Garages are not just for cars anymore. In fact, they are becoming less for cars and more for storage.

The U.S. Department of Energy recently reported there are over 65 million garages in this country. Of homes with a two-car garage, 20 percent did not park any car in the garage while 32 percent parked one vehicle.

Helping you put that car in the garage while maintaining storage room is storeWALL — the original heavy-duty, modular storage panel system patented in 1996. The panels are designed to allow owners to keep the clutter off the floor.

"Systems designed for the garage provide more durable, efficient storage and create space for the car," said Rick Chamberlain, director of sales and marketing for storeWALL.

The panels accept all of the storeWALL hooks, baskets and shelves, as well as numerous standard accessories designed for slat wall.

Each panel is 15 inches tall and available in 4-foot or 8-foot lengths. Weight is also manageable as the 4-footer weighs 8.5 pounds and the 8-footer is 17 pounds.

Resistant to water, mildew and mold, these panels are built to withstand the rigors of the garage. They are available in three solid colors and two natural wood grains.

Add the CustomCut 5-inch shelves to the panels and customize away with these features:

— Cutting: Virtually any shop saw with fine or conventional blades can be used to cut efficiently.

— Drilling: Conventional twist drills, hole saws or spade bits may be used to make tool storage holes.

— Solid core color: The color is uniform throughout the shelf; no matter how many times you may damage it, it remains the same color.

— SnapFit end caps: Just pop them in at the end of the shelf to make a tray, which allows you to keep small parts from falling to the floor.

— Built-in bracket: Extending the length of the shelf, this bracket maximizes the load capacity.

"The most common problem with all-purpose tool racks is none of my tools fit," said storeWALL partner Carl Landgren. "We designed the CustomCut 5-inch shelf to provide tool organization as well as basic shelving."

The shelves are 8 feet long; they are also available in 32-inch and 48-inch lengths with preinstalled end caps.

For more information, call 866-889-2502 or visit www.storewall.com.

SOME PRIVACY, PLEASE

You know the saying about a good neighbor and a fence; however, they both can be a lot of work.

In the fence department, the New Harmony Select Privacy Fence takes away the yearly maintenance chores tied to traditional fencing.

Manufactured using Celucor from Royal Group Technologies Limited, it features a blend of fibers and cellular PVC. Unlike wood fencing, this creates a stable product that won't fade, absorb water, mold or rot — you can say goodbye to sealing, sanding or painting.

Harmony Select Privacy Fencing's fastening system and complete trim package allow for ease of installation. Offered in full privacy and three-rail ranch styles, the fences are available in 5 feet or 6 feet in height and 6 feet or 8 feet in width. The two color selections are Seaside, capturing the natural beauty of the ocean's shore, and Sunset, catching the eye with the warm, reddish glow of late afternoon.

To top it off, the fencing also comes with a 25-year limited warranty.

For more information, call 800-488-5245 or visit www.royalcrownltd.com.

Maggie Reed may be reach at trocar2000@hotmail.com. To find out more about Maggie Reed and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2008 CREATORS SYNDICATE INC.