We’re all for maximizing your garage space. It can be an overlooked area of your home, maybe just collecting “stuff” rather than being intentionally used. 

More and more homeowners in the Central Valley today are going back to the drawing board, often starting with their floors. Our concrete coating division, for example, is super popular. Covering cold, dirty concrete with a stylish, ultra-durable coating is a huge step toward making your garage feel and look finished. All without losing an ounce of practicality (in fact, the right floor coating makes your floor more practical than ever). 

Today, let’s look at storage. Before you buy stackable totes and spend a weekend sorting, it might be time to consider a more permanent solution: garage cabinets. 

First, Think Through Your Garage Storage Needs

Before anything else, think about your goals for the space. Not just aesthetic goals, but functional goals too. Do you have an extensive collection of tools? Is your family involved in multiple sports? Or perhaps you've picked up fishing and need space for your gear? 

What you need to store (both the quantity and type of stuff) can help guide the decision-making process. 

What Should You Look for in a Garage Cabinet System?

Here are a few key factors to keep in mind:

• Strength & Durability. You need something robust that won’t break, buckle, or get easily scratched. 
• Resistance to Environmental Factors. Our environment and climate aren’t easy on your surfaces. Finishes like powder-coating offer a durable layer that's scratch and stain-resistant, retaining its color over years.
• Enclosure & Protection. A fully enclosed cabinet offers multiple benefits. It provides strength, ensures lesser moisture penetration, reduces dust accumulation, and minimizes pest access.
• Eco-Friendly Materials. Selecting cabinets made from sustainable wood and eco-friendly finishes is important. And these materials aren’t just good for the planet; they're often higher in quality too.

Can You Use Regular Kitchen Cabinets in a Garage?

You might be tempted to repurpose older kitchen cabinets for garage storage, or buy some new ones from a big box store. You could, but here’s the thing: standard kitchen cabinets aren’t designed for the unique challenges presented by a garage environment. 

Firstly, kitchen cabinets are usually painted or thermofoil (wrapped in laminate). Neither option is a good fit for a garage space because of the higher level of wear and tear. They might look good for a while, but very likely won’t last. 



An even bigger issue? Typical kitchen cabinets lack the durability needed to hold loads of tools, equipment, and other garage-specific items. That’s just not what they’re built for.

Our Recommendation? Powder Coated Cabinets Designed for Garages

Here are a few key takeaways:

• Look for “dado joints.” This special construction method allows the load to be dispersed along the entire length of the panel, meaning that the load-bearing capacity is much higher than it is for traditional cabinetry. 
• Look for a “fully enclosed” design. The cabinet box should be enclosed on all sides (no open backing), and EVERY side should be powder coated. This keeps the contents safer and cleaner, plus is much more durable overall (more dado joints are involved when it’s fully enclosed).
• Look for powder coating. This is a totally different, specialized process that offers amazing durability and moisture resistance. That’s a win-win for a garage space.
• Look for wood. You might assume that metal is better, but it’s actually harder to clean, prone to scratching, heavy, and doesn’t get along well with moisture. HDF and MDF wood is a better (and more environmentally-friendly) option. 

Have More Questions About Garage Floor Coatings or Storage Solutions in the Central Valley?

Contact us at Lancaster Painting. We’re here to help and would love to walk you through your options.