Thinking of Turning Your Garage into The Ultimate Workshop? Here’s How
With a few upgrades to your garage, you can create a workshop space that functions just as well as any town shed or cabin.
Many of us have garages in our homes, and many of us also use our garages for storing tools, materials, and other items that are important to our hobbies and interests. That's all well and good—but what if your garage could do more? When it comes right down to it, the one thing most people don't want is an actual shed—so why not turn your garage into a multi-purpose workshop instead? Here's how to transform your garage into a productive workspace you can be proud of.
Clean Out Your Garage
- Remove the junk. It's time to get rid of everything you don't need. This may mean donating or selling items or tossing them in the trash. You can also enlist a family member or friend to help if you aren't ready to make such a big decision.
- Organize what remains. Now that everything is out of your garage and organized, it should be much easier to find what you need when working on a project in the future. Keep track of which bins contain which items so that everyone knows where their tools are.
Design Your Workbench
Selecting a workbench is one of the first things you must do when starting your garage workshop. It can be built or purchased and comes in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, so it's important to choose one that fits your needs.
If you want to build your own workbench, there are plenty of tutorials online that show how to take care of this task. If you prefer buying a ready-made solution, then take into account the following points:
- A sturdy design will help keep your tools organized and make them easier to reach.
- Make sure its height suits your stature; otherwise, it will hurt your back when working on projects over long periods of time!
Choose Easy-To-Clean Flooring
You want your floor to be easy to clean so that you can spend less time with maintenance and more time getting work done. Carpeting can often be vacuumed or steam cleaned without too much trouble, but tile and hardwood are generally easier to clean because of their smooth surfaces.
Install An Efficient Garage Door
Choosing the right garage door is an important step in transforming your garage. There are different types of doors available, each with their own benefits.
- One factor to consider is insulation. Some doors offer better insulation than others, which means they'll be quieter and more energy efficient.
- Noise reduction is especially important if you plan on spending time in your workshop late at night or early in the morning when everyone else is asleep!
- Other factors include color options, ease of installation, and whether or not there are obstructions nearby (such as trees) that could interfere with opening/closing motions.
We offer free quotes and consultations so that we can decide together on the best solution for your needs.
Organize Working Spaces and Tools
Your garage is the perfect place to store your tools and materials. Think about how much space you'll need for each item, and look for ways that smaller items can be stored together.
- Shelving
Use shelving to store files and folders that are out of sight but still within reach. This will keep your desk clear of clutter and make it easier for you to find what you need quickly.
- Slatwall
Slatwall is a common feature in the retail environment, but it's also a highly effective solution for your garage workshop. Slatwall accommodates a range of organizing features, from brackets to baskets. It comes in several colors and has a polished look, which can add to the value of your home.
Since slatwall panels are flush with the wall, they maximize space. With the right organizing features, you can store almost anything you need while preserving garage floor space for your hobby.
- Pegboard
Like slatwall, pegboard offers a convenient storage solution for almost anything. Pegboard uses hooks rather than the range of organizing features offered by slatwall and has a lower weight-bearing capacity.
Pegboard costs less than slatwall, too. The perforated hardboard is flexible and thin, so you can cut it easily to the size you need. For durability, look for a 1/4-inch pegboard rather than a 1/8-inch pegboard.
Make Sure Electrical Outlets Are Within Reach
Make sure that electrical outlets are within reach of your workbench. This will help you plug in larger appliances, such as a drill press or table saw, that may require more power than a standard outlet can provide. Furthermore, it will allow for better organization and arrangement of your tools on the bench, making each one easily accessible.
Create Adequate Task Lighting
- Provide task lighting for your workbench.
- Use a desk lamp with an adjustable arm and shade to illuminate your work area.
- If you have the room, install track lights at the top of each wall to shine down on your workbench. This will create even more space by eliminating the need for a large overhead light fixture.
- Hang wall-mounted lights over long tables in your garage, like in an office or workshop setting. These are best used with bulbs that can be adjusted individually; they're also great if you want to add some ambiance and style to your workspace!
Temperature Control
- Add a heater or air conditioner. If you're going to be working in your garage for hours on end, it would be smart to invest in a heater or air conditioner so that your workspace is comfortable when the weather gets chilly.
- Add a dehumidifier. If your garage isn't insulated, consider adding a dehumidifier to eliminate excess moisture from the air and keep things dry and clean during winter. This will help prevent mold growth and keep tools from rusting!
- Add a humidifier if necessary. Consider installing a humidifier if your home gets too dry in certain seasons or climate conditions.
We hope this guide has inspired you to turn your garage into a workshop. If you want to transform your garage into a cool (or warm) workshop, contact us for efficient garage door installation. We specialize in the design and installation of many different types of garage doors, including steel and fiberglass doors. So, what are you waiting for? Get started today!