Storage cabinets with doors are a popular garage storage solution because, by their very nature, they can mask unsightly home maintenance items we need to store. Typically, garage storage cabinets are used to house items like cleaning supplies and leftover paint – that is, items that can look like a cluttered jumble if left on an open shelf. Some homeowners opt for lockable storage cabinets to house toxic items, especially if there are children in the home (see example below).

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Because garage storage cabinets are enclosed, the interior space can contain more than a simple shelf. They can be subdivided into “cubbies” (useful when you want to maintain separation between items or different groups of items) or you might equip your shelves with drawers (as shown below) to organize smaller items like hardware or craft supplies.

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A cabinet that stands on the floor and is over five or six feet in height is sometimes called a “closet” rather than a storage cabinet.  This type of storage unit might not have shelves at all; instead, the entire vertical space might be left open (designed to store garden tools or sports equipment) or equipped with a hanging bar across the top (useful, perhaps, for storing bulky off-season clothing). Here is an example of this type of storage cabinet / closet on Amazon.

When Are Storage Cabinets Better Choice Than Shelves?

Storage cabinets are typically a more expensive solution than shelves, so when should you spend the extra money and opt to use them instead of garage shelving?  There are three main reasons:

To Hide Clutter.  A set of shelves where all sorts of “stuff” is left visible is simply not aesthetically pleasing. Some people don’t care how their garages look; others do. There’s not one right-or-wrong answer, of course, but the reality is storage cabinets make garage look more organized and tidy.

To Protect Items from the Elements.  Garages are seldom heated or air conditioned.  Often doors are left open for long periods of time, and cars drive in wet from rain or snow. Given these environmental considerations (not to mention dirt, insects or other vermin), some of your items in storage may need protection. 

For Safety’s Sake. Some commonly stored items really shouldn’t be left readily accessible — toxic chemicals, sharp tools or BB guns, for example — especially if there are children living in or visiting your home. For these items, lockable storage cabinets are strongly recommended.

Important Note: The images above are from Amazon.com, and clicking them will present pricing information and customer comments about the individual products for your perusal. The products featured on GarageCabinetSense.com are some of our favorite garage organization solutions and, as you’ll see in the customer reviews, they’re well-liked by others, too.

If you prefer, you can also click this link >>>– garage storage cabinets and organization –<<< for a more inclusive list of Amazon’s offerings.

If you want to start a fight, just say which brand of garage cabinets YOU think is best! I have my preferences, but, bottom line, there are brands that might meet your particular needs better. We’ll mention the leaders here to give your search for “the perfect garage cabinet” a jump start.

Another consideration along this same line is whether you’ll need help installing your garage cabinets. That’s often much easier to arrange with a local retail store. Alternatively, you might want to simply use a service such as craigslist to find a handyman to help with the installation since buying online often allows significant cost savings. The infographic below — a slide from a presentation about Amazon.com — illustrates that point quite effectively:

As promised, here are the major / leading brands you should consider, along with a bit of commentary and a link to a representative cabinet on Amazon or another website, if available. (The “$” amount in parentheses represents an estimate of street costs for a middle-sized wall cabinet.) We’re of the mind that organization and space utilization is the primary consideration; that is, a “garage cabinet” can be simply a cabinet in the garage; it does not have to be something exotic or expensive. On the other hand, there are some wonderful specialty cabinets to be had and almost surely something for everyone, whatever your needs or preferences.

• Ameriwood – Ameriwood is known for kitchen and bathroom cabinets, but they make “multi-purpose cabinets” that work just fine in the garage. ($150)

• Closet-Maid – Again, this company makes all sorts of storage products for inside the house (and closets) as well as wire and laminate products (white melamine, too) for the garage. ($150)

• Coleman – Coleman makes private labeled cabinets for Lowe’s and Builder’s Square. Some Coleman products are metal, but many are MDF, so be sure to check. ($160)

• Craftsman – The store-brand for Sears, known for tools, it’s not a surprise that Craftsman also sells garage cabinets, workbenches, and floor cabinets with tool-storage drawers. Most Craftsman models are made from heavy-duty steel construction with baked enamel finish. ($140)

• Frontgate – Yes, this is the same Frontgate that makes beautiful furniture for your house. They have a line of steel garage cabinets, one with glass panels on the front doors. A bit pricey, but also nice. ($ N/A)

• Gladiator GarageWorks – This modular garage storage system includes several different components (some that utilize a slot wall system which allows easy rearrangement and addition of new components if/when needs change). Like Frontgate, cabinets can be equipped with casters as shown in the Amazon image to the left.

• Hercke – a collection of stainless steel and baked steel cabinets, drawers, and work surfaces — some on legs, some on wheels and a real mix ‘n match set of possibilities. ($219)

• Husky – Available at Home Depot. Some are all steel construction and some are advertised as “metal front” – the latter being resin (synthetic) cabinets with metal doors. ($150 for the all steel; $80 for “metal front”)

• Powell – the “hot rod collection” includes steel cabinets and a butcher block workbench. ($250)

• PremiereGarage – garage storage solutions delivered by a nationwide network of specialty shops – and solutions range from custom-designed layouts to “standard cabinets” in a host of materials from maple to stainless to “powder-coated” (whatever that means) to melamine “cabinetry systems.”

• Ulti-Mate – Two lines – Ulti-Mate and Ulti-Mate Pro, the latter being optimized for auto enthusiasts. Ulti-Mate cabinets are constructed from MDF with solid hardware and nice finishes. Middle-of the road options. ($120 – $185)

• Vault – An upscale provider of garage storage systems.

If you prefer, you can also click this link >>>– garage storage cabinets and organization –<<< for a more inclusive list of Amazon’s offerings.