Parts Room

[bajones238]

I have a parts room (approximately 15 feet deep, by the width of the garage) and would like to install a counter/window as I have seen in some old dealer's shop areas, between the parking area and the parts room. Has anyone put something like this in a garage, and if so are you willing to share some pictures?

I would like to put in a coiling overhead shutter so I can keep the dust in the parts room from getting all over the cars, and for some added security. I would like to get some suggestions as to width and height of parts counter, and what one should look like in general.

Thanks!

 

[scott37300]

Is this your home garage or a business? Maybe some pictures of your garage and the wall you want to do this in would help with suggestions?

 

[bajones238]

OK, fair enough.

This is my home garage. The blank wall facing is the one that separates the parking area from the parts storage room. I want to put the "parts counter" in the blank wall.

 

[Mmfh]

In the shops I've worked at most of the counters were fairly high, like 36" or even up to 42". Parts guys always have the high stools behind the counter.

 

[scott37300]

Out of curiosity is this going to be mainly for looks? I guess I don't see the point other than to mimic the look of a dealership garage. If it was me I would just put in a door and be done. Not putting your idea down, it's your garage, just curious as to the purpose of a parts counter in a home garage?

For the window I would make it whatever height you like, personally I would make it the correct height for some bar stools so it could double as a table of sorts. Also what ever length works for you, maybe 4 feet or so. Just cut a hole out and frame in for the header. Drywall the sides and top and then install counter. Look for a rolling door like you want and call it done and enjoy a nice cold beer on your new bar!

 

[bajones238]

Yes, this parts window/counter will have absolutely no value except for looks. No plans to hire a counter man any time soon.

I do like the idea of bar stools, and a beer fridge.

 

[Greatbear]

Put in a slightly oversized counter, add a couple nice stools, a fridge and maybe a microwave in the back and your "parts counter" can serve double duty as a break area. You can add either a rolling shutter door or a top-hinged door to separate the areas when not being used and to add your desired security.

 

[DIC]

How bout one of those two piece doors (top and bottom) with a shelf on the bottom part..

 

[Diddly]

How about a sliding bookcase hidden entry like a secret door?

 

[Northstar]

Essentially, you're making a bar. I'm a partsman. my stool is your typical chrome 4 leg base and padded vinyl top with logo. The counter height is 42". We have a roll-up door like you can get from hardware stores for sheld, just order to height (think about industrial supply companies?) At the other shop side counter, we have a regular small garage door and track system, but only 2 panels. Under the counter, you can have bookshelves for parts manuals and catalogs, your nut/bolt department, fluid storage, or whatever. one person I know uses reclaimed glass show cases like you'd see in jewelry stores as his counter so he can have the collectables inside.

As for why to do it? Obviously your garage is more than a shop, it's your personal display of your interests. Don't let anybody poo-poo the idea, they're not invited over anyway. Hell, I was seriously thinking about putting in a recliner in my garage, just working out a way to keep it relatively clean when I'm not in it.

 

[Falcon67]

You are in big trouble. You may have just totally screwed up my carefully designed wall between the shop and the work area. Maybe.

 

[Outlawmws]

key question here; is the wall load bearing? if so you need to put in a proper header and support for the header. if not it should be an easy task to cut an opening, put a sill and "header" in place top and bottom, and picture frame the window enough to cover the exposed 2x4's and filler sheet rock pieces as well.

Those 2x4 plates should still be supported, so you may want to consider removing some sheetrock to the floor to get it right.

Also pay attention to where power is in the wall; you don't want to find a live wire the hard way...



This down below is funny. You could really have some fun with a window like that too...

You are in big trouble. You may have just totally screwed up my carefully designed wall between the shop and the work area. Maybe.