How would you arrange this space?

[Cartermatson]

First time poster here, I've been building this 48'x26' detached garage for the past 3 years, finally just got final permits signed off a couple weeks ago and now I'm getting ready to start putting in some countertops - mostly in the area next to the lift, as the rest of the garage isn't much good for anything except parking with the 2nd floor loft taking up the back portion.

I have about 4 (4'x8') sheets of 16ga Hot rolled steel laid up on MDF that were leftover from a jobsite, I'm wanting to cut them up and use them for floating countertops to maximize under counter storage space.

Mostly just looking for some inspiration and ideas on how other would arrange this space for the best use, I attached a blank plan view as well as a preliminary idea of what I'm considering arranging. I'm planning to do mostly mechanic work in here with a tad of sheet metal work/ fabrication. The walls are open with 2x6 framing (16' tall) so I have plenty of room to work with but I want to get a good plan going the first time around before closing up any walls.

Also attached a picture with my jeep on the lift for reference, and yes I did replace that spool of MC for some solid EMT so don't come after me lol

Let me know what you all think!

 

[M.Brane]

Welcome to the asylum from NoSoCal.

I would consider making your benches mobile so you can maximize space around the lift.

 

[LeeG]

You’re not going to get the layout right for you the first time. Maybe not the 5th. So make it easy to reorganize around your workflow. Wheels or movable with a pallet jack or something.

 

[BrentM33]

Nice Garage, I agree you are not going to know what you want until you start working in the space, you will "remodel" the garage several times so make it easy to do so.

 

[Smilodon]

Looks interesting. Don't see the stairs in the pic, but is there room underneath? Might make a good spot for an air compressor or some such. The only thing I'd say for the space under the loft is that it would provide some useful space that could be well lit more easily, as well as a place where some stuff could be hung up (bicycles, etc.). As for the main layout, being able to have a bench at the engine end of the car you are working on is a pretty nice "luxury" (lots of pre-built garages don't have the depth). I've found that benches between the wall and the vehicle can be less utilized.

I agree with others that some ability to re-arrange, even if it means using a temporary bench solution for little while until you are sure what you want, is a good idea. My stuff isn't "easy" to move, but very little of it is "nailed to the wall", so could be moved if needed.

 

[u2slow]

I did some quick math... I only have ~48sqft of counter space in my 20x38 shop. With 2 vehicles, there isn't really room for more.
- 2x4' heavy bench at the 2post lift column
- 2x4' computer desk/kiosk (actually an old table saw) against an outside wall
- 4x8' light-work table against an outside wall (straddles a number of heavy wheeled items).