Closets and Home Organization - Slatwall vs rubbermaid garage organizer system

Anyone have any thoughts on which one is better price vs function etc...

Thanks,
Derick

Typically the slatwall will support more weight. The Rubbermaid system comes with baskets; I don't think the slatwall does.

It all boils down to what you want to store. If you're thinking of hanging a number of items up (tools, etc.) I would seriously conside pegboard as an alternative (cheaper) to either of the two systems you mentioned.

I'd go slatwall. I've been checking it out and no question it gives you many more options. One reason I don't like rubbermaid because everything hangs against the drywall marking it up. The slatwall is pretty tough and it generally takes the hits from things hanging against it.

YOU can pick it up pretty cheap at Home Depot. The trick is finding attachements. Yes you can get baskets on slatwall.

I just put up the rubber maid a month ago. I liked the pictures, but when I opened the package I was not pleased with the product. My solution was to break out my framing nailer and attach a 2x12 to the wall and then fill ALL of their screw holes with cabinet screws. I am now happy with the hanging tools (shovels and weedeater), but I did not go and get any more of their product. Instead, I am now using peg board and rolling shelves for the rest of my storage.

I'm not too familiar with with rubbermaids organization products, because most of my experience is in the retail area. If you are going to get slatwall and want to increase its load bearing capabilities, you can buy it with either plastic or metal inserts. This addition usually doubles the price at least, but worth it if you are going to use it as a rugged organization system for years to come. Another consideration is that rubbermaids products will probably fair better in high humidity environments. You probably wont have a problem with it.. but something to think about. Slatwall is usually covered with a melamine laminate. Examples of slatwall accessories (http://www.achievedisplay.com/slatwall-panels-and-accessories.asp) .
Good Luck
Joe

How handy are you, and what are your demands for the use?
I ask because Rubbermaid is fine and all for simple storage of small things for... oh say... in the corner of a garage to hold certain miscellany.
But if your demands are high and exacting for weight loads, or custom organization, you may want to consider making your own slat-wall. It's done easily with a slat-wall router-bit, a long straight-edge guide and any good quality sheet good, like double strength 3/4 MDF or 3/4 Clear plywood. Personally, I've had good experience with making slat-wall from 3/4 plywood as it's stronger than store-bought MDF slat-wall, and doesn't need the metal reinforcement runners in the channel.
This is also been vastly cheaper for me, as locally a piece of store bought slat wall costs about $28 for a 48"T x 36"W piece, whereas when I make it, it's just the cost of the sheet good, plus the half-hour of time for routing.

As far as function, slatwall has -thousands- of various accessories and bracket systems, for just about any situation or need. Rubbermaid is just limited.

There's also other options for storage, like Gridwall for heavy-duty, or the novelty of clear lexan slatwall. But these are costly.

edit: there's also all Aluminum Slatwall, I've never used/installed it, and seems to cost $20 for a 6"T x 48"W strip-bar. That is... if my catalog isn't too out-of date. But I fgure it would be even stronger.

http://img395.imageshack.us/img395/7893/garage1fy0.th.jpg (http://img395.imageshack.us/my.php?image=garage1fy0.jpg)I used 1/4" pegboard for walls inside garage. With dfferent hooks you can hang almost anything-small snowblowers,
shelves, etc. Photos are not good, but you get the idea.http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/9634/garage2ud1.th.jpg (http://img186.imageshack.us/my.php?image=garage2ud1.jpg)
Work bench against pegboard.