Armitage
Armitage HalfDork
12/24/14 10:00 a.m.

I recently scored a whole bunch of steel cabinets from the office during some cube farm renovation they were doing. I plan to hang them in my garage along the front wall, replacing my existing crummy mesh shelves. My question to the collective is this:

a) Install at eye-level for easy access to contents b) Install at just above head-level for concussion-free operation

Thanks!

cmcgregor
cmcgregor New Reader
12/24/14 10:07 a.m.

My vote is for a concussion preventing installation height. Even though I know how I have to duck under things like the beam going across my basement, I can't even tell you how many times I've hit my head on the stupid thing.

You can always use a little step ladder. I'd think that's preferable to wearing a helmet while working in the garage.

patgizz
patgizz GRM+ Memberand PowerDork
12/24/14 10:25 a.m.

above head level, get a step stool.

t25torx
t25torx HalfDork
12/24/14 10:25 a.m.

Go plan B. At least that is what I plan on doing with my new garage. I need storage that won't get in my way and putting them just above my head will offer that for me.

Woody
Woody GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
12/24/14 10:34 a.m.

Measure the height of your kitchen cabinets and use that at a reference point. It's a pretty effective level.

Ian F
Ian F MegaDork
12/24/14 10:40 a.m.

I'd say it depends. If your garage is more "width-challenged" like mine, then a higher installation may be nice to help with effective, useable floor space. However, they will be less useful as instant-access storage. If you plan to have benches or other tools below them, then I'd install them at standard cabinet height.

I use the top of my garage cabinets for storage, and the "use a step stool" idea is a real PITA sometimes. I don't want to have to grab a step-stool every time I want to get something out of the cabinet and leaving one in front of the cabinet kinda defeats the point of clearing up floor space.

Armitage
Armitage HalfDork
12/27/14 9:48 p.m.

Thanks for the input guys. I mounted the first three today just above head-level and access is fine and my head will thank me later I'm sure.

Keith Tanner
Keith Tanner GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
12/27/14 10:17 p.m.

What's going to go underneath? I'd probably mount several layers of them.

evildky
evildky Dork
12/29/14 11:33 a.m.

The top of your standard 30" kitchen cabinet is right at 7 foot to the top. Unless you are short like me you can install them at this standard height and still reach to store larger items on top of them.

nepa03focus
nepa03focus HalfDork
12/29/14 1:36 p.m.

You can always get one of those wheeled step ladders too.

Armitage
Armitage HalfDork
12/29/14 3:01 p.m.
Keith Tanner wrote: What's going to go underneath? I'd probably mount several layers of them.

3 cabinets (3' wide each) on my "storage" side of the garage. Underneath I've stowed my toolboxes, welding cart, compressor, folding welding table/chair, and motorcycle. This leaves just enough room for the DD. On the other side, 2 more cabinets are yet to be mounted above my workbench. Peg-board fills the vertical space between there. In theory I could mount another 5 above the existing 5 but they'd be right up near the ceiling and would def. require a ladder to access. I'll have to wait till they replace more cubes to get more cabinets though.

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