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Buying guide

How Deep Should Garage Cabinets Be?

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Cabinet depth decides two things at once: how much fits inside and how much floor is left for parking and walking. Measure your space first, then compare depths on the same basis.

Measure the space you can give up

  1. Wall to car. Park as you normally do and measure from the wall to the nearest point of the car with its doors open.
  2. Room to stand. You need space in front of a cabinet to stand, open its doors and pull out drawers. Subtract that from the measurement above.
  3. Door swing. Cabinet doors open outward. A door that swings into the parking space can hit the car or block a walkway. Measure the door width as well as the cabinet depth.
  4. Obstacles. Note steps, outlets, the water heater and anything on the wall the cabinet must clear.

Base, wall and tall cabinets

  • Base cabinets stand on the floor and often carry a worktop. A worktop can overhang the cabinet, so check whether the stated depth includes it.
  • Wall cabinets hang above the floor. They are often shallower and leave the floor clear below, which can help where a car parks close. Check the height you need to clear a car hood or a bench below.
  • Tall cabinets stand on the floor and reach high. A tall cabinet with a small footprint can tip, so check whether the maker requires anchoring it to the wall.

Browse freestanding cabinets, wall cabinets or all garage cabinets.

What the stated depth includes

Makers measure depth in different ways. One figure may include doors and handles, another may not, and a wall cabinet may sit out further on a mounting rail. Overall depth also does not tell you the usable space inside. If you want to store bins or cases, measure them, including handles, and compare them with the interior size where the maker gives one. Our pages show “Not listed” when the maker does not state a value.

Depth and ratings

A deeper shelf does not mean a stronger one. Compare per-shelf and total ratings separately, with their conditions. Our guide to weight ratings explains how. For open shelving rather than cabinets, see 18-inch vs. 24-inch shelving, and for the whole garage, the planning guide.

We have not installed or tested these products. Follow the maker’s anchoring and mounting instructions, and ask a qualified professional if you are unsure what your wall can carry.

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