25' x 25' blank canvas

[GDPossehl]

To combat the lack of uniformity on the stud spacing, you could run some horizontal braces across the length of the walls to secure the plywood to. It won't help to fix plumb and square issues in the corners though. I do really love the idea of plywood walls and would like to see it done. I think the obstacles can be overcome, maybe not to perfection but at least presentable. You could always work in some sort of element in the corners to mask those imperfections.

 

[Scott V]

Some progress:

Got some BCX sanded plywood. Looked for the best grain patterns-


Built a stand for my table saw to match the height of the saw horses-


Put together a make shift platform out of 3/4" to cut the long 4x8 sheets-


Started ripping the 1/2" edge off the sheets. Not an easy task...


Found some nice zinc coated connector screws at Home Depot that come pretty close to what I envisioned. Unfortunately the only length they sell in a wood thread are 1.75" length. I've searched the web and found shorter ones that I'll eventually order in bulk, but for now these will do to get me started.


Drilled the mounting holes at a 1.25" offset from the edge. First glimpse at how this design will look.

 

[dubber]

Looking forward to this. Very unique.

 

[Scott V]

Now for the meat and potatoes:

To achieve the offset look of the connector screws and 1/2" gaps between all panels meant the mounting points would require an offset from the wall studs. I came up a system of 2x4 blocks. The 1.25" offset from the plywood edge allows centering in the offset blocks-

So now comes the proof in the pudding...making it work. After some double checking of measurements I cut and mounted the fastener blocks and got some insulation up-

I put 2 panels up and used a ripped piece of 1/2" plywood (15/32") to set the gap. Using the 2 panels in coordination I verified the level and squareness of the corners, and pinned the panels with one drywall screw each. I adjusted the panels with shims at the bottom. Once square I used another drywall screw to pin the panel to the wall and drilled the pilot holes for the connector screws. The panel holes are slightly over-sized to allow adjustments.

Again I used some scrap pieces to shim the panel square as the connector bolts were tightened. The panels have a gap at the floor to prevent water from reaching the bottom.

Hey look at that!

 

[firecracker]

Want to see the finish you get on that plywood,!!!!! and pinch the idea. hehe

 

[Scott V]

Had to take a break for a few days so in the meantime at work I photoshopped the top panels in just to see how it would look. Diggin' it! The breaker box will have a hinged plywood door with a connector bolt for the latch.

Next came dressing the edges for outlet cutouts. I'm just winging it here but thought a rounded 1/4" edge with a slight depressed edge would give an interesting look-

 

[Scott V]

Bought a couple of different shades of stain to experiment and try to get a feel for how it would look on a bigger scale. My wife really liked the red chestnut contrast on the grain (bottom right) and we considered it for a while. But after looking at it and looking at some earlier renderings in a darker tint I felt it would be too dark and cave looking. To the left is a cherry and the upper colors are more towards an oak. Started to like the more orange of the top right which is and older satin called "Olde Maple" that unfortunately they don't make any more...

I really wanted the natural feel of plywood to come through but not end up looking like the inside of a semi trailer. After much thought and study I ended up going with an "Ipswitch Pine" that gives somewhat of an orange glow but still brought out the grain-

 

[Scott V]

Next came vapor barrier and the flat black gap fill to make it all pop...

Got the panels back up all stained and I was pretty excited to see it come to life..

Got the top panels cut and mounted and now the design is really starting to come together. New galvanized outlet mud covers really pop in the hole now. It's taken a bit of work to get to this point and there were a few revisions to make dealing with the mounting block system but I think once I get it down it will go faster and easier.

One revision was I realized my first design of 6 connector bolts per top panel was overkill and would be too much to deal with. I sacrificed the grouped look of the connector bolts for a more simple look of only 4. This meant some changes to the mounts for these but no big deal.

 

[Scott V]

Getting the mounting blocks in between the wall studs without bending nails or splitting the blocks has proven to be the first challenge, especially in corners or left handed situations.


This has become my new favorite tool! Awesome little time saver...

 

[bonecrrusher]

Nice Camaro - and night job starting the plywood!

 

[GDPossehl]

That looks great! Looking forward to more pics. You'll have to swap out that exterior door for a nice flat panel... or just screw another one of those panels to the back if you can get it flush.

 

[Scott V]

Hmm yep good catch on the door. The overhead door will be a challenge to do something similar too. It's brand new but it's not insulated. :-/

Not too much progress to share this week. Bashed one of the wife's little patio candle holder thingies that was on the garden workbench so I'm doing my best husband duty I can at putting humpty back together again. New rule: no breakable stuff in the garage!

 

[Scott V]

Spent last weekend bringing home the last loads of stuff home from our other house we finally sold. Also brought home my '68 Caprice Sport Sedan. This thing takes up big space so I held off as long as I could. Glad I got it home though, haven't driven her much with everything else going on. It's great old cruiser with many cool options. Big 396 power, big brakes, big seats....it's big!

 

[Scott V]

Forgot I did manage to get a little progress on the garage recently...

Put in an additional outlet on the North wall-

Going with new black outlets and fresh galvanized mud plates to keep the clean, simple industrial look throughout...

Got more blocks and insulation up for one more panel. The new palm nailer saves so much time. Was able to get this up in about an hour. Hope to get this section of panels up tonight. Then time for more materials!

Brought this unused basic laser level home from work to see if it's any help getting the top gaps lined up more easily and accurately. If it shows promise it may be worth getting one that mounts on the wall...

 

[dubber]

Nice land yacht for sure, will that fit in the new garage?

 

[Scott V]

Ya there's still plenty of work space with it parked, though it's quite a bit longer than the Camaro. I could get 3 cars in there for the winter and still have a fair amount of space by the workbench. The wife wants a warm car in the winter but that might be only occasional as I'll want the space. She likes to razz me about how my old cars sit in the garage and our new ones are in the driveway. At least she gets the car port, which is funny to me since she never washes her SUV.

 

[Scott V]

Not a lot of updates to share but getting back to my crazy plywood wall project when time allows. Got another set of panels up in the short couple of hours I had over the weekend. I'm getting the system down and it's going faster with every section. The balance of the project should move along better once I get more time and materials.

Sorry for the crappy pics- iPhones are fussy in dimmer light... :-/

I gave the laser level a shot but it ends up being more accurate to use scrap 1/2" pieces to maintain a crisp even gap. It's not easy maneuvering the large sheets and keeping them lined up while drilling the pilot holes for the connector screws.

Starting get a good feel how the walls will look...have a long way to go!

Another detour away from the project this weekend will be building a shed for the wife. At least once that's complete I can get all the yard stuff, equipment and bikes out of my space.

 

[dubber]

Taking the time to paint the vapour barrier black behind the joints was a very respectable move. Great little touch.

 

[Scott V]

I've learned that the paint attacks the plastic barrier and causes it to curl. Another thing I discovered is I cannot drill through the vapor barrier or it binds up on the drill bit and causes wrinkles to appear in the gaps. I have to cut square holes and tape over it where the connector bolts attach to the wall blocks. Tedious but necessary.

 

[BC1]

Those walls are gonna be awesome. Love the design. Is your TV always on pawnstars?

 

[1949 caddyman]

I like it! Have you thought about some satin polyurethane over the stain?

 

[Scott V]

...Is your TV always on pawnstars?

LOL I didn't realize that in the photos- Ya it's pretty much a staple in the garage.

 

[Scott V]

I like it! Have you thought about some satin polyurethane over the stain?

I thought about it but didn't know if it was worth all the extra work and time since the plywood has a mediocre sanded finish. I know it looks nice on the higher grade birch plywood. Do you think a satin poly would show on a pre-sanded grade? ...I guess I could try a smaller test piece.

 

[1949 caddyman]

I was thinking about dust sticking to the stained plywood. In my opinion a satin poly would be smother & hold less dust. They also make stain with poly in it.

 

[onemanarmy]

So are you still painting the vapor barrier black?

 

[Scott V]

I was thinking about dust sticking to the stained plywood. In my opinion a satin poly would be smother & hold less dust. They also make stain with poly in it.

Thanks- interesting thought on the dust issue caddyman. I guess I should consider it.

So are you still painting the vapor barrier black?

Yep- Just have to make sure the seams are taped well if they are at a gap or it curls and distorts. Even though it's flat black you can still see wrinkles if the panel doesn't push it down flat. I might try some flat black gaffers tape as a better idea.

 

[Scott V]

So I'm just realizing that my title is 25' x 25', when these are actually closer to the inside dimensions. Duh. The garage itself is a 26' x 26' footprint. The inside dimensions are actually 25.5' square. Don't know if it will throw people off if I change the title. What evva...

 

[Kevin54]

I was also going to mention covering the plywood with a polyurethane. If you have a DA sander, take a scrap piece of plywood, and sand it with your DA to smooth it up. Stain it, let it dry, then put some poly on it. I think you will be pleased more so that just hanging stained plywood. Plus like stated, the dust won't hang on to the plywood as much.

I like the looks that you are going after, but I want to ask......why didn't you just add 2x's in between for your horizontal line, and just paint all of the studs black. or is it that you really wanted/needed the vapor barrier?

And very nice Camaro also. I'm looking forward to seeing the progress on the garage. As soon as I get my addition on, I'm thinking that I want to do something different than what I have now.

 

[Scott V]

I like the looks that you are going after, but I want to ask......why didn't you just add 2x's in between for your horizontal line, and just paint all of the studs black. or is it that you really wanted/needed the vapor barrier?

Thanks Kevin- No reason you couldn't run horizontal pieces like fire breaks for all mounting points and that horizontal gap but it's more work and $$$. It's just a cost saving issue for me to see if I can match or beat the cost of a drywall job. Painting the plastic barrier is easier since it's just a cosmetic effect. The curling of the plastic barrier isn't too big of an issue, but since I did these first sections one at a time, the stapled end right at the vertical gap curled up when painted. Once I do larger sections of barrier all at once it shouldn't be an issue. And I'm going to try flat black tape for all the gap fill next.

 

[Scott V]

By the way- cool garage/machine shop Kevin. Yours was one of the first I saw when I came here. I like seeing unique textures and materials like your walls and ceiling.

 

[Kevin54]

By the way- cool garage/machine shop Kevin. Yours was one of the first I saw when I came here. I like seeing unique textures and materials like your walls and ceiling.

Thanks for the compliment. It's going to get finished up, but changed some when I get my addition on. I'm adding a 28' x 36' addition out the front, and basically it's going to just be a place to park the cars, and to look decent when the doors are open. Then I'm adding a 7x24' bumpout on the side, and my overhead cabinets and all of my toolboxes will be going in there, along with most of my workbench. The existing garage will just be for my machines. Currently my tablesaw, and compound miter saw sit out in the shed, so they'll be coming in. I just flat out ran out of room in my present garage for my machines.

What do you have planned for your floor.....epoxy? I don't know if you have ever looked at XYcZ's garage or not. Your Camaro sort of reminds me of his Camaro. He set his domain up as a showplace also, but he's also had the floor covered in car parts. Both your Camaro and your Caprice are going to be looking good sitting in there when you get your space done. A lot of members, old and new, when they build or remodel a garage, it pretty much boils down to OSB, or Drywall, and MAYBE plywood, but yours has been the first that I have ever seen that has done it like you are doing it. I would guess that it won't be the last though. I'm thinking that on down the line, there will be some others copying the look.

One shoulder doc that I used to go to, the office is done like some of the examples you have showed, except the panels looked to be covered with a laminate (Formica). And anytime I have set there and looked at it, I always wondered what that would look like in a garage. Now I know. I think it looks great too. That's what it's all about, doing something different or out of the norm. That's one thing that makes Garage Journal a great site. The diversity of garages on here is huge. And yours will be one that adds to the diversity. I've been on here since '05, so I'm heading towards 10 years of looking at different garages, and like I said, yours is the first with a wall covering like that. That in itself is something to be proud of.

 

[dubber]

Scott, hows the progress? Its funny i was driving home yesterday and ended up on a side road that I rarely use due to a construction detour along the canal, across Bronson from Carleton University. Anyhow, point being the exterior of one of the houses, apartment maybe, was done with the exact look that you are creating your inside your garage. Next time you are out this way you should check it out.

 

[Ajustable]

Your walls Looks great, I have a question, and suggestion. I'll start with the question, I see you are wiring with conduit, I always thought that with a garage or shop space running conduit is a safe rodent proof way to do the electrical. Is that conduit, required code in Chicago, or just your preference?

At home depot I have bought a plastic edging, It is shaped like a U but with square corners, Its sized to fit 1/2" ply or shelving board and covers the end grain, It is available in many colors. My suggestion is to use that edging between your panels as your spacer, You could slide it over a sliver of ply and glue or nail in place. It would be more work but you would have a nicely finished edge or space between each panel and no painting plastic. One draw back is the thickness would be more than 1/2" , then since you have already started, you might have to make adjustments, and because of the edgings thickness the relief you have now would not be as pronounced. Just a thought. Carry on, its gonna be a very nice space when your finished.

Chris

 

[Scott V]

Hey I'm back...

The existing electrical is done with conduit so I'm sticking with it. I've gotten pretty good at bending pipe and have all the hardware for it in bulk from doing my basement at the last house. I figured conduit covers all bases as far as municipal codes go. My buddy is an electrician and taught me good practices and the basics so I always have him come over and give me his blessing if I start adding/replacing breakers and wire.

And thanks for the cool tip on the plywood panel spacers. May have been an option at the beginning. I use a scrap piece of 1/2" plywood as a spacer and it works pretty well.

 

[Scott V]

Thanks for the compliment. It's going to get finished up, but changed some when I get my addition on. I'm adding a 28' x 36' addition out the front, and basically it's going to just be a place to park the cars, and to look decent when the doors are open. Then I'm adding a 7x24' bumpout on the side, and my overhead cabinets and all of my toolboxes will be going in there, along with most of my workbench. The existing garage will just be for my machines. Currently my tablesaw, and compound miter saw sit out in the shed, so they'll be coming in. I just flat out ran out of room in my present garage for my machines.

What do you have planned for your floor.....epoxy? I don't know if you have ever looked at XYcZ's garage or not. Your Camaro sort of reminds me of his Camaro. He set his domain up as a showplace also, but he's also had the floor covered in car parts. Both your Camaro and your Caprice are going to be looking good sitting in there when you get your space done. A lot of members, old and new, when they build or remodel a garage, it pretty much boils down to OSB, or Drywall, and MAYBE plywood, but yours has been the first that I have ever seen that has done it like you are doing it. I would guess that it won't be the last though. I'm thinking that on down the line, there will be some others copying the look.

One shoulder doc that I used to go to, the office is done like some of the examples you have showed, except the panels looked to be covered with a laminate (Formica). And anytime I have set there and looked at it, I always wondered what that would look like in a garage. Now I know. I think it looks great too. That's what it's all about, doing something different or out of the norm. That's one thing that makes Garage Journal a great site. The diversity of garages on here is huge. And yours will be one that adds to the diversity. I've been on here since '05, so I'm heading towards 10 years of looking at different garages, and like I said, yours is the first with a wall covering like that. That in itself is something to be proud of.

Thanks for the compliments Kevin that's cool to hear from someone who has "seen it all" here. I'm really enjoying how this is turning out but sometimes I wonder if I'm nuts going to all the trouble. I'm learning as I go and want to share the success and mistakes along the way.

As for the floor- It is polished and in pretty good shape so I may just leave it. I have epoxy in my prototype lab at work and I've slipped on it many times with wet shoes. It does look awesome but it's a ton of work and I've seen my floor sweat quite a bit during the humid summer months. Who knows, as I get further along I might opt for epoxy. But I'd probably hire an expert to consult and do it for me.

 

[Scott V]

Alrighty, lets see where I left off.....oh ya, building a shed for the wife. I got pretty far and the village people slapped me for building over the easement, so it got stalled. We had a perfect spot next to our car port that was an overgrown skunk den so we gutted it and thought it was a great spot out of the way and also where we keep the garbage cans. It can't possible be used as "utility" access as there are giant bushes surrounding it going both directions along the property line. They did give me the benefit of doubt as for usefulness of the area and said I could attend the next zoning meeting but the guy told me I'll be waiting at least 2 months. NOT. So I'm breaking down what I've got already built and moving it to the back yard next weekend.

There were trees and bushes 7 feet tall here. (forgot to snap a before pic) And also 80 paver blocks left over from the driveway. THOSE were fun to move....

This is as far as I got....

 

[Scott V]

Scott, hows the progress? Its funny i was driving home yesterday and ended up on a side road that I rarely use due to a construction detour along the canal, across Bronson from Carleton University. Anyhow, point being the exterior of one of the houses, apartment maybe, was done with the exact look that you are creating your inside your garage. Next time you are out this way you should check it out.

Ha you'll have to snap a photo for me if you get the chance. Would love to see it.


Now as far as garage progress, oh yes been keeping busy plugging away when I can.

First things first- found these cool, cheap lights at Ikea while shopping with the wife. Wasn't sure how they would look or function, so I found someone selling a brand new set on eBay for a steal and nabbed them up!

Threw in a fluorescent ball light and I think I like 'em. Considering a couple rows of eight across the garage. Still letting it grow on me...

 

[Scott V]

Moving onto the far end of the North wall and trying to get this finished so I can get the heater up in the corner soon. Ran out of stain so this should get finished tonight. This is currently where I'm at. It's starting to take shape...

Gotta run out there now and make some progress. Wife is off at a play so that means play time here in the garage! I'll work backwards with some progress photos next...

 

[ttensirk]

Sort of off topic....

Your garage drain brings back memories. My father built a 24'x36' garage at my parent's first house in '87 and had the same drain grate. Later they sold the house in '99 and I purchased it back in '03. I held onto the house until '08 when I had to relocate for work. Our drain pit was 3' deep and would drain out the back of the garage to the field if it filled up with water. One of my "to do" items on my list before selling was to removed the cover and clean-out. I found a few sockets, pocket change, small army guys, legos, and other oddities from '87 to '08. I returned the sockets to my father. I figure I was probably the one that lost them because I was always out there messing with my go-kart or bike.

If you try lifting the grate, you might find a similar shallow pit and some misplaced history.

 

[Scott V]

Ha that's funny about the drain. I put a cover over mine. I can see the gravel at the bottom of mine with a flashlight and there's probably 2 ft of water in it. No treasures...