A weight rating on an overhead garage rack is only useful if you know how to read it. The number on the box tells you what the rack can carry. It does not tell you what your ceiling can carry, how to spread the load, or what belongs up there in the first place.
This guide covers all three, so you can load your rack with confidence.
Quick answer: Mesh Storage overhead garage racks have a rated load capacity of 360 kg. That is a lot of storage, but the rating assumes the rack is installed correctly into a suitable ceiling and the weight is spread evenly. Always stay under the rating.
Understanding load ratings
A few plain terms make a rating easier to use.
- Total capacity. The most weight the whole rack should carry, with everything on it added together. Check whether the figure on a product page is a total for the rack or a limit for each section.
- Static load. Weight that sits still on the rack, like tubs of decorations. Ratings are mostly about this.
- Dynamic load. Extra force when you drop something onto the rack, slide a heavy item along it, or bump it while loading. This is why you should place items gently and never treat the rating as a target.
- Even spreading. A rack carries more safely when the weight is spread across it, not piled in one corner. Ten kilograms in each section is easier on the frame than a single 60 kilogram load.
One more thing to remember: the rating describes the rack. It assumes the rack is correctly installed into a ceiling that can support it. A strong rack on a weak fixing point is only as good as the weakest part.
Check your ceiling and space first
Before you worry about what goes on the rack, check what it will hang from and what is around it.
- Ceiling construction. Find out what your ceiling is made of and where the fixing points are. The rack needs to be fixed into solid structure, not just plasterboard.
- Ceiling height. Make sure there is enough room to fit the rack and still use the space below it.
- Vehicle height. Measure your tallest vehicle, including roof racks or a roof box, and leave a safe gap beneath the rack.
- Garage door clearance. Check the door tracks, opener and spring so the rack and your stored items stay well clear when the door moves.
- Headroom for you. You need to be able to reach, lift and place items without straining or stretching.
Follow the installation instructions that come with your rack. If you are unsure about your ceiling or its structure, ask a qualified person such as a builder or carpenter to check before you install.
What weighs what
Most people underestimate how heavy stored items are. Here are some typical weights to help you plan. Every figure is approximate, so weigh your own items on a bathroom scale where you can.
| Item | Approximate weight | Overhead suggestion |
| Lidded tub of Christmas decorations | 5 to 10 kg | Good fit |
| Camping gear tub | 8 to 15 kg | Good fit |
| Family tent | 8 to 15 kg | Good fit |
| Large suitcase (packed light) | 8 to 15 kg | Good fit |
| Rooftop cargo box | 15 to 25 kg | Fits if lifting is safe |
| Kayak or paddleboard | 15 to 25 kg or more | Check size, weight and lifting method first |
| Car tyre (each) | 8 to 12 kg | Better on the floor or a low shelf |
| Box of books | 15 to 25 kg | Keep low |
How it adds up. A typical seasonal load might be four decoration tubs (about 32 kg), two camping tubs (about 24 kg), a tent (about 12 kg) and two suitcases (about 20 kg). That comes to roughly 88 kg, well under the rating. Add a rooftop box (about 20 kg) and four tyres (about 40 kg) and you are near 150 kg. Add six boxes of books (about 120 kg) and you are around 270 kg, which is already three quarters of a 360 kg rating before you have loaded the last corner.
A quick tally like this takes two minutes and keeps you well below the limit.
How to load a rack safely
A little routine each time you load keeps the rack and everything under it safe.
- Weigh or estimate each item. Use a bathroom scale or the tally above.
- Spread the weight. Place heavier items closer to the supports and distribute them across the rack rather than stacking them in one spot.
- Keep very heavy or awkward items low. Anything you struggle to lift above shoulder height belongs on the floor or on a wall rack.
- Use lidded tubs, not loose items. They stack neatly, protect contents and stop things sliding off.
- Label contents and weight. A quick note on each tub tells you at a glance what is up there and what it weighs.
- Re-check the fixings. Look over the bolts and brackets a few weeks after installing, then once a year.
What not to put overhead
Some things are better kept at ground level, even if there is space up high.
- Anything you cannot lift safely above shoulder height. If you need two people or a wobbly ladder, it should not live overhead.
- Fragile items. Glassware, ceramics and delicate electronics are easily damaged by a knock or a drop.
- Flammable or hazardous items. Keep fuel, gas cylinders, paints and chemicals out of the garage rafters and follow your state's safety guidance for storing them.
- Things you need weekly. If you reach for it every week, it earns a spot at eye level, not above your head.
Installation and what to expect
Mesh Storage overhead racks are designed for DIY installation with common tools, so most people can do it in an afternoon. Read through the steps on the installation page before you start, and check your ceiling and clearances first.
Mesh Storage is also currently offering free shipping on overhead garage storage racks to NSW and VIC. If you are comparing options, our overhead garage storage buying guide walks through sizes, features and what to look for.
Ready to free up your garage floor?
Browse the overhead garage storage racks collection to find the right size for your garage. If you are still sorting through what to keep, our guide to decluttering your garage is a good place to start.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much weight can an overhead garage rack hold?
Mesh Storage overhead garage racks have a rated load capacity of 360 kg. Check whether the figure applies to the whole rack or to each section, keep your load well under it, and spread the weight evenly.
Is it safe to store heavy items on overhead garage storage?
It can be, if the rack is installed correctly into a suitable ceiling and you stay under the rating. Keep very heavy or awkward items on the floor or a wall rack, and put only what you can lift safely overhead.
Can I install an overhead rack myself?
Most handy people can. The racks are designed for DIY installation, and the installation page explains the steps. If you are unsure about your ceiling, ask a builder or carpenter to check it first.
How high should an overhead rack be above my car?
Measure your tallest vehicle, including any roof rack or roof box, and leave a comfortable gap beneath the rack. Also check the garage door tracks and opener so nothing gets in their way.
How often should I check my overhead storage?
Check the bolts and brackets a few weeks after installing, then at least once a year. Look again any time you add a significant amount of weight.
