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.