Where to Buy Metal Garage Cabinets

Getting organized can make all the difference when it comes to your garage space. The right storage solutions can help maximize every inch, while keeping all your tools, gear, and supplies neatly tucked away, yet easy to access. When choosing storage for the garage, metal cabinets are a smart option to consider. Metal stands up well to the conditions found in most garages, while also providing secure, stylish storage. If you’ve decided metal garage cabinets are the way to go, your next step is figuring out where to find quality products that fit your budget. This guide will explore the pros and cons of various places to buy metal garage cabinets, to help you make the best choice for your needs.

Buying Metal Garage Cabinets at Home Improvement Stores

For many homeowners, home improvement “big box” stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s are the first stop when shopping for garage organization products. These national chains offer some key advantages when buying metal garage cabinets:

Convenience

With hundreds of locations across the country, you likely have a home improvement superstore nearby where you can easily browse options for metal garage cabinets in person before buying. This allows you to get a close look at factors like:

• Materials and construction quality
• Fit and finish
• Sturdiness and durability
• Door and drawer smoothness
• Locking mechanisms
• Adjustable shelving
• Assembly requirements
• Available sizes, colors, and designs
• Overall visual appeal

Once you’ve settled on the right metal cabinet for your needs, you can purchase it right on the spot rather than waiting for delivery.

Competitive Pricing

The huge buying power of national chains gives them leverage to offer competitive prices on the products they carry. You can often find deals on metal garage cabinets that beat smaller retailers. Home improvement stores also frequently run sales and specials both in stores and online, so timing your purchase right can help you score the cabinet you want at a discount.

Product Selection

From leading brands like Gladiator and Rubbermaid to store-specific house brands, home improvement stores offer a wide array of metal garage cabinet options. You’re likely to encounter multiple style, color, size, and configuration choices for products that are affordably priced yet decent quality.

Availability of Related Products

When you shop for your metal cabinetry at a home improvement retailer, you can also conveniently pick up any related items needed for the project in a single trip. This might include:

• Hardware and tools for installation
• Shelf liners, racks or pegs to outfit the cabinet interior
• Labeling and organizational supplies
• Additional garage storage solutions like shelving, racks, or wall systems

Free/Low Cost Delivery and Installation

While some shoppers are happy to transport their new metal cabinet home from the store and handle DIY installation, home improvement chains also offer delivery and professional installation add-on services. This takes the hassle out of getting large, bulky cabinets into place and properly secured.

Though rates vary by location, the delivery/install fees are usually very reasonable compared to other retailers. Shoppers spending over a certain dollar amount on their garage storage purchase can sometimes even get free delivery.

Wide Customer Reach

The national presence of chains like Lowe’s and Home Depot makes them a go-to source for metal garage cabinets for a diverse range of customers. Their broad inventory and variety of price points allows them to meet the needs of homeowners whether they’re looking for basic affordable options or higher-end premium cabinetry.

Ability to See Reviews

With such a large customer base shopping for garage organization products, home improvement chains will often have multiple reviews for particular metal cabinet models they sell. This helps give shoppers a better feel for real-world pros and cons before they invest in a particular cabinet. Seeing feedback from other homeowners can provide valuable insight beyond just manufacturer product descriptions.

While definitely a solid choice for many, home improvement mega-stores also come with a few potential limitations:

• Because inventory needs to appeal to mass market tastes, truly unique or specialty cabinetry options are less common.
• Since you can only purchase what’s currently in stock onsite, you may encounter limitations in material choices or sizing configurations. Ordering a custom cabinet is generally not possible.
• Returns or exchanges can be a hassle compared to buying directly from a local retailer or manufacturer.
• Advice or design guidance for storage projects is minimal compared to cabinet dealers.
• Focus is more on quick convenience rather than luxury features or custom work.
• Durability can vary greatly between economy vs. premium house brand models.

Depending on the complexity of your garage storage plans, a big box home improvement store may or may not be the best source for purchasing metal cabinets.

Shopping at Warehouse Clubs

For shoppers looking for serious bargain prices on quality metal garage cabinets, warehouse clubs like Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s are another purchasing avenue. Their business model focuses on selling large quantities of home, business, and automotive items at wholesale prices. Though selection is more limited compared to home improvement superstores, some benefits often found when buying metal garage cabinets at warehouse clubs include:

Deep Discounts

Because they buy direct from manufacturers in serious bulk, warehouse clubs are able to pass dramatic savings onto their members. It’s common to find prices 25-50% less than big box stores or other retailers. For shoppers on a tight budget, this makes it possible to afford premium metal cabinetry at a more modest cost.

Bulk Buying Options

Since warehouse clubs specialize in volume sales, some will offer multi-unit bundles of higher cost products, allowing you to stock up at an even lower per-unit cost. This can be an ideal scenario for setting up matching modular cabinetry throughout your garage workshop.

Satisfaction Guarantees

Confident in the products they sell, most warehouse clubs stand behind them with generous return timeframes and satisfaction guarantees. If any issues arise after purchasing metal garage cabinets, you can typically return them for a full refund or exchange.

Limited, but Quality Choices

Retailers like Costco tend to vet products thoroughly and only partner with top manufacturers. So while selection is curated, you can generally count on the metal garage cabinetry choices being some of the best out there for the money. Those after truly custom work might need to look elsewhere, however.

Easy In-Club Shopping

For cabinetry and other big ticket garage purchases, many members appreciate being able to examine potential options up close before committing to buy. Warehouse clubs make it easy to swing by and assess the quality, storage functionality, aesthetics and other aspects that matter most for your unique garage space.

However, there are a few limitations to weigh when considering metal garage cabinets from a wholesale chain:

• Availability of specific products can rotate quickly, making reorders tricky if you want to expand your installed system later.
• Choices are primarily value-focused mainstream models rather than specialty or custom designs.
• You may need to handle delivery logistics and installation on your own.
• Shopping is limited to club members only.
• Quantities are restricted for the deepest discounts.

For savvy shoppers open to a sparse selection of quality, affordable cabinet picks, warehouse clubs can be a smart move. Just don’t expect a lot of variety or customization.

Buying Direct From Manufacturers

From Fortune 500 corporations to small family businesses, buying metal garage cabinets direct from the manufacturer opens up an enormous spectrum of possibilities. Today’s marketplace includes about a dozen prominent companies creating metal garage and workshop cabinetry plus dozens more smaller niche producers.

Choosing to purchase directly from cabinet makers offers a host of potential advantages:

Maximum Selection

Since you’re dealing with the source, you can access a company’s full range of cabinet designs, colors, materials, sizes, options and accessories. The scope is far greater than what any single retailer is likely to carry. For the choosiest shoppers, this expanded selection is key.

Customization Capabilities

Direct buying typically allows you to personalize metal cabinets with options like:

• Custom sizing and layouts
• Digital printed graphics
• Mix and match color combos
• Added lighting features
• Laminate work surfaces
• Utility hooks, bins, trays and more

While home centers or warehouses focus on standardized products at scale, manufacturers can provide specialized solutions tailored to you.

Quality and Durability

Cabinet makers invest heavily in R&D around optimal garage storage. They control the end-to-end process from materials sourcing to fabrication, assembly, finishing and quality assurance. This level of oversight across the production chain often yields some of the sturdiest and longest-lasting metal cabinets around.

Value Pricing

When you eliminate retailer markups, manufacturers can offer intrinsically well-made cabinets at reasonable prices. Any expenses saved in distribution and retail margins get passed onto shoppers. Deal direct for the best balance of quality and cost.

Knowledgeable Support

Since cabinet design and construction is all they do, manufacturers have the deepest knowledge to help identify options to best fit your needs while staying within budget limitations. Their expert teams know the ins and outs of their full product line to ensure optimal recommendations.

Strong Warranties

Confident in their engineering and workmanship, many leading metal cabinet brands back their products with 5-10 year or even lifetime warranties against defects. This provides serious peace of mind about durability. Extended return periods are also common.

However, purchasing directly from a factory does have some considerations:

• Without a local showroom, you can’t see options in person before purchasing. However, customer service reps can provide extensive photo and video walkthroughs.
• Lead times for any custom work can be 4-8 weeks in some cases. Those in a hurry might need to select in-stock models.
• You’ll either need to arrange third party installers or handle cabinet mounting yourself rather than using pros available through some retailers.

If your storage needs demand maximum selection, specialty features, or customization, connecting directly with manufacturers could be the best source for quality metal garage cabinets.

Visiting Specialty Garage Storage Showrooms

For some shoppers researching storage solutions, nothing beats being able to walk through actual displays in person to gauge fit, finish, and functionality before making a purchase. In major metro areas, this is possible thanks to specialty retailers who cater specifically to garage organization rather than general home goods.

Typically locally-owned and staffed with storage design experts, these specialty showrooms aim to provide an interactive, educational shopping experience. Benefits can include:

Hands-On Product Demos

In a display-focused showroom setting, you’re able to touch and test out various metal cabinet designs firsthand. Open and close doors, extend drawers, adjust shelves, check out locking systems, and get a feel for overall sturdiness. Gaining this tactile product knowledge can be invaluable vs. buying sight unseen online.

Custom Design Consultations

Rather than hurried big box experiences, specialty storage sellers dedicate ample time to discuss your needs, take measurements, and propose solutions. Their goal is crafting a fully personalized garage system. For those wanting more than an off-the-shelf approach, custom consultations are crucial.

Turnkey Installation Services

While retailers like Costco leave assembly, delivery and installation to the customer, garage storage showrooms offer the option of seamless start-to-finish service. Have them handle the full scope from sale to setup, including removal of old cabinets and tailored placement of new models for optimal ergonomics.

Focus on Quality and Durability

Unlike big chains aiming for mass appeal, these specialty stores carefully curate their mix of brands and products to meet discerning standards for quality, longevity, and functionality. Showrooms refuse to compromise, ensuring anything you purchase is built to last.

Flexible Solutions Mix

A good specialty showroom will offer both stock and fully custom cabinetry across a range of styles and price points. If manufactured options don’t quite cut it, they may even have relationships with regional metal workshop craftsmen who can provide one-off solutions. This range gives you choices.

However, some limitations exist as well:

• Due to overhead costs, specialty garage cabinet showrooms may have somewhat higher prices than big box stores for comparable stock models.
• Locations are generally limited to metro areas, making hands-on shopping impossible for rural buyers. However, many will ship nationwide.
• Selection is subject to whatever mix of brands and products the retailer chooses to showcase, which likely excludes some manufacturers.

For shoppers who prioritize seeing and testing products firsthand, with access to experienced storage design advice, specialty showrooms can satisfy like nowhere else. Just be prepared for a higher investment both in time and money.

Buying Used or Vintage Metal Cabinets

If saving money is your top concern when needing new garage storage, going with previously owned metal cabinets can help stretch a tight budget. With the vintage trend growing in popularity, owners may even prefer the charm of “experienced” cabinets boasting genuine patina and character marks. There are several avenues to find used or vintage metal cabinetry options:

Classified Listings

Websites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace feature tens of thousands of secondhand metal cabinets for sale in any given area. Because listings are by owner rather than retailers, prices are usually quite affordable. With some searching, persistence, and negotiation, real deals can be found. Just make sure to inspect thoroughly before finalizing any purchases.

Auctions

Storage auctions are prime spots to snag commercial quality metal cabinetry for pennies on the dollar compared to new retail costs. Look for upcoming business closures or surplus auctions in your state or region. Garage cabinets from auto shops, warehouses, farms, and defunct makers often get liquidated this way.

Estate Sales

As homeowners downsize or estates are settled, quality metal cabinets that have been well cared for over the decades frequently end up for sale via estate sale listings. Vintage cabinetry from brands no longer in business often surfaces at these events as well. Visit on markdown days for best values.

Architectural Salvage Stores

These unique small businesses are dedicated to salvaging building materials from old structures before demolition. Among the doors, lighting, and decor you’ll discover at architectural salvage stores, some truly exceptional vintage metal cabinets are often mixed in. A bit of DIY may be needed to refurbish and repurpose them for your garage.

Garage Sales

Searching garage sale listings in your community can uncover lightly used metal cabinetry being sold by locals for remarkably inexpensive costs. Being able to chat with the owner about cabinet history and usage provides helpful insights. Just be cautious about dents, damage, or corrosion issues.

The benefits of sourcing previously owned metal cabinets include:

• Major cost savings off retail pricing, sometimes up to 80% less
• Chance to own well-built discontinued legacy brands no longer produced
• Proudly display the nicks and dings of genuine vintage pieces with backstory
• Opportunity to repurpose something that still has life left rather than disposal
• Very eco-friendly if you would have bought new otherwise

However, there are also some potential drawbacks:

• No ability to customize. You get what you find.
• Possible hidden damage or wear and tear. Careful inspection is a must.
• Features and specs may be outdated compared to new designs.
• Sacrificing warranty support in case of future issues.
• May require repairs, restoration work or modifications.
• Matching multiples for a cohesive look could be challenging.

For crafty and budget-focused shoppers not demanding perfection, secondhand metal cabinets can be a smart play. Just devote sufficient time to access the finest condition picks before they disappear.

Choosing Cabinet Finish – Painted, Stainless or Galvanized

One of the first decisions to make when selecting metal garage cabinets is which finish option makes the most sense for your space. The three most common finishes each have pros and cons worth examining closer.

Painted Metal Cabinets

The most popular finish for metal garage cabinetry relies on applying colorful protective paint in the factory under controlled conditions for maximum uniform coverage and long-lasting adhesion. Key advantages of factory finished painted cabinets include:

Visual Appeal – With dozens of color choices from bold hues to neutral grays and whites, painted cabinets allow you to introduce stylish colors for an appealing, finished look rather than raw industrial appearance.

Resilience – High performance powder coat or enamel paint formulas resist grease, chemicals, moisture and everyday scuffs remarkably well compared to bare metal. Just wipe clean.

Affordability – Painted metal cabinets are generally the most budget friendly finish option, making it possible to add color without the premium cost of stainless steel or galvanized treatments.

Easy Matching – Whatever bold or subtle tone you select, painted cabinet colors make it simple to mix, match and coordinate other accessories. Create cohesion.

Touch Up Capability – Should any scratches or chips occur, you can quickly touch up painted cabinets with matching enamel paint for a like-new look. Matching stainless or galvanized is far more difficult after the fact.

Downsides to weigh include:

• Although durable, painted finishes will still show scrapes and scratches over time with heavy use. The coatings can also fade somewhat when exposed to constant sunlight.
• If you change color preferences in a few years, repainting cabinets is far more hassle than simply swapping out stainless models.

For most homeowners, the advantages of painted metal cabinets outweigh the modest tradeoffs.

Stainless Steel Cabinets

Associated with commercial restaurant kitchens, stainless steel garage cabinets deliver exceptional durability and easy cleaning with a hint of “industrial chic” vibe:

Toughness – Stainless alloys resist corrosion and rust while standing up to dents, dings, and abrasions incredibly well under heavy daily use and exposure to moisture. Cabinets keep looking freshly minted.

Easy Maintenance – Grease, dirt, dust and grime wipe right off exposed stainless surfaces with just soap and water, isopropyl alcohol, or stainless steel polish. No need to deal with chipped paint.

Visual Interest – The lightly brushed metal look offers understated visual flair, especially when mixing with other metallic shop elements. Light plays off the finish attractively.

Resale Value – Stainless steel commands a premium price but also retains excellent resale value if you ever opt to sell the cabinets down the road. Their durability keeps them modern.

Tradeoffs to