Slatwall is a versatile vertical storage system with evenly spaced horizontal slots that allow homeowners to insert accessories like hooks, shelves, and baskets. It’s a practical solution for seasonal storage, such as lifejackets, baseball bats, tennis rackets, and golf bags in the summer, which can easily be switched out for skis, snowboards, winter boots, and tires in the winter.
Slatwalls come in three main materials: Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), and Metal. Each material has its own unique features, making it important to choose the right one based on your specific needs. For most homeowners, MDF and PVC slatwall options are the most popular and accessible, while metal slatwall is favored for its strength and aesthetic appeal. Some manufacturers even offer carbon fiber slatwalls, which combine sleekness with strength.
MDF Slatwall
Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) is a cost-effective, fiber-based panel made from wood fibers bonded with resin under heat and pressure. MDF slatwall panels are available in various sizes, with 8-foot lengths being the most common. It’s an excellent storage solution for budget-conscious homeowners and is best used in spaces with minimal moisture exposure, such as workshops, closets, and interior rooms.
Pro – MDF
- Instantly Transforms a room or space
- Cost effective
- Colours options to meet your design needs
- Can be painted
- DYI Friendly
- Variety of accessories
Cons – MDF
- Appreance
- Limited heat resistance
- Not moisture resistant
- Low weight capacity
- Hard to clean
PVC Slatwall
PVC slatwall is a durable, easy-to-install organization system that thrives in both garage environments and indoor spaces. Ideal for hanging tools, sports equipment, and everyday items, PVC slatwall panels typically come in 8-foot lengths and range in slot sizes from 3 inches to 8 inches. The interlocking design allows for easy expansion, and many kits come with all necessary trims and hardware. PVC slatwall is an attractive, budget-friendly option for areas like laundry rooms, mudrooms, and sheds.
Pro – PVC
- Instantly Transforms a room or space
- Low maintenance
- Resistant to insects and moisture
- Durable
- Cost effective compared to other building materials
- Colours options to meet your design needs
- DYI Friendly
- Some made of 90% recycled materials
- Weight capacity 75lbs per sqft
- 200lbs with Aluminum core
- Many accessories are interchangeable
- Non- Locking
Cons – PVC
- Environmental Impact
- Limited Heat Resistance
- Perception of finish
Metal Slatwall
Metal slatwall, usually made from aluminum, is the most expensive type but is known for its exceptional strength, durability, and resistance to stains. Its industrial look is appealing to many, but it does come with a higher price tag compared to PVC. If you’re seeking a robust, long-lasting storage solution and are willing to invest a bit more, metal slatwall could be the ideal choice.
Pro – Metal
- Instantly Transforms a room or space
- Heat resistant
- High weigh capacity
- limitation is weight capacity of the accessory used
- Can go beyond 16″ studs
- Easy to clean
Cons – Metal
- Premium Cost
- Scratches
- Specific tools required for installation
- Not easy to use/handle it cutting is required
- Not DIY friendly
Best Applications for Slatwall
- Garages: Garages often end up as cluttered catch-all spaces. Slatwall can help organize power tools, sports equipment, bikes, and other items, making your garage more functional and less chaotic.
- Home Gyms: Slatwall helps maximize space in home gyms by organizing weights, yoga balls, mats, and towels, turning your workout area into a tidy and efficient space.
- Laundry Rooms: Like garages, laundry rooms tend to accumulate clutter. Slatwall in a laundry room can hold plastic bins for detergents, dryer sheets, and hangers, while also keeping wet items off the floor. Plus, slatwall is moisture-resistant, making it perfect for this humid environment.
- Sheds: A shed is an ideal space for slatwall storage, especially for organizing gardening tools like rakes, shovels, and clippers. Magnetic tool holders on slatwall panels make it easy to find small tools like screwdrivers and wrenches.
- Basements: Basements can be damp and musty, making traditional drywall and carpeting a poor choice for renovation. PVC slatwall is an excellent alternative as it’s easy to install and resistant to moisture, offering a cost-effective solution for basement storage.
Choosing the Best Slatwall Material
- MDF Slatwall: Best for homeowners looking for an affordable storage solution in dry, climate-controlled spaces like workshops, sheds, craft rooms, or closets. It’s versatile and budget-friendly but not recommended for high-moisture areas.
- PVC Slatwall: With a wide variety of colors and sizes, PVC slatwall is a mid-range option that is easy to install and looks great in any room. It’s an excellent choice for garages, laundry rooms, mudrooms, and sheds, providing a blend of durability and affordability.
- Metal Slatwall: If you desire the industrial look and the unmatched strength of metal, this option is worth the investment. It’s perfect for areas where heavy-duty storage is needed, and its durability makes it a long-term solution for organized spaces.
No matter which type of slatwall you choose, be sure to do your research to find the right material for your specific needs. Once you’ve selected the material, explore the various brands available, as they can have subtle differences in quality and design. We will cover the differences between three popular slatwall brands—Proslat, Crownwall, and HandiSOLUTIONS—in next week’s article. Garage Guru carries all three brands for your convenience.
The staff at Garage Guru have been assisting our customers with garage storage and flooring throughout the Lower Mainland for a decade.
We’ll work with you to choose a custom set of products that exactly fits your storage and flooring requirements, selecting from our product lines of flooring, overhead storage options, slatwall systems and accessories, bike storage products, high-quality cabinets and shelving.
And we’ll help you adapt the resulting project to your exact current and future storage needs through providing a wide range of accessories and some guidance on how to manage your storage space.
If you’re looking for a team of full-time, professional garage experts, give us a call. We focus on garages all day, everyday.