I’m looking at installing a slatwall garage organization system. Each vendor’s slat wall hardware is proprietary. I’m researching all vendors before deciding. I need to hang yard tools, power equipment and ladders. I need to store hoses, sports balls, and yard equipment. Proslat has a good reputation, so let’s see what they’ve got for garage wall storage.
So I need to know what I can store on a Proslat garage organization wall. Turns out I can use the Proslat garage organization system to store bicycles, wheelbarrows, rakes, brooms, power tools, cleaning supplies, hardware, sports balls, skis, baseball bats, fishing rods, ladders and hoses. 
What is a Garage Slatwall (Slat Wall) Organization System?
Garage slatwalls (slat walls) are horizontal channels into which you lock proprietary hooks and baskets. You can then hang tools and sports gear from the hooks and baskets.
The advantage a slatwall offers over regular hooks is that you can move everything around just by pulling and moving the hooks. No hammers or screwdrivers required.
You can install the system over drywall, directly onto studs, or onto furring strips. Each slatwall vendor sells proprietary hardware. Proslat hooks don’t fit on Gladiator tracks. Once you commit to a slatwall vendor, you need to use their hardware. That’s why I’m doing vendor comparison research. Slatwall hooks lock into the wall channels.
When you pull an item off a hook, the hook doesn’t move around, as pegboard hooks do. You can store ladders, yard tools and bicycles on slatwall hooks. You can hang string trimmers, leaf blowers and edge trimmers. You can store tennis rackets, golf bags, and fishing rods. You can make a home for soccer equipment and sports balls.
For storing heavy hoses, view our hose-storage guide.
Proslat Wall Panel Options
Proslat wall panel kits come in 8′ x 4′ and 4′ x 4′ sizes. The panels interlock with one another. Proslat sells aluminum wall panels. I’m not really interested in aluminum when PVC is available. PVC is durable. You can trim PVC to different sizes.
Increase and Reduce Wall Size
You can hook the panels together, and you can cut them down to size, so 8′ x 4′ and 4′ x 4′ are just starting dimensions. It is possible to cover an entire wall in Proslat slatwall. Their wall panels come with 8 ft. trim pieces to cap the edges (cut the trim in half for 4′ sides).
You can group panels into larger wall coverings. You don’t have to make a wall out of your slatwall kit. You can put one panel at eye level and two more at hip level.
Wall Panel Hooks, Shelves, Baskets and Bins
Proslat wall accessories include hooks, shelves, baskets, and bins. They offer some very specific storage solutions.
Proslat sells a caddy to hang paper towels.
They sell hooks shaped for fishing rods.
They offer hooks designed to squeeze-hold baseball bats and skis.
Some of their Amazon offerings are for retail store displays. I started to go down that rabbit hole, then I realized that a 6-hook rack isn’t really relevant to garage organizers. If you do have a lot of clothing storage to do, check out Proslat’s retail store display hooks and racks.
- install on studs, or,
- install on studs through drywall
- install tracks together or separately
- proprietary baskets, shelves, hooks, bins
- doesn’t mold, mildew, rot
- 10 year warranty
- is trimmable
- is easy to clean
- is also known as Martha Stewart slatwall
- mounting hardware included
- trim included
- can be cut for electrical outlets
- not easily painted
- some buyers report that included screws not very sharp or strong
- troubling review on Amazon – Did customer incorrectly install it? or, Did Proslat improperly respond?
- possibly a problem keeping it stable in extremely hot climates
- some people report material is flimsy
- can scratch
- mfg sometimes forget to include hardware
- tools
- rakes
- shovels
- ladders
- saws
- tennis rackets
- see hooks (below) for more ideas
How do I Install a Proslat Slatwall?
Proslat wall panel installation instructions assume that the garage wall studs are 16 in. on center. If the studs are farther apart, then you should not assume a 75 lb. per sf. load capacity. You can add adhesive between the wall panel and studs, to shore up the bond across wider-than-16-ft. studs. Install the Proslat wall panels onto the garage wall studs. You can install onto the studs or through drywall. Install Proslat panels onto cement with furring strips and Tapcon screws. You will need a cement drill bit. To get the 75 lb. load capacity, you must install slatwall across 5 studs.
- Start the installation at the bottom.
- Fasten the middle 3 screws.
- Leave the outside studs until the end. Install tracks on top of one another. Install the edge trim.
- Install the edge trim.
I found the Proslat instruction videos to be clear and easy to follow. All the Proslat installation instructions are on this page.
What are the Proslat Load Capacities?
NOTE: The Amazon listing states that the Proslat wall panels have a 75 lb. per linear foot load capacity. The Proslat.com website says it’s 75 lb. per square foot. Huge difference between linear and square feet! I asked Proslat directly. They said that the track/wall load capacity is 75 lb. per LINEAR FOOT, not square foot. The Proslat wall panels have 75 lb. load capacity per linear foot when installed across five 16″ studs. Proslat hooks can carry between 25 lb. and 50 lb. each. See more detailed information about load capacity in each hook and basket description, below.
What Kinds of Hooks Does Proslat Offer?
The Proslat hook selection is a little bit confusing. They sometimes mix up “super duty” and “heavy duty.” They’re the same hook. Here’s a simplified view of the Proslat hook offerings:
Proslat offers two different 4 in. hooks. Amazon customers gave bad reviews to the single 4 inch. hook. The single 4 inch hook holds only 15 lb. I don’t know if customers are overloading the hooks. Maybe the hooks are just weak. Amazon customers give high ratings to the remainder of Proslat’s hooks.
- steel
- silver powder coated
- rubber coated
- sturdy
- decent surface area for holding items
- none found
- bikes
- ladders
- pressure washers
- strollers
- tools and gear up to 50 lb.
- steel
- silver powder coating
- rubber coating
- sturdy
- shape is good for long items
- none found
- backpacks
- hockey gear
- golf gear
- tools and gear up to 50 lb.
- steel
- silver powder coating
- rubber coated
- can install into stud without Proslat wall system
- protects and isolated equipment
- could be wider for fatter skis
- hang 1 pair skis per hook
- hang 2 baseball bats per hook
- steel
- silver powder coating
- rubber coating
- shape holds wider, deeper items
- could be deeper
- 25 lb. is light for a big hose
- hose
- extension cord
- rope
- ladder
- tools and gear up to 25 lb.
- steel
- silver powder coating
- rubber coating
- can use just 1 per bike
- 3″ tire a bit fat for hook
- need to tighten regularly
- bicycle
- tools and gear up to 50 lb.
- steel
- silver powder coating
- rubber coating
- very stable
- none seen
- power tools
- saws
- shovels
- brooms
- rakes
- skates
- tools and gear up to 50 lb.
- steel
- silver powder coating
- rubber coating
- very stable
- none seen
- power tools
- saws
- shovels
- brooms
- rakes
- tools and gear up to 50 lb.
- GENERIC, Proslat doesn’t manufacture these hooks
- loose fit
- I would not recommend buying these hooks
What Bin Sizes and Shapes Does Proslat Offer?
I like the Proslat bins. They’re my favorite accessory. Proslat makes the bins from PFE plastic. PFE is easy to clean.
It’s also transparent. You can easily see what’s inside the bins. I prefer the Proslat bins over the Proslat shelves.
But I generally prefer bins over shelves regardless of brand. Bins have sides. Shelves don’t. I enjoy the stability bins offer.
Here are the Proslat bin sizes and weight load capacities:
- easy to clean
- translucent
- impressive weight capacity
- none seen
- screws
- nails
- safety pins
- molleys
- bolts
- nuts
- hardware and gear up to 5″ max length and 33 lb. total
- easy to clean
- translucent
- impressive weight capacity
- none seen
- cleaning sprays
- caulk
- paper towels
- gallon jugs
- spray paint
- auto fluids
- auto parts
- supplies up to 66 lb.
- really big size
- easy to clean
- translucent
- impressive weight capacity
- haven’t found any
- grass seed
- Calcium Lime Rust
- Windex
- gallon jugs
- paper towels
- transmission fluid
- car wax
- plant food
- lawn fertilizer
- supplies and gear up to 55 lb. total
- easy to clean
- impressive weight capacity
- very deep
- best width for gloves but not tall enough
- gloves
- paint brushes
- screws
- wire connections
- small items up to 66 lb. total
What Basket Sizes and Shapes Does Proslat Offer?
Proslat gave the XL Mesh Basket a large capacity and a wide mouth. This is a large basket. You might find it difficult to get to bottom items. Put larger items in this basket. Put sports balls and toys in this basket. Baseball bats and hockey sticks will fit well. Proslat also offers a Ball Organizer. Customers are happier using the XL Mesh Basket to store sports balls. The Ball Organizer is not a winner. The compartments are too small to carry soccer balls and basketballs.
- polyester mesh
- mesh attaches to frame with Velcro
- wide mouth
- large capacity
- Proslat suggests this basket for cleaning products, but I think that they would get lost in such a deep basket. Use this for sports balls and toys.
- sports balls
- toys
- boots
- shoes
- gloves (mitts)
- powder coated steel
- nylon mesh
- 3 storage compartments
- 3 compartments are annoying to separate
- compartments are too small for soccer balls on up
- I wouldn’t buy this but it’s recommended for sports balls and toys
What Size and Shape is the Proslat Paper Towel Holder (Dispenser!)
At first I dismissed this accessory as unnecessary. However, the towel holder is a dispenser, which changed my mind. A bin can hold a towel, but a towel dispenser is nice little luxury in the garage. The paper towel dispenser has a ridiculously high weight capacity of 75 lb.
- steel
- silver powder coated
- dispenser (not just a holder)
- higher sides than a shelf
- large weight capacity
- will mount on studs or on slatwall
- dispenser is convenient
- possible manufacturing issues, return if not happy (Amazon customer service is great)
- paper towels
- Windex
- auto cleaner
- auto fluids
What Size and Shape are Proslat Shelves?
The 24″ x 12″ metal shelf is a typical Proslat slatwall accessory shelf. Amazon customers give Proslat shelves high ratings. They call the shelves “strong and sturdy.” While I prefer bins to shelves, Proslat shelves are sturdy and reliable. I just like the tall sides on bins that keep items from falling off the edges. Plus, wire shelves allow things to fall through the shelf itself. I’d rather use bins. (Learn more about garage shelves: Best Fixed Garage Shelves and Best Adjustable Garage Shelves.)
- steel
- silver powder coated
- sturdy
- stable
- wire shelving allows things to fall through
- shelving in general allows things to fall off of the sites
- not a mark against Proslat shelving, just true of shelves in general
- up to 50 lb.
Storing TV’s and Vacuum Cleaners on Proslat’s Universal Mount
Proslat offers a “universal mount.” You can’t buy this on Amazon. Find it on Proslat.com. The mount holds 75 lb. per sf. Use the mount for heavy hoses, televisions and vacuum cleaners. Dimensions are 12″ x 9.h” x 2″.
Storing Yard Tools on Proslat Hooks
The 4 inch and 8 inch double hooks hold 50 lb. Use these hooks for hanging power tools, garden tools and vacuum cleaners. You can also use the Super Duty/Bike Hook/U-Hook and the Heavy Duty/U-Hook for larger items like power tools.
Storing Cords, Ropes and Hoses on Proslat Hooks
I have some huge (and heavy) hoses to hang so I’m not sure this system is going to work for me. The hose/cord/rope hook (13016) carries 25 lb. But I do like it for hanging electrical cords and rope. I would use the Universal Mount mentioned above, instead.
Some of my hoses are way heavier than 25 lb. I don’t always drain the water before hanging them. A 175 ft. 5/8″ diameter rubber/nylon garden hose weights about 28 lb. If this hose is full of water, it weighs about 52 lb. If this hose is still on the hose reel, the entire package weighs between 65 lb. to 75 lb. Use the Universal Wall Mount for heavier items like my hose reels. The 50 lb. hooks hold more weight, but are not as deep or wide as the hose hook.
Proslat Garage Walls are a Good Value
With the Proslat Walls you get a strong yet flexible system to store tools, equipment, sporting goods, cleaning supplies, nuts, bolts, and coats.
Gladiator won the “Best Garage Organization Wall” (view here) by a hair. It really was a toss up. Both Proslat and Gladiator brands are strong. Gladiator is also a good value.
How to Choose the Best Slatwall for Your Garage
Gladiator and Proslat are the best garage wall systems for two-car garage family storage.
Rubbermaid FastTrack is the best budget garage wall system. Rubbermaid is strong, just less so than Gladiator and Proslat.
Conclusion
The Proslat garage wall organization system has a good reputation. The hooks are strong, except for the 4 in. 15 lb. capacity hooks. The baskets are good, but I would avoid the Ball Storage basket. The compartments aren’t wide enough. The bins look great. They carry an enormous amount of weight. They come in four sizes. The Proslat wall system is a contender.
P.S. Proslat Cabinets
I’m only evaluating the slatwall system today. Stay tuned for a cabinet overview.
P.P.S. Proslat Ceiling Storage
Proslat also offers manual and motorized ceiling storage. I removed the ceiling storage information from this article. I wanted to focus only on the slatwall. I will analyze the Proslat ceiling solutions soon. I will put a link here to that article once I post it.
Why Proslat?
Proslat is a popular slatwall garage organization brand. With two exceptions, Proslat’s Amazon customer ratings range from four to five stars. Owners dislike Proslat’s 15-lb. capacity 4 inch hook. It’s not strong enough. They also dislike the Proslat sports ball bag. It doesn’t hold that many balls. Too much of the bag is material, and not space to hold balls. Customers give high ratings to the Proslat hook assortment, quality and load capacities. Proslat rubber-coats the 4 in. and 8 in. double hooks. You don’t need tools to lock the hooks onto the wall. Customers like Proslat for hanging garden tools such as rakes, brooms, and ladders. Hoses can be very heavy. Check out hose weight reference guide before hanging your hose on your garage wall.
Customers say the Proslat bins hang firmly on the wall. The hardware bins are PFE plastic, which is translucent and easy to clean. People like the bigger bins for storing auto and cleaning fluids. We prefer wall cabinet pesticide storage. But Proslat bins will work. You can store gallon-jugs in the larger Proslat bins. Proslat engineered the bins to hold 50 to 66 lb. Proslat offers specialized garage storage solutions, too. They offer hooks for hanging skis, baseball bats, and fishing rods. They offer a paper towel dispenser with a 75 lb. capacity shelf. Proslat garage wall storage is a heavy duty and good-looking solution.
Proslat is a top-tier garage storage wall solution. It’s sturdy, durable, easy to use and very good looking. I’m also looking at Gladiator and Rubbermaid. They’re all high-quality. It might boil down to which hooks and bins you like.
People Also Ask
Where can I find Proslat assembly instructions? Below! I attached them to this article for you.
