Heavy Duty Slatwall Archives - Storage Solutions

Posted on August 30, 2021June 10, 2023 by Arthur K

Heavy Duty Garage Storage

StoreWALL is so confident about the quality of its Heavy Duty Garage Storage Solution that it decided to put it to the test by hanging its own staff on the wall.

I can’t say I have ever seen a Slatwall Garage Storage System supplier go to such extreme lengths to prove the overall strength of its solution.

Both these gentlemen from StoreWALL in the US would weigh about 80kg each. They are both sharing a 762mm Heavy Duty Metal Shelf. The wall panels they have installed on this wall are the StoreWALL Brite White Heavy Duty Panels.

However, the test didn’t stop there. This guy decided to do a workout by using two Heavy Duty Cradle Hooks to do chin ups.

Strongest Wall Panels — Chin Ups on your Wall Panels

StoreWALL’s range of wall panels allow you to store pretty anything and everything on your walls. Our range includes the Basic Duty, Standard Duty and the Heavy Duty. The key differences between the three include:

Basic Duty

Our entry level panel, installed by screwing directly into the panel and onto your wall. Colour range is limited to White and Grey. Panels sizes are 304.8mm (H) x 1219mm (L). All StoreWALL accessories will work with this panel. Max holding weight per 2438mm panel is 75lbs or 34kgs.

Ideal for your home garage storing everything from gardening tools to bikes.

Standard Duty

Eighty percent (80%) of our customers in Australia purchase Standard Duty. Installed with Standard Duty Metal Installstrips to provide you with a stronger wall and a much cleaner finish (no drill holes in your panels). Panel sizes include 304.8mm (H) x 1219mm (L) and 304.8mm (H) x 2438mm (L). Panel thickness is 16.7mm. Big range of colours, from Whites to Dark Greys and even timber looking finishes. All StoreWALL accessories will work with this panel. Our entry level panel, installed by screwing directly into the panel and onto your wall. Colour range is limited to White and Grey. Panels sizes are 304.8mm (H) x 1219mm (L). All StoreWALL accessories will work with this panel. Max holding weight per 2438mm panel is 250lbs or 113kgs.

Ideal for your home garage storing everything from gardening tools to bikes and heavier shelving needs.

Heavy Duty

This is our premium wall panel. Installed with Heavy Duty Metal Installstrips to provide you with a stronger wall and a much cleaner finish. Panel sizes include 381mm (H) x 1219mm (L). Colour range includes Brite White, Weathered Grey and Global Pine. The Heavy Duty panel is slightly taller than the Standard Duty equivalent, it is also slightly thicker (17.7mm). The Metal Installstrips are slightly wider. Combined, these differences allow it to hold more weight than both the Basic and Standard Duty Panels. All StoreWALL accessories will work with this panel. Our entry level panel, installed by screwing directly into the panel and onto your wall. Colour range is limited to White and Grey. Panels sizes are 304.8mm (H) x 1219mm (L). All StoreWALL accessories will work with this panel. Max holding weight per 2438mm panel is 300lbs or 136kgs.

Ideal for your home garage storing everything from gardening tools to bikes and heavier shelving needs. This is also our recommended option if you are looking to build a home gym and want to store weights or heavy balls on your wall.

Wall Panel Performance

The table below provides a great summary of the panel range and its overall strength. Note that the holding capacity is per 8 foot or 2438mm panel. It also assumes that the weight is spread across the panel with a number of accessories.

Posted on May 18, 2020February 10, 2024 by Arthur K

Slatwall Performance

Over the past month, we have seen a significant increase in the number of households looking at upgrading their garage with a garage wall panel installation. Many question the strength ratings of our various panel types and the weight each panel can hold. I thought it would be helpful to compare the Slatwall Performance of StoreWALL with two other alternative solutions readily available focusing on the recommended installation options each offers.

Slatwall Performance

A key question that has come with the many enquiries, is the benefits of installing with InstallStrips over just screws straight through the panel.

InstallStrips are not unique to StoreWALL, but the majority of garage wall panel systems on the market today will have you install your panels with screws directly through the panel. They do this because it makes the wall solution cheaper to buy and easier to explain. However it is not necessarily quicker and certainly does not result in a stronger wall storage solution.

Below I have reviewed three garage storage solutions including StoreWALL and compared recommended installation options as well as the overall strength of the wall storage system. I hope it provides a good guide as to what is on offer in terms of slatwall performance.

Bunnings StorEase

StorEase offers a couple of Metal Track/Rail Options upon which you can hang an extensive range of hooks and other accessories.

StorEase Smart Rail — Source: Bunnings.com.au

The StorEase solution only offers one install method and that is using screws directly through the panel and onto your wall. The StorEase panel comes with pre-drilled screw holes to make it easier for you.

The 1.2m panel offers 6 pre-drilled holes to use on your wall. Installing on a plastered wall means you need to drill a hole through the stud and into the wall surface first. You then need to line up the predrilled hole in the StorEase rail with the hole in your wall.

Ensuring your panel is level, you then screw directly through both holes with your screws.

If your wall is made from brick or another masonry surface, the same process applies however you will need to fill the hole with a plug so that you can then screw into this plug.

The StorEase 1.2m panel provides you with 6 holes (3 sets of two) at 600mm intervals (ie 0, 600mm, 1200mm).

The rated weight for the StorEase panel is: 150kg (as stated by their website).

You can read our review of StorEase here.

Gladiator GearWall Panels

Gladiator Garageworks offers 2 styles of garage wall panels. One is a rail similar to the StorEase panel. The second is a PVC based wall panel measuring 1230mm x 320mm.

The Garageworks GearWall PVC panel comes in White and is also installed with screws directly through the panel.

I have included a photo below from their installation guide. It is pretty comprehensive. To ensure the strength of the installation, screws need to be placed in each groove (of which there are 4 per panel) along the length of the panel and on each wall stud (or every 40cm – 45cm). Therefore, a typical panel will have approx 16 screws.

The most effective and cleanest way to install using screws through your panel is to pre-drill the holes in your panel. This ensures you don’t damage your panels when finally screwing into them. Pre-drilling however means you need to measure up correctly.

The max weight they reference per square foot is 50 lbs. Based on the dimensions of the 1.2m panel (1230mm x 320mm = 4.24 sq ft), the max weight per panel is 200 lbs or 90 kg.

StoreWALL Installation Options

Installing garage wall panels with screws is quite common. StoreWALL also gives you this option should you choose it. The process works much the same way as the Gladiator GearWall in that screws are placed in the slots across the length of the panel.

In StoreWALL’s case, the Basic and Standard Duty panels have 3 slots (Heavy Duty has a 4^th slot).

Step 1: Make a level line at the top or bottom of the desired location. (Use a laser, level or string for accuracy).
Step 2: Secure the first panel by driving the screws through the slots of the panel’s front face, directly into the centre of the wall studs, or blocking.

StoreWALL also offers the option of colour-matching screws. No pre-drilling or countersinking is necessary. The screw head will flush up with the slot surface.

We recommend approximately 20 screws per 1.2m panel.

Weight Specifications

StoreWALL specifications state that the maximum weight that you can hang on a StoreWALL wall panel when installed directly with screws is 34 kg for a 2.4m length (at 10cm from surface wall). Performance is higher at the surface.

This is about half of that stated by GarageWorks. It’s also a lot less than StorEase. I would suggest the testing undertaken by either organisation might be different.

99% of StoreWALL customers, however, install using InstallStrips. It is the best method and delivers the best slatwall performance for your wall both in terms of strength but also the final finish.

InstallStrips Deliver Best Slatwall Performance

There are two key reasons to install with InstallStrips – Strength and Finish.

Strength
Using InstallStrips will significantly increase the weight your 1.2m or 2.4m panel can hold.

The maximum weight that the 2.4m Standard Duty Panel will hold is 113 kg at panel surface and 52 kg at 10cm from panel surface.
The maximum weight that the 2.4m Heavy Duty Panel will hold is 136 kg at panel surface and 74 kg at 10cm from panel surface.

The reason for the added weight capacity is the InstallStrip itself. It is made from Rolled steel. It also has an 18 gauge zinc plating for rust resistance. I have had 2 InstallStrips exposed to the elements for 4 years and they still have not rusted.

The InstallStrip has 4 hooks which latch themselves onto the back of your panel. See photo. Made of steel, these hooks provide the support for carrying the specified weight. The number of screws per InstallStrip is 12. Each of the 3 sections which make up an InstallStrip has a screw hole which allows you to adjust the height and position of your InstallStrip to assist with lining up your panels.

Heavy Duty InstallStrip has 3 additional hooks (1 per section) 15 in total. They are also slightly wider.

Finish
InstallStrips enable you to secure your garage wall panels without screwing holes into your panels. There is no risk of making a mistake with your drilling. Your wall panels will have a nice clean finish allowing you to also take them away with you at a time in the future.

Furthermore, it also makes for a much quicker installation. You are not having to screw blindly into your wall with the panel in front of you. The InstallStrips are lean and easy to work with. Once your InstallStrips are screwed onto your brick wall or studs, there is no more screwing. Cut your panels and start hanging them.

Posted on August 31, 2018June 10, 2023 by Arthur K

Heavy Duty Garage Shelving

Garage storage is a super popular topic these days and no wonder, our garages are full and most people are looking at how they can maximise the space they have. One of the really popular accessories within the StoreWALL range is the Heavy Duty Garage Shelving.

The range is not your typical standalone garage shelving found at Bunnings or other Shelving stores. StoreWALL’s shelving can be created from our range of addon brackets or through our great range of heavy metal shelves. These shelves are a clip and lock accessory connected to your StoreWALL slatwall garage panels.

Our Heavy Duty Garage Shelving has proven rather popular since we launched StoreWALL in Australia. In addition to heavy duty metal shelving, we now also stock an expanded range of wire shelving as well as our new new light weight metal shelving.

Heavy Duty Garage Shelving

The StoreWALL’s range of heavy duty garage shelving options can be custom built using our slatwall garage storage system. Once your panels are installed, creating shelving is a simple process. We offer a great range of brackets and metal shelves which just clip and lock into your wall using our exclusive CamLok.

Brackets

By using our heavy duty brackets which come in a 254mm or 380mm depth, you can build your own shelves anywhere you need to on your wall. Our brackets are made from solid steel and come with CamLok to secure your storage.

Once the brackets are clipped onto your wall panels, just add a StoreWALL plastic or metal shelf or build your own from wood, chipboard or any other surface you prefer.

garage storage shelving — Easy shelving options from StoreWALL

There is no limit to how long you can make your shelves. Extend the length of your shelves by adding an additional bracket or two. With your StoreWALL panels, you can even run it along the whole length of your wall.

Metal Shelves

StoreWALL offers several heavy duty shelving options which are pre-built and can be easily added to your slatwall.

Our Heavy Metal Shelves come in two widths, the 762mm and a 1219mm. The dimensions are as follows:

762mm Metal Shelf

762mm long x 393mm deep x 254mm high
weight it can hold is 90kgs
material is solid steel, powder coated
the actual shelving space that can be used (top area) is 380mm x 760mm

1219mm Metal Shelf

1219mm long x 393mm deep x 254mm high
weight it can hold is 90kgs
material is solid steel, powder coated
the actual shelving space that can be used (top area) is 393mm x 1219mm

Shelf Flexibility

Some of the key advantages of the StoreWALL range is its portability. Each StoreWALL shelf and any accessory for that matter can be added to your wall and moved around as and when required. If you need to move the shelf half a meter to the left or right, you can unlock it and slide it along. Should you need to move it from one end of the wall to the other you can remove it altogether and completely change its location or size. Using our slatwall panels, our heavy duty garage shelving can also be moved up and down your wall.

Heavy Duty Wire Shelving — StoreWALL Metal Wire Shelves

The difference with standalone shelving is that its usually one large piece of furniture 1m+ in width and 1m+ in height. Heavy duty garage storage racks are very useful in a garage and can be used in conjunction with the StoreWALL range. The challenge with it however is that moving it around can be difficult. Firstly you need to find the space to move it to. Secondly everything that is stored on it also needs to be removed and then added back on. This isn’t a small exercise.

Lightweight Slatwall Shelving

Smaller shelving such as our Heavy Duty Garage Shelving will easily compliment anything else you are setting up within your garage. With the option of a 762mm or 1219mm shelf you are well covered for all your garage needs.

It doesn’t end there. StoreWALL also offers a much bigger range of smaller lighter weight shelves which are just as easily added and removed from your slatwall panels.

Slatwall shelves — Easy to install slatwall shelving

We also have a full range of wire shelves which come in a range of lengths and depths to suit your needs. These shelves also come with our exclusive CamLok locking mechanism which secures all your accessories to your garage wall panels.

Posted on August 11, 2018June 10, 2023 by Arthur K

Heavy Duty Slatwall Panel

The popularity and application of slatwall panels has grown significantly over the past decade. From use in retail stores to office partitions, the application of slatwall panels is endless. StoreWALL offers 2 types of slatwall panels, its Standard Duty and the Heavy Duty Panel. Today’s article is a review of the Heavy Duty Slatwall Panel.

Heavy Duty Slatwall Panel – Specifications

StoreWALL’s Heavy Duty Panels are built incredibly strong, rugged and waterproof. They are ideal for the most demanding applications. Installation is also easy on any surface including wooden studs, plaster board, direct concrete as well as metal studs. The Slatwalls install using the StoreWALL InstallStrip hidden fastener system for fast and easy installation.

Each Heavy Duty Slatwall Panel comes in the following dimensions: 2438.4mm x 381mm x 17.7mm and weighs 7.43KG. Colour range on offer includes Brite White, Graphite Steel, Global Pine, Rustic Cedar and Weathered Grey.

Heavy Duty Thermoplastic

StoreWALL panels are manufactured with Heavy Duty Thermoplastic. This ensures they are highly durability and the colour and quality are consistent throughout the panel.

Manufactured with a solid core ensures panels are 100% waterproof, mould, mildew, and stain resistant. They are also easy to clean and can be used for both indoor or outside applications. Each panel is also 100% Class 3 Recyclable.

Heavy Duty Slatwall Panel - StoreWALL — Heavy Duty Slatwall Panel

In Australia we are only stocking the Weathered Grey colour. The other colours including Brite White, Graphite Steel, Global Pine, Rustic Cedar are available as a special order. Minimum order quantities will apply, please call us to discuss.

Installation

We recommend the use of InstallStrips for installation. Custom InstallsStrips have been developed for the Heavy Duty range. Heady Duty InstallStrips are not interchangeable with the Standard Duty InstallStrips.

Featured below is a short video comparing the Heavy Duty panels (profile/thickness) with that of the Standard Duty Panel. You can see that the additional 1mm in thickness makes a difference.

Each panel is also taller when compared to the Standard Duty Panel. The dimensions for the Standard Duty Panel are: 2438.4mm x 304.8mm x 16.7mm. The height difference in the panel is 381mm (HD) Vs 304.8mm (SD).

Where should it be used?

Standard Duty slatwall panels are ideal for domestic use. Use them in your laundry or inside a pantry. Similarly if its a home garage and you want to either panel all or part of the exposed wall, the Standard Duty panels are your choice.

For commercial applications such as industrial garages, workshops and retail stores, the Heavy Duty slatwall panel and heavy duty slatwall hooks should be selected. The panel’s added thickness and its solid core, make it a lot more durable from knocks that will likely happen with heavy traffic.

Solid Core

The challenge in a commercial environment is the likely frequency and weight of the knocks on the panels. Having a thicker finish will ensure they have little impact on the panel itself. Even if they do however, the colour is developed into the core of the panel, so they will not show.

The added advantage of the Heavy Duty Slatwall panel is its taller profile. At 381mm each panel covers more space which in turn means less panels are required and less labour to install them.

When you compare the thickness of these panels to both a wooden slatwall finish or even a metallic one, you can appreciate the difference in quality and added durability.

Posted on May 18, 2018June 11, 2023 by Arthur K

Heavy Duty Slatwall

StoreWALL is your premium heavy duty slatwall provider. Not all slatwall systems are the same and neither is the quality of the wall panels themselves.

Whilst most slatwall providers use natural fibres such as wood or a wood composite, StoreWALL is PVC based. StoreWALL is designed to be core coloured – its colour is distributed throughout the actual wall panel. The benefit is that its a heavy duty slatwall with unparalleled protection against scratching and damage.

Depth of colour

StoreWALL’s slatwall’s are the same colour deep inside as they are on the surface. Therefore any scratches, dints or chips are a lot harder to see and much easier to conceal. Being PVC based its also very durable, will not retain moisture, will not change shape nor will it generate mould. Our slatwall panels are also recyclable and easily cleaned.

Each Heavy Duty Slatwall has a thickness of 17.7mm.

Heavy Duty Slatwall

StoreWALL’s heavy duty slatwalls are really easy to install whether your are doing it yourself or using an installation specialist. The range of panels come in 4 colours including: Graphite Steel, Rustic Cedar, Global Pine, Weathered Grey and Brite White. Please note that our standard stock is Weathered Grey and any other colour will need to be a special order.

Perfect for Home or Workshop

Our Heavy Duty Slatwalls are designed to complement and enhance your stock if you are using them within your store. Used in conjunction with our hooks and shelves you display area will always look clean, tidy and attractive to browsing customers.

Equally at home in garages and children’s storage areas, StoreWALL is flexible enough to be used almost anywhere you require shelves, storage or displays.

Inferior Alternatives

Maybe inferior is a little harsh, but much of what is sold as slatwall panel is much less durable and usually lightly painted to provide a colour finish. Once scratched or dinted however, the internal grain shows up clearly and the slatwall finish and clean look is ruined.

StoreWALL’s flexibility and durability make it an excellent choice where materials such as MDF or wood products just will not last the distance. These surfaces are also quite likely to warp in shape, split, chip, or crack.

Price

When you are looking for a Heavy Duty Slatwall you would expect to have to pay more than an inferior alternative. StoreWALL offer wholesale pricing to installers and clients that wish to purchase in bulk. Our prices are all displayed on our website so you can compare them yourself.