able to handle up to 750 pounds (340KG) 

What To Look for When Buying Ceiling Mounted Storage Racks?

When shopping for ceiling-mounted storage racks, always check the weight capacity, installation, mesh thickness and surface finishing. You also want to check how much weight your ceiling can hold to avoid overbuying racks with storage capacity that your ceiling can’t even hold. 

Weight Capacity

Weight capacity refers to the weight your ceiling storage rack can handle before breaking or falling off the ceiling. The rule here is simple – the heavier the things you intend to store, the bigger the weight capacity you need. 

Telling a ceiling storage system’s weight capacity is simple. They are usually clearly stated on the packaging. The point here, however, is to understand that the maximum weight is usually achieved by loading the weight evenly across the storage surface.

If you plan to use up the storage capacity, ensure that you can load the weight across the rack surface. If you overload one side, you will likely break the rack.

Ceiling Load Capacity

Here’s the thing about ceiling storage racks, how much your racks can hold will depend on how much your ceiling can handle. This is because your frame is usually bolted to the ceiling, meaning your ceiling will be doing the holding work. 

This means before you even go shopping for any racks, you want to first determine how much weight can each of your ceiling beams hold. If you do not, you may risk overpaying and getting racks with weight capacity beyond what your ceilings can handle. 

Generally, suppose you refer to the International Residential Code (IRC). In that case, ceilings in single-story homes are only designed to support a constant load of 5 pounds per square foot. However, this may also depend on the joist, size grade, and species of lumber used to build the beams. 

This means you may need to work with a home builder to determine the actual weight capacity of your ceiling for a piece of mind. 

Installation 

Ceiling storage racks, in general, should be simple to install. Installation here refers to how you can assemble and then install the ceiling storage rack to the ceiling. You start by assembling the rack and then adjusting the suitable rack height. Then you take measurements between the rack legs. 

You then go to your ceiling, drill holes into the ceiling beams, and fasten in bolts. You hoist the rack and put a nut or two to secure the frame to the bolt. 

Installation can be more difficult if your storage rack has doors or comes with features such as systems to lower or raise the rack. 

Depending on your preference, installation skill, and budget, you may want to choose something that works for you. We will always recommend you install simple racks to save money and spare yourself the maintenance headaches later. 

Mesh Thickness

To save weight, most overhead storage racks usually use a wire mesh for the surface of the storage racks, keeping the solid steel for the mainframes. Wires allow rack makers to save costs and pass the savings down to you. 

However, when shopping, you also want to take note of the thickness and the finishing on these mesh wires, as they may deteriorate, get rusty and break. 

As a start, look for thicker, sturdier mesh wires. These should handle corrosion and rust better as time passes and are less likely to break. Another thing to look for is to observe the finishing on these wires. They should be best finished in a way that slows down rusting, such as powder coating, 

If you intend to store really heavy things, you may need to look for the thickest mesh you can find, for example, at the SunsGrove. These are basically bars and are sturdy enough to handle up to 750 pounds (340KG) of weight. 

Surface Finishing

What is steel’s biggest enemy? Rust. 

Rust breaks down the structural integrity of your ceiling storage racks. Aside from that, rust also causes your racks to be less able to handle the weight they were initially designed to. When shopping for your storage rack, ensure the finishing is good enough to protect your steel frames and mesh from resting. 

Most common steel ceiling-mounted storage racks are finished with powder coating, which is a reasonable and affordable choice for rust protection. If you can find any racks that claim to have an anti-rust coating applied, then even better. Some may come with chrome plating, which may also be a good idea. 

Before installing, you can also consider spraying an additional layer of clear coating on your storage racks to further protect it.

Bells & Whistles

If you are looking for storage racks that can do more than just store, you can check if the storage system has bells and whistles. These additional features usually help you achieve a better aesthetic look or make access easier. 

Some ceiling rack systems may come with customized boxes that will fit into the rack perfectly, meaning you will not waste space. Some may come with a manual pulley system that you can use to lower or raise the storage rack. 

If you genuinely like high-tech solutions, there are storage racks that come with a motorized system to lower and raise the storage racks. Some of these may even come with remote control.

You may indulge in these features if you want to but do ensure that you are ok with the higher initial purchase cost and potentially higher maintenance cost in the future. Racks with motors and remote-control systems may break down easier than a manual bolt-on system. 

FAQs About Garage Storage Racks

What Makes a Great Ceiling Mounted Storage Rack?

What makes a great ceiling-mounted storage rack can be very different to many people, as everyone has their own preferences. 

For example, those with a cheap, simple, and reliable system may go for the most affordable and sturdiest rack. Those not wanting to climb ladders to reach their racks may opt for systems with pulleys to lower or raise the racks.

However, suppose it is up to us. In that case, we recommend a sturdy, simple, and reliable rack with hooks that come at an affordable price. This is because they are usually convenient and easy to maintain over time. 

Do I Need a Motorized Ceiling Mounted Storage Rack?

Our answer would be it depends. This is because you may have your own preference on this subject. 

For example, suppose you have balancing issues such as Vertigo or back issues. This is because those with Vertigo may find using a ladder impossible. In that case, you can consider using a motorized ceiling rack.

If you have back issues such as pain, you may not want to use it too much to pick up stuff from the ceiling rack. You may better use motorized systems to lower the storage rack to your height to access it. 

However, if cost or efficiency is more important, we suggest you steer away from motorized racks. They are expensive to start with and may present more maintenance costs in the future, which may not be something you are keen to have.

For most of us, a simple ceiling rack will do, and we can always climb up a ladder to access what we need. 

Are Ceiling Mounted Storage Racks Safe?

Ceiling-mounted storage racks are usually safe, provided you install, use, and maintain them properly. 

Follow the installation guide, especially on how deep you drill your holes and how many bolts you use to secure the storage rack to the wall. Do not skimp on this; if you do not get it right, you will likely cause the rack to fall later. 

When you place your things on the ceiling rack, lay them out in the most balanced way possible. This is because these racks usually perform best if you do that. If you do not load the weights correctly, you run the risk of bending the racks or causing the heavier side to be damaged. 

Finally, you should maintain your ceiling racks properly. This means conducting occasional checks to observe for any signs of deterioration, such as loose nuts, dislodged bolts, or any rust on the structure and mesh of the rack. 

If you find any issues, address them immediately by resecuring the bolts and nuts or sanding away the rust. Quickly apply a paint layer to protect the surface.