Garage Questions

[MJBaldwin]

I am not sure if I should start new threads for new questions. I posted about storage in attic space.

Well since I have a new garage with blank slate I am trying to do most things up front. I know there will always be more to be done.

Few questions..

Lighting: there are 2 incandescent lights in there currently. What all do you have or recommend? I was thinking about 6 of these styles for the everyday use and then some 4' LED or these Canopy lights to give that extra light when needed. (I like it bright when working on things).

Storage: I have a back area that is 10'x10' and was thinking of doing some sort of an L shaped storage with work bench area. I like things put away so they can not be seen and cannot gather dust. You guys have any pictures of what you currently have or ideas.

Gas Heater: I am thinking a 75k units heater, would you go separate combustion? High efficiency furnace? or what? If so what size gas line would you route 3/8" or 1/2" my whole house is copper so I will keep it the same.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Lighting: there are 2 incandescent lights in there currently. What all do you have or recommend? I was thinking about 6 of these styles for the everyday use and then some 4' LED or these Canopy lights to give that extra light when needed. (I like it bright when working on things).

I'd ask this question in the lighting forum, you'll get better responses. Also, check the sticky note at the top of that page, Platonic Solid has already worked out lighting arrangements for a variety of garage sizes so you may be able to find one that matches your space.

Gas Heater: I am thinking a 75k units heater, would you go separate combustion? High efficiency furnace? or what? If so what size gas line would you route 3/8" or 1/2" my whole house is copper so I will keep it the same.

Again, ask this question in the heating forum and you'll get better responses. You will need to do a heat loss calculation (or get someone to do one for you), it takes into account the size of the building, the amount of insulation, any windows or doors, where you're located (I see you're in Delano so the heating requirements are a lot more than Miami ) and what temperature you want to maintain inside. Once that is done and you figure out what size heater you need, you work backwards from there to determine the gas line size required. I'd personally go with a gas unit heater that has separate combustion.

 

[kbs2244]

For your workbench/storage.
If you can find them for a reasonable cost, I would go with a section of pallet racking.
A shelf a waist level will be a bench you will never break and you can have above it shelving to the roof.

 

[nolimits76]

A few years back, I did a remodel of a college bookstore. I forget the exact brand and lighting used (probably have saved in a submittal somewhere in my archives) but hands down I'd install LED lighting in a temperature that simulates daylight.

It was super bright, clean and used less wattage than traditional setups. The downside is the cost is a little more.

Also, you need to think about how you will work on projects in your garage. For instance, if you have your door open that will block potential light sources. So placement comes into play just as much as the quantity and type of lighting. Also, I would consider putting lights on different circuits so you have a little more control over where you illuminate as well. And 3-way switches too (this was a big one at my last place as I had 2 entry points at opposite sides of my garage to enter the house. Depending which one I used I needed switches near that door.