Maximizing garage workspace and prettying up the garage

[ewrjontan]

Hey all, purchased my first home and finally have a two-car garage (albeit a little small). I am looking for some inspiration. I do a lot of things in the garage; primarily working on my vehicles, but I also would like to do more wood and metal work inside rather than having to move tools and equipment outdoors, especially in the winter.



My garage is about 22x21 ft. and I am wanting to throw in some foldable/collapsible, tables/workstations, things like that. That way I can maximize space, easily work on what I need to work on and still have room for the cars and bike. I have a small table saw and miter saw/stand and wouldn't mind adding some more shelving perhaps another work bench area. I am planning to get rid of that workbench/pegboard (came with the house) set up for a nice set from Newage or similar at some point. Unfortunately, the ceilings are super low so overhead storage is not very practical.

Currently I have three sets of winter/summer tires that are on rolling dollies. I chose the dollies because the tire rack/shelving units just seem a little sketchy to me but I think I may have to switch to those since having so many tires takes up a good bit of useable space.

The left side of the garage is drywalled and the opposite side (as well as the back) is concrete block with some Styrofoam insulation. I would like to pretty it up a bit, but is drywalling the rest of it worth it? If I go the drywall route, I would ended up losing some much needed real estate due to the framing. Should I just paint/drylok the blocks and call it a day? Is there anyway to maintain some sort of insulation (winter AND summer can be brutal here) that still looks relatively appealing and doesn't require covering up with drywall?

Also, looking to get some pole wraps for my 3 inch (diameter) support poles. Searched google, amazon and eBay and they are surprisingly pricey and/or don't exist for 3 inch diameter poles. Anyone know of any? I would like to replace the janky one that's held on with wire ties :/


Anyone care to share some ideas and/or recommendations? Thanks

 

[unslow1]

Whatever you want to do to the walls or floor do it before you move a bunch of stuff into it. Most of the garages I see (both of mine included) never get much done to it after stuff is moved in. It's just to much of a pain once there is stuff in it.

 

[rsparks64]

Rolling benches and tool boxes can help. I also replaced some of my shelving units with rolling shelves. I use gladiator garage panels/wall panels on one wall to hang ladders, brooms, rakes, and miscellaneous tools. Try to utilize the higher spaces on the walls and even the ceiling if necessary.

 

[C lectric]

I have an even smaller garage but make darn good use of the Rubbermaid shed outside. They, or competitors, also offer some storage bins with flip up lids which I am considering.

Kick some stuff out that you do not need on a daily basis like the tires, 5 gal cans of oil or extra jugs, extra hoses, garden stuff/tools, extra ladder, and so on.
Best not to try to jam everything into your workspace.

I also installed some slotted racking over top of the roll up garage door which the door just clears. Lighter , although not light, stuff that I don't need access to easily but is maybe too long to fit in the shed and definitely don't have room for on the walls. I use some tape to mark the lengths so I don't have to pull them to measure.

If you have a raised back deck use that too if possible for storage.

 

[loganb]

Welcome....neighbor? South side of the Omaha 'burbs here...what part of Neb you in?

My thoughts:

Yes, you want to paint the block walls and you need to do it fast before you cover them/in front of them with stuff. The paint brightens up the space an incredible amount and makes it feel decidedly more comfortable and reduces the amount of light to hang from the ceiling to properly light the space. Couple heavy coats and it'll look much nicer....some like white...some like light gray...some like color schemes....there is a thread or two around specifically on color choices/schemes.

If you want to do more tool work/fabrication inside...those tires have to get off the ground as the floorspace they're sitting on is to valuable. Make a rack and get them up to the top of the wall....or better yet get them out of the garage. Is there space for a yard shed/toughshed type storage for the yard tools you can put the extra tires in?

If you want to insulate that block wall, you're going to loose approx 2.5" of space...1/4 to 1/2" of airgap between the block and the framing, 1.5" for 2x framing on face, then 1/2" drywall on the interior. You could insulate with your choice of pink/blue styrofoam. I would personally probably wait a season and see what you think, with it being block it's going to stay a bit more consistent in temp than an uninsulated wood framed wall.

Check out Jacks 12 Gauge Garage thread and lilscorpians's as well, both in the garage gallery. They both have some very nicely done folding workbenches that may provide you some ideas...and are also some of the "must read" threads in general. I'm sure there are other nice examples of folding workbenches, those are the ones that came to mind first.

Update: Not sure what's up, but I can't see the pictures on PC, tried Chrome and Firefox. Working on the GJ Mobile App though

 

[ewrjontan]

Howdy! I am in Bellevue, NE.

I currently have a little 3x5 (something like that) shed underneath my deck that houses my mower and weed wacker but that's about all it can fit. I am hoping that come spring time, I can put up a real shed. Maybe even house the bike there during the winter months.

Thanks for the suggestions; Jack's 12 Gauge garage is one of the garages that come to mind. I didn't realize there was so much documentation about it.

 

[PhantomEB]

As said here, frame out the wall for insulation.

Paint it all white with a stripe of your color choice around the perimeter.

Run Conduit and air as you see fit.

Overhead cupboard spaces suit metal working and tool storage very well.

All floor based tools I own except the compressor and SteveO inspired built in work bench is all mobile.

 

[LeonardY]

Hey all, purchased my first home and finally have a two-car garage (albeit a little small). I am looking for some inspiration. I do a lot of things in the garage; primarily working on my vehicles, but I also would like to do more wood and metal work inside rather than having to move tools and equipment outdoors, especially in the winter.

My garage is about 22x21 ft. and I am wanting to throw in some foldable/collapsible, tables/workstations, things like that. That way I can maximize space, easily work on what I need to work on and still have room for the cars and bike. I have a small table saw and miter saw/stand and wouldn't mind adding some more shelving perhaps another work bench area. I am planning to get rid of that workbench/pegboard (came with the house) set up for a nice set from Newage or similar at some point. Unfortunately, the ceilings are super low so overhead storage is not very practical.

Currently I have three sets of winter/summer tires that are on rolling dollies. I chose the dollies because the tire rack/shelving units just seem a little sketchy to me but I think I may have to switch to those since having so many tires takes up a good bit of useable space.

The left side of the garage is drywalled and the opposite side (as well as the back) is concrete block with some Styrofoam insulation. I would like to pretty it up a bit, but is drywalling the rest of it worth it? If I go the drywall route, I would ended up losing some much needed real estate due to the framing. Should I just paint/drylok the blocks and call it a day? Is there anyway to maintain some sort of insulation (winter AND summer can be brutal here) that still looks relatively appealing and doesn't require covering up with drywall?

Also, looking to get some pole wraps for my 3 inch (diameter) support poles. Searched google, amazon and eBay and they are surprisingly pricey and/or don't exist for 3 inch diameter poles. Anyone know of any? I would like to replace the janky one that's held on with wire ties :/


Anyone care to share some ideas and/or recommendations? Thanks

That's about the size of my garage.
I hung cabinets with sliding doors on one side. Making sure they were high enough to store plywood cutoffs against the wall and tools on wheels underneath.

Here's my garage thread if your interested. It's not fancy, but it's a very workable space.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=103998

 

[engineer2]

I have a very small 2 car garage (19.5x19.5). I just redid mine. The builder just tapes the drywall seams, so I finished it properly and painted it a very light gray. Wall storage is the best way to make use of space. I bought some dual track adjustable shelving parts and a sheet of 3/4" plywood and added a bunch of shelving. For a workbench I'm going to use an 8 ft formica countertop and some cheap cabinets I have. Also added some shelving along the upper back wall for large and heavy items. Like the attached drawing, but not as fancy.

 

[Gigem]

Also, looking to get some pole wraps for my 3 inch (diameter) support poles. Searched google, amazon and eBay and they are surprisingly pricey and/or don't exist for 3 inch diameter poles. Anyone know of any? I would like to replace the janky one that's held on with wire ties :/

I used pipe insulation in my old garage that had support poles like this.

https://www.grainger.com/product/TUNDRA-1-2-in-Thick-2CKJ3

 

[engineer2]

I remember seeing decorative support column covers at the local big box stores. You could easily make your own out of 1x4 lumber. If you have a table saw, you can get creative.

 

[SunDown]

The wife has a summer set of wheels tires for her winter CRV. I built a rack out of 2x4's that are tied into the ceiling joists between the garage door and the ceiling. They have sat out of my way for a few years now with no issue except when she wants the wheels and tires swapped out. It can be a slight pain to pull the wheels down but not too bad, no more than I have to do it.

 

[loganb]

Howdy! I am in Bellevue, NE.

I currently have a little 3x5 (something like that) shed underneath my deck that houses my mower and weed wacker but that's about all it can fit. I am hoping that come spring time, I can put up a real shed. Maybe even house the bike there during the winter months.

Thanks for the suggestions; Jack's 12 Gauge garage is one of the garages that come to mind. I didn't realize there was so much documentation about it.

Not far away...very south edge of Papillion here(south of 370)! Think your pictures aren't showing in the first post on desktop as you need 5 posts for pictures...not sure why it's showing on mobile though

My thoughts on tire storage for at least this winter...looks like may have space above that wire shelving rack on the common wall with the garage for at least one set...maybe part of a 2nd as well?

Also if the bike has a "dedicated" parking spot, could make use of the space on the wall above it for another tire rack.

Last idea on the tires...slightly more work but instead of storing them vertically like I normally see for "off the shelf" racks, possibly store them horizontal, on one side(or both) of that soffit framing. That soffit "height" is probably similar to the width of the tire so may be able to framing something out there without a ton of work to at least free up your floorspace. I think I like the first two ideas better as afraid this one may feel a bit "tight" as that style of garage personally already feels like it has low headroom....mock it up with cardboard and see possibly?

Other idea to consider if you're interested is cutting an access hole in that soffit and seeing how overly generous they were on the framing of that. I've seen several where they framed several extra feet on one side or the other of the duct and were able to reclaim significant space by reframing that. Think there is an example of this in Duluth Machine Work's build thread so something else to check out

With 2 cars and a bike, it'll definitely be tight to do a ton of wood/metal working in the garage with the rides, but it's definitely feasible to be able to have quality tools on mobile bases to be enable some larger projects with pulling a car or two out, doing the work and then rolling everything back to it's home.

If you want some inspiration on what's possible, check this out and then remember it's about 25% the space of yours so should be able to get your rides in and still have some space to work....

https://www.garagejournal.com/2020/08/tiny-shed-shop/

Full disclosure: I don't practice what I preach well as my 3 car gets only 1 car in it consistently and that's just during winter months

 

[no704]

If your framing is open and has head room, screw a couple bits of 2x4 in them to store the tires.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

Here's what you want. Hell, it's pretty much what we all want.

There pictures seem to have been removed from the original thread but fortunately they're still available in THIS link:

https://www.lateral-g.net/g69/garage/


The original thread with questions and comments:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=45022

 

[Greenlawnracing]

I have nothing of value to add to this thread other than to say I appreciate your taste in German automobiles.

Wait. I do. A friend of mine did this for his winter wheels. If your garage doors are low enough, it’s good use of the dead space.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[rayra]

hanging cabinets high on the wall, using a french cleat setup. You can route your plumbing and electrical behind the cabinets in the void created by the french cleat.
Winter tires need to go in high racks as well, possibly above the cabinets if you have the headroom.
Combined with your fold down benchs near flush to the wall, you keep much of your floor space.

 

[nadogail]

My tools (Table Saw, Bandsaw, Welder, Jointer, Miter Saw, Drill Press, Work Bench, & Air Compresser are all on Wheels so I can move them around to have space to work on a project.

 

[ewrjontan]

Not far away...very south edge of Papillion here(south of 370)! Think your pictures aren't showing in the first post on desktop as you need 5 posts for pictures...not sure why it's showing on mobile though

Hmmm, that is weird. Works fine on my desktop at home but the images don't load on my work computer. I even added a fifth. Perhaps the forum doesn't like imgur?

The ceiling space above the wire shelf is unfortunately too low to fit any tires. The tiny shed workshop is pretty neat. Truly surprising how much can be done in such little space.

Man, I really like the idea of mounting the wheels and tires horizontally as opposed to vertically. I think with how low the ceilings are it just isn't feasible. I am pretty short so wouldn't have a problem with it but I know that if anyone else were to go inside, they would have a bad time. Also, my garage door is basically up against the ceiling so I don't think I could fit anything up there either.

 

[loganb]

Hmmm, that is weird. Works fine on my desktop at home but the images don't load on my work computer. I even added a fifth. Perhaps the forum doesn't like imgur?

Other way around...imgur doesn't like GJ. Check this link out....may consider using another hosting site or uploading pictures to an album here and linking to that. More work but more reliable and less risk of things breaking down the road and loosing pictures

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=465329&highlight=imgur

 

[TylerRNEMT]

Whatever you want to do to the walls or floor do it before you move a bunch of stuff into it. Most of the garages I see (both of mine included) never get much done to it after stuff is moved in. It's just to much of a pain once there is stuff in it.

Oh so very true........ I've had grand ideas for the last 8 years and every winter I keep thinking This is the summer i'm going to do this or that..... I so wish I would have just done all the drywall finishing/paint, and seal the slab the week I moved in.

-Tyler

 

[ewrjontan]

Other way around...imgur doesn't like GJ. Check this link out....may consider using another hosting site or uploading pictures to an album here and linking to that. More work but more reliable and less risk of things breaking down the road and loosing pictures

Ahhh, gotcha. Switching hosts then.

 

[ewrjontan]

So I was looking more into wall tire racks and I am a little hesitant. I would like to drywall, but at the same time, those 2 inches of room lost is the matter of me being able to fit my bike or having to adjust my car.

Anyways, I don't quite like the idea of mounting the racks to my cinder block walls. Tap cons sound like a terrible idea and even the toggle bolts seem sketch to me. I was looking into the ceiling mounted shelves (they have some relatively inexpensive ones ranging from 2 to 4 ft in depth and 4-8 feet in length. My corner (where my wheels and tires currently rest) is about 7 feet in length so I was thinking I COULD fit something there. The problem is, I need about 26 inches from the top of the ceiling in order to fit the wheels vertically. This means that I would have about 5.5 feet of clearance. I could totally fit under there seeing as how I am 5'3 but it just seems impractical; I wouldn't be able to pop the hood if I had a car under there.

I measured the height of my stacks of wheels. I could probably fit a set inside of the house in the storage closet under my stairs, but the rest I could probably fit it under a work bench if I set it around a height of 35 inches or so. I can just slide them under there and maybe save the wall space for cabinets. I'd feel a lot safer having some cabinets up there vs 150-200 lbs worth of wheels and tires.

 

[theundermount]

Great looking space! as others have said get those walls painted asap. I had to do mine one half at a time what a nightmare moving everything back and forth...I envy your 20 x21 double. mine is considered a double and it's only 20 x18. I can barely fit a car in and move around

 

[ewrjontan]

Thanks! It really is quite the upgrade from my last garage(s). I just purchased this home back in August and was previously working out of a single detached garage (relatively spacious but a sauna in the summer) and a 20x10 storage unit which was a nightmare trying to jack the car up and getting it on stands.

My Quickjack just came in a few days ago and I can hopefully get it setup on my days off.

 

[ewrjontan]

Been messing around with sketchup a bit trying to figure out how everything could look. Forgot to add a pegboard, slat wall on the back corner as well. Might use the space on the left for large tools.



Costco has the storage cabinets that I am wanting on sale, so I might be able to snag them this month. Will begin building my workbench/tire rack today hopefully.

 

[joey1320]

Nice sketch. Looks like it will all fit nicely.