Is It Cheaper To Buy Or Build Garage Storage Shelves? Here's What You Should Know

If you're giving your garage a complete remodel or are looking for a way to get declutter the space, you might be in the market for a new set of shelves. With the right set of skills, it's possible to construct a customized storage system that complements your garage space. But if you're looking for a quicker solution, purchasing prefabricated shelves is a hassle-free way to get extra storage with plastic, wood, and metal variants. However, there remains the question of cost — which option will cost you less? 

As long as you have the necessary tools, the cheapest way to add a bit of storage to your garage is to build your own shelving system. On average, the cost of materials is lower than the price point for a pre-built shelf. Also, building the shelves yourself lets you tailor the storage solution to suit your unique garage layout, tackling those awkward spaces like tight corners or small areas between storage cabinets.

On the other hand, pre-built shelves come with advantages that might justify the cost, especially when compared to other DIY garage storage projects. They either come ready to use or require simple assembly, and are available in a variety of materials, ranging from budget friendly to high end. And although buying shelves generally costs more than building them, it's a more cost-effective option if you're missing the proper tools.

When building your own garage shelves, materials such as plywood, lumber, or medium density fiberboard (MDF) will be your primary expenses. A 4-foot by 8-foot board of plywood costs between $20 and $50, depending on the thickness and quality of the wood. MDF is cheaper than plywood, so it might be an effective choice if you're designing on a budget. To construct a basic shelving unit, you will also need 2-inch by 4-inch lumber supports, which cost $3 to $5 per piece, depending on the length and wood species. You can use 1-inch brads and a few self-tapping or wood screws to secure your shelves. These fasteners typically cost between $10 and $30 per set. 

Any tools you might need will be your most pressing expense. Most custom wooden garage shelves can be built with tools that every homeowner should have already. However, you might be forced to buy pricey equipment that quickly derails your budget. For example, if you need a circular ($150) or table saw ($150-$1,000), plus a new nail gun ($130+), you're looking at spending hundreds of dollars, negating the cost benefits of DIYing the shelves.  

If you lack the necessary tools, prefabricated shelves offer a more predictable price range. Basic plastic shelving systems might set you back anywhere between $40 and $100 per shelf, whereas more durable options like metal are costlier, starting at $100. The priciest of these can cost as much as $4,000 per shelf. However, they offer a number of practical advantages — like exceptional strength and water resistance — that might make them worth the higher price. 

There are plenty of pros and cons to using plastic garage shelving, but its primary benefit is affordability. Whether you need a bit of storage or you're simply organizing on a budget, these might be an ideal option for your space. For example, the IRIS Heavy Duty Plastic Shelf is an excellent choice if you need a simple organizational solution. This single 2-foot-wide shelf will run you about $30, providing 4 tiers of compact storage. For a bulkier storage job, you might want to opt for something like the CX Craftsman 4-Tier Durable Storage Rack, which costs $106. While this unit is more expensive, it does offer greater durability, especially when using plastic shelving.

If plastic isn't quite right for your space, opt for metal or wooden shelving instead. For larger spaces, IKEA's HEJNE storage shelves offer the charm of DIY organization. For $220, the shelf provides 10 feet of solid pine storage with 4 sections that are perfect for storing garden tools, seasonal decor, and a whole host of other garage clutter. To expand your storage system, secure a few individual sections of HEJNE shelving ($55), creating a customized solution that fits just about any space. While wood can be an effective shelving material, you might be in the market for metal shelves that provide heavy-duty storage. Going for $250 at Home Depot, Husky's 4-Tier Freestanding Steel shelf is an excellent option, with each shelf capable of holding up to 2,500 pounds' worth of garage clutter.