Between 485 & 705 SQ/FT DIY Garage Transformation

[endangeredspecies]

Bought our new home in the spring. Garage was “ finished,” but ceiling was sagging.
Turns out the joists were sagging, up to 2”.
So I had pros replace the 2x8s with 2x12’s, place fire-rated 5/8 board, and texture.
They’re going slow - still need to do some wall repairs and install lights.

My wife and I are going to paint, do the floor, add storage, all the fun stuff. Timing isn’t perfect, but I have a few days to work on what will probably be an intermittent, month-long project.

Here’s the Before of the DIY project:

Uh oh.
I just remembered my photos don’t work well on this site.

I’ll fix them up and post more after the sun goes down.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

Best of luck. Looks like you've got a great starting point. Keep posting pictures!

 

[lolaetype]

Looks good. What are the dimensions? Remember, you can't have enough electrical outlets and lights

 

[endangeredspecies]

Tell me about it!
I’m getting (4) 8’ 9000lm LEDs with individual boxes and switches to start. They’re daisy-chainable if I need more. Put wall and overhead juice at workbench. Already have a dedicated line for the freezer, and power nearby for fridge.

Garage is 31’wide.
2-bay is 22x19.5. Single is 20.5x12 -plenty wide for a workbench.

680sf

Going to try to put bikes, drill press, contractor/table saw, and hard-working workbench in the Tough Shed, so the garage will be for cars, storage, and smaller “clean” jobs. At least, that’s the plan.

Cleaned yesterday and etched today. Hopefully sealing soon, but need to double-check instructions.

 

[endangeredspecies]

Here's the garage, swept and leaf-blown

 

[endangeredspecies]

Next Step: Degreased, Cleaned, and Pressure-Washed:

 

[endangeredspecies]

Etched, and ready for sealer:

 

[endangeredspecies]

I took 14,000 steps today, all from inside the garage. Etchant procedure has a LOT of steps.
It's been sealed, but it's dark, and the sealer is curing. So hopefully another set of pics in the AM.
Workbench was "Out for Delivery" all day Wednesday; still no sign of it. Shipping company has not been forthcoming, but they've updated to Friday. I'm leaving, so hopefully it comes early.

 

[endangeredspecies]

I'm not quite ready to update my profile, because I still live there. But this home, my new home, is not in the Bay Area.
Still going to be a while until it's move-in ready. I'm focused on the garage because my wife wants to start staging stuff while the (gutted) interior nears completion. I want to have it done first, because I KNOW that otherwise, I'll never get a chance to build it.

 

[endangeredspecies]

For reference, here are exterior and interior pics of the current garage doors, including lifts:

 

[endangeredspecies]

Finished sealing the floor:

 

[endangeredspecies]

Preview of things to come...

 

[Ak Jim]

FYI you can select “full image” when posting photos and then they show up in you post full size so people don’t have to click on them to see them clearly.

 

[endangeredspecies]

FYI you can select “full image” when posting photos and then they show up in you post full size so people don’t have to click on them to see them clearly.

Thanks for the tip!
I’ll give it a shot, but I think my photos are too large, and need to be manipulated.
I haven’t been at my regular workstation, and was doing the minimum to get these going.

 

[Ak Jim]

Thanks for the tip!
I’ll give it a shot, but I think my photos are too large, and need to be manipulated.
I haven’t been at my regular workstation, and was doing the minimum to get these going.

That could be. You never know what you’ll get with this fancy internet stuff! Lol

 

[endangeredspecies]

Resized the photos. Let's see if this works better, and for the future.
Our contractor is out there today installing a fire-rated pull-down ladder, adding a switch and box, and moving some outlets around.
Next time I'll be up for new photos and, hopefully, interior updates will be Thanksgiving weekend.

Here's the exterior:

 

[endangeredspecies]

Interior, and floor just swept and blown (Not sure where the "Before" photos went):

 

[endangeredspecies]

Cleaned & degreased, then Etched:

 

[endangeredspecies]

Here's the sealed garage floor:

 

[endangeredspecies]

And here's the Blue Husky HD workbench, set up as makeshift kitchen, while my kitchen has undergone full Demo and is awaiting engineering before reno can happen.
Also waiting on delivery of Blue Husky HD Tool Chest, and a Husky Pro storage locker with wall cabinets.



Goofy position of that left outlet is one of the items being addressed this week.

 

[JazRedGT]

I have that same Husky 72" same color. I love it so far. I also bought the 80" with the side locker and to hutch in the same color. Will post pics later.

 

[endangeredspecies]

JRGT - I saw your post in the other thread. Looks awesome with the side locker. I didn't see that option, but it wouldn't have allowed me to maximize storage on that wall.

I've made a little more progress on the garage.

Contractor installed the pull-down ladder, removed the oak wall cabinet, and textured the ceiling and (parts of) the walls.
Wife and I wanted to spray it before getting the new garage doors - they're still a couple weeks out.

2 coats PVA primer, followed by 2 coats Sherwin Williams Rock Candy (gray-leaning off white.)
Back-rolled the first primer coat for better adhesion, and the 2nd paint coat for consistent finish.
RaceDeck Free Flow in Graphite, Alloy and Bright Blue (ordered Royal Blue. I think it's the same.)

 

[endangeredspecies]

Husky HD 72" Workbench and 56" Tool Chest lower.

 

[endangeredspecies]

Husky HD 72" Workbench and 56" Tool Chest.
Husky Pro 36" storage cabinet with wall boxes.

 

[draco_1967]

I really like that blue color on the Husky cabinets! I have the same 56" tool chest in black. The blue was out of stock, otherwise I would have gone with that.

 

[endangeredspecies]

Never been a big fan of the ever-present red tool chests, and I wanted something other than black (though, honestly, that would have been just fine, too.) Presently, 3 of our 4 cars are dark blue, and it's the Wife's favorite color. Plus, she really likes butcher-block countertops. So that sure helped the approval process!

I think it's a great blue. Not too bright, but adds a bit of contrast with the basic black.

I also haven't fully loaded them up yet, but have placed some items in, opened everything, wiggled the drawers. Any complaints I've seen leveled against the Husky HD cabinets in prior reviews seemed to have been cleared up. Looking forward to filling up all the drawers having organized, accessible storage for everything which is currently scattered all around the (other) garage.

 

[JazRedGT]

JRGT - I saw your post in the other thread. Looks awesome with the side locker. I didn't see that option, but it wouldn't have allowed me to maximize storage on that wall.

I've made a little more progress on the garage.

Contractor installed the pull-down ladder, removed the oak wall cabinet, and textured the ceiling and (parts of) the walls.
Wife and I wanted to spray it before getting the new garage doors - they're still a couple weeks out.

2 coats PVA primer, followed by 2 coats Sherwin Williams Rock Candy (gray-leaning off white.)
Back-rolled the first primer coat for better adhesion, and the 2nd paint coat for consistent finish.
RaceDeck Free Flow in Graphite, Alloy and Bright Blue (ordered Royal Blue. I think it's the same.)

Damn you have convinced me to pull the trigger on my racedeck floor

 

[endangeredspecies]

Damn you have convinced me to pull the trigger on my racedeck floor

I’m loving it!
Installation is a little rough on the hands and fingers. And taking one out after installing a row isn’t very fun. A 2x4 helps, but accurate planning is better!

We had just painted, and everything was getting coated with a layer of fine dust. Footprints everywhere. I was a little disappointed in how quickly it dulled the look. But 3 minutes with a leaf blower, and it was back to new! Didn’t sweep it off or anything.

 

[endangeredspecies]

Lights should be going up this week. The contractor who replaced the ceiling is on the hook for that.

It’s up to me to replace the remaining cracked and/or yellow switches and outlets.

 

[endangeredspecies]

Lights are up, but the electrician seems to be struggling with the idea that they can be hard-wired or plug-in. I used the plugs with extension cords for the weekend. He just needs some thin 3-wire to make 'em permanent. Hopefully this week.

I got the FreeFlow RaceDeck in! Except, short a couple blue panels. Also needs a little trim and repair work, but is definitely useable.
When you buy hardwood floor for the house they recommend 10-15% extra for waste and cuts. I asked RaceDeck about buying a little extra. They said it shouldn't be necessary due to the design software. But the design software is pretty limiting if your garage measurements don't come out in exact feet. I also wasn't able to account for the 6"x4' partition or the 24"x24" water heater stand. Should have had leftovers! But I also messed up a couple cuts (but not on the blue ones.) Anyway, from my personal experience of once, I would recommend buying about 5% extra, in each color, if you're going to proceed.

Now I'm ready for the wife's storage cabinets and stand-up fridge and freezer, which are all due in a week or so.

If I didn't mention it, the dark tiles are Graphite, and the light ones are Alloy. The blue I ordered is Royal Blue, but the boxes are printed with Bright Blue. Hopefully they'll still match Pantone 2726c, and it's just a name change.

Nearly-Finished results:

 

[endangeredspecies]

Replacement, new, non-cracked, white receptacles, switches and switchplates are in the blue bucket. Ran out of daylight, so, next time...

Acacia backsplash panels are destined to become trim boards in the shed. There's another thread outlining what's going on there.

 

[Jgaz]

Excellent fit on the Husky tool boxes and cabinet on that RH wall

 

[endangeredspecies]

Excellent fit on the Husky tool boxes and cabinet on that RH wall

It was tight! I'll have about 2 inches to the light switch when I figure out how to affix the storage cabinet to the workbench.

 

[endangeredspecies]

Quick before-and-after, just for me:



Is it too sterile now?
Probably go gray on the left windowsill. Door moldings, too?
White switches/plugs will be nice, but it'll need a pop of interest. Have to see how it plays out when the cabinets and appliances come in.

 

[endangeredspecies]

I've been wondering and searching for paint to match the RaceDeck tiles. Should have just asked.
Pantone 425c is what RaceDeck recommends for Graphite.
As noted elsewhre around this site, Pantone 2726c is closest to Bright or Royal Blue.
I didn't ask about Alloy, but I'm sure they have something.

I had already determined that SW7674 Peppercorn is really, really close to the Graphite tiles. And I like it. Turns out, according to HEX to RAL comparator, that it's the closest Sherwin Williams color to Pantone 425c.
As such, I searched for closest SW blue to 2726c. It's SW6971 Morning Glory.
So, I've ordered a quart of each to test as trim/accent.

 

[endangeredspecies]

White Lowe's cabinets for back wall were supposed to be ready for pickup today. They are not. Should get an update within 72 hours. Hopefully they'll be ready for my next update 12/16 when the freezer comes in.

 

[rharman]

< snip >

Is it too sterile now?
Probably go gray on the left windowsill. Door moldings, too?
White switches/plugs will be nice, but it'll need a pop of interest. Have to see how it plays out when the cabinets and appliances come in.

< /snip >

Have you thought about aluminum switch/outlet plates?
Or, paint the white plates to match one of the blues? Might not wear well though.

 

[endangeredspecies]

I have thought about metal plates. I'll probably wait to see which ones are visible, and how the rest of the garage furnishings look, before making a final decision. Probably wouldn't paint them, though.

These are kinda nice:

ENERLITES 1-Gang Brushed Blue Decorator/Rocker Outlet Metal Wall Plate, 5-Pack 7731-BBL-5PCS - The Home Depot

Enhance the look and style of your home decor with the addition of this durable ENERLITES monarch Brushed Blue Decorator Rocker Outlet Metal Wall Plate.

www.homedepot.com

I see a dual; not sure that they come in a 3-gang plate.

This one's plastic, but comes in a deep sea 3-gang:

Lutron Claro 3 Gang Wall Plate for Decorator/Rocker Switches, Satin, Deep Sea (SC-3-DE) (1-Pack) SC-3-DE - The Home Depot

Visit The Home Depot to buy Lutron Claro Three-gang Wallplate, Snow SC-3-SW

www.homedepot.com

Claro also has matching switches and receptacles.

This looks pretty slick, too:

Brushed Blue Stripes 3 Rocker Wallplate

The Brushed Blue Stripes 3 Rocker Wallplate are very unique and cannot be found anywhere else. These USA made metal wall plates are highly detailed and made with some of the newest UV imaging technology available resulting in photograph quality prints on durable metal switchplates.

www.wallplates.com

In my prior garage, I had a steel-blue accent wall with a black switch and rubbed-bronze plate, and kinda liked the look.

The metal ones are available in other colors, as well as silver or white.
Since I'm going with steel storage cabinets, it makes sense to me. But the tool boxes are blue, wife's crafts and overflow storage will be white and gray, and my garage cabinets will be black, probably with gray or silver trim.

Just not ready to decide yet.

 

[rharman]

Check these guys....

Metal Outlet Covers, Metal Switch Plates | Switch Hits

Widest Selection Of Decorative Metal Light Switch Covers - Outlet Covers Light Switch Plates, Outlet Covers...period. Free Same Day Shipping. Toggle, Rocker, Decora Wallplates.

www.switchhits.com

 

[endangeredspecies]

You know, just thinking out loud here, switches and receptacles really shouldn't call much attention to themselves. I think I'm going to stick with the white (which I've already purchased.) May need to get some dark ones over the workbench, depending upon which wallboard option settle on - and what color. Slatwall? OmniWall? Wall Control? Black, Blue, Gray, or Stainless? Leaning toward black OmniWall with blue accessories.