Fresh start in CT

[tastyhihatwork]

My garage came with 40-year-old rickety, ugly, wooden built-ins all the way around. I'm just finishing pulling everything off the wall and ready to start over with a cleaner, more practical storage and workspace solution.

Rather than create a new thread in the general discussion forum (which I still might, not sure how much traffic this will get), I figured I'd start here.

I'm starting from basically zero in terms of organization. Need a workbench, tool storage, cabinets and/or shelving, and probably some pegboard/slats. Did I mention I'm hoping to do this at a reasonable cost?

Looking for ideas!

 

[930dreamer]

Welcome to the GJ.

 

[spongerich]

Welcome.

I've found that the best source for reasonable tool storage is to check out the local auctions. Estate sales and Craigslist are Ok, but people seem to have unrealistic ideas about what an old Craftsman tool chest is really worth. Buy 'em ugly and repaint them to match and you can save a bundle. The 50's-60's Craftsman boxes are pretty good and a few hundred bucks will get you several of them.

If you're patient, you can find older Snap-On chests and rollers at reasonable prices, but they don't show up too often.

Keep an eye on Craigslist for cabinets. Lots of folks who remodel their kitchens will give away (or almost give away) the old ones. A row of base cabinets make a great start for a workbench. Add some butcher block or steel for the top and you're all set.