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If you're shopping for garage slatwall panels, two of our most popular and trusted PVC slatwall systems on the market are HandiWALL and StoreWALL. Both products transform unfinished garage walls into durable, high-capacity storage systems and share the basic concept of horizontal slats for hanging hooks, baskets, shelves, and other accessories.
In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between HandiWALL and StoreWALL slatwall panels, so you can choose the best system for your garage organization and storage.
Installation & Material
Both systems feature PVC slatwall panels engineered for strength and durability that are moisture resistant and suitable for both commercial and residential garages. Both options are sold by the case in different lengths with separate load ratings. Trim and color-matched screws are also available with each option.
HandiWALL slatwall panels are available in 48” (4 foot), 96” (8 foot), and 80” length options and panels are 12” in height. Each case contains 32 total square feet of coverage. For example, one case of 4ft includes 8x panels, one case of 8ft includes 4x panels, and one case of 80” includes 5x panels. All HandiWALL has a recommended load capacity of 100lbs per square foot when installed with screws directly into studs.
StoreWALL slatwall panels are available in 48” (4 foot) and 96” (8 foot) length options. Panel height varies by 12” or 15” depending on Standard Duty or Heavy Duty options, respectively. Unlike HandiWALL, which is only installed with screws through panels into studs, StoreWALL can installed both traditionally with screws through panels, or by using their hidden fastener system known as InstallStrips. These InstallStrips significantly increase the load bearing capacity from 75lbs per sq ft on the Standard Duty with screw installation to 250lbs with InstallStrips, and from 95lbs on Heavy Duty with screw installation to 300lbs with InstallStrips.
While StoreWALL Standard Duty panels are suitable for most standard applications, Heavy Duty panels are rated for more demanding storage, with a thicker panel and heavier load capacity.
Bottom line: For general-purpose walls, both HandiWALL and StoreWALL Standard Duty systems perform exceptionally well. If you’re planning to hang much heavier racks or items, or need a more commercial application, StoreWALL’s Heavy Duty panels provide greater load capacity.
Compatibility & Accessory Options
Both HandiWALL and StoreWALL slatwall systems use standard 3" on-center slat spacing, making them compatible with many third-party slatwall hooks, baskets, and accessories. Both systems will be compatible with accessories from HandiWALL, StoreWALL, MKE Slatwall, Diamond Life, GarageTek, New Age, and other standard 3” on center slatwall accessories.
Many other systems tend to be proprietary in their design and do not conform to the standard 3” on center spacing in which slots go straight in and straight up. Examples of accessories NOT compatible with HandiWALL or StoreWALL include Proslat, CrownWall, Flow Wall, Gladiator Gearwall, Rubbermaid, and others. Again, these are all proprietary systems, with only their accessories designed to fit their slatwall.
When choosing between HandiWALL and StoreWALL accessosires, the key differences come down to color, design, and locking mechanism.
HandiWALL accessories are available in a graphite/black color with a rust resistant powder coated finish and rubber coating for secure grip. They use a plastic, spring-loaded clip which engages automatically to keep hooks in place on slatwall, while also being easy to release and rearrange.
StoreWALL accessories are available in a gray color with a rust resistant powder coated finish and rubber coating for secure grip. They feature an exclusive metal CamLok locking mechanism to keep accessories in place on slatwall. The chrome plated solid metal CamLok is both engaged and unlocked by turning with either your fingers or a screwdriver.
Bottom line: Both HandiWALL and StoreWALL systems are more system flexible and cross-compatible than proprietary systems (like Proslat or Gladiator when used outside their own hooks). While design and color preference are the driving decision factors, a key difference comes down to the plastic vs. metal locking mechanism, and respective price points as a result.
Looks & Finish
Both HandiWALL and StoreWALL come in a variety of high quality smooth saitn color finishes. As they are both manufactured from a solid core PVC, the color and finish goes all the way through the panel, not just the surface. This makes any potential scratches much less noticeable, and often repairable.
HandiWALL slatwall panels come in 7 different color options: Black, White, Gray, Taupe, Graphite, Beachwood, and Driftwood Slate. Matching trim and screws are available in all colors.
StoreWALL slatwall panels come in 9 different color options: Weathered Grey, Brite White, Black, Silver, Barnwood, Whitewood, Rustic Cedar, Global Pine, and Graphite Steel. Color options vary based on Standard Duty vs. Heavy Duty, with not all color options available across both grades. Matching trim and screws are available in all colors.
Bottom line: Colors and finishes from each brand are purely an aesthetic preference, secondary to the needs of performance. Slatwall Storage offers free color samples from both HandiWALL and StoreWALL. Please contact us directly to receive your samples. Shipping charges will apply unless shipped with another order.
Final Thoughts
Both HandiWALL and StoreWALL outperform traditional pegboard and basic MDF slatwall in nearly every aspect, offering versatile PVC slatwall solutions that will dramatically improve the organization, usability, and design of your garage. As accessories from each brand are cross-compatible with one another, the right choice comes down to the wall itself in regards to storage weight requirements, aesthetic preferences, and budget.
