Slatwall Archives - Storage Solutions

Posted on July 20, 2024July 20, 2024 by Arthur K

The Evolution of Slatwall

From Retail Staple to Home Organization Hero

Slatwall, a familiar sight in retail stores for decades, has evolved significantly since its inception. Originally designed to maximize display space and flexibility in commercial settings, slatwall has transcended its initial purpose, finding new applications in home organization, particularly in garages and workspaces. Let’s explore the evolution of slatwall from its humble beginnings to its current status as a versatile and essential storage solution.

The Birth of Slatwall

Slatwall, also known as slotwall or slatboard, was first introduced in the 1960s. Its creation was driven by the need for a flexible, durable, and aesthetically pleasing display system for retail environments. The design featured horizontal grooves or slats that allowed for the easy insertion of various accessories such as hooks, shelves, and brackets. This modular system enabled retailers to customize their displays quickly and efficiently, adapting to changing inventory and promotional needs.

Slatwall in Retail: The Early Years

During the 1970s and 1980s, slatwall gained popularity across various retail sectors. Its ability to display a wide range of products in an organized and attractive manner made it a go-to solution for store owners. Whether showcasing clothing, electronics, or sporting goods, slatwall provided the versatility needed to create eye-catching displays that could be reconfigured without significant effort or expense.

The Evolution of Slatwall – Innovations and Improvements

As slatwall’s popularity grew, so did the innovations surrounding it. The materials used for slatwall panels evolved from basic wood composites to more durable and aesthetically pleasing options like medium-density fiberboard (MDF) with laminate finishes. This development not only enhanced the durability of slatwall but also expanded its aesthetic appeal, allowing it to blend seamlessly with various store decors.

Additionally, a wide array of slatwall accessories emerged, further enhancing its functionality. Specialized hooks, baskets, and shelving units were designed to accommodate specific product types, making slatwall even more adaptable to different retail environments.

Slatwall Enters the Home

While slatwall continued to dominate the retail display market, its potential for home organization began to be recognized. The late 1990s and early 2000s saw a shift as homeowners started to adopt slatwall systems for personal use, particularly in garages, workshops, and home offices. The same attributes that made slatwall a favorite in retail—versatility, durability, and ease of customization—proved invaluable for home storage solutions.

The Garage: A New Frontier

Garages, often the most cluttered and underutilized spaces in a home, became the perfect canvas for slatwall’s capabilities. Homeowners began using slatwall panels to organize tools, sports equipment, gardening supplies, and more. The ability to easily rearrange hooks and shelves meant that the storage system could adapt to changing needs, whether it was a growing collection of tools or seasonal sports gear.

Manufacturers responded to this growing demand by creating slatwall panels specifically designed for residential use. These panels often featured more robust materials to withstand the rigors of garage environments and came in a variety of finishes to suit different aesthetic preferences.

Beyond the Garage: Slatwall in Modern Homes

Today, slatwall has expanded beyond garages and workshops, finding its place in various areas of the home. In home offices, slatwall panels provide a customizable organization system for office supplies, files, and gadgets. In laundry rooms, they offer a practical solution for keeping cleaning supplies and laundry essentials neatly organized. Even in kitchens, slatwall can be used to create an adaptable storage system for pots, pans, and utensils.

The Future of Slatwall

The evolution of slatwall continues as new materials and designs emerge. Innovations such as metal and PVC slatwall panels offer enhanced durability and resistance to moisture, making them suitable for outdoor applications as well. As the trend towards home organization and optimization grows, slatwall is likely to remain a popular choice for both retail and residential environments.

Moreover, the rise of smart home technology presents new opportunities for integrating slatwall with digital storage solutions. Imagine slatwall panels equipped with sensors that help you track inventory or find misplaced tools with the help of a smartphone app.

Conclusion

From its origins as a retail display system to its current status as a versatile home organization solution, slatwall has come a long way. Its evolution reflects the changing needs of both commercial and residential spaces, adapting to new challenges and opportunities along the way. As we continue to seek efficient and customizable storage solutions, slatwall’s legacy of flexibility and innovation ensures it will remain a staple in our homes and businesses for years to come.

Posted on January 5, 2024January 5, 2024 by Arthur K

PVC Slatwall Panels

The Benefits of PVC-Based Slatwall Panels

In the realm of modern storage and organization, PVC slatwall panels are becoming increasingly popular for their versatility, durability, and aesthetic appeal. These panels offer an ingenious solution to cluttered spaces, particularly in retail, workshops, and garages. This article explores the numerous benefits of PVC-based slatwall panels and why they are an excellent choice for both commercial and residential storage needs.

Durability and Longevity

Resistant to Wear and Tear: PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is known for its strength and durability. PVC slatwall panels can withstand significant wear and tear, making them ideal for high-traffic areas or spaces that require storing heavy items.

Moisture and Rot Resistant: Unlike traditional wood or MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) panels, PVC is impervious to moisture and humidity. This resistance to water ensures that the panels do not rot, warp, or swell, maintaining their structural integrity over time.

Versatility in Usage

Customizable Storage Solutions: PVC-based wall panels are equipped with horizontal grooves that can accommodate a variety of hooks, shelves, bins, and racks. This versatility allows users to customize their storage setup to fit their specific needs and can be easily reconfigured as those needs change.

Wide Range of Applications: From displaying products in retail stores to organizing tools in a garage, PVC slatwalls are adaptable to a multitude of environments and purposes.

Aesthetic Appeal

Sleek and Modern Look: PVC wall panels offer a clean and modern look that can enhance the aesthetic of any space. With a variety of colors available, they can be seamlessly integrated into any interior design scheme. Checkout our garage gallery for examples of Australian homes using StoreWALL’s garage wall panels.

Hide Clutter Effectively: By providing a designated space for each item, these panels help maintain an organized and clutter-free environment, which is visually pleasing and easier to navigate.

Space Efficiency

Maximizing Wall Space: PVC garage wall panels are an excellent way to utilize vertical space effectively, especially in areas where floor space is limited. By organizing items vertically, these panels free up valuable floor space. Think about ladders, bikes, tubs, and sports equipment. Off the floor and onto the wall makes good sense.

Easy Installation and Maintenance

Simple Set-Up: Installing PVC slatwall panels is relatively straightforward, making them a viable option for DIY enthusiasts. The panels can be cut to fit any space and are generally easy to mount.

Low Maintenance: PVC garage panels require minimal upkeep. They are easy to clean and do not need any special treatments or coatings to maintain their appearance and functionality.

Cost-Effective

Affordable Storage Solution: While offering a multitude of benefits, PVC slatwall panels are also cost-effective. Their durability means they can last a lifetime, and their flexibility reduces the need for additional storage furniture or systems.

PVC Slatwall Panels – Verdict

PVC-based slatwall panels present a compelling solution for efficient, durable, and aesthetically pleasing storage. Their adaptability to various environments, combined with the ease of installation and maintenance, makes them an ideal choice for both residential and commercial spaces. As storage needs continue to evolve, PVC slatwalls stand out as a practical, stylish, and economical option that meets the dynamic requirements of modern organization and display.

Posted on September 11, 2023September 11, 2023 by Arthur K

White Garage Wall Storage Panels

Over the weekend we completed our latest installation of White Garage Wall Storage Panels. After several months of discussion with Stephen in Chelsea, we organised the installation of StoreWALL Brite White Wall panels across the back wall of his double garage.

The back wall of Stephen’s garage was 8m wide (which included a door) and 2.4m high. It was a plastered wall backing onto a rear Hebel wall (most likely formed part of his backyard.

White Garage Wall Storage Panels – Garage Wall Design

Based on pictures sent through by Stephen, we designed a StoreWALL installation with 3 Brite White panels across the length of the wall to cover the 7000mm plastered area. With a 2.4m total height, we used 7 Standard Duty panels to reach a height of 2150mm.

Finding the Studs

I use two different battery-powered Stud Finders. They both deliver different results. They are both wrong a lot of the time. It is always easier to drill a few holes and then use 450mm or 600mm spacing to test if the next stud is where you expect it. You usually need to drill a few more holes to ensure you find the actual outer edges of the studs.

With Stephens garage, the studs were 550 or so apart but there were some different spacings as well.

Garage Wall Vertical Spacing

Stephen’s garage was about 2.4m in height. The wall had a 150mm skirting board. This left us a total wall height of about 250mm. We split this allowing about 125mm at the top and the same above the skirting board. This is where we started our first Installstrip.

With just over 7000mm in length we marked out where each wall panel would start and end, ie 0, 2438, 2439, 4876, 4877, 7000mm. The first and second panel landed in between two installstrips so they didn’t require any additional support. The third (last panel) started a little too far from its closest Installstrip. In this case, we added an additional installstrip using metal screw-in fasteners.

Stacked Wall Panel Formation

For most Installations I have completed for customers, I have opted for the brickwork design. I have always thought it looked the nicest. It does however come with some challenges when joining wall panels. The issue is that the joins show. Some just have a thin line, others have a heavier one. This can come from the cut that was made to the panel (factory or manual). It can also be due to an uneven wall.

For Stephen’s installation, I opted to try the Stacked Wall formation. We used a Wide Trim at either end of the wall and a smaller joining trim along the wall at the two points where the panels would join.

I can say that using the stacked wall formation is easier than making the brick pattern and the look is just as good. I think having the joining trims on either side of each panel also gives them a little more support.

The joining trim we used was about 3m in thickness. We allowed for this when laying out our panels.

Power Outlets

Stephen’s wall had two power outlets. One was a power switch beside the door, at the beginning of the first panel. The second was a 4-gang PowerPoint at the beginning of the 3^rd and final panel along the wall.

You can manage power outlets in 2 ways.

You can screw the outlet over the panel. To do this, you can cut a hole in the panel at the location of the outlet. The hole needs to be large enough to pass the power outlet through it. Once you pass it through the hole, you can use longer screws to screw it back into its original bracket in the wall.
You can cut around the power outlet. Using a multi-tool or a jigsaw, you can cut a hole large enough so that it fits around the power outlet. This means you don’t need to unscrew it. You might want to use the joining trims to create a border around it.

For Stephen’s wall, we cut around the power outlet and added trim on the top and bottom of the hole we cut so that it framed it.

Labour Effort

In total, we installed 21 panels for this wall. It took two of us (myself and 15y/o child) about 7-8 hrs to complete the wall. We installed over 32 installstrip, each with 12 screws.

Posted on July 3, 2023July 8, 2023 by Arthur K

Garage Storage Wall Panels

StoreWALL, Slatwall, Storpanels, Flexipanels, Handywall, Smartwall. These are all Garage Storage Wall Panels, but are they the same?

The majority of Garage Storage companies selling Slatwall or Wall Panels sell a solution that looks like the picture below. The panel is about 300mm in height and has grooves spaced every 74mm.

The garage wall panels are designed to sit on top of each other in order to cover an area of your wall. You will notice that the back of this panel has a rounded mold. It is designed to be screwed onto your wall with screws directly through the panel. This type of panel is not designed to be installed with any metal bracket for additional support.

These types of wall panels also have rounded grooves. This rounded profile is easier to produce, resulting in a cheaper wall panel. It also means that accessories locked into these grooves are held less securely as the edges are rounded.

StoreWALL Slatwall Panels

StoreWALL sells 3 grades of Garage Storage Wall Panels. Heavy Duty, Standard Duty, and Basic Duty. What makes StoreWALL different from every other Garage Wall Storage supplier is that our wall panels are designed to be installed with a supporting metal bracket that we call an Installstrip.

StoreWALL has a custom-designed installstrip for its Heavy Duty Panel and a separately custom-designed installstrip for its Standard Duty Panel.

StoreWALL Garage Storage Wall Panels — Standard Duty

When you look at both the Heavy Duty and the Standard Duty panels you will notice that the back of the panel is not rounded. Rather, the mold is designed with a downward-pointing corner. This corner is used to latch onto the installstrip and secure the panel.

All of the weight on the panels from your stored items push downwards onto the installstrip. The strength of the installstrip and its fastening to the wall with 12 -15 screws/nails makes it a far superior installation method to simply screwing into the panel and onto the wall.

Without the installstrip, the strength of the solution relies entirely on the panel and the screws.

Furthermore, StoreWALL’s Standard and Heavy Duty Panels have grooves designed with straight square edges. This ensures that any accessories are securely held into the slatwall groove. In addition, our CamLok locking mechanism ensures they never fall off the wall.

Why do Installstrips Matter?

StoreWALL’s Installstrips are made from rolled steel and are galvanised. They are installed onto your wall with 12-15 screws or nails. Combined they allow your wall panels to securely support a lot more weight than a panel that is installed with just screws through the panel.

How much more weight?

The maximum weight that a 1.2m panel can support is:

Standard Duty – 56kgs (1219mm), 113kgs (2438mm)
Heavy Duty – 68kgs (1219mm)

Furthermore, using installstrips means you are not screwing through your wall panels, damaging them. They are kept clean with no screw holes.

Posted on May 11, 2019June 10, 2023 by Arthur K

Slatwall Garage Storage

StoreWALL has recently launched its latest Wall Panel range – StoreWALL Basic Duty. StoreWALL Basic Duty will launch as our entry level slatwall garage storage solution designed to be more affordable and accessible for home and garage owners.

Slatwall Garage Storage

StoreWALL Basic Duty Wall Panel will be reaching Australia in mid to late June 2019 and will join our already popular StoreWALL Standard Duty range. The Basic Duty Slatwall Garage Storage Panel comes in two colours, Grey and White and both will be available in Australia.

The new range continues to be provide a hard plastic wall panel finish ideal of your garage or home. It is easy to clean, hard wearing and weather proof. Installation is made even easier than before. InstallStrips are NOT AN OPTION with the Basic Duty Panel, it can only be installed via screws from the face of the panel directly into the wall.

Many Australians are looking for new ways to tidy up their garage and have admired the simplicity of StoreWALL. Unfortunately for some, the Standard Duty Slatwall Garage Storage Panel has been outside of their budget. The Basic Duty Panel gives Australians a new option which is affordable, easy to use and install.

Tidy up your Garage

StoreWALL’s Basic Duty Wall Panel is compatible with all StoreWALL accessories including all Hooks, Brackets, Shelves, Baskets and Bags. CamLok is just as effective with the Basic Panel.

We are launching the Basic Duty Panel in a 1.2m size with both Grey and White colours. They will be sold in packs of 4 (1 carton) and as individual panels. A 2.4m option is available in the US and we may consider this down the track as we get feedback from home owners.

Pricing for the new range is almost half of the Standard Duty Panel at $170 for 4 panels. Each panel is 1219mm (length) x 304.8mm (height) x 16.7mm (thickness). Four panels per carton covers 1.48 sq meters.

In terms of Installation, we recommend you use approx 20 screws per panel. Get more details from our online store.