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garage wall storage systems australia

Comparing Garage Wall Storage Systems in Australia

Which One Is Right for You?

If you’ve started researching garage wall storage in Australia, you’ve probably come across several systems — StoreWALL, StorEase from Bunnings, GarageSmart, Garagetek, TidyWall, Ryobi Link and possibly Gladiator GearWall. They all promise to transform your garage, but they differ significantly in how they work, what they can hold, what accessories are available, and what they cost over time. This guide gives you an honest, detailed comparison so you can make an informed decision before spending money on a system that may not suit your needs.

The Five Main Systems Available in Australia

These are some of the wall storage systems you’re most likely to encounter when researching garage storage in Australia. A key consideration is that several including GarageSmart, TidyWall, and GarageTek all use a similar wall panel and installation process. The accessory range however varies considerably.

StoreWALL

Australian-focused PVC slatwall system. Sold direct online. Premium price point with the widest accessory range of any system available in Australia. CamLok locking mechanism is unique to StoreWALL. Wall panels installed with metal installstrip brackets for additional weight management strength.

StorEase (Bunnings)

Available in most Bunnings stores nationally. It seems it is also now available online. Lower price point, limited accessory range. Track and hook proprietary system.

GarageSmart

Australian company offering a slatwall-based system with installation services. Primarily sold as a supply and installation package direct to consumers or via a local agent/reseller.

GarageTek

GarageTek is part of the Attic Group. Australian company with a construction background. Garagetek products can be ordered online or via a supply and installation service.

TidyWall

TidyWALL is sold through local Dealers. Pricing is quote based and usually comes as a supply and installation package.

Ryobi Link

Ryobi’s modular wall storage system. Available through Bunnings and tool retailers. Designed to integrate with Ryobi power tools and accessories. Growing accessory range but still limited compared to full slatwall systems.

Gladiator GearWall

Previously available in Australia through select retailers. Gladiator Garageworks has since exited the Australian market.

[Internal link: link to ‘Gladiator Garageworks has closed’ article]

Side-by-Side Comparison

Here’s how the main active systems compare across the criteria that matter most.

Criteria StoreWALL StorEase GarageSmart Ryobi Link
Material PVC slatwall Steel track PVC slatwall Plastic modular panels
Panel Dimensions 1219/2438mm wide x 304mm height 1200mm wide x 150mm height 2438mm wide x 304mm height 838mm wide x 165mm height
Weight rating per panel Up to 113kg 150kg Varies by install 94kg
Accessory range 200+ items ~30 items 200+ items ~30 items
Australian availability Online direct Bunnings nationally Installer network Bunnings / tool retailers
DIY installation Yes Yes Installer preferred Yes
Price per panel (approx) $131/2438mm $31/1200mm Quote based $43/2 channels
Installation method Installstrip preferred Direct to wall Direct to wall Direct to wall
Waterproof Yes Yes Yes Yes
Locking mechanism CamLok Snap fit Plastic Smartlock Snap fit/screws
Brick wall compatible Yes Yes Yes (best with battens) Yes
StoreWALL compatible Yes Partial Yes No

Note: Price ratings are approximate and relative. Always check current pricing direct from each supplier as these change regularly.

The Detail Behind the Numbers

Material and Construction

StoreWALL and GarageSmart both use PVC slatwall — a rigid extruded plastic panel with horizontal channels that accept hooks and accessories. PVC doesn’t rust, warp with moisture, or deteriorate in the humidity conditions common in Australian garages. It can be cut to size and painted if needed.

StoreWALL panels are moulded to be fitted with Installstrip (metal brackets that are fitted to the wall). StoreWALL offers a Standard Duty, Heavy Duty and the MKE Slatwall range.

StorEase uses a steel track system rather than full panels. The tracks are mounted individually to the wall and hooks clip into the tracks. This is a fundamentally different construction — lighter, cheaper, but with less structural coverage and fewer accessory options.

Ryobi Link uses a modular plastic panel system designed primarily to store and display Ryobi tools. The panels are smaller and the system is built around the Ryobi ecosystem rather than a general storage solution.

Weight Ratings — Why This Matters More Than You Think

Weight ratings are often where budget systems disappoint. If you’re storing garden equipment, power tools, heavy bins or bike hooks, you need a system rated to handle real loads.

  • StoreWALL panels are rated to 113kg per 2438mm panel — a single panel can hold a loaded bike hook, a set of power tools and a wire shelf simultaneously without risk of failure.
  • StorEase states that its panel can support up to 150kgs.
  • Ryobi Link modules are rated to 94kg per module.
  • GarageSmart ratings vary by product and installation type — their installers will advise based on your specific wall and load requirements. GarageSmart system is rated to support heavy items like bikes.

The practical implication: if your storage needs include anything heavier than light tools and small bins, weight rating should be a primary consideration, not an afterthought.

Accessory Range — The Hidden Long-Term Cost

The initial panel purchase is rarely the total cost of a garage storage system. What you spend on accessories over time often exceeds the panel cost. A system with a limited accessory range forces you to work around what’s available rather than building exactly what you need.

  • StoreWALL’s 200+ accessory range includes bike hooks in multiple configurations, power tool racks, deep wire shelves, floating metal shelves, bins of multiple sizes, baskets, kayak and surfboard brackets, golf organisers and speciality items like the magnetic bar and power strip bracket. The full range and pricing is available online.
  • StorEase has a more limited range — basic hooks, a small number of shelf options and bins. If your storage needs go beyond standard hooks and shelves, you’ll hit the limits of this system quickly.
  • Ryobi Link is growing but remains focused on the Ryobi tool ecosystem. It works well if most of what you’re storing is Ryobi equipment, less well as a general garage storage solution.
  • GarageSmart’s accessory range is also extensive and covers most standard use cases. Pricing and the full range is only available via direct contact with the company.

Installation — DIY or Professional?

All four systems can be installed on standard plasterboard walls as a DIY project.

GarageSmart positions itself primarily as an installed solution — you get a professional assessment, design and installation as part of the service. This is convenient but may add significant cost compared to self-installation.

StoreWALL, StorEase and Ryobi Link are all designed for direct consumer installation. StoreWALL provides detailed installation guides and a network of recommended installers for those who prefer professional installation.

Availability in Australia

StorEase and Ryobi Link have the widest physical availability — both are in most Bunnings stores nationally, meaning you can see and touch them before buying, and replace accessories or add to your system immediately.

StoreWALL is primarily sold direct online with fast national shipping. The trade-off is that you can’t inspect it in a store, but the range available online significantly exceeds what any physical store could stock.

GarageSmart is available through their national installer network — primarily in major metro areas.

GarageTek can be purchased online. They may also offer a full quotation and installation service.

Which System Is Right for Your Situation?

Rather than a blanket recommendation, here’s guidance based on common situations.

If budget is the primary consideration

StorEase from Bunnings is the lowest entry cost. It will serve basic hook and shelf storage adequately. Be aware that you’ll likely outgrow the accessory range if your storage needs are more than basic.

If you want the widest accessory range and highest weight ratings

StoreWALL and GarageSmart are the clear choice. The upfront cost is higher but the system grows with you. StoreWALL’s exclusive CamLok mechanism keeps accessories secure under load — something other systems don’t offer.

If you want professional installation and don’t want to DIY

GarageSmart offers a full design and installation service that removes the planning and installation burden entirely. You might pay a little extra for this convenience.

If you have a lot of Ryobi tools

Ryobi Link integrates neatly with the Ryobi tool ecosystem and the accessories are designed to display and store Ryobi products specifically. If that’s primarily what you’re storing, it’s a logical choice. For mixed garage storage it’s more limited.

If you already have Gladiator GearWall panels

Gladiator has exited the Australian market so new panels are no longer available. Hooks can be purchased here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use StoreWALL accessories on StorEase tracks?

Yes on the Smart Wall Panel (Aluminium panel), No for the Smart Wall Rail (black rail).

Can I use Ryobi Link accessories on slatwall panels?

No. Ryobi Link uses a proprietary mounting system that is not compatible with standard slatwall channels.

Is StoreWALL available at Bunnings?

StoreWALL is not currently stocked in Bunnings stores. It is available direct from storewall.com.au with free shipping across Australia (conditions apply).

What happened to Gladiator Garageworks in Australia?

Gladiator Garageworks exited the Australian market. Panels are no longer available new. Hooks can still be purchased.

The Bottom Line

For most Australian homeowners planning a serious garage fit-out, the choice comes down to StorEase if budget is tight and needs are basic, or a premium system like StoreWALL if you want a system that handles real loads, offers genuine flexibility and grows with you over time. GarageSmart suits those who want professional installation without the DIY burden. Ryobi Link suits Ryobi tool owners specifically. Take the time to list what you actually need to store before deciding — the right system for a bike enthusiast with heavy equipment is different from the right system for someone storing lightweight garden tools.

Categories
garage design Garage Ideas garage makeover Garage Walls

Planning Your Garage Layout: Australian Dimensions, Storage Zones and Wall Systems

Planning Your Garage Layout: Australian Dimensions, Storage Zones and Wall Systems

A well-planned garage does more than park a car. With the right layout, it becomes a functional workshop, a sports equipment hub, a tool room, and a storage solution all in one. But most Australian homeowners start fitting out their garage without a plan — and end up with a cluttered space that frustrates them every time they open the door. This guide walks you through standard Australian garage dimensions, how to think about zones, and how to choose a wall storage system that grows with you.

Standard Australian Garage Dimensions

Before you plan anything, you need to know what you’re working with.

Single Garage

  • Standard size: approximately 3.0m wide x 5.5m deep (minimum)
  • Recommended: 3.5m x 6.0m to allow comfortable door opening and storage along walls
  • Typical wall storage area: one or two walls depending on access door position

Double Garage (2-Car)

  • Standard size: approximately 5.4m–6.0m wide x 5.5m–6.0m deep
  • This is the most common size for Australian homes built since the 1990s
  • Key consideration: width determines whether you have a usable wall down the centre dividing the two bays
  • Wall storage potential: significantly higher — typically 3–4 walls available

Triple Garage (3-Car)

  • Standard size: approximately 8.4m–9.0m wide x 6.0m deep
  • Less common but increasingly popular in new builds
  • Wall storage across 3+ walls is achievable

Basement Garages

  • Common in newer townhouses and apartments
  • Usually tighter dimensions — 2.7m–3.0m wide per bay
  • Height restrictions sometimes limit overhead storage
  • Wall storage becomes even more important as floor space is at a premium

Before You Plan — Four Questions to Answer First

This section guides the reader through self-assessment before diving into layout.

How many cars need to fit?

The car footprint defines everything else. A standard car needs approximately 2.4m wide x 4.8m long of floor space, plus clearance. Plan this first, then work around it.

What else do you need the garage to do?

List everything: bikes, tools, garden equipment, sports gear, a workbench, a second fridge, seasonal items. Most Australian garages need to serve 4–6 functions simultaneously. Writing this list before planning prevents the most common mistake — designing for the car and forgetting everything else.

What are your walls made of?

  • Brick or block — requires battening before slatwall installation (link to battening article)
  • Plasterboard over timber frame — direct installation possible
  • Metal shed frame — requires specific fixing approach
  • Concrete block — similar to brick

Wall type determines your installation approach and should be understood before choosing a storage system.

Where are your fixed elements?

Power points, windows, the door from the house, the garage door mechanism — all of these constrain your layout. Mark them on a rough sketch before planning anything.

Dividing Your Garage Into Zones

Intro: The most functional garages treat wall space and floor space as separate planning problems. The walls handle storage. The floor handles activity and access.

The Car Zone

Define your car footprint first. Mark it on the floor with tape if it helps. Everything else in your planning works around this.

The Wall Storage Zone

Every wall that doesn’t have a window, door or garage door mechanism is a storage opportunity. In a standard double garage, this typically gives you:

  • Full rear wall (most valuable — widest and most accessible)
  • One full side wall
  • Portions of the other side wall
  • Sometimes above the garage door on the front wall

A slatwall system installed across these walls gives you continuous, configurable storage from floor to approximately 2.1m height — the practical reach limit for most adults.

The Workbench Zone

If you need a workbench, plan it along one wall — ideally under a window for natural light, or with dedicated lighting above. A slatwall system above the bench keeps tools within arm’s reach and off the bench surface.

The Overhead Zone

Ceiling space is often wasted in Australian garages. Overhead storage platforms or ceiling-mounted racks work well for seasonal items — Christmas decorations, camping gear, sports equipment used only occasionally. Keep regularly accessed items on walls and rarely accessed items overhead.

The Floor Zone

Anything that needs to stay on the floor — bins, freestanding tools, the car — should be defined and protected. If your wall storage is doing its job, your floor zone should be largely clear.

Choosing Your Wall Storage System

Once you know your zones, you need to choose a wall storage system that can serve all of them. There are three main options for Australian homeowners.

Pegboard

The traditional option. Inexpensive to buy, but hooks fall out constantly, weight limits are low (typically 5–10kg per hook), and MDF versions deteriorate with moisture. Suitable for light tool storage only.

Wire Track Systems (like StorEase from Bunnings)

More durable than pegboard, with a proprietary track and hook system. Limited accessory range compared to slatwall. Weight ratings are lower and the channel spacing is fixed, limiting configuration flexibility.

PVC Slatwall (like StoreWALL)

The premium option for Australian garages. Key advantages:

  • Weight rating up to 75kg per panel
  • 200+ compatible hooks, shelves, baskets and accessories
  • Waterproof — no swelling or warping in humid or wet garage environments
  • Fully configurable — accessories slide and reposition without tools
  • Colour options to suit different garage aesthetics
  • CamLok locking mechanism keeps accessories secure even under heavy loads

 

How Much Wall Storage Do You Need?

A common mistake is underestimating how much wall coverage you need. Here’s a practical way to work it out.

Step 1: Count the number of items you need to store off the floor or bench. Be specific — not “tools” but “drill, jigsaw, circular saw, sander”.

Step 2: Group them by category — power tools, hand tools, garden equipment, sports gear, seasonal items.

Step 3: Assign wall space by category. Power tools near the workbench. Bikes near the garage door. Garden tools near the side door.

Step 4: Use the StoreWALL Wall Panel Estimator to calculate panel coverage for each wall section.

Use the Wall Panel Estimator

A Practical Example — Planning a Standard Double Garage

Walk through a realistic example with a sketch or diagram if possible.

Scenario: 5.8m x 6.0m double garage, two cars, bikes, garden tools, power tools, seasonal storage.

  • Rear wall (5.8m): Full slatwall installation, bike hooks on the left section, power tool storage above bench on the right section
  • Left side wall (6.0m): Full slatwall, garden tools (rakes, shovels, hose reel) and kayak bracket
  • Right side wall: Partial slatwall above workbench, shelves for parts and bins
  • Overhead: Platform for camping gear and seasonal boxes

This configuration removes virtually everything from the floor while keeping all items accessible.

Getting Started

Planning a garage layout takes an hour of thinking but saves years of frustration. Start with dimensions, define your zones, choose a wall system rated for what you need to store, and work category by category. The most important principle: design for what you actually own, not a theoretical tidy version of it. If you have six bikes, plan for six bikes. If you have a large tool collection, plan wall space for it from the start.

Request a StoreWALL quote / Use the wall panel estimator / Shop wall panels.