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garage wall storage systems australia

Comparing Garage Wall Storage Systems in Australia

If you’re comparing garage wall storage systems in Australia — StoreWALL, StorEase from Bunnings, GarageSmart, Ryobi Link, or pegboard — here’s the direct comparison. Jump to the detail section below the table if you want more context on each system, or scroll to which system suits your situation.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature StoreWALL StorEase (Bunnings) GarageSmart Ryobi Link
Material Solid PVC slatwall Aluminium rail PVC slatwall Plastic modular panels
Panel dimensions 304mm high × 1219mm or 2438mm — covers full wall 150mm high × 1200mm — rails at set heights only 304mm high × 2438mm — covers full wall 165mm high × 838mm
Weight rating 56kg (Standard Duty) / 148kg (Heavy Duty) per panel 150kg per rail (stated) Varies by installation 94kg per module
Accessory range 200+ items — hooks, shelves, baskets, bins, bags, specialist brackets ~30 items — basic hooks, shelves, bins 200+ items ~30 items — Ryobi tool focused
Locking mechanism CamLok — quarter-turn all-metal lock, no scratching on removal Snap fit / clip system Plastic Smartlock Snap fit / screws
Colours available 8 colours — Brite White, Weathered Grey, Blackwood, Global Pine, Rustic Cedar, Barnwood Grey, Graphite Steel, Whitewood Silver aluminium — one finish Limited — check direct Grey — one finish
DIY installation Yes — with InstallStrips, detailed guides provided Yes Installer preferred Yes
Brick wall compatible Yes Yes Yes (battens recommended) Yes
Waterproof Yes — solid PVC, mould resistant Yes — aluminium Yes — PVC Yes
Price per panel (approx) $131 per 2438mm panel $31 per 1200mm rail Quote based $43 per 2-channel module
Where to buy Online direct — storewall.com.au Bunnings stores nationally + online Installer network Bunnings + tool retailers
Try before buying Panel sample — $10.99 postage Visit any Bunnings store Contact company Visit any Bunnings store
Warranty 5 years — panels, InstallStrips and accessories Bunnings returns policy Check direct Ryobi standard warranty
Pegboard compatible accessories No — StoreWALL uses 76mm groove pitch No No No
StoreWALL accessories compatible Yes Partial — not with black Slimline rail Yes No

Prices are approximate and change regularly. Always check current pricing directly with each supplier before ordering.

Not sure which system suits your wall?

  • Order a StoreWALL panel sample first$10.99 postage, Brite White and Weathered Grey posted to you. Hold it against your wall before committing.
  • Use the wall estimatorcalculate how many panels you need for your wall dimensions.
  • Call Arthur on 0411 280 646 — we’ll put together a complete materials list for your specific wall at no charge.

About Each System

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.

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 — quarter-turn, all-metal, no scratching on removal or repositioning. Wall panels are installed with metal InstallStrips for additional weight capacity and structural strength. Available in Standard Duty, Heavy Duty and MKE Slatwall variants.

StorEase (Bunnings)

Available in most Bunnings stores nationally and online. Lower entry price point, limited accessory range. Uses a track and hook proprietary system — aluminium rails mounted at specific heights rather than panels covering the full wall. The most accessible system if you want to buy and install the same day.

GarageSmart

Australian company offering a slatwall-based system with installation services. Primarily sold as a supply and installation package via a local agent or reseller network. Accessory range is extensive and covers most standard garage storage needs. Good choice if you don’t want to DIY.

GarageTek

GarageTek is part of the Attic Group — an Australian company with a construction background. Products can be ordered online or via a supply and installation service. Uses a similar wall panel system to StoreWALL and GarageSmart.

TidyWall

Sold through local dealers. Pricing is quote based and usually comes as a supply and installation package. Uses a similar wall panel approach to GarageSmart.

Ryobi Link

Ryobi’s modular wall storage system available through Bunnings and tool retailers. Designed specifically to integrate with Ryobi power tools and accessories. Works well if most of what you’re storing is Ryobi equipment — less suited to general garage storage where mixed items need to be accommodated.

Gladiator GearWall

Gladiator Garageworks has exited the Australian market. New panels are no longer available. Replacement hooks can still be purchased through the Gladiator Australia website.

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 common in Australian garages. It can be cut to size on site.

StoreWALL panels are designed to be mounted with InstallStrips — metal brackets fixed to wall studs first, with panels clicking onto them. This increases load distribution and means no screws go through the panel face.

StorEase uses a steel track system rather than full panels. Tracks are mounted individually at specific heights and hooks clip into the tracks. This is fundamentally different — lighter, lower cost, but with less structural coverage of the wall and fewer accessory options.

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

Slatwall vs Pegboard — Key Differences

Pegboard is a common DIY alternative — perforated hardboard or steel sheet mounted to the wall with hooks inserted into the holes. It’s inexpensive and widely available. However there are several practical differences worth understanding before choosing between pegboard and a slatwall system:

  • Weight capacity — pegboard hooks rely on a friction fit in a hole and have no locking mechanism. StoreWALL’s CamLok locks the accessory into the groove — a hook won’t shift or fall even under heavy load or vibration.
  • Accessory range — standard pegboard accepts standard pegboard hooks only. StoreWALL’s 200+ accessory range includes items purpose-designed for specific uses (rotating bike hooks, kayak cradles, power tool racks) that don’t exist in pegboard formats.
  • Coverage — pegboard sheets are typically 1200mm × 900mm and show joins clearly. StoreWALL 2438mm panels minimise joins and create a finished wall surface.
  • Durability — hardboard pegboard absorbs moisture and can deteriorate in garage conditions. PVC slatwall is waterproof and mould resistant indefinitely.
  • Cost comparison — pegboard has a lower entry cost but limited accessory options. For a serious garage fit-out, the total cost over time including accessories is often comparable.

Weight Ratings — Why This Matters

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

  • StoreWALL Standard Duty panels are rated to 56kg per 1219mm panel — Heavy Duty panels to 148kg per panel. A single panel can hold a loaded bike hook, a set of power tools and a wire shelf simultaneously.
  • StorEase states its panels support up to 150kg per rail — however the rail system design means load is concentrated at individual hook attachment points rather than distributed across a full panel surface.
  • Ryobi Link modules are rated to 94kg per module.
  • GarageSmart ratings vary by product and installation type — their installers advise based on your specific wall and load requirements.

Accessory Range — The Hidden Long-Term Cost

The initial panel purchase is rarely the total cost. Accessories often cost as much or more than the panels over time. A system with a limited accessory range forces you to work around what’s available rather than build 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, magnetic bars and power strip brackets. Everything is priced and available online.

StorEase covers basic hooks, a small number of shelf options and bins. If your storage needs go beyond standard hooks and shelves you’ll quickly hit the limits of the system.

GarageSmart’s range is also extensive. Pricing and the full range are available via direct contact with the company.

Ryobi Link is growing but remains focused on Ryobi tools. Works well for Ryobi owners specifically.

Installation

All four systems can be installed as DIY on standard plasterboard walls. GarageSmart primarily positions as an installed solution — assessment, design and installation are part of the service, which adds convenience but also 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 help.

Availability

StorEase and Ryobi Link have the widest physical availability — both are in most Bunnings stores nationally, so you can see and touch them before buying. StoreWALL is sold direct online with shipping Australia-wide. The trade-off is that you can’t inspect it in a store, but the panel sample option for $10.99 postage addresses this — Brite White and Weathered Grey samples posted to your door before you commit to a full order.

Which System Is Right for Your Situation?

Budget is the primary consideration

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

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 CamLok keeps accessories locked under load — something other systems don’t offer.

You don’t want to DIY

GarageSmart offers a full design and installation service that removes the planning and installation burden. You may pay a premium for this but the result is a professionally designed garage.

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. For mixed garage storage it’s more limited.

You’re considering pegboard

Pegboard is a lower cost entry point. For light storage of small hand tools it works adequately. For heavier loads, bikes, boards or a serious garage fit-out, a slatwall system with proper locking accessories will perform significantly better over time.

You already have Gladiator GearWall panels

Gladiator has exited the Australian market — new panels are no longer available. Replacement hooks can be purchased. If you’re expanding the system, StoreWALL accessories are compatible with many standard slatwall profiles — call Arthur on 0411 280 646 to confirm compatibility with your specific panels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use StoreWALL accessories on StorEase tracks?
Yes on the Smart Wall Panel (aluminium panel). No on the Smart Wall Rail (black Slimline rail) — the groove profile is different and accessories won’t lock correctly.

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 including StoreWALL.

Is StoreWALL available at Bunnings?
No. StoreWALL is sold exclusively through storewall.com.au. Bunnings sells StorEase, which is a different system.

Is slatwall better than pegboard for a garage?
For most Australian garages, yes — particularly if you’re storing anything heavier than light hand tools. Slatwall offers locking accessories, higher weight ratings, a much wider accessory range, and is fully waterproof. Pegboard hooks rely on friction and can shift or fall. For a serious garage fit-out the difference in usability over time is significant.

What happened to Gladiator Garageworks in Australia?
Gladiator Garageworks exited the Australian market. New panels are no longer available. Hooks can still be purchased through the Gladiator Australia website.

How do I know how many StoreWALL panels I need?
Use the wall panel estimator to calculate quantities for your wall dimensions, or call Arthur on 0411 280 646 for a free materials list.

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 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. Pegboard suits light, basic tool storage on a minimal budget.

Take the time to list what you actually need to store before deciding — the right system for someone with bikes, boards and heavy gear is different from the right system for someone storing lightweight garden tools. If you’re unsure, order a panel sample for $10.99 postage or call Arthur on 0411 280 646 — we’ll help you work out what you actually need before you spend anything.

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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.