As the go-to spot for keeping equipment and supplies, garages demand smart approaches to storage. It can create frustrating organizing problems, especially when you use it to park the car. When shelving becomes impractical, using a slat wall system creates space efficiency going up rather than out.
Slatwall panels have evolved quite a bit from the basic systems seen in retail stores. Manufacturers are offering more versatile products to outfit any garage with easy to use, high quality systems.
We researched the best slatwall systems on the market to bring you our top picks for outfitting your garage. Slatwall models were assessed based on the following criteria:
- Material quality and durability.
- Ease of installation.
- Ease of maintenance.
- Storage and weight capacity.
- Sizing versatility.
COMPARISON CHART
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
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Pegboard Organizer Wall
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Gladiator – GAWP042PBY
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Proslat 88102 Heavy Duty PVC Slatwall
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Maple Slatwall Panels
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Slatwall Display Panels
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Specification
| Colors | Black, white, blue, grey, green, yellow, orange |
| Material | Galvanized steel |
| Weight | 29 lbs. |
| Dimensions | 48×32 in. |
| Compatibility | ¼” pegs, slotted Wall Control hangers |
This organizer from Wall Control is a modern update on the classic pegboard setup. The galvanized steel panels are marketed as 10x stronger than conventional designs. Powder-coating on the frame adds durability and rust-resistance, making up for the relatively poor climate control in most garages.
The conventional design allows you to use most standard ¼” pegs. The wall slots for Wall Control slotted peg accessories expands the storage options. With slot pegs able to handle a variety of hooks, shelves, hanging bars and holders, users have endless possible configurations to fit their needs.
WHAT WE LIKE
Wall Control’s Pegboard Organizer is versatile in use and style. With the wide range of Wall Control accessories, you can set up general shelving and containers or specialty holders to ensure everything is secure. The huge array of colors allows you to add flare to function, letting you express your artistic side a little.
Installation is easy enough, with four-foot shelves being light enough to easily mount into studs or drywall on studs. From there, you can add accessories to build out your organization. The steel panel is also magnetic, giving you even more ways of securing your items.
PROS
- Sleek look and wide variety of available color options.
- Magnetic metal broadens storage possibilities.
- Can hold small or large tools without sagging.
- Lifetime warranty.
CONS
- Not ideal for filling entire walls.
- Corners bend easily.
Specification
| Colors | White |
| Material | Composite |
| Weight | 17 lbs. |
| Dimensions | 48×12 in. |
| Compatibility | Gladiator track accessories |
The interlocking panels that Gladiator offers provide organization flexibility and heavy duty hold. Panels are rated to hold up to 50 lbs per square ft. The 2-foot tall panels are both light and interlocking, creating a seamless look when customizing the size of your wall coverage. Installation is easy for even one person, as these lightweight panels can drop into studs or anchored on drywall.
The Gladiator system can hold any small tools or large items like storage cabinets and bicycles. The brand sports a huge array of hanging accessories, with bins, shelves, cabinets and hooks of all shapes and sizes able to accommodate any household item.
WHAT WE LIKE
The composite material used in the Gladiator slatwall system will not rust like metal or wear like wood. Its sturdy build ensures that none of your valued items are at risk of falling.
The smaller panel size not only makes life easier for the installer but also gives you customizable sizing. You can use just a few panels for space behind a workbench, or use panels to fill out the whole wall. The tongue-and-groove edges make adding extra lengths quick and pain-free.
PROS
- Friction-locked accessories hold tight but can be easily rearranged.
- Durable through humidity and temperature fluctuations.
CONS
- Only works with Gladiator accessories.
- Only one color option.
Specification
| Colors | Charcoal, white, light gray, sandstone |
| Material | PVC |
| Weight | 47 lbs. |
| Dimensions | 96×48 in., 48×48 in. |
| Compatibility | Proslat track accessories |
Like Gladiator, Proslat applies a thoughtful, updated method to a standard design. The 8×4 and 4×4 ft. slatwall options are constructed of high-grade, impact-resistant PVC made from 90 percent recycled materials. Intelligent design in the weight disbursement of hanging loads allows for maximum storage capacity.
The panels are easy to install and sleek to the eye thanks to hidden hardware and stylish trim. When installed, the whole system is low maintenance, as the PVC material stays resilient against moisture and the elements while staying easy to clean.
WHAT WE LIKE
The Proslat slatwall system follows many of the same design principles as the Gladiator system. Like Gladiator, the material is mold and mildew resistant. The assortment of accessories can also be rearranged and adjusted easily along the runs. However, the lifetime warranty and higher 75 lbs. per linear square ft. weight capacity give Proslat a distinct edge in those categories.
The panels are actually made of smaller, interlocking runs, with one 4×4 ft. section consisting of 10 individual pieces. This offers more configuration possibilities to fit the unique layout of your garage walls. Plus, if you have windows or doors to work around, you can easily cut and form pieces with a jigsaw or oscillating saw.
PROS
- Modular and expandable to fit any wall.
- High weight capacity of panels and hanging accessories.
- High-quality, durable steel accessories.
- Lifetime warranty.
CONS
- Only works with proprietary hanging accessories.
Specification
| Colors | Maple |
| Material | MDF |
| Weight | 40 lbs. |
| Dimensions | 48×24 in. |
| Compatibility | Standard slatwall accessories |
Maple slatwall panels from Only Garment Racks are retail-style hanging racks you can use for garage storage. The panels are lightweight, easy to install and an excellent value option when you need to organize the overflow. Made from MDF, the material is a cost-effective solution that is less prone to warping and cracking than wood under fluctuating temperatures.
WHAT WE LIKE
Low-tech benefits users because these panels actually sport a 3” on center track, the standard size for the majority of accessories. This relieves the common headache of being limited to a single brand for all of your hanging needs.
Even though it is not quite as versatile as some other brands, the practical sizing works for most applications. The 2-foot tall sections can interlock to create a flowing run all the way to the top of your garage wall. This makes installation stress-free, and all you need is to drill it into studs or drywall to have a working system.
PROS
- Works with standard slatwall accessories for a huge range of hanging options.
- Easy installation into studs or drywall anchors.
- Affordable price point.
CONS
- Relatively low weight capacity.
- Low configuration versatility.
Specification
| Colors | Cherry |
| Material | Composite wood |
| Weight | 46 lbs |
| Dimensions | 48×24 in. |
| Compatibility | Standard slatwall accessories |
Like the maple slatwall, Retail Resource’s cherry finish slatwall systems are an efficient solution for managing garage storage. The standard sizing and design allows you to fill out as much of your wall as you need, with installation taking only a few minutes.
WHAT WE LIKE
The industry standard sizing opens up the largest number of available brands to find the right hooks, bins, shelves and other accessories. With an attractive cherry finish, this sturdy material will add elegance and function to your space.
PROS
- Fits standard track accessories.
- Simple installation into studs or drywall.
- Aesthetic, natural cherry finish.
CONS
- Relatively low weight capacity.
- Not as durable as other options.
What Makes a Good Tool Hanging System Great?
The two key distinguishing features of good systems and great systems are strength and accessories. The best slatwall systems are dependable, able to hold a heavy amount of tools and gear without fear of dropping.
To make sure you will have the versatility to accommodate all of the odd equipment you may need to store at any time, research the variety and quality of accessories that work with each system. The wider the range of available hangers, buckets, bins and hooks, the more capable it will be of safely and efficiently storing your stuff.
When you find a collection of sturdy shelving systems, you need to map out your walls and plan your storage. Which slatwall system can best fit your space? Does it have the functionality to store what you need?
Finally, consider how you need to install it. Drilling into drywall for support is a lot different than exposed studs, and each slatwall manufacturer has their preferred methods. Make sure the slatwall system you choose is compatible with your garage’s structure.
What Should You Consider When Buying Garage Wall Panels?
They may seem simple, but the technology behind slatwall panels has come a long way. You will be faced with a lot of different options, each with their own advantages. Consider the following seven factors when choosing the best slatwall system for your garage:
- Material quality and durability.
- Wall area to cover.
- Needed storage space.
- Load capacity.
- Ease of installation and use.
- Variety and quality of hanging accessories.
- Cost.
Our Top Slatwall System Pick
Because of its distinctly heavy-duty and versatile metal frame backed by a manufacturer’s lifetime warranty, the Pegboard Organizer Wall emerges victorious among the competing systems. This system is perfectly designed to handle most storage needs, with long-lasting durability built for garage climates.
For more information on choosing the right slatwall system for your garage and equipment, contact us today.
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