Looking for advice on built-in Garage Tool Chest

[ITLRUN]

I am working on an idea for a built-in Garage Tool Chest / Wall Cabinet. I know that I can’t be the first person to ever think of this so I'm looking to The Garage Journal for advice. I have a nook in the end of my garage that is approx 9' wide and 5' deep. I want to use a couple of mobile tool carts as the base for my work bench. I have decided to use a maple butcher block countertop. I want to permanently mount these pieces to the wall making a super solid and efficient tool chest / wall cabinet.

I managed to catch a killer deal on a few Craftsman Mobile Tool Carts so I bought them last night. I bought two 40” carts and one 15” side cabinet. I will not be using the included casters. I intend to make a 2”x4” base on the floor with a ¾” plywood floor. The carts will be bolted together and to the raised floor in typical cabinet fashion with a minimal overhang above the kick plate. I will install more 2”x4” frames around the sides and rear of carts so that I can attach the counter top and filler panels for each end where the carts will meet the wall. The filler panels and final kick plate will be made from 1”x4” birch board.

I will eventually add wall cabinets with swing-out doors above the lower chest.

This is the look I’m after… (minus the closet)

Has anyone else done this? If so, can you post pictures? Do you guys have any “tweaks” to my idea?

Thanks in advance!

Joe Charles
Adairsville, GA

 

[Red Green]

Only that I would add a light under the upper cabinets so the work bench/counter top is nice and bright.

 

[timewarp]

Instead of putting the carts up on 2X4s and bolting them down I think I would build the bench high enough so that you could leave the wheels on the carts and be able to roll them out from under the countertop, that way if you need tools in another area you could roll them there. Also you could roll the cabinets out to use as another work surface when needed.

 

[RbrtAWhyt]

Check out BMWPower's garage. He has a killer Lista set-up...

 

[SebringSilverZ]

I had an existing bench of 2 x 4s and I wanted to integrate a toolbox. My bench was tall enough to slide a small rollcab underneath, so I framed the toolbox in 2 x 4s and rolled it under. I left the casters on the box, but you really can't see them with the frame. The frame around the toolbox and the toolbox itself are both non weight bearing. Picture included below. Hopefully this helps with your plan.

 

[idunnosh#t]

I like a work bench I can sit at so I can get my knees in under the bench top.This gets you closer to your work and is much more comfortable the longer you need to sit there. So if that was my 5x9 space I would lay it out in a u shape with a toolbox facing me on both sides,which at 9' - 2' on either side = 5' easily within reach while sitting.The problem with that is 40" toolboxes will take up all but 20" of your 5'. Standard Counter top work depth is 24"

'. SO THE DILEMA would be,do I move the toolboxes out 4" beyond 5' or do I leave them flush at 5' and have 4"s under the center part of the u shape or do I return the toolboxes for 36" boxes? For me the 5x9 space cries out as the perfect place for a u shaped work area which I love so I'm not giving that up. I'm real particular about symmetry ,fit and finish, so I'm probably taking the boxes back(1st choice) or extending the 5' sides out another 2' or 3' if possible.Thats just me though.Good Luck whatever u decide.
'

 

[ITLRUN]

Thanks for the input, anyone else have anything to add?

 

[expatriated]

My choice would be Lista. Check out ultimategarage.com's site to see his photos of the cabinets in his garage buildout. You could add stuff on top like bmwpower's, too.

http://www.ultimategarage.com/storage/mw900-fac1.htm

 

[ITLRUN]

I have already bought my tool boxes. I got a stupid cheap deal in the main boxes. I haven't been able to find anything online, but I'm positive that I can build a kickass cabinet for a fraction of the cost of anything else I've seen.

I paid $419.99 for each lower box. Regular price is $849.99. They are on sale for $619.99 today.

 

[MadMark]

I think removing the castors would help prevent theft.
Has anyone ever heard of a theif bold enough to push a rollaway out of a garage?

 

[fatboy99]

I think removing the castors would help prevent theft.
Has anyone ever heard of a theif bold enough to push a rollaway out of a garage?

Had 5 of them stolen out of the dealer i worked at were loaded into van's that were stolen from the same dealer. They were recoverd on a car hauler on it's way to California. 1 didnt have wheel's but i guess leaving key's in the forklift didnt help on that part
Guess most home owner's dont have fork lift's though

 

[NUTTSGT]

I have thought of doing what you planning on doing, keep us posted on the project.

 

[RoarkIndustrialSolutions]

FYI, Lista has extended free shipping on their Xpress Products till the end of February.

http://roarkindustrialsolutions.ind...STA_EXTENDS_FREE_SHIPPING_FOR_XPRESS_PRODUCTS

They've also expanded the line.