Show me the best 1 car garage?

Gamble · Aug 20, 2012

Guys I'm going to be downsizing my house sooner or later and will be losing my 2 car garage

Show me how you guys have organized your 1 car garage to maximize space and working etc, or your favorite one you have seen on here.
I'm going to start to eliminate some tools like my sandblast cabinet, air compressor and powder coating setup.
Still leaves me with a few large pieces like my HF toolbox, H/V bandsaw on a cart, tig welder, mig welder, small stick welder, plasma cutter, blade runner saw, porta band saw (with stand that I'm going to build), benchtop drill press, 2 small sanders, chop saw, a whole **** ton of drills, 18v ryobi stuff, 3 angle grinders, my motorcycle and work bench which I will probably build another.
Also my floor jack and jack stands. I'm going to replace the air compressor with a tank of nitrogen in case I need compressed air. Ideally that is a good amount of what I'm moving along with some folding chairs and other misc ****, like a shop vac. I would ideally love to be able to park the bike and car in there when need be, but I am considering selling the bike.

Show me the best, cleanest and, most organized 1 car garage you have seen. I need to start planning. Ideally I would like to mount my bladerunner saw and porta band on the wall. The bladerunner has a bracket but I need to make maybe a swinging/locking one for the HF portable band saw.
Any help is much appreciated.

johnmcg · Aug 20, 2012

it will take a bit of magic to pull that one off, totally unrelated well sort of it reminded me of a joke a bit rough but i think funny none the less Tom retired after spending his lifetime working in the circumcision department of the hospital, he had kept the extra left overs and on retirement went to a local leather shop and after parting with a considerable bit of cash to get them to take on the job Tom anxiously awaited to see what they would make, after months and numerous phone calls Tom got a call from the shop to say his item was ready, he rushed down and met the owner, he produced a wallet, a wallet Tom said after a lifetimes work, a wallet......... ah said the owner dont panic , give it a rub and you'll have a suitcase !!!!!!!!! maybe a magic garage like that would work you could fit in everything

RINELL88 · Aug 20, 2012

Webb70's http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=24456

wizdawg's http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=144519

Derrickwade's Not completed yet http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=155324

Allinon72's http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=122963

Just a few I have looked at to get some ideas

Here's mine not to well organized but will get their with time

JimVonBaden · Aug 20, 2012

I could still easily park a car in there, though I saved it for my bikes:

Jim

drooartz · Aug 20, 2012

Floor space is going to be your biggest issue by far. You're going to need to get creative with wall and ceiling storage. I'm just getting started with my little 12x20 space but I'm already well aware that floor level storage is going to be the most valuable.

I've got a MGB and bike in there, and there will definitely be room for a bench along the back wall (probably 6' long), the air compressor, and a tool box -- though I'll probably go under the bench for tool storage.

Think about how much loft space you can do. What Jim showed is one of the most space efficient ways to get more storage in a small space. I've got a full loft above mine (essentially a 2nd floor) but will still be adding some shelving around the upper perimeter of my space -- it's otherwise wasted space. The more stuff you can get off the floor, the more room for the big/heavy things that need the floor space.

Car and bike can be tough, depending on how big yours are. The MGB is small, so it and the bike fit fine. Good thing I'm not into Cadillacs or this wouldn't work.

Take a good long read through the 12 gauge garage thread as well. It's a larger space, but he's done some great things to make it more usable, including some nice fold-down benches (I'll be stealing those ideas as well).

Gamble · Aug 20, 2012

Going through the shared links, keep them coming!
I love the overhead storage!

bczygan · Aug 20, 2012

This will be a good thread for all of us with limited space. I have a small 1 car garage. That is a real limit on what can be done. No matter how inventive the layout, the space is finite. The first thing to do is to determine what uses it will be put to. And this is a subtractive process as well as additive. To get my garage cleared enough to use I have had to remove and store all the woodworking supplies and equipment. Those will go into a shop to be built later.It can't hold yard work tools or supplies either. I built a lean to shed for those. So, even if restricting the space to automotive or mechanical uses, the space is limited. My garage will be basically just a space for a small car or 2 motorcycles and the automotive support equipment such as:
Jack
Jack stands
Gas cans
Oils and fluids
Rolling tool cabinet (HF)
Assorted hand carry tool boxes
Work bench and vise with grinder(s)
Pegboard for tools
Torch and tank set on cart
Welder on cart
Compressor
Hose reel
Work light and reel
Extension cord on reel
Bench top or floor mounted drill press

And not much else!

I would like to fit a horizontal band saw, a couple more drill presses, parts washer, H press, arbor press, a lathe etc, etc.
But this just won't work. But I don't want to give up these capabilities, so space in the future workshop will have to be made.

Same for all storage items. Christmas decorations, camping gear, patio furniture, bikes, pet carriers and all the other miscellaneous stuff needs a different place.

So my answer to you is you needn't get rid of anything, but rather, find different places for them. Other rooms or structures or additions.

Once you limit the uses of the space, then storage solutions become easier. Don't try to stuff 10 pounds of **** in a 5 pound sack. Get more sacks.

There are lots of ingenious ideas here on GJ for storage solutions.

Gamble · Aug 20, 2012

I'm going to be at a rental place with limited parking most likely so I can't really build anything and can't dedicate a room to working on anything inside.

johnmcg · Aug 20, 2012

overhead storage is a winner and i saw on a few garages over the roll up door

Mudbone · Aug 20, 2012

Gamble said:
I'm going to be at a rental place with limited parking most likely so I can't really build anything and can't dedicate a room to working on anything inside.

It seems that you have a lot of fab equipement that you are keeping if you can't really build anything. IMHO, I would lose some of the larger equipment. IE lose the mig and stick and keep the tig. If you are running air tools I would reconsider dropping the compressor. I have N2 tanks myself. They are great for tires and they will even run an impact wrench if you are away from a compressor. But they can get pricy to fill again and again.

Is this an apartment or townhouse with a single car garage? If so are any of the neighbors carless so that you could rent their garage? Any other options that would include a 2 car garage? Are there any options for renting garage space off site in your area?

Jack Olsen · Aug 20, 2012

drooartz said:
Take a good long read through the 12 gauge garage thread as well. It's a larger space, but he's done some great things to make it more usable, including some nice fold-down benches (I'll be stealing those ideas as well).

Thanks! You can get an even-more-concise look at the place at its website, http://www.12-gaugegarage.com

I think the key is going to be adding as much storage as you can without taking away floor (or standing) space -- which means the best place to start is in the space up above where you walk.

Gamble · Aug 20, 2012

Mudbone said:
It seems that you have a lot of fab equipement that you are keeping if you can't really build anything. IMHO, I would lose some of the larger equipment. IE lose the mig and stick and keep the tig. If you are running air tools I would reconsider dropping the compressor. I have N2 tanks myself. They are great for tires and they will even run an impact wrench if you are away from a compressor. But they can get pricy to fill again and again.

Is this an apartment or townhouse with a single car garage? If so are any of the neighbors carless so that you could rent their garage? Any other options that would include a 2 car garage? Are there any options for renting garage space off site in your area?

Haven't found a place but chances are it will be a 1 car garage in a 12 month lease. Rather not have to rent a home AND another garage that seems pointless. The stick is one of those really small harbor freight ones that can fit in my toolbox, but I would really really hate to sell my mig.
I don't plan on keeping the air compressor.

Josh662234 · Aug 21, 2012

Subscribing. Just signed a 12 month lease for a condo with an attached 12x25 one car

bczygan · Aug 21, 2012

One other thought....

Space is space. Things can be stored and used in many different kinds of spaces. In old Mechanics Illustrated magazines I've seen work areas shoehorned into closets or under stairs.
Storage can happen anywhere in the house or condo. Store seldom used supplies in your bedroom closet. Put your welder or seldom used items in the kids bedroom and cover with a piece of cloth to make a table. Keep extra oil and fluids in the car trunk or in bins in the van. Keep more tools in the vehicles.
Put your motorcycle in the great room as an art object.
You can even use rooms for other purposes, if you desire. A living room isn't just for living. You can set up shop there. I know a guy who has a long table in his living room. It's his layout table for making wing coverings (sails) for ultralight aircraft. His tubing bender is mounted on the wall in the hallway.
Use the yard. Are temporary plastic closets or mini sheds allowed? I know a guy with 4 Stronghold cabinets in the yard. Camouflage stuff under a BBQ cover (Clearly marked with brand). If there is a fireplace, make a stack of firewood and cap with bins of supplies and cover with a tarp that shows the firewood at the bottom. Buy a large cheap van and park it in the drive and use for extra storage. Better yet, get an old gutted camping trailer (Bigger the better) and properly license it and park it in the yard where allowed and use it for additional shop space.
And a big thing is where you keep your car. If you can stand to keep it outside, the whole garage is available for equipment.

Lots of choices.

Jawn · Aug 21, 2012

Pretty messy right now, but you get an idea of what my layout is... bench on the back wall, toolbox/compressor/etc on the left.

This is a 10x20, by the way. I have not done anything too "permanent", it's rented and I may move in a year or so.

L84ARACE · Aug 21, 2012

I like 1-holers. They are nice & cozy, force you to become more organized and challenge you to come up with unique storage solutions.

sbhockey · Aug 21, 2012

Get a shed. Best thing I ever did. All the lawn equipment and **** is out there. Once I get off my lazy but I'll plumb the compressor that's out there into the garage. No wasted compressor space, no noise. Win Win!

Derrickwade · Aug 21, 2012

More for your viewing pleasure.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=159820

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=41308

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=26989

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=139071

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=142300

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5873

Gamble · Aug 23, 2012

I have a few ideas, now to just start planning them out on paper or in my head. The door that goes into the garage is on the small far wall across from the garage door and is right smack in the center of the wall which I don't like.
And apparently I have to make room for a stupid garbage can too.

Hopefully I can put my toolbox to one side and build a corner bench for the tig/mig/plasma on the other side. I may sell the bike, I really really don't want to, but it might have to go.

apartment dan · Aug 23, 2012

i suppose i'll keep posting my garage...

marty_p · Aug 25, 2012

Derrickwade said:
More for your viewing pleasure.

Great... Who needs sleep anyway? :lol_hitti

Awesome space to call your own, Boss! :thumbup:

dubber · Mar 11, 2013

Now that mine's somewhat done, i'll throw my hat in the ring.

Before Back:

After back:

Before front:

After front:

Outlander · Mar 11, 2013

I don't have a small garage, I have a big shed. See what I mean here ==> http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/album.php?albumid=1651

Storage in the rafters, although my insulation project would kill that I guess. Use of space under workbenches and on walls etc. Still can get my 16ft ATV trailer in....well in enough to work on wheels/hubs in the winter if necessary

fringeofinsanity · Mar 11, 2013

I had to downsize to a one car for a few years. Biggest advice I can give you is to utilize as much of that wall space as possible. I was able to fit a large tool chest, a workbench, a 26 in tool chestbas well, storage shelves and 2 large garbage containers(24x24), and the kid's bicycle. In the winter I would put my motorcycle up on the jack stand and could still squeeze a car in. I used cabinets for storage and left enough headroom to longer objects on top. I also used two pegboards to store lawn tools, etc. it'll be a tight squeeze, but I think it can be done. You'll likely need to,store some items in a way they're not exactly accessible without moving something, but it can be done. Anyway you could put some things in a basement you don't use routinely?

JimVonBaden · Mar 11, 2013

dubber said:
Now that mine's somewhat done, i'll throw my hat in the ring.

Before Back:

After back:

Before front:

After front:

Very clean and organized! :beer:

Jim

dubber · Mar 11, 2013

JimVonBaden said:
Very clean and organized!

Jim

Thank you! :thumbup:

HSpencer · Mar 11, 2013

I'll say it again (and again) ONE CAR GARAGES ROCK!!!!!!

Dan in Pasadena · Mar 11, 2013

This is not mine (but it's so good I wish it were) and kinda cheating cause this guy's single has extra depth. But I was impressed so I saved the photos AS "Best 1 Car Garage" :dunno:

:

Hope there are ideas that help you.

HSpencer · Mar 11, 2013

@Dan in Pasadena
Now that is what I would call the kitten's britches of a one car garage. The little indented extra angle to the right sure helps it expand.

dladcock · Mar 11, 2013

A single car garage in some ways may be the ultimate exercise is organization and thought. When building-out half the space, it could very well be twice the work. Ten pounds of sugar in a 5 pound sack, so to speak.

This is technically NOT a one car garage. I does, at least for me, exemplify how thought, organization, not to mention paint and lighting, provide solutions to common space limitation issues. It also looks good doing it.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=45022

Good luck with your journey. Looking forward to your interpretation.

dla

Olliecampbell · Mar 11, 2013

I'll offer mine up...it's a work in progress as are much of these...but also done as cheaply (but not badly!) as possible:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=177397

Although I've just realised I haven't put up a current shot in a while!

dubber · Mar 11, 2013

dladcock said:
A single car garage in some ways may be the ultimate exercise is organization and thought. When building-out half the space, it could very well be twice the work. Ten pounds of sugar in a 5 pound sack, so to speak.

This is technically NOT a one car garage. I does, at least for me, exemplify how thought, organization, not to mention paint and lighting, provide solutions to common space limitation issues. It also looks good doing it.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=45022

Good luck with your journey. Looking forward to your interpretation.

dla

Yes that's a perfect 2 car garage for sure.

dubber · Mar 11, 2013

Cobra garage is a beauty, the car definitely helps, not to mention that bump out, very ideal.

Tyrus3 · Mar 11, 2013

Dan in Pasadena said:
This is not mine (but it's so good I wish it were) and kinda cheating cause this guy's single has extra depth. But I was impressed so I saved the photos AS "Best 1 Car Garage":

http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz242/DaninPasadena/Garage Photos/Best1CarGarage2-1.jpg

http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz242/DaninPasadena/Garage Photos/Best1CarGarage4-1.jpg

http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz242/DaninPasadena/Garage Photos/Best1CarGarage3.jpg

http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz242/DaninPasadena/Garage Photos/Best1CarGarage5-1.jpg

Hope there are ideas that help you.

Wow, that looks nice! I have a oversized 1 car, will keep this one in mind when renovating.

Dan in Pasadena · Mar 11, 2013

When I found the "Cobra" one car garage I was going through a divroce after many years married.

I thought, "If I end up in a tiny 2 or 3 BD/1BA house maybe I could steal space from a bedroom inside to make a right turn alcove like that." Obviously, NOT for a Cobra....at the time I was thinking a $199/mo Accord lease and maybe a washer/dryer setup in there. Things ended up working out much better for me but I've kept the photos...you never know!!! lol.

markito · Mar 28, 2013

Wow! Lovin this thread!

Dan in Pasadena · Mar 28, 2013

dubber said:
Cobra garage is a beauty, the car definitely helps, not to mention that bump out, very ideal.

Yes, I agree its outstanding. But honestly? It's NOT as nice as yours. Why? Because yours is "real world" and the Cobra garage is largely not. I hope you do, but I'd be surprised if you had unlimited or a high limit budget....yet you still pulled off an amazing transformation.

I'd almost bet that Cobra garage is a specially added space JUST for the Cobra and the owner may have another 2, 3 or 4 car garage for his Bentley, Mercedes, etc.

dubber · Mar 28, 2013

Dan in Pasadena said:
Yes, I agree its outstanding. But honestly? It's NOT as nice as yours. Why? Because yours is "real world" and the Cobra garage is largely not. I hope you do, but I'd be surprised if you had unlimited or a high limit budget....yet you still pulled off an amazing transformation.

I'd almost bet that Cobra garage is a specially added space JUST for the Cobra and the owner may have another 2, 3 or 4 car garage for his Bentley, Mercedes, etc.

Wow Dan, now that is a compliment, thanks for the comment. And you are correct, definitely working with a limited budget. My day's off to a great start now

BeachBoy · Mar 28, 2013

I vote for dubber too

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

BeachBoy · Mar 28, 2013

Isn't that Cobra garage the cottage garage of that guy in the forum that has a MASSIVE garage in Ontario and the private indoor ice rink?

I am on my phone and the tapa talk plugin doesn't allow for advanced search but look for a huge thread with words like hockey and Ontario in them...

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

Show me the best 1 car garage?

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