Moduline aluminum garage storage cabinets give a garage an attractive, finished look, making it more productive for work or play. The cabinets and work centers are strong enough for storage, easy to clean, easy to install and give the garage a neater look. Wood and plastic shelving units have given way to interchangeable aluminum modules that include cabinets, shelves, countertops and tool chests.
Not long ago, an organized garage consisted of large nails driven into the wall to hold big tools, peg board and hooks for smaller tools, a crudely-built wooden workbench, and old coffee cans filled with odds and ends stacked on shelving cut from boards. Today’s homeowners, however, look at garages differently than their grandfathers.
Things have changed over the years. Many garages are no longer used solely for housing vehicles, and a growing number of garages accommodate more than three cars. Any extra space in a garage is often used for activities, hobbies, crafts, workshops, gyms and even family game centers. This results in an accumulation of equipment, tools, gear, ‘toys’ and other items, and creates the need for additional storage.
Wood and plastic shelving units have given way to interchangeable aluminum modules that include cabinets, shelves, countertops and tool chests. These components give the garage an attractive, finished look, making it more productive for work or play.
“Unlike wood, aluminum cabinets are highly resistant to mold, mildew and corrosion,” says Paul Quigley, vice president of sales at Moduline, a manufacturer of modular aluminum cabinets. “Unlike plastic or resin, the cabinets do not attract dust or cause static shock. And unlike steel, they do not rust or deteriorate when exposed to moisture.”
Moduline, located in Brockton, MA, designs and manufactures aluminum garage storage cabinets and accessories, along with other products such as aluminum and stainless steel counter tops, workbenches, tool chests, custom cabinets, drawer unit tool cabinets and trailer cabinets.
“Garage storage cabinets should be stronger and have more utility value than typical storage cabinets,” explains Quigley. “Homeowners should consider durability and long-term usage when comparing garage storage systems, because some construction materials may not be suitable for garage storage needs and conditions.”
Quigley points out that the right materials will maintain their durability, and retain their attractive finish under the most extreme conditions, as well as be resistant to adverse environmental changes.
Modular aluminum cabinets and work centers are strong enough for storage, easy to clean and give the garage a neater look. Several different manufacturers offer systems designed specifically for garages. The products are available in a wide variety of sizes for a custom fit and look. However, not all aluminum storage systems are the same.
When comparing modular aluminum cabinets, look closely at the construction. Precision hardware construction provides the greatest strength. The doors should be double wall construction, with inner-hat-bracing for great strength and rigidity. These features enable the cabinets to withstand severe use, and stand strong over the years.
“Under-cabinet lighting for the work area and recessed ‘toe kick risers’ are handy features,” Quigley suggests. “A riser allows for easy floor cleaning and comfortable foot space when standing in front of cabinets. You can also make easy adjustments between the riser and base cabinet to compensate for uneven floors. Since garage floors are often not level, the cabinets may require height adjustments to keep them even.”
Another important, but often overlooked, feature in garage cabinets and accessories is ease of installation. The easiest systems to install consist of completely assembled modular units. Only a few basic tools are required for installation.
“With the modular design, unlimited combinations and configurations can easily be created from standard cabinets to produce a customized look at a fraction of the cost,” says Quigley. “However, we’ve also done custom designs that have included adaptations for sinks, dishwashers and refrigerators.”
The final point to consider is price. Modular aluminum cabinets with a clear anodized frame and baked enamel finish are high-end quality products, but they are actually very affordable. When the durability and longevity features are added into the equation, the units become even more reasonable.