Garage is almost done... help me plan out this space!

[dockdoc]

Here's the basic layout. I'm looking to have a reasonable workshop space (e.g. workbench, tool storage - doesn't need to be anything crazy). The back LEFT (when facing the garage) is basically off limits, as I'm planning on storing my boat in here sometimes which will take up the full length. However, I do have some overhead storage racks from costco that I can put up in that back corner (9' ceiling).

There will be a utility sink basically in the middle of the back wall.

Need to be able to store a handful of kid's toys - bikes, power wheels, etc.

My current strategy is outlined below, pretty simple. Just looking for other ideas, and also specifically how would you recommend setting up the workshop space, particular brands / storage solutions etc? I'm not a professional mechanic, just an avid DIY - mix of woodworking, wrenching, etc. In reality for any larger project I'll have the cars out of there and will expand into that space.

 

[kelpaso1]

IMO, get rid of the kids stuff in the garage. An 8x8 plastic shed for $4-500 behind the garage will do the job. Don't want kids in the garage unattended.

 

[dockdoc]

IMO, get rid of the kids stuff in the garage. An 8x8 plastic shed behind the garage will do the job. Don't want kids in the garage unattended.

That's a good point... but at the moment that's not an option and our kid's toys have been sitting in front of our house while they're finishing up the renovations / garage. So they're going in there! I figure under the stairs is a good spot for now.

 

[kelpaso1]

Err ok, but why is that not an option?

 

[kelpaso1]

Kids would enjoy their OWN shed and use it as a hangout too, keeping them out of your hair and garage LOL

 

[dockdoc]

Kids would enjoy their OWN shed and use as a hangout too, keeping them out of your hair and garage LOL

Yeah that's coming. Long story but basically we're finishing up a big remodel + detached garage, have a million things on our plate... and the kids toys are going in the garage for now. We're talking 2 or 3 items, really not a big deal. As we expand that out, I'll absolutely put a detached shed in.

Really need suggestions on the other stuff guys!

 

[jack stand]

That's a solid plan you have there, nothing built permanent (like a wall down the middle) that you can't rearrange later as you grow into the space. I do see the left wall in your "boat bay" has about a 3' clearance to the door opening. This is kinda dead space that seems natural for some floor to ceiling shelving for further organized storage. You 8x8 right rear corner is pretty small for tools and a workspace.
It's nearly impossible to "dress" another guys shop. Congratulations on your new space.

 

[dockdoc]

That's a solid plan you have there, nothing built permanent (like a wall down the middle) that you can't rearrange later as you grow into the space. I do see the left wall in your "boat bay" has about a 3' clearance to the door opening. This is kinda dead space that seems natural for some floor to ceiling shelving for further organized storage. You 8x8 right rear corner is pretty small for tools and a workspace.
It's nearly impossible to "dress" another guys shop. Congratulations on your new space.

Great point - I'm going to get the boat in there first and make sure it fits well enough, and then I'll likely put shelving along that dead space wall. Thanks!

 

[gsuty17]

Assuming there is no shelving under your overhead racks, that places your utility sink nearly centered in your back wall. You may find it more useful to place it in a corner or closer to one side in case you need to pull an RV or something long in there down the road.

 

[dockdoc]

Assuming there is no shelving under your overhead racks, that places your utility sink nearly centered in your back wall. You may find it more useful to place it in a corner or closer to one side in case you need to pull an RV or something long in there down the road.

Appreciate that tip, although the sink is already plumbed and ready so too late now. Spent a lot of time thinking about where that thing should go, ultimately it was limited by the plumbing access and the overhead space (there’s a 2nd story living area).

 

[NUTTSGT]

If you don't have and are planning on buying a tool box, I would suggest something like a HF 44" box. Put a decent top on it and it doubles as a work space.

 

[bradpac]

If you can figure out a way to make it work with the boat and toy closet I would put any saw dust producing tools along a side closer to the main door as I prefer to do wood working close to or outside because in a multipurpose space getting sawdust on everything else really *****.

 

[rslaback]

Consider making anything and everything multi-purpose and/or mobile. It might look big now but you aren't dealing with a massive amount of space. Wood Magazine has done a lot of articles on maximizing wood shop space. Might be worth reading a few of their articles.

 

[Fuelboat]

The door at top of stairs, could you move it to other wall that way you would have a straight path for larger items to get to the "old kids" room

 

[CraigStu]

What is the length of the boat/trailer? Will you be able to access the wall racks w/ it parked there? Could the two man doors and the stairs be moved closer to the front? I see 12-18 inches of wasted space between those doors and the front wall which could be added to your tool storage/workspace in the RR corner.

 

[thr3squared]

With the boat on the left side, will you have room on the left wall for cabinets up high - maybe bottom of the cabinets around 6' off the ground?

Over the utility sink could you have cabinets or extend the overhead racks?

Tall cabinets/lockers on casters are great as you can move them around as needed.

What's the ceiling/attic situation? I did plywood decking across the ceiling joist in my garage and that made for lots of storage for things not used everyday.

 

[Pike2350]

My biggest suggestion is take advantage of the height. it's the easiest storage that doesn't interfere with the functionality of the garage. I had a welder make some heavy duty brackets that I hang on the studs and put 3/4" plywood on for shelves that basically line the entire garage. No feet having to come down to the floor. They line the top of the garage just enough to fit a 5 gal bucket with lid. I wish I would've gone lower and still can if I don't mind the holes in the wall.....but this gives a lot of storage that doesn't interfere with anything really.

you already have the overhead in part of the garage which is good. try and get as much up and out of the way as possible. Also, as others have said go with multifunctionality. Building your workbench so that a toolbox can e under it is great. Add a mechanics cart for a little easier way to pull tools around the shop. Woodworking is tougher because of the dust. I haven't done much/anything big in mine, but for now I open the garage door and have the dust aimed at the opening to limit what is inside. maybe invest in a good shopvac/dust collection system. Homemade ones aren't bad and a few well placed PVC lines along the ceiling would help . you could possibly store it under the stairs where it's a little shorter and not ideal for kids toy storage.

I also put my compressor (small 6 gal pancake) on top of a cabinet. this gets it out of he way. I ran a short line through PVC (just to disguise it, but it's still an air hose) down to the side of the garage door to attach to. I may add another line along the ceiling over to the back wall to connect into on the work bench. I have it on a switched plug so it won't run all the time.

brackets being placed


air compressor

 

[thr3squared]

My biggest suggestion is take advantage of the height. it's the easiest storage that doesn't interfere with the functionality of the garage. I had a welder make some heavy duty brackets that I hang on the studs and put 3/4" plywood on for shelves that basically line the entire garage. No feet having to come down to the floor. They line the top of the garage just enough to fit a 5 gal bucket with lid. I wish I would've gone lower and still can if I don't mind the holes in the wall.....but this gives a lot of storage that doesn't interfere with anything really.

you already have the overhead in part of the garage which is good. try and get as much up and out of the way as possible. Also, as others have said go with multifunctionality. Building your workbench so that a toolbox can e under it is great. Add a mechanics cart for a little easier way to pull tools around the shop. Woodworking is tougher because of the dust. I haven't done much/anything big in mine, but for now I open the garage door and have the dust aimed at the opening to limit what is inside. maybe invest in a good shopvac/dust collection system. Homemade ones aren't bad and a few well placed PVC lines along the ceiling would help . you could possibly store it under the stairs where it's a little shorter and not ideal for kids toy storage.

I also put my compressor (small 6 gal pancake) on top of a cabinet. this gets it out of he way. I ran a short line through PVC (just to disguise it, but it's still an air hose) down to the side of the garage door to attach to. I may add another line along the ceiling over to the back wall to connect into on the work bench. I have it on a switched plug so it won't run all the time.

brackets being placed


air compressor

Did you secure the compressor to the shelf? I have that same little compressor and it like to walk around a little when I fill it.

 

[CombatNinja]

What kind of "boat" are we talking about here? You are saying the boat is taking up the back left and mentioned having cars (plural) in there too. Am I missing something? Or do you have two of these?:

 

[Pike2350]

Did you secure the compressor to the shelf? I have that same little compressor and it like to walk around a little when I fill it.

I didn't secure it exactly. I put a couple of layers of rubber drawer liner under 3/4" plywood...to help with vibrations on the cabinets. I then put a 1/2" plywood glued to the top with cutouts for the belly and feet so it can't walk around.

You can kind of see in this photo.

New photo · Monday, Jan 4, 2021 📸

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photos.app.goo.gl

Sorry on my phone so it may be a link

 

[dockdoc]

With the boat on the left side, will you have room on the left wall for cabinets up high - maybe bottom of the cabinets around 6' off the ground?

Over the utility sink could you have cabinets or extend the overhead racks?

Tall cabinets/lockers on casters are great as you can move them around as needed.

What's the ceiling/attic situation? I did plywood decking across the ceiling joist in my garage and that made for lots of storage for things not used everyday.

Yeah these are great points - I have the metal storage racks for the ceiling on the back left, boat will go underneath those (with plenty of clearance). The more research I do the more I'm getting on board with rolling carts / cabinets, I think that makes a ton of sense.

My biggest suggestion is take advantage of the height. it's the easiest storage that doesn't interfere with the functionality of the garage. I had a welder make some heavy duty brackets that I hang on the studs and put 3/4" plywood on for shelves that basically line the entire garage. No feet having to come down to the floor. They line the top of the garage just enough to fit a 5 gal bucket with lid. I wish I would've gone lower and still can if I don't mind the holes in the wall.....but this gives a lot of storage that doesn't interfere with anything really.

you already have the overhead in part of the garage which is good. try and get as much up and out of the way as possible. Also, as others have said go with multifunctionality. Building your workbench so that a toolbox can e under it is great. Add a mechanics cart for a little easier way to pull tools around the shop. Woodworking is tougher because of the dust. I haven't done much/anything big in mine, but for now I open the garage door and have the dust aimed at the opening to limit what is inside. maybe invest in a good shopvac/dust collection system. Homemade ones aren't bad and a few well placed PVC lines along the ceiling would help . you could possibly store it under the stairs where it's a little shorter and not ideal for kids toy storage.

I also put my compressor (small 6 gal pancake) on top of a cabinet. this gets it out of he way. I ran a short line through PVC (just to disguise it, but it's still an air hose) down to the side of the garage door to attach to. I may add another line along the ceiling over to the back wall to connect into on the work bench. I have it on a switched plug so it won't run all the time.

brackets being placed


air compressor

Thanks, love these suggestions. Your setup is great, that's really the kind of thing I'm looking for. Where'd you score your cabinets from? Love how you tucked those cabinets in next to the overhead door, I may have room on the opposite side to do that as well.

What kind of "boat" are we talking about here? You are saying the boat is taking up the back left and mentioned having cars (plural) in there too. Am I missing something? Or do you have two of these?:

The idea is the boat will sit in there during the summer, and I'll continue to store it off site during the winter. That's what we did when we had the car port (Which the boat fit in easily), and it was a good all around approach because I had easy access to the boat but could get it out of the way in the cold months and park both of our cars. Plan B is park the boat off to the side of the driveway (if there's room), plan C is off-site storage year-round (doing that this year, really not a fan) and plan D is no more boat.

 

[CraigStu]

The boat; look into storing it at the marina where you launch it. We did that w/ our last boat. Hooking up, moving a 100 yards to launch it was a lot easier than towing it from home. It may also be able to be a year around storage. Just do a wrap or a well done tarp in October and take it off in April.

 

[dockdoc]

The boat; look into storing it at the marina where you launch it. We did that w/ our last boat. Hooking up, moving a 100 yards to launch it was a lot easier than towing it from home. It may also be able to be a year around storage. Just do a wrap or a well done tarp in October and take it off in April.

I wish but I launch it at Public ramps and the lake I prefer has basically nothing nearby it. This summer I’ve stored it in an outdoor lot a few minutes away from a boat launch on a different lake. It’s been ok but has significantly cut down on the number of excursions because the added hassle is noticeable. When I can just hook it up in the driveway and go straight to the lake it’s a lot more feasible to go out for quick outings.

 

[nadogail]

I noticed the compressor appears to be several feet above the floor; how do you drain the accumalated condensate from the tank?