Lighting Small 2 Car Garage ( 18.5x21 )

[quiksr20]

Hello Guys,

Long time lurker been reading tons of threads and gathering ideas but still un-sure how to setup my garage lighting. I wish it was bigger but its not its around 18.5x21.......

We just moved here in the last year and it currently it has 1 fluorescent light yuck hahha,. Looking for the best lighting setup as I am going to tape / spackel / paint this week.

Here is a few pics, Any advice for lighting would be greatly appreciated.

Layout :

Not sure if I should do 3 T8 or LED setups from left to right or front to back..

Also I was wondering , Should I replace this sheet-rock or just skim coat and paint... My builder friend said its a waste to replace that the skim coat would be perfect and look like new.

The previous owner drilled a ton of holes in it randomly for gods knows what reason, There is screw holes and nail pops all over. But for the most part its in good shape just yellow.

I want it to look great!!! Like nice smooth sheet rock, Want to trim the bottom, Do a epoxy floor etc.

[ Examples of the issues ] Pretty much just 25 year old sheet rock unfinished with some damage

Please share your thoughts as it will help me with my first garage project in NJ

Whole Garage

 

[Stinger]

Having 4 T8's spaced evenly around 6 ft from the side walls would help to eliminate shadows while you're working. If you put the lights down the middle, there will be shadows under you when you bend over to work on something.

 

[Shiftless]

If you park cars in there, I would light the space as if you were using only half at a time. If you have a project going when one car is in the garage, you want at least 3 lights above you and not centered in the entire space. I too have a a garage almost the same size, 19x19 but half is long term storage of a project car that never moves. (long story).
In the half of the garage that is shop space, I have 5 double tube LED Costco fixtures hanging 7 feet above the floor and spaced 32 inches apart. I consider it plenty of light. If I were you, I would consider a total of 8-10 fixtures for your space.
Smart move to skim coat and paint it white or pale gray. That will really brighten it up.

 

[quiksr20]

If you park cars in there, I would light the space as if you were using only half at a time. If you have a project going when one car is in the garage, you want at least 3 lights above you and not centered in the entire space. I too have a a garage almost the same size, 19x19 but half is long term storage of a project car that never moves. (long story).
In the half of the garage that is shop space, I have 5 double tube LED Costco fixtures hanging 7 feet above the floor and spaced 32 inches apart. I consider it plenty of light. If I were you, I would consider a total of 8-10 fixtures for your space.
Smart move to skim coat and paint it white or pale gray. That will really brighten it up.

Thanks for the advice, My garage is similar... The red car on the left is a project that I drive here and there but mostly its in the corner or in the middle when im working on it. We rarely have 2 cars in the garage as its tight.. Once all the spackle / taping is done I will be painting a white ceiling and light grey walls

8-10 lights sounds like a little much but maybe your suggesting smaller light fixtures?

Having 4 T8's spaced evenly around 6 ft from the side walls would help to eliminate shadows while you're working. If you put the lights down the middle, there will be shadows under you when you bend over to work on something.

Thanks I appreciate the input for this garage newbie, Are you suggesting 4 T-8s setup like this?

2 - 4' T8 Fixtures 6' from left/right walls and also 6' from the front/rear of the garage.

If so any suggestions from Home Depot ( local and easily purchasable ), Appears to be many options, These will be hard wired into existing electrical.

Maybe like this x4 - http://www.homedepot.com/p/Lithonia...SB-4-32-120-1-4-GESB/100427376#specifications

Saw the above in this thread - http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=3092204&postcount=65 ( he did 6 vs 4 ) but I dont think ill need 6

The suggestions from both of you guys is much appreciated, This garage is mostly used for tinkering on my hobby car, car maintenance , and just hanging out and working on whatever may pop up in the house.

Once I get the lighting setup and painted ill start a little before and after thread.. Its my first garage so im just glad to have a spot to work on my car finally

 

[Shiftless]

"8-10 lights sounds like a little much but maybe your suggesting smaller light fixtures?"
No, I'm talking two tube 4 foot long shoplights.

8-10 lights sounds like a little much but maybe your suggesting smaller light fixtures? If I were you, I would plan ahead. If you wire it up for 4 fixtures and later on decide you want/need more, how are you going to do that? Plan for more and run the wiring even if you don't use it all right now.

Here is how I did it.
I ran conduit down the middle of the garage ceiling with a double receptacle in a 4x4 box every two and a half feet. I can plug fixtures in wherever I want to. I am using Costco's FEIT dual tube 4 foot long LED shoplights which put out 3200 lumens each. They are placed 7 feet from the floor. The circuit is protected by a GFCI and controlled by a switch on the wall. Each fixture has a factory pull chain switch if for some reason I decide I don't want all of them on at the same time. So far they all come on at once.
I have perimeter PAR 38 LED lighting separately switched to light up my 2 work benches and my 12 foot wide set of shelves.
That is what comes on if I just go in to get a tool or something off a shelf.
So the shoplights only are used when I have a big project going and when the car is outside.
The shoplights could also be used for detailing a car indoors but I have yet to do that. I live in sunny CA.

 

[quiksr20]

8-10 lights sounds like a little much but maybe your suggesting smaller light fixtures? If I were you, I would plan ahead. If you wire it up for 4 fixtures and later on decide you want/need more, how are you going to do that? Plan for more and run the wiring even if you don't use it all right now.

Great Advice will def look to do this, I have a full accessible attic above my garage.. Also my main power panel for the house is in the garage.

Here is how I did it.
I ran conduit down the middle of the garage ceiling with a double receptacle in a 4x4 box every two and a half feet. I can plug fixtures in wherever I want to. I am using Costco's FEIT dual tube 4 foot long LED shoplights which put out 3200 lumens each. They are placed 7 feet from the floor. The circuit is protected by a GFCI and controlled by a switch on the wall. Each fixture has a factory pull chain switch if for some reason I decide I don't want all of them on at the same time. So far they all come on at once.
I have perimeter PAR 38 LED lighting separately switched to light up my 2 work benches and my 12 foot wide set of shelves.
That is what comes on if I just go in to get a tool or something off a shelf.
So the shoplights only are used when I have a big project going and when the car is outside.
The shoplights could also be used for detailing a car indoors but I have yet to do that. I live in sunny CA.

Sweet, Currently I have one light and one switch so I like how you can turn off the lights individually mine will only have 1 switch as Im going off the wiring thats present. Thanks for the advice, Looking to buy lights this weekend and get started..

Ill be doing a little thread like alot of others do to show before and afters... its a small space but I know I can make it nice, Any recommendation on lights? Home depot & Costco have a ton T8 / T5 / LED etc etc

BTW im jealous your in Sunny South Cali..... I really debated relocating as NJ is very expensive...Cali is expensive too but man id love warm weather year round

Cant wait to get this project underway..

 

[quiksr20]

Bump, Anyone before I start my wiring Thanks guys just looking to achieve the best lighting.

 

[fteufert]

I have an 18.5 x 18.5 garage, and originally had 2 rows of lights 6 feet from each side wall. I have added more, as I needed light in certain places, such as when I work on my car.

Good thing I added outlets in the ceiling so I can just plug in another, or make the cord longer.

For what its worth, the Samsclub LED 4 foot lights are fantastic. 2 out of the 8 lights in my ceiling are the led's, and I will swap out a few more.

As you age, more light is needed!

 

[Shiftless]

Bump, Anyone before I start my wiring Thanks guys just looking to achieve the best lighting.

Glad to hear that you are getting started. I have a feeling there are more than a few guys who spend hundreds of hours reading online and zero hours actually doing anything.
Just remember to plan for future expansion. I bet you will add more lights. Reread my earlier post. I only work in half of my 2 car 19x19 garage. I have 5 Costco 2 tube shop lights on the ceiling and 9 floodlights spread over 2 workbenches and 12 feet of shelving. That's enough light!

 

[quiksr20]

Glad to hear that you are getting started. I have a feeling there are more than a few guys who spend hundreds of hours reading online and zero hours actually doing anything.
Just remember to plan for future expansion. I bet you will add more lights. Reread my earlier post. I only work in half of my 2 car 19x19 garage. I have 5 Costco 2 tube shop lights on the ceiling and 9 floodlights spread over 2 workbenches and 12 feet of shelving. That's enough light!

Yeah i love reading but love doing the work even more Thanks again and ill post some pictures when done.. Sounds like you got more than enough light.

I have an attic above my garage and my main breaker panel for the house is in the garage as well which helps. I think im going to start with 4 lights and then grow to 6 later if needed.


Any Benefit in 1 layout vs another?

Layout 1

___ ___
___ ___
___ ___

Layout 2 ( I think this it he better layout )


| | |
| | |

 

[Shiftless]

Yeah i love reading but love doing the work even more Thanks again and ill post some pictures when done.. Sounds like you got more than enough light.

I have an attic above my garage and my main breaker panel for the house is in the garage as well which helps. I think im going to start with 4 lights and then grow to 6 later if needed.


Any Benefit in 1 layout vs another?

Layout 1

___ ___
___ ___
___ ___

Layout 2 ( I think this it he better layout )


| | |
| | |

If you have white walls, you don't need as many lights as I have. My walls are open studs so the walls are natural wood 65 years old so it is darkened with age. I have open storage shelves and some brown pegboard so that also absorbs light. In the SF Bay Area we don't need insulated walls in the garage.

Are you planning to have auxiliary lighting over your work bench which I assume will go on the back wall? If so, I like your second idea a bit better. You want to have the tubes parallel to your workbench to minimize shadows. Think about where you stand to do work and have the fixtures over your work and not behind your head.
I use the parabolic floodlight bulbs directly over my 2 workbenches for that reason. No shadows.
The LED tubes are for overall lighting especially when I wheel out my moveable work table to do assembly projects...last time was putting together custom kitchen drawers. With a table on wheels you can get to all sides of your project.

 

[Shiftless]

To get really bright uniform lighting you might think about this arrangement as your target someday super bright array. 12 fixtures. It is a combination of your two ideas.


I -- -- I

I -- -- I

I -- -- I

 

[quiksr20]

If you have white walls, you don't need as many lights as I have. My walls are open studs so the walls are natural wood 65 years old so it is darkened with age. I have open storage shelves and some brown pegboard so that also absorbs light. In the SF Bay Area we don't need insulated walls in the garage.

Are you planning to have auxiliary lighting over your work bench which I assume will go on the back wall? If so, I like your second idea a bit better. You want to have the tubes parallel to your workbench to minimize shadows. Think about where you stand to do work and have the fixtures over your work and not behind your head.
I use the parabolic floodlight bulbs directly over my 2 workbenches for that reason. No shadows.
The LED tubes are for overall lighting especially when I wheel out my moveable work table to do assembly projects...last time was putting together custom kitchen drawers. With a table on wheels you can get to all sides of your project.

Thanks again for an informative response, You are correct in I will have the 6 that cover the main area and also lights over the work bench that will be separate.. The main thing I was trying to figure out with the whole rooms lighting in the work area. Over the bench ill have another single fixture or so. My walls are currently un spackled sheetrock but will be getting painted a light grey in the future.

 

[Shiftless]

Thanks again for an informative response, You are correct in I will have the 6 that cover the main area and also lights over the work bench that will be separate.. The main thing I was trying to figure out with the whole rooms lighting in the work area. Over the bench ill have another single fixture or so. My walls are currently un spackled sheetrock but will be getting painted a light grey in the future.

Sounds like you are definately on the right track with your lighting plan. Are you installing receptacles in the ceiling or hard wiring? If receptacles, don't forget to install a GFCI first in line or use a GFCI breaker. NEC requirements. Maybe considered unnecessary to some but one less thing "not to code" when you ultimately sell your house.
Earlier you said you planned to hardwire. IMHO, receptacles give you more flexibility and options to add more fixtures or move yours a foot or two to give better coverage for the work you actually end up doing in your garage.

 

[quiksr20]

Sounds like you are definitely on the right track with your lighting plan. Are you installing receptacles in the ceiling or hard wiring? If receptacles, don't forget to install a GFCI first in line or use a GFCI breaker. NEC requirements. Maybe considered unnecessary to some but one less thing "not to code" when you ultimately sell your house.
Earlier you said you planned to hardwire. IMHO, receptacles give you more flexibility and options to add more fixtures or move yours a foot or two to give better coverage for the work you actually end up doing in your garage.

I did / do plan to hardwire but the more I think about it receptacles maybe the way to go... Still planning and nothing is in stone yet but I see with receptacles I could simply add lights at will provided I have a plug.

 

[Tim_P]

I second the Sam's club 4 foot Led's. If you installed 6 or 8 of those I think you would be very happy. My garage is a little bigger than yours at about 25 x 30 and I have 8 lights for the main section and 1 above my bench.

 

[Shiftless]

I second the Sam's club 4 foot Led's. If you installed 6 or 8 of those I think you would be very happy. My garage is a little bigger than yours at about 25 x 30 and I have 8 lights for the main section and 1 above my bench.

Tim:
Actually your garage is more than twice the square footage of quik's
I envy you guys with 25x30 or more! Mine is 19x19

 

[Denwood]

I have a similar size shop. There are eight fixtures, each having two TL-950 T8 bulbs. It's about right for light. The end fixtures are at 90 degrees to the four center fixtures which work to provide a bit more light over the engine bay at one end of the shop (when a car is in the shop) and over the workbench at the other.

 

[ROCKNMUD]

When it comes to lighting over work benches, run lights in the direction of the bench and you want the light 12 to 16" from the wall. You don't want a shadow from your head in the way when working at the bench.

 

[quiksr20]

Tim:
Actually your garage is more than twice the square footage of quik's
I envy you guys with 25x30 or more! Mine is 19x19

Agreed, I wish this garage was even like 22x22 at the current size two cars is very tight with nothing on the sides. But for working cars with 1 its perfect.

The house had everything we wanted and could afford, Im happy its a single door without and lolly columns so its wide open.

I have a similar size shop. There are eight fixtures, each having two TL-950 T8 bulbs. It's about right for light. The end fixtures are at 90 degrees to the four center fixtures which work to provide a bit more light over the engine bay at one end of the shop (when a car is in the shop) and over the workbench at the other.

Nice Shop! Looks awesome

When it comes to lighting over work benches, run lights in the direction of the bench and you want the light 12 to 16" from the wall. You don't want a shadow from your head in the way when working at the bench.

Thanks for the tips, I will definitely be adding a light over the work bench extra besides the main lights. Time to check out the LED's you guys keep talking about, I have a Costco membership so I wonder if they are simllar to the Sams Club ones you mentioned.

 

[Tim_P]

Tim:
Actually your garage is more than twice the square footage of quik's
I envy you guys with 25x30 or more! Mine is 19x19

Yes and I am happy with 8 lights over the main floor. So he should be on the surface of the sun with 6 to 8

 

[quiksr20]

Yes and I am happy with 8 lights over the main floor. So he should be on the surface of the sun with 6 to 8

Hey Tim,

I am not a Sams club member but I do have Amazon Prime, Are these simular to the Costco / Sams club ones everyone has good things to say about :

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LFAY5SM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

If thats the case I could get 4 and just add two receptacles to my ceiling which would do the trick.

 

[Shiftless]

Hey Tim,

I am not a Sams club member but I do have Amazon Prime, Are these simular to the Costco / Sams club ones everyone has good things to say about :

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LFAY5SM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

If thats the case I could get 4 and just add two receptacles to my ceiling which would do the trick.

I got my FEIT LED shoplights at Costco.
I think the Amazon price is $45 each.
Costco has them for $30 (but they are not always in stock)

 

[fastbike02]

I have a 20x20, I used 6 of the cheap 4' lights from walmart and a box of 12 bulbs for a grand total of 85 bucks. for the price i have to say it works quite well

 

[quiksr20]

I got my FEIT LED shoplights at Costco.
I think the Amazon price is $45 each.
Costco has them for $30 (but they are not always in stock)

Awesome looking into them, now just to pick an electricians brain on whether or not I can divvy up the power from the one light (T8) thats currently ran to the light switch or I will need a new breaker since ill be replacing 1 light with 4 lights.

 

[Shiftless]

Awesome looking into them, now just to pick an electricians brain on whether or not I can divvy up the power from the one light (T8) thats currently ran to the light switch or I will need a new breaker since ill be replacing 1 light with 4 lights.

Relax!
Those FEIT shoplights only draw 38 watts each. Four of them together draw barely over one amp. I assume you are running a 15 amp circuit at least...maybe 20. Unless there are other high current demand tools or heaters or something on the same circuit, it seems to me that you'll be fine.

 

[quiksr20]

Relax!
Those FEIT shoplights only draw 38 watts each. Four of them together draw barely over one amp. I assume you are running a 15 amp circuit at least...maybe 20. Unless there are other high current demand tools or heaters or something on the same circuit, it seems to me that you'll be fine.

Well thats great to know, There is only a garage door opener and one older T8 fixture which will be removed

Im getting a dedicated breaker added down the road for my compressor.

 

[quiksr20]

Went over to my local Costco on lunch today and they did not have the FEIT LED's I have a friend at work who still part time works at home depot, Said if they have anything he can get me a good discount..

How would something like this work - http://www.homedepot.com/p/Lithonia...iling-Flushmount-LB-2-32-MVOLT-MVIS/202591813

Saw it used in this build which looked pretty nice, I could prob get for $35 a piece and grab 6.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=3092193&postcount=73

Any thoughts on those fixtures or ones I can get from Home Depot? Im assuming the T8 is not as efficient but still doesn't look like I should have an issue with 6 of them on one 15amp breaker.

 

[Shiftless]

Went over to my local Costco on lunch today and they did not have the FEIT LED's I have a friend at work who still part time works at home depot, Said if they have anything he can get me a good discount..

How would something like this work - http://www.homedepot.com/p/Lithonia...iling-Flushmount-LB-2-32-MVOLT-MVIS/202591813

Saw it used in this build which looked pretty nice, I could prob get for $35 a piece and grab 6.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=3092193&postcount=73

Any thoughts on those fixtures or ones I can get from Home Depot? Im assuming the T8 is not as efficient but still doesn't look like I should have an issue with 6 of them on one 15amp breaker.

You do know that those are fluorescent right?

Some people prefer the wraparound diffusers like those have compared with the FEIT Costco fixtures where the tubes are exposed. But IMHO LED is the way to go.
You can install those fixtures and later on convert them to run on LED replacement tubes. That process involves work and money of course. In my mind, when starting from scratch you might as well get LED fixtures to begin with.

 

[quiksr20]

You do know that those are fluorescent right?

Some people prefer the wraparound diffusers like those have compared with the FEIT Costco fixtures where the tubes are exposed. But IMHO LED is the way to go.
You can install those fixtures and later on convert them to run on LED replacement tubes. That process involves work and money of course. In my mind, when starting from scratch you might as well get LED fixtures to begin with.

Yeah I dont want to spend even more money, Ill see if HD has any LED or maybe try another Costco. Im not cheap but your right why waste money. Worst case I have PRIME and Amazon carries the FEITS

 

[Shiftless]

Yeah I dont want to spend even more money, Ill see if HD has any LED or maybe try another Costco. Im not cheap but your right why waste money. Worst case I have PRIME and Amazon carries the FEITS

Good call!

 

[quiksr20]

Picked up 6 of these, they are "Linkable LED 4" fixtures" that look pretty interesting.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Commercial-Electric-4-ft-White-LED-Linkable-Shop-Light-54103161/205331022

You could run all 6 off one plug and it comes with a 14" linking cable but you can also buy a 5ft linking cable. These retail for $234 but I got for $215 out the door with my friends discount.

The only main diff I notice 3200 lumens vs Costcos 3700 ( not sure how much it will matter ) Im doing 6 lights in my semi small garage.

I could simply remove my one T8 light, wire in an outlet and then add all these to the one outlet .. I could probably knock this out in a few hours tops alone.

They got pretty good reviews on this thread :
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=318464&page=5

Trying to minimize work / keep the external wire visibility to a minimum I have low ceilings ( 8.5ft )

 

[Shiftless]

Sounds good
Post a few pics when you're done and send me a PM if you remember.
I'm glad I could help.

 

[quiksr20]

Sounds good
Post a few pics when you're done and send me a PM if you remember.
I'm glad I could help.

I definitely will, Thanks for all the input and help its much appreciated.

 

[aztecypher]

Very interested in those lights as well as I have an 18.5 x 21 as well. I wonder if they can be screwed directly to the ceiling versus hanging off of chains.

 

[quiksr20]

Very interested in those lights as well as I have an 18.5 x 21 as well. I wonder if they can be screwed directly to the ceiling versus hanging off of chains.

I have been told the newer ones have a slot to slide over a screw, Subscribe to the thread if you like ill be posting pics as soon as I get them installed which should be this coming week, Possibly this weekend.

 

[quiksr20]

Well guys I finally purchased lights and got them all installed, I first want to thank Shiftless & the rest that helped me I truly appreciate it.
The lights I went with are from Home Depot, LED & Linkable @ 3200 lumens and 39.99 ( I got for 35$ each ). http://www.homedepot.com/p/Commercial-Electric-4-ft-White-LED-Linkable-Shop-Light-54103161/205331022

They got many good reviews here http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=318464&page=5 so I went with them.

Time to get started.....

The pattern I went with was :

| | |

| | |

Got the first 3 up

The first light far right is 36' from the wall, then 70' and 70' with 40' from the left wall. I could of moved the center light
over a few inches to the next beam and then the far left light as well but then the right light would be way right and with
the attic opening there is not much i can do. So I think i made the best choice, The left side has a few more inches between
it and the wall but the gap between lights is uniform @ 70'

As with most LED fixtures they have a plug vs being able to hardwire, With my OCD kicking in and wanting everything neat I drilled a small
1" whole and inserted this little pvc port from home depot and drop the plugs in from the attic so minimal wire is showing.

I also removed the ugly pine trim and replaced with white trim ( eventually this garage will be spackled / painted etc )

Heres what the electrical setup on the other side of those ports looks like in the attic ( center 4 lights )

Far left two lights ( all controlled from the switch )

Added the last 3 lights

I initially planned on using the linking feature of these lights but with more holes needing to be drilled to hide the wires
I elected to plug all of them in for now with the linking side open towards the work bench for overhead bench lighting in
the future if need be.

When the garage door is open part of the front lights are blocked which is expected

Heres all the lights ( including the T8 fixture that was there when i bought the house )

Well my final observation, Its freakin bright.... I think 6 lights was the right choice as the whole garage is blanketed in light. My wife
thinks its too much but to me its perfect, Its like daylight in there now.

Looking in at dusk ( all the stuff on the right side is going away, we just moved here in the last year )

And at night

What do you guys think? Im pretty happy with the outcome, Cant wait to get some cabinets up + paint and an epoxy floor... So far I have a computer, lights and killer tunes for when im working on the car ( essential if you ask me )

All in due time One question I still have is , Do I remove the original T8 fixture in the center or leave it? I have tried removing
the bulbs to see if the light changes and to be honest it doesn't change much if anything in fills in some gaps as its right in the middle
and its already there.

Share your thoughts and let me know what you think, thanks guys!!

 

[chops101]

I think it looks good and bright, even better once you prime/paint the ceiling.

A couple ideas, you do need to install cable clamps on those work boxes. It will keep the metal box from slicing into the wire insulation and potential fire.

I like the idea of having lights on the top sides of the [open] garage door. Where I live, the door is almost always in the up position when working.

 

[quiksr20]

I think it looks good and bright, even better once you prime/paint the ceiling.

A couple ideas, you do need to install cable clamps on those work boxes. It will keep the metal box from slicing into the wire insulation and potential fire.

I like the idea of having lights on the top sides of the [open] garage door. Where I live, the door is almost always in the up position when working.

Thanks for the info, Something like this ?

I can add those this weekend, Usually I have used plastic boxes in my house so I overlooked this. Hopefully I can find one that doesn't require me to have to dis-assemble but even if I do its not hard.

Paint is in the future for sure, This was step 1 This forum gives you way too many ideas on things to do next.

 

[Shiftless]

quik:
Looks great! Congrats!
I am probably not the only guy here admiring your ability to plan a job and get it finished so quickly.

Yes, undo the wiring and install cable clamps.

Yes, remove the old fluorescent fixture. It will look odd to have one fixture different from the others. You could wire in a receptacle to the ceiling box. That would come in handy for a cord reel drop light. Of course it would be a switched outlet, but you would rarely want to use a drop light with the lights off.