Garage ceiling storage in Exeter
Professional garage ceiling storage services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£110-£210
Typical Duration
2-4 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Ceiling storage racks fitted securely to your garage joists. Make use of all that wasted space above your head - perfect for seasonal items and bulky stuff you don't need daily.
Stop Tripping Over Stuff
Look up in your garage. See all that empty space doing nothing? Meanwhile you're playing Tetris with boxes on the floor and can barely squeeze the car in.
Ceiling storage is the answer - suddenly you've got room for all the Christmas decorations, camping gear, and random boxes of stuff you can't bring yourself to chuck out.
💡 Pro tip: Ceiling storage works best for light-but-bulky items. Heavy stuff belongs on the floor or low shelving where you can actually lift it safely.
Why It's Worth Doing Properly
DIY ceiling storage gone wrong usually involves things crashing down at 2am:
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ DIY Disaster |
|---|---|
| Fixed into ceiling joists | Screwed into plasterboard (whoops) |
| Weight evenly distributed | Sagging in the middle |
| Level and secure | Wonky, one end lower |
| Tested before loading | Finds out it's weak when fully loaded |
The key: Finding the joists and using proper fixings. Most garage ceilings aren't just empty space - there's a structure up there, you just need to find it.
What You Get
🔧 The Full Service
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Survey | Check ceiling structure, find joists, confirm it'll work |
| Install | Racks mounted securely with heavy-duty fixings |
| Level | Everything level so boxes don't slide off |
| Test | Give it a shake, make sure it's solid |
📦 You're Left With
- Overhead storage securely mounted
- Floor space freed up
- Instructions on weight limits
- Peace of mind it won't fall down
Pricing Guide
| Storage Setup | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Single ceiling rack (4x4ft) | 1.5-2 hrs | £85-£110 |
| Double rack system (8x4ft) | 2.5-3 hrs | £135-£160 |
| Large multi-rack (12x8ft+) | 3.5-4 hrs | £185-£210 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. You supply racks, I fit them. Complex ceilings may take longer.
Perfect For Your Garage If...
✅ Floor space is tight - can barely get the car in
✅ You've got decent ceiling height - at least 8ft, ideally more
✅ Seasonal storage needs - things used once or twice a year
✅ Proper ceiling structure - joists we can fix into
Why Choose Us for Garage ceiling storage in Exeter?
Ceiling racks securely mounted to joists
Maximum use of wasted overhead space
Floor space freed for parking
Heavy-duty fixings for safe storage
What to Expect
Step 1: Check Feasibility
I assess your ceiling structure, locate joists, measure clearances. If it won't work safely, I'll tell you before we start.
Step 2: Install Racks
Racks mounted level and secure, fixed properly into the joists with heavy-duty fixings.
Step 3: Load Test
Give everything a good shake and test before you load it up. I'll show you the weight limits.
🔧 DIY Tips
Want to fit ceiling storage yourself? It's doable but needs care:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Stud finder (or magnet to find screws in joists)
- Drill with long bits
- Socket set
- Spirit level (long one)
- Ladder or platform (you'll be overhead for a while)
- Second person (seriously, don't do this alone)
📐 Finding the joists
- Use a stud finder across the ceiling
- Or tap and listen - hollow vs solid sound
- Mark each joist location clearly
- Verify by drilling a test hole (small bit)
- Joists usually run front-to-back, 16-24 inches apart
🔩 Mounting the racks
- ONLY fix into joists, never plasterboard alone
- Use coach screws or heavy-duty lag bolts
- Pre-drill to avoid splitting timber
- Get it level before fully tightening
- Each corner needs to hit a joist
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Assuming you can screw anywhere (plasterboard won't hold weight)
- Not checking what's above (pipes, wires)
- Overloading beyond rated capacity
- Working alone (dangerous overhead work)
- Forgetting to measure car clearance (d'oh)
💡 Pro trick: Before buying racks, measure your car with roof box/bike rack fitted (if you use them). You need at least 6 inches clearance below the racks. Nothing worse than fitting them perfectly then realizing the car doesn't fit.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🔧 Weight limits matter: Most ceiling storage systems are rated for 250-600lbs total. Sounds like loads, but it adds up fast. Store light stuff up there, heavy stuff on the floor.
What goes up there:
- Christmas decorations
- Camping/festival gear
- Suitcases and travel bags
- Kids' old toys (the ones you can't bring yourself to donate)
- Seasonal sports equipment
What DOESN'T go up there:
- Heavy tools
- Paint tins (messy if they fall)
- Things you need regularly (climbing up gets old fast)
- Anything valuable or fragile
Access: Remember you'll need a ladder every time you want something down. If you're using it weekly, ceiling storage isn't the answer - use wall shelving instead.
Garage conversion later? Ceiling racks can usually be removed and reused if you ever insulate or board the ceiling. Just keep the fixings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I actually store on ceiling racks?
Perfect for bulky-but-light stuff - camping gear, Christmas decorations, empty suitcases, kids' old toys, stuff you use once a year. NOT for really heavy things like boxes of tiles or engine parts - there's a weight limit.
Will my garage ceiling support storage racks?
Most garages will, as long as they've got proper joists. I'll check when I arrive - if it's just plasterboard or flimsy structure, I'll tell you honestly. Can't fix storage to something that won't hold it.
How low do the racks hang down?
Depends on the system, but typically 12-18 inches below the ceiling. You need to check you can still get your car in without hitting them - measure your car height first, especially if you've got a van or 4x4.
Do I buy the racks or do you supply them?
You buy them, I fit them. I can advise on what to get - there's cheap rubbish and there's proper heavy-duty stuff. Screwfix and Toolstation do decent systems, or there's fancier adjustable ones from specialist places.
Can you fit them in a single garage?
Yeah, as long as there's access. I'll need to get a ladder up and work above head height, so the space needs to be relatively clear. If it's absolutely rammed full, we might need to shuffle stuff around first.
Garage ceiling storage Also Available In:
Get a Free Quote in Exeter
Call us today for a free, no-obligation quote for your garage ceiling storage job in Exeter.
01392 964094Request Online QuoteOur Rates
Got multiple jobs?
Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
Why Trust Us
Need Garage ceiling storage in Exeter?
Get a free quote for your garage ceiling storage job in Exeter today.