Getting your garage cabinet dimensions right is the difference between a space that works and one that drives you crazy. The good news is that you do not need a tape measure degree to get it done. With a simple garage cabinet size guide, a clear plan, and a few smart garage storage ideas, you can design a layout that fits your walls, your stuff, and your budget.
In our guide, we’ll teach you how to measure for your garage cabinets, choose cabinet sizes that will hold what you need to store, and leave enough room for your car and workspace. Along the way, we will share tips to help you plan and measure.
When you’re ready to plug in your dimensions, Armadillo Tough’s free Design Studio helps you test cabinet, shelving, and workbench combinations before you buy. Quick-to-assemble products and a limited lifetime warranty help you feel confident that your storage will go together smoothly and stay strong for the long haul.
Before You Measure: Decide What You Want To Store
Grab a notepad before you touch the tape measure! Making a list of what you’ll be storing will help you avoid buying cabinets that are the wrong size from the get-go.
Start with simple categories:
- Tools
- DIY Supplies
- Car Care & Detailing
- Yard & Garden
- Sports Equipment
- Camping Gear
- Seasonal Decor
- Household Backstock
- Cleaning Supplies
Flag anything that needs special handling, such as:
- Liquids and chemicals that should be behind locked doors
- Tall items like brooms, rakes, golf bags, skis, or folding chairs
- Heavy stuff that needs sturdy, low shelves
When you know what you are storing, it is much easier to choose cabinet depths, heights, and capacities that will work for your needs.
How To Properly Measure for Garage Cabinets
You don’t need fancy tools. A tape measure, a notepad, and a bit of patience will do the job just fine.
Measure Wall Lengths & Obstacles
Focus on the wall runs where cabinets might go.
- Start at a corner and measure to the first obstacle (e.g., door, window, steps, water heater, electrical panel).
- Write that number down as “Wall Run 1.”
- Continue from that obstacle to the next, recording “Wall Run 2,” “Wall Run 3,” and so on.
For each run, note:
- Usable width between obstacles
- Any outlets, hose reels, or vents you need to work around
Check Ceiling Height & Vertical Space
Measure from the floor to the ceiling at the lowest point along each wall. Note anything that eats into vertical space, including:
- Garage door tracks
- Opener arms
- Low beams or soffits
This will guide how tall your cabinets can be and how high you can install wall-mounted cabinets.
Plan Space for Cars & Walkways
Park your vehicle where it normally sits and measure:
- From the wall to the side of the car
- How far the doors swing open comfortably
Aim for a clear walking path of about 36 inches in front of cabinets where you will stand and work. This keeps your garage usable and protects your doors from dings.
Ready to see it on screen? Enter your wall runs and ceiling height into Armadillo Tough’s free Design Studio. You can work with a designer for free, testing cabinet runs, adjusting depths, and making sure everything fits around cars, doors, and steps.
Your Garage Cabinet Size Guide: Typical Garage Cabinet Dimensions
Now that you have measurements, it helps to understand what “standard” garage cabinet dimensions are.
What Size Are Standard Garage Cabinets?
Garage cabinets typically come in a few common widths, so you can mix and match along a wall:
- Narrow units for tight spots and in between doors
- Medium units that fit most spaces
- Wider units that create long, clean runs with fewer dividers
Using a mix of widths lets you fill wall runs without awkward gaps. Always compare your wall measurements with the exact product dimensions so you know how many cabinets fit in each run.
What Is a Good Depth for Garage Cabinets?
Depth affects both capacity and comfort. As a general guide:
- Near parked cars, a depth of around 18 inches works well so cabinets do not crowd your vehicle.
- In a main work zone, deeper cabinets make sense for power tools, larger bins, and paint cans.
- Upper cabinets are often shallower, which keeps them from feeling heavy over your head and makes it easier to see what’s inside.
Think about your storage list. Large totes and bulky gear need more depth. Smaller supplies are happier in shallower cabinets where they cannot disappear to the back.
What Is the Best Height for Garage Cabinets?
Height is about comfort and safety.
- Base cabinets paired with a worktop usually land at a working height that feels natural for you, similar to a kitchen counter.
- Upper cabinets should sit high enough to clear the worktop but low enough that you can see and reach the shelves you use most.
- Tall “gear locker” style cabinets often reach closer to the ceiling and are ideal for long-handled tools, sports gear, and camping equipment.
As you choose heights, consider who needs access. Keep everyday items between knee and shoulder height and reserve the very top shelves for light, rarely used gear.
Choosing Cabinet Depths & Heights for Your Space
Now you can use your measurements and standard cabinet sizes to plan what will work in your garage.
Base Cabinets for Work & Heavy Storage
Use base cabinets along your main work wall and anywhere you want a continuous counter. These are ideal for:
- Car care products
- Cleaning supplies
- Paints & adhesives
- Project materials
- Small power tools
For example, the Armadillo 2-Door Garage Storage Cabinet supports up to 150 lbs per shelf and includes adjustable shelves, so you can set the height for bottles, bins, or toolboxes. Heavier items should be placed on the lowest shelves for stability and easier lifting.
Upper Cabinets for Everyday Essentials
Upper cabinets keep work surfaces clear and put grab-and-go items at eye level. They are great for:
- Detailing supplies & rags
- Light bulbs, tape, and other supplies
- Small parts organizers
- Everyday tools you don’t want left in the open
Armadillo Garage Wall Cabinets are built from heavy-duty 22-gauge steel and pair neatly above base cabinets or a workbench, giving you a clean, classy look.
Tall Cabinets As Your Garage Closets
Tall cabinets act like closets for your garage. Use them for these and more:
- Golf clubs
- Sports bags
- Camping totes
- Coolers
- Long yard tools
- Folding chairs
An Armadillo Garage Gear Locker can support up to 750 lbs with adjustable shelves and full height interior space, so you can mix tall items with bins and still close the doors on the visible clutter.
Always check product specs for exact dimensions and shelf weight ratings so you can match cabinet sizes to your gear.
Turn Your Measurements Into a Layout
You have your wall runs, ceiling height, and a sense of the cabinet sizes you need. Now it’s time to turn it into a layout.
Sketch Your Wall Runs & Cabinet Blocks
On graph paper, draw each wall run to scale and:
- Place base cabinets first along your main storage and work walls
- Add uppers above base cabinets where you want extra storage
- Position tall cabinets at the ends of runs or near doors for easy access
- Double-check that cabinet depths do not interfere with car doors or walkways.
Leave Room for Growth
It’s a good idea to leave at least a small section of wall open or lightly used. Adjustable shelves and modular cabinets mean you can tweak your storage later without starting over.
Ready to test drive your plan? Plug your measurements into our free Design Studio. Try different combinations of base, upper, and tall cabinets, or one of our Preconfigured Cabinet Sets that match common garage wall lengths.
Why Quality, Warranty & Assembly Matter Once You Have the Right Sizes
After all the measuring and planning, your cabinets need to feel solid and stay that way!
Look for:
- Sturdy steel construction that can handle garage life
- Plenty of weight capacity
- Secure hardware
- A warranty that backs every piece
Armadillo Tough cabinets are built for heavy use, thanks to a welded internal steel skeleton. They also feature lockable doors, are backed by a limited lifetime warranty, and assemble quickly without the need for power tools. That way, you spend more time enjoying your organized garage and less time fighting with loose panels and mystery parts.
Final Thoughts: Still Have Questions About Garage Cabinet Dimensions?
Getting your garage cabinet dimensions right takes a little planning, but it is absolutely doable. Start with what you want to store, measure your wall runs and clearances, consider the typical cabinet sizes, and then build a layout that fits your garage and your life.
Still not sure which cabinet sizes or layouts are right for your space? Visit our FAQ and Support page for quick answers about garage cabinet dimensions, capacities, assembly, and layout tips. If you want personal guidance, contact us with your measurements, photos, or a rough sketch. The Armadillo Tough team can help you build a clean, functional, and durable garage setup.