Single car garage in Indianapolis

[allinon72]

Just bought my first house here in Indy. Looked at some houses with bigger garages, but we loved this house. Only downside is that it only had a single car garage. I was willing to compromise though, I like the challenge

This garage, as you can see in the pics, has a flat roof even, so I'll have to get real creative! I didn't get any before pictures, but the wall facing the house was finished with 1 plaster layer and 1 cement board layer, which was fun demoing. The rest of the garage was lined by the previous owner with really cheap 1x1 wooden tiles. Not sure what the heck he was thinking but it was hell removing those, along with about 200 nails.

So far I have demoed everything, ran a dedicated circuit to the garage, added 6 outlets (now 7 total), added 3 florescent light fixtures, and added a Craftsman screw drive garage door opener.

Here are my plans:
- Fix damaged concrete at the front of the garage
- Build soffit shelf at the front of the garage
- Add recessed lighting in soffit
- Insulate with R13
- Drywall
- Racedeck or similar type of flooring

I am hoping to have the drywall in and mudded by the time it really gets cold.

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

What are the dimensions? 12' X 20'?

[allinon72]

Built a shelf at the front of the garage for storage. My plan is to put some lighting underneath (recessed or pendant, haven't decided). That's where my workbench will be.

[bradroe]

Looking forward to watching this come together. Im in Martinsville. Good Luck.

[Lawson4450]

my mom lives in indianapolis so i am familiar with some of the houses out there this should be a cool build.

[ridestreet]

i love seeing single car garages done up nicely

[Kevin54]

Just a word of advice and to save you some time....before you put up a shelf, toss up some insulation and either drywall or OSB and run some electrical outlets and a run of wire. That way the shelf wouldn't have to come down to do it. Indy gets cold in the winter.

[LoRollinLS]

i like it, its all small and cozy, lol jk. looks like it will be fun to start modifying it to your liking, i like raw garage revamps like this! good luck

[Jack Olsen]

Nothing wrong with a small shop.

But the reason there was sheet rock along that wall was to meet fire code. Any wall that butts up against living space has to have a certain fire rating. You already have plans to replace it, so it's not a big problem. But you'll run into trouble in the meantime if an inspector sees it torn down, and (of course) you'd want it in the event that something in the garage catches fire.

[Rich H.]

X2

Definitely replace it if it's not to your liking, but please use fire rated sheetrock to comply with local building codes on the wall facing the house.

[allinon72]

Don't worry guys, I'll be insulating it and using fire rated drywall on all walls.

[LoRollinLS]

I like how you have a small man door out the back for easy access instead of having to open the roll up door. I'm always more attracted to out of the ordinary style homes / garages that aren't cookie cutter.

[allinon72]

Installed some work lights.

[onemore]

NIce I also have a 1 car shop, a mess right now, but planning on a 10x8 storage shed for all the kids and lawn stuff. Enjoy!

[allinon72]

Today I replaced the screen door with a real exterior door. I can actually lock up my stuff now!

[five0jo]

I have to admire your desire for a challenge and willingness to put in the work! From what I have seen on this site, I sometimes think the smaller spaces force people to be more creative and keep their spaces cleaner. I would like to see the house that makes this worth the effort, though!

[TurboCup87]

Is there room to expand? I've expanded two garages. First was to extend a 1 car into a two car inline garage. My current garage was extended to a 25'x41' deep garage with room for 4 cars and more.

If there isn't sufficient room, kudos to you for making your garage as functional as possible.

[allinon72]

There is room to expand forward only, and vault the ceiling. That's a couple years away though.

[Blackbomber]

Awesome - another garage like mine in size. I'm subscribing.

We small garage guys ARE forced to be more creative.

[ddl2004]

Room to expand forward only? I'm assuming the first photo is misleading? I thought you had room to the right...

[ddl2004]

Saw you removed your Explorer's roof racks... I did the same with mine.

[allinon72]

Originally Posted by ddl2004

Room to expand forward only? I'm assuming the first photo is misleading? I thought you had room to the right...

Yes it is misleading...the property line is right there so no room to expand into a 2 car.

[Falcon67]

Originally Posted by Jack Olsen

Nothing wrong with a small shop.

X42 - some space better than no space. Lots to be said for a compact work area. Like Alan Jackson sings, it's OK to be little bitty.

[allinon72]

Haven't updated in a while, but here are some updates! Started insulating, had to do some reframing due to studs that were not 16" on center (whoever built this just eyeballed it, says my neighbor). Also found some termite damage. I also redid my fluorescent lights. I just need to finish insulating the ceiling and drywall will begin.

[usafmora]

Near Columbus here, watching your work. Small places make the mind be more creative.

[JoeM5127]

Looks like you are off to great start.

[LoRollinLS]

Love what your doing with the place man. I don't believe that you ever told us what your dimensions are. Those over head shelves REALLY come in handy.

[HSpencer]

Looking Great!!

[redlinetoys]

Hey! Great to finally see a garage smaller than mine!

I am in a decent size 2 car now (still too small), but my first house was a 1928 bungalow with a very small 2 car garage (as in a pair of Model A cars would just barely fit). My solution was to build a LARGE mini barn next to the garage and attach it with a small walkway through the existing side window location (maybe you could do the same in back if you don't have property on the side.)

I kept my workbench, bench grinder, vice, drill press, air compressor, roll around tool box, etc all in the mini barn and the loft was great for storage. It had a conventional 36" insulated door on the front instead of barn doors and made a great cozy fab shop and good storage for "stuff". And it was very easy to move between the two buildings while working on projects.

I am about an hour north of you with similar weather. I think you will find that after it is all insulated and drywalled, it will take very little to heat. I have found that one of those small $40 110v oil filled radiator style heaters will keep a space like this warm all winter on a very low setting (that is if you are keeping the overhead shut).

Subscribed!

[allinon72]

Originally Posted by LoRollinLS

Love what your doing with the place man. I don't believe that you ever told us what your dimensions are. Those over head shelves REALLY come in handy.

The garage is 20x11.

Insulation is DONE as of today. Drywall will start hopefully in a couple weeks. After that, look out for some unique storage projects!

[tuner4life]

Indy is a very nice city. I end up down there at least once a month. Nice project. Looks like it's coming along quite nicely!

[LoRollinLS]

Originally Posted by allinon72

The garage is 20x11.

Insulation is DONE as of today. Drywall will start hopefully in a couple weeks. After that, look out for some unique storage projects!

Oh ok, so we are not much different. I run my operations in a 25 x 12. I can't wait for the new storage projects, I need some new ideas, lol.

Keep us updated friend.

[allinon72]

Won't be doing much parking inside the garage...I drive an F150 and it won't fit. But my gf occasionally parks inside.

[allinon72]

Started my workbench today. HF 13 drawer cabinet will be integrated into it.

[USMCdodge]

cant wait to see the workbench. I have a single car garage too. i just wish i had a little more space. but it is nice and easy to keep clean.

[allinon72]

More progress on the bench. Yes my floor is incredibly unlevel.

[jksmith]

looks good, i live on the South Side of indy

in the middle of remodeling our basement, then i get to start the work on the garage.

[allinon72]

HF 13 drawer cabinet will go here:


I'm putting doors on this side for storage:

[JoeM5127]

Like the workbench.

[allinon72]

Made a few changes to the bench. Finally got the top on, decided to go with 3/4" MDF. Next I'll be making doors for the right side.

[dittle fart around]

Looks cool. You might think about putting everything on casters. That way you can move stuff out to the driveway for the flooring. My work bench is on rollers so I can use it outside for a table saw extension. Plus all the saw dust goes outside when I'm cutting stuff up.

[allinon72]

Added doors on the workbench.


Cannot waste space in my garage...mini-shelf inside for holding paint cans.

[rmckee]

Great to see someone making good use of space. As cool as the 90x150 buildings (okay... exaggerated) are, it's what you do with 11x20 that really counts!

Look forward to seeing more.

[regguy1]

Bench Looks decent, are you going to paint it?

[allinon72]

Yes I'll be painting it, probably a shade of gray.

Drywall starts Monday.

[LoRollinLS]

Workbench is coming along nicely. Now wheres that toolbox? lol

[allinon72]

Drywall is up, now onto finishing

[BUCKNERBUCK2]

Would love some info on how you made those doors! Look very nice.

[allinon72]

They are just 1x4s cut on the miter saw.

[87handmedown]

Wow, it's really starting to come together. I really like your bench. Keep up the good work and MORE PICTURES!

[BUCKNERBUCK2]

Originally Posted by allinon72

They are just 1x4s cut on the miter saw.

Stapled together at corners?

[allinon72]

The edges are glued, two screws at each corner holding the joint together.

[bobemmerich]

Coming along nicely. Keep up the posts...

[Crzydmnd72]

Drywall alone really changed the look!

[LoRollinLS]

Sweet, your halfway there!

[dare23]

Looks great! And a small space is better than none!! Trust me, I know. I don't have a garage at the moment (

[allinon72]

Taping is done, now onto 2nd coat.

[marty_p]

Great Work, Boss!

Keep us posted!!!

[AP_photo]

Wow that looks great.

[L84ARACE]

That's looking real good. It seems like the drywall makes it feel bigger, mayube because it brightened it up.

[double-z]

looking good.
i'm in a similar situation (new house w/ small garage), so i can't wait to see more.

photos of the house?

[P1et]

Very nice! Are you able to put your car inside with the workbench in place?

[allinon72]

Originally Posted by L84ARACE

That's looking real good. It seems like the drywall makes it feel bigger, mayube because it brightened it up.

Yes the lighter colors made a huge difference, which is why I'm sticking with light colors with the paint scheme as well.

Originally Posted by P1et

Very nice! Are you able to put your car inside with the workbench in place?

My F150 will not fit regardless, but my girlfriend's Cobalt fits no problem.

[allinon72]

Second skim coat is on...man I hate drywall finishing. Still have a lot of work to do.

I did get the garage door opener back up today.

[allinon72]

Started finish coat today...hoping to start priming by Saturday.

Also had the idea today to spray paint the garage door rails and supports black.

[allinon72]

Started priming!!

[RINELL88]

Coming along nicely. Gives me encouragement to get my drywall finished.

[allinon72]

Priming is done, got my florescents back up. Now the fun part....the actual paint scheme.

[sparky7]

nice man, always remember that having a garage of any size is better than no garage at all.

[ratdoggy]

Very nice!

[cruzer75]

Very nice! I am working towards insulation and finishing the walls in a similar size shop (14x21). I can't wait to get my wiring and lights up!

Stew

[Garagemike]

Very impressive garage and workbench, did you say you were integrating something into the work bench?

[kippieland]

Originally Posted by allinon72

Added doors on the workbench.


Cannot waste space in my garage...mini-shelf inside for holding paint cans.

YES! I love it when people make cool cabinets from 2 x 4 and Hardboard. I saw that same project on lumberjocks.com. Very cools

[allinon72]

Originally Posted by Garagemike

Very impressive garage and workbench, did you say you were integrating something into the work bench?

Yes Harbor Freight 13-drawer toolbox will go on the left side of the workbench. I am waiting to finish the walls to purchase it.

Originally Posted by kippieland

YES! I love it when people make cool cabinets from 2 x 4 and Hardboard. I saw that same project on lumberjocks.com. Very cools

Thanks! It's quite a tank, I'm guessing it weighs about 200lbs.

[allinon72]

Have some new pics, the paint work is finished up.

[94SRUNNER]

Looks great! What a transformation, very well done.

[Lunker]

Nice work!!

[fergus]

Great work on that bench...great choice in colors...and automobiles! Made a big difference from where you started!

[LoRollinLS]

Wow! The shop looks all clean now. Definitely a big change from the beginning. Good work my friend! Don't let the thread stop here, keep us updated.

[madmikeee]

most excellent work!! I have a 20X10 I am itching to get to work on. Seeing things like this really motivates me to get my ass in gear!

[kippieland]

Looks so good! If you paint that work bench no one could tell that it was made from 2x4s. Either way it rocks!

[Mat Mobile]

Very nice job. I always look forward to seeing your progess!

[allinon72]

Originally Posted by kippieland

Looks so good! If you paint that work bench no one could tell that it was made from 2x4s. Either way it rocks!

Thanks for all the compliments. I am trying to decide what color to paint the bench.

[allinon72]

I'll be taking a few weeks off, but here's what I have to do yet:

- Trim out the window and man door.
- Figure out what I'm going to do with the sill plate (which is just bare wood at the moment)
- Figure out what I'm going to do about the unpainted garage door header
- Eventually level the floor and probably put down Epoxy-Coat

[LoRollinLS]

I'd say you deserve a break. You've been busting ass on that place! Have you thought about putting some polyurethane on the bench and calling it a day? I think that would look great and seal the wood to provide a barrier to keep things from soaking into it. You could also do that over paint, if you decide to color match it to your garage. Whatever you decide to do, I'm sure it will look great!

[allinon72]

Originally Posted by LoRollinLS

I'd say you deserve a break. You've been busting ass on that place! Have you thought about putting some polyurethane on the bench and calling it a day? I think that would look great and seal the wood to provide a barrier to keep things from soaking into it. You could also do that over paint, if you decide to color match it to your garage. Whatever you decide to do, I'm sure it will look great!

I've thought about that, I'm not just sure how regular lumber would look polyurethaned. I'm having a hard time picturing it.

[kippieland]

Originally Posted by allinon72

Thanks for all the compliments. I am trying to decide what color to paint the bench.

Since you have a Craftsman box, you could go red and black. Or do the shop cabinet colors, black and grey. Either way you can't go wrong.

[allinon72]

Originally Posted by kippieland

Since you have a Craftsman box, you could go red and black. Or do the shop cabinet colors, black and grey. Either way you can't go wrong.

The Craftsman box is going away in favor of an HF 13 drawer.

[novaboy009]

I stained and poly'ed my work bench, which is also 2x4 construction and a similar build to what you did. I like the look and it's pretty durable.

[allinon72]

Tell me more about that stainless top!

[LoRollinLS]

Originally Posted by novaboy009

I stained and poly'ed my work bench, which is also 2x4 construction and a similar build to what you did. I like the look and it's pretty durable.

now thats a good looking workbench!

[allinon72]

Well my break didn't last long Decided to finish out my window.

[allinon72]

Not much going on lately...still not able to organize my tools because I haven't purchased the HF box yet. I don't want to buy it until I get my floor sorted out, and I don't want to have to move the box out when I decide to do the floor.

I'm not even sure what I'm doing with the floor It needs to be leveled.

[kippieland]

My shop floor is totally out of level.....I mean its horrible. Its almost like they tried to make that way! Anyways, from my research that self-leveling concrete sounds like the only way, but its SO much work. Let me know if you find anything else that will work.

[allinon72]

A few updates.

Trimed out and finished the upper storage area.


Needed a place to store 2x4s and scrap wood, so I created this little shelf in an area that would otherwise go wasted.


Got all my hardware organized...went a little nuts at Menards since they were clearancing out a bunch of hardware.

[RINELL88]

Like the little shelf idea, how much weight do you think that could hold?

[allinon72]

I could probably hold at least 100lbs if I needed it to. It is lag bolted to the studs.

[Shehzada]

Definately a huge transformation from what you started with. When you get a chance, could you please post a photo with your car inside it. I'm in the market to purchase a house, and most of the houses in Long Island New York have 1 car garages.

I have come across 1.5 garages as well, but just wanted to see if I could get by with your car inside and the great work you have done.

Thanks.

[allinon72]

Well I drive an F150 and it does not fit. My girlfriend's Cobalt fits just fine. However we don't park in the garage at all, she only parks in there in the winter if it's really cold at night.

[LoRollinLS]

Hey allinon72,

Got any garage updates for us??? Been a while since you posted. lol

[allinon72]

Well it's been tough because my lawn tools are piling up in the garage...need to build a shed in the back yard

I have scrapped my plans at leveing the floor...it just isn't worth it. My plan is to match the major cracks and put Racedeck down. Hopefully that'll happen in the next couple months.

[mattdavis458]

Truly an awesome build. Thank you for sharing and all the ideas. I actually went from a 1 car to a 2 car. My 1 car was much more organized, cleaner and way more efficient. Great job.

[allinon72]

Those who are interested can follow my shed build here:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/s...d.php?t=148048

[allinon72]

Not a ton going on in the garage lately....I rebuilt my upper shelf so it looks better, added some can holders, mounted a sandpaper holder, and touched up some of the walls. Next week I'll be starting on a foldable workbench, similar to Jack Olsens.

[LoRollinLS]

This place is already rockin'. But once you get the racedeck down, its gonna be PROfessional!

[Mat Mobile]

Like I said before, I like your garage, it has steady progress and is budget friendly.

May I make a suggestion?

Why don't you cover your upper storage area with doors like your bench. It would prevent any dust from going on your stuff and it would look pretty good:

[55cadillacking]

^^ Love the look of those upper cabinet doors.

My plan is to match the major cracks and put Racedeck down

That will look great, and I'm assuming you can find the colours to carry on your Ford Service inspried colour scheme. What an awesome single car garage! Well done.

[PRH44]

Great job my fellow Hoosier. I worked out of a garage that size for few years. Yours looks a lot nicer I must say.
What did you use for the center panel of your cabinet doors?

[allinon72]

Originally Posted by Mat Mobile

Like I said before, I like your garage, it has steady progress and is budget friendly.

May I make a suggestion?

Why don't you cover your upper storage area with doors like your bench. It would prevent any dust from going on your stuff and it would look pretty good:

I have considered doing that but I'm not sure yet

[allinon72]

Alright guys, wrapping up another project. A folding workbench.



I used 3 3.5" commercial door hinges








Legs are held in the outwork position with these barrel bolts


Painted with oak plywood top


Folds up to about 5.5" off the wall

[IGO2XS]

Originally Posted by allinon72

Alright guys, wrapping up another project. A folding workbench.
[

Very clever, I like the idea.:thumb up:

[rlwhitetr3b]

What did you do where the braces/legs meet the wall?

[allinon72]

Originally Posted by rlwhitetr3b

What did you do where the braces/legs meet the wall?

Commercial hinges attach the legs to the wall so they can fold in.

[andyaus]

what a great space this is going to be! nice work man....

[dare23]

Very nice bench. Cheers!

[aero]

Very nice bench

[MacmanSW20]

Love that folding bench Idea, would work great in my garage, I also have a very limited space.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Love the folding workbench!

Are the braces/legs put together with just screws & glue or did you do something fancier like dowels or biscuit joints?

[allinon72]

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

Love the folding workbench!

Are the braces/legs put together with just screws & glue or did you do something fancier like dowels or biscuit joints?

Just screws and glue, it is quite strong. I don't plan on doing anything too aggressive on it.

[Laredo]

Luv seeing the smaller single garages. Thanks for sharing!

[Derrickwade]

Looks great!

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by allinon72

Just screws and glue, it is quite strong. I don't plan on doing anything too aggressive on it.

Thanks! I'm about to build something similar reusing a giant 1" thick plywood door taken down during my current reset. I too planned to use extra long galvanized screws counter sunk in to gain maximum "grab" in making those braces. Hope it comes out half as good as yours!

[XBTech]

Wow !

Me and my girlfriend just bought our first house in Quebec. I got a 12'x23' garage.

I just turned 23 so I don't have a lot of skills at building things for now. But I already start building a workbench, but I need some shelves !

If you can take some detailled pictures of your constructions of if you have some plans to post or something, it will be apprciated !

I'm gonna start a thread of my garage today, stay tuned !

Keep up the good work !

[The J]

Love the folding workbench - great job!

Keep up the great work in there. Inspiring those of us with 2-car and smaller garages.

[40standard]

WOW! your garage really came together. You are a true craftsman. I'm an old guy on the southside, if you get bored and want to build more, I got a ton of projects

[DLux]

Just joined this community and have also now subscribed to this thread! Great work on the garage. Although I have a two-bay garage, it barely can hold both my cars and it's split down the middle leaving me with very little room. This has given me some great ideas. Any updates?

[drooartz]

Nice work on your remodel, great inspiration for those of us with smaller spaces.

I've posted this on other threads, but I'm always amazed at the difference some paint/drywall can make in a garage. I *really* need to get off my butt and get my current space painted.

[allinon72]

Haven't updated in a while, but I finally have an update (and several to follow). Finally got a tool box, but it won't be staying that awful green color

[Derrickwade]

Are you still planning a getting a racedeck floor? Which colors/design would you go with? Thats what im waiting to see.

[ChuckDriver]

Nice work!

[allinon72]

Originally Posted by Derrickwade

Are you still planning a getting a racedeck floor? Which colors/design would you go with? Thats what im waiting to see.

Right now the floor is on hold. I have major concrete issues so it may be neglected for a while. It's likely I need a repour.

[pentavolvo]

Looks awesome, cant believe I hadnt seen this before

[allinon72]

Started right away on stripping down the drawers for paint. Luckily the drawer pulls were simply screwed on. And by "simply" I mean I had to use a propane torch to heat the screws up to remove them, they were so tight.





Had to make some modifications to my bench since I built it based on dimensions of the HF 13 drawer box


Sneak peak of the color change

[zporta]

Sweet! I really want to change my toolbox to blue but don't have the patience

[Cougar67]

Great color on the toolbox. Are you spraying it and what kind of paint are you using?

[allinon72]

Originally Posted by Cougar67

Great color on the toolbox. Are you spraying it and what kind of paint are you using?

I am spray painting it with Rustoleum 2x deep blue gloss. This stuff was on sale at Menards and is some of the best spray paint I've ever sprayed.

[55cadillacking]

Wow, I applaud your ambition. I would have convinced myself to embrace the green. Looks like a very professional job you have on the go. Should look sweet when all done and installed.

[Derrickwade]

I like the blue. You and I have kinda the same theme going on.

[simmmer67]

That blue looks much better

[allinon72]

The drawers are done and reassembled!


Cabinent is almost done


As you can imagine this has been a daunting task to paint everything. I've gone through about 14 cans of primer, basecoat, and clearcoat. My advice is to not be as picky as me and get a box in a color you can live with!

[zporta]

Lol, looks like a ton of work

[fatboy99]

It probably didn't help having 90% + humidity this weekend and rain. I'm glad I'm not the only one who dose not like the green color !!

[allinon72]

Originally Posted by fatboy99

It probably didn't help having 90% + humidity this weekend and rain. I'm glad I'm not the only one who dose not like the green color !!

The drawers were painted in my basement because of the humidity. I was able to put a fan in my garage window to get the humidity down to paint the cabinet.

[LoRollinLS]

The box looks great. I like the deep blue, that is a real nice color and I agree, it will look much better than the hunter green. Not even sure why any company would make a box that color in the first place.

[AaronH87]

I am amazed at the work you've done with thing. It looks awesome. Very nice work. And the fact that you did the work means that much more.

[Mat Mobile]

Originally Posted by allinon72

Right now the floor is on hold. I have major concrete issues so it may be neglected for a while. It's likely I need a repour.

Have you looked at porcelain tile? It might help in your case since you don't need a perfect floor to start off with.

Good job on the toolbox!

I painted mine too (blue too...) but went with floor paint and a roller. I took my time so the "orange peel" looks consistent. But I didn't bother painting the inside.

[allinon72]

Well here she is! It was a lot of work but I'm thrilled with the way it turned out. The work just means more ownership in my toolbox which makes it that much more rewarding. At this point I'm glad I didn't just buy the HF box and slap it in place.





No more green is visible




With this, my workstation is about complete!




Now to go load it with tools!

[Derrickwade]

Turned out great!

[LouG]

I love the Masterforce boxes but I agree that the green is what's keeping me from pulling the trigger. From what the pics show, the blue finish on this box sure looks factory to me. Excellent work....!!!!!

[simmmer67]

The effort you put in shows, well done

[allinon72]

Here's my new top drawer

[Dan in Pasadena]

Looks truly good. Well thought out, well carried out!

[Cougar67]

Your garage looks great and the toolbox looks super. You have upped the appeal of your house to future buyers considerably...and you get to enjoy it. What color of gray paint did you use on the work bench?

[drooartz]

Really well done! That's going to be a nice place to work.

[55cadillacking]

It just looks amazing. Better than most Ford service centers I've been in! Congrats. What's next?

[LoRollinLS]

Box looks great. Are those ball bearing drawers? Your whole setup has come together nicely!

[Iroc-Z]

I love how efficient a garage can be when square footage is at a premium.

[LoRollinLS]

Originally Posted by Iroc-Z

I love how efficient a garage can be when square footage is at a premium.

I agree. Keeping as many things off of the floor and out of the way to maximize square footage is the key to having an efficient workspace, I don't care how much square footage is there to begin with. This fellow does a nice job with this.

[allinon72]

Thanks guys.

[Olliecampbell]

Looking at this thread for some inspiration! Keep going!

[y'sguy]

Very nice work!. What kind of project(s) is it that you are going to work on with this garage? Just curious.

[Essnowyt]

Very nice! I dig the wall colors!

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=68942

Snowy.

[allinon72]

Originally I was against putting up pegboard but I decided to put some up on the wall above my bench to hold my new Craftsman Industrial wrenches. I love the way it turned out.

[LoRollinLS]

Looks like you might have picked up one of the "fancy" peg board kits. It doesnt look cheap like the stuff from homo-depot. Looks good, peg board gets addicting. I know that sounds funny, but as the days go by, you'll be trying to figure out how to hang everything up there! lol

[ddl2004]

It's come a long way! It looks great!!! The shed looks great as well!

[mrniceguy]

You did an excellent job on everything, DIY projects are so satisfying especially when they turn out so nicely lol! BTW, I may have missed it but I'd suggest some drawer liners of some sort for your tools so your paint isn't scratched up.

I use a local Memphis powdercoater for various auto and other metal projects after spending alot of money in the past on paints and clears that just weren't tough enough and you might be surprised how reasonable they can be sometimes depending on the color...

Jeremy

[allinon72]

Originally Posted by LoRollinLS

Looks like you might have picked up one of the "fancy" peg board kits. It doesnt look cheap like the stuff from homo-depot. Looks good, peg board gets addicting. I know that sounds funny, but as the days go by, you'll be trying to figure out how to hang everything up there! lol

That's no fancy store bought kit, it started out as some beat up leftover pegboard from my dad's garage. I cut it to size and mounted it with some 1 bys. Then I painted everything a flat charcoal gray.


And you're right, I've been thinking about putting up another piece for my power tools.

[DustynF]

Looking good! What part of Indy are you from?

[allinon72]

Broad Ripple area.

[55cadillacking]

Quickly becoming my favorite single on the forum. Keep it up! Any plans to coat the work surface?

[allinon72]

Originally Posted by 55cadillacking

Quickly becoming my favorite single on the forum. Keep it up! Any plans to coat the work surface?

I almost tried spray on bed liner but decided to hold off. Ultimately I want to do a stainless steel top.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Just a quick suggestion on a coating: I was lazy and had a quart of Rustoleum hammertone gray (they bought out Hammerite, I heard). Two coats a couple days apart and it looks great. Hides a bunch of surface defects. Not for a top you're gonna pound on much but for normal use and to seal off that particle board I'd definitely try it until the budget allows the stainless.

[crazytrain]

Very nice garage! You have some very good use of space ideas. The tool box turned out great and the peg board looks great also. Keep up the good work and thanks for sharing.

[LoRollinLS]

Originally Posted by allinon72

That's no fancy store bought kit, it started out as some beat up leftover pegboard from my dad's garage. I cut it to size and mounted it with some 1 bys. Then I painted everything a flat charcoal gray.


And you're right, I've been thinking about putting up another piece for my power tools.

Ah, you've fooled me again with paint! lol

[DesertRat64]

I've been following your thread - really nice work and great ideas! Your attention to detail is first rate!
Cheers,
KD

[Olliecampbell]

I might have missed it but what size timber did you use for your cabinet? Have you found it to be sturdy enough.

I'm trying to decide on whether I build something like that or get something like this, custom made to my needs and have a tool chest next to it.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/STAINLESS-...#ht_1853wt_904

[allinon72]

It is built with 2x4s and 2x6s. It's way overbuilt thus plenty strong.

[rmartin1]

I feel like going out in my mess of a garage and stop crying about space and start cleaning! Looks great!

[AHotRod]

Great job with a small space!

[CodeRedZ]

very nice work I have to say, though the ford signs kind of ruined it lol j/k

[rednas]

Very nice job!

[Thruxton]

Don't know how I missed this thread before, but just caught up on it. Outstanding job- you have a real eye for things.

[bczygan]

This garage and the way you made it look is very inspirational to me and has caused me to spend the last 2 days working on clearing out my little 1 car. Thread with photos later.

[Salmonslayer]

I normally dont think the painted fancied up shops or garages are for me but I really like your theme. It looks like an old fashioned ford service center and its very well done. We just had a single car garage in our old place and we had a blast there wrenching on our motorcycles and hanging out.

Looks like you will enjoy your new space.

[IONH]

Looks great!

[bjm442]

great job

[gmault]

Great work, this is giving me some ideas for my single car garage!

[pitterpat]

Originally Posted by allinon72

Broad Ripple area.

Not too far from me, 73rd & Ditch. Nice work!

[Scotty72SS]

Looking good! As someone mentioned, I like the smaller builds because it forces you to be creative and organized. Check out Jack Olsens build for evidence of that, he is running a wood shop, metal fab and auto garage out of a two car garage in the burbs, and it's awesome. If you end up needing more work space, think about a roll out bench under a solid mounted one. It's what I did and Im glad I did... You can always use a little more space!
Good luck!
Ds

[marty_p]

Originally Posted by bczygan

This garage and the way you made it look is very inspirational to me and has caused me to spend the last 2 days working on clearing out my little 1 car. Thread with photos later.

I second that!!!

[ClickClickBoom]

I feel your pain with the single car. Last house we rented was a one car, and it was a bear to work on anything.

When we were looking for a house my fiancee found this, and instantly knew where we were moving:


We're just north of broadripple park. Your garage looks great.

[LoRollinLS]

Originally Posted by ClickClickBoom

I feel your pain with the single car. Last house we rented was a one car, and it was a bear to work on anything.

When we were looking for a house my fiancee found this, and instantly knew where we were moving:


We're just north of broadripple park. Your garage looks great.

Like how big your garage is. Do you have a thread so we can keep up with yours?

[ClickClickBoom]

Originally Posted by LoRollinLS

Like how big your garage is. Do you have a thread so we can keep up with yours?

Not yet, I need to get all my pictures together.

[allinon72]

Haven't updated in a while. Haven't done anything major lately, just a few small things.

Made a holder for my pry bars and long screwdrivers. Pry bars are a pain to store in a tool box


Window covering. I wanted it to be charcoal gray to match everything else. Found them online for $30. Instead I bought cheap white aluminum blinds and painted them.


Bayco retractable cord


Safety first


My next project will probably be building cabinets on this wall.

[allinon72]

Here is a panorama of my garage right now. Still a bit cluttered...I struggle with left over construction materials

WARNING big pic!

[55cadillacking]

I'm telling you, if you replicated your colour scheme on a RaceDeck floor, it would be out of this world. I truly admire your attention to detail. Coincidentally, I purchased the same retractable cord yesterday. Hoping to install it tonight.

[allinon72]

Originally Posted by 55cadillacking

I'm telling you, if you replicated your colour scheme on a RaceDeck floor, it would be out of this world. I truly admire your attention to detail. Coincidentally, I purchased the same retractable cord yesterday. Hoping to install it tonight.

That's my plan, but as I detailed earlier in the thread, my floor has serious issues and that's holding me up.

[USAF_POL]

Amazing transformation and very inspiring! I have a small two car garage and you have more room than me! I really need to clean mine up.

[LoRollinLS]

Good idea for the pry bar storage!

[55cadillacking]

as I detailed earlier in the thread, my floor has serious issues and that's holding me up.

Well, judging from where you were, and where you are now, I'm sure you will sort your floor out. I have faith in you!

[HSpencer]

This is my favorite thread on GJ. You have many talents and much foresight. I give you tremendous credit for your work on the one car. Were I selecting a garage of the year, you would be right on top! I admire the garage.

[allinon72]

Originally Posted by HSpencer

This is my favorite thread on GJ. You have many talents and much foresight. I give you tremendous credit for your work on the one car. Were I selecting a garage of the year, you would be right on top! I admire the garage.

Wow that's quite a compliment. Thanks!

[Scooter Scott]

Nice work on your garage! I had the dreaded 1 car garage too...I lived in Broad Ripple just off Norwaldo and 54th. I always dreamed of the ambition you have to setup my garage like yours but all I ever got to was the fold down work bench. Very nice work man! The houses down there have a lot of character...and if I were ever to look in a house down thee again your garage would be a huge attraction for me.

[nw2571]

Another Hoosier here allinon. Did a great job on the garage. I'm curious about your bench, whether you have found yourself wishing to have toe space inset below? I'm considering building in a toolbox like you have but wouldn't have enough room with my current setup to have toe space underneath.

[HSpencer]

@allinon72. The reason for my comment above concerns the ability you had to visualize the space you have and make the most of it. We see tons of extra large garages on here. It does us good to see such fine management of your space. Additionally, it pleases us greatly to see you manufacture a working solution to what you want in your garage. From your fold down bench (I am copying it myself) to your color schemes, you are showing that you are much bigger than your space. In these hard times, using your head instead of your credit card impresses me plenty. I enjoyed watching you post and overcome the challenges you had from the beginning. In my opinion you solved them perfectly. Your space is now your own, and it must surely be a pleasure for you to work in. As others have said you have increased the value of your home by what you have done. Yes, a powerful thumbs up on your work. I hope you keep your thread going and let us see some more of your ideas in action.
Congratulations on a job well done.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by allinon72

Here's my new top drawer

I THINK I'd be tempted to paint your spray can racks and the inset panels on the doors the same blue as your tool chest.

NOT criticizing because it looks fantastic as it is but just looking for minor enhancements on one of the nicest small garages on the board.

[allinon72]

Here's a cabinet project I've been working on. Need more storage space for power tools, cleaning supplies, etc.

[Requin6]

Great transformation! I might be snatching a few of your ideas for my own garage!

[Modern Jess]

Excellent work turning a small dark hole into a bright and functional workshop.

[dubber]

Awesome creations you have done to help make that a better space.

[kyle@hcb]

Great transformation; I love the layout!

[Sunbimmer]

Good transformation, good eye for detail, I like it.
I love how you integrated the toolcart/chest in your workbench

[55cadillacking]

Your new wall cabinet unit looks awesome and I'm sure it will give you a LOT more storage. Smart placement, too. Won't be in the way in the corner there. Smart move.

[allinon72]

I built the entire cabinet pictured above with a circular saw and a level clamped to the wood for straight cuts, due to my lack of a table saw. I decided that I liked this cabinet making stuff so I better get a table saw. Decided on this mobile Dewalt unit because it got excellent reviews and I can mount it on the wall to keep it out of the way. It won't be able to make 100% of all cuts due to the smaller rip capacity, but hey when you have a garage this small, you have to make some sacrifices!

[John in OH]

My first time to read through this thread .... really nice job on your garage refurb!! Just wondering, since your original bench design was for a HF box, what factors led to your decision to go with the Masterforce box? I've read good comments on both boxes on other threads, just wondering why you changed from your original plan.

[allinon72]

Originally Posted by John in OH

My first time to read through this thread .... really nice job on your garage refurb!! Just wondering, since your original bench design was for a HF box, what factors led to your decision to go with the Masterforce box? I've read good comments on both boxes on other threads, just wondering why you changed from your original plan.

I always liked the Masterforce box because of the drawer detents and the way the drawers felt solid opening and closing. I did not like the green color and the price was significantly higher than the HF box. However, when the box went on clearance, that's when I decided to pull the trigger. Getting rid of the green was still a huge pain in the ass, but in the end I had the exact shade of color that I wanted for the garage. Had I gone with the HF box, I would have left it red and it would have looked OK in the garage because red is sort of a universal color for toolboxes. However having it blue just ties it in more. I'm sure some guys are reading this rolling their eyes, but aesthetics are important to me.

[allinon72]

Finished the cabinet doors. I really don't know how to finish the wood so I'm leaving it raw for now. I am sick of painting everything with gray paint.

You can also see my table saw hanging out of the way underneath.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Looks great....again.

What finish will you put on that beautiful cabinet?

Oh, one last thing: What's the model no. on the DeWalt saw?

[allinon72]

Despite everything I've added to the garage, very few things take up floor space. Most of the things on the wall reside in areas that would be considered dead space anyway. You can still park a small or mid size car in the garage. Although we rarely do it, my fiances Cobalt fits with room to spare.

[allinon72]

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

Looks great....again.

What finish will you put on that beautiful cabinet?

Oh, one last thing: What's the model no. on the DeWalt saw?

Still deciding on the cabinet finish. Might try a gray stain but I'm a novice when it comes to stain so I'll have to research more.

The saw is a Dewalt DW745.

[K5/TBSS]

Originally Posted by allinon72

Finished the cabinet doors. I really don't know how to finish the wood so I'm leaving it raw for now. I am sick of painting everything with gray paint.

You can also see my table saw hanging out of the way underneath.

I spy some Adam's Polishes in your cabinet. Best stuff ever... I have tons of their stuff.

[allinon72]

Yep Adams Swirl Mark Remover

[wawaw]

You desrve a larger garage. That is the most outstandig transformation ive seen on here. Greatjob.