Small garage ideas?

[GrizzlyAdams12]

Hey guys, new to the forum! Been snooping around and found some good threads. Looking for ideas or plans for anything that can help me organize my garage and also work bench ideas! Pretty good with my hands, have an associate's degree in carpentry. Love anything to do with building stuff. Everything is much appreciated. Thanks!

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[MagicMarker]

Welcome...

We'll need to see what you've got now and the purpose for the space... workshop? just for cars? etc..

 

[GrizzlyAdams12]

It's a one car garage (unfortunately). My girlfriend would like to park her car in it. The grill will get moved to the front porch when I make it bigger and the motorcycle is for sale. I also have some wall cabinets i made in college im going to hang to put stuff in.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[GrizzlyAdams12]

12x20 sorry, forgot to add that in there!

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[GrizzlyAdams12]

Would also like to be able to do some work in it, have to.move the car out though. Saw some plans for foldable workbenches

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[James-W]

Welcome to the site.

If your girlfriend parks her car in the garage, in my opinion you are out of luck in-so-far as having a workshop set up to do stuff is concerned. I don't mean to be pessimistic, but let's face it, the car will take up a large portion of the garage and there won't be room for much else. You can't have the car in the garage and work on anything, the car would have to set outside while you work on projects.

It is possible to move the car outside and then move stuff around so you can work when you have a project to do, but it is a real pain in the neck to have to move stuff around every time. Is it possible to do, yes, is it practical to do, not really.

 

[ripperd]

I built a fold-able workbench in my 3 car so I can fit 3 cars in it in the winter. It works awesome and is quite solid. Do a search around here and there are a few designs.

 

[GrizzlyAdams12]

What about some storage ideas?

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[MagicMarker]

What about some storage ideas?

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

How high are the ceilings.. looks like you'll have to look up for storage solutions.

 

[GrizzlyAdams12]

How high are the ceilings.. looks like you'll have to look up for storage solutions.

That's what I was thinking. I thought if I built a workbench I can put some storage on the wall behind it.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[gregtwojeeps]

one car............

 

[pmiranda]

Definitely go vertical. I am lucky to have room for a bench and the trash bins on a 4" raised part of our 3-car and we still have room for 3 cars and a Vespa because nearly everything else is in bins or boxes up on shelving along 3 walls, plus two bikes on wall racks. My son's bike goes in front of the workbench so I have to reach over it or move stuff to do work, but I like being able to lock up everything at night.
I also have some stuff hanging on hooks lagged into the ceiling joists, but I have no idea what their strength is so nothing heavy.

We also put in a tankless water heater on the wall behind where the old 50-gal used to be, so that closet has become a great place for my compressor and a few other things.

 

[Jack Olsen]

I thought there was a thread dedicated to single-car garages, but I can't find it now.

If you look at my website, you'll see two different fold-down benches and some other space-saving ideas.

www.12-gaugegarage.com

 

[johnbennetch]

I am thinking of using some of the 3" commercial garage door track I have and making three heavy L brackets out of tubing with gussets. Then put a bench top on it and use a hand winch too crank it up against the ceiling when not in use

 

[Daniel Dudley]

I thought there was a thread dedicated to single-car garages, but I can't find it now.

If you look at my website, you'll see two different fold-down benches and some other space-saving ideas.

www.12-gaugegarage.com

I think it was called, Show Me Your One Car Garage.


http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=162541&highlight=Show+car+garage

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/search.php?searchid=23801063

 

[GrizzlyAdams12]

one car............

Awesome! Thanks for the ideas.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[OctoMan]

If you have exposed rafters you can store a lot there. Check the forum for ideas. Decide what you want to do in the garage and plan what you will need. I've built shelving in a 7' x 2' space that was useless. Cabinets are a good idea you can customize them to store infrequently used tools. Also consider asking girlfriend to park car on street or driveway. Also make sure you have adequate lighting and plenty of outlets. You might look into an air compressor since you can do a lot with them regardless of your hobbies. Check out my shop pictures in profile to see my one car garage. Good luck!

 

[maxpower_hd]

1. Build a shed for storage. I have an 8x12 that I use for all the stuff I'm not currently using and it's invaluable.

2. Keep the bike and store it in the shed too.

3. Make her park outside.

I have a two car garage and the only car ever in it is what I'm working on. If I happen to have the room during a winter storm I might be able to fit one care, but only maybe.

 

[autonaut]

Tell your girlfriend the garage is yours and she can park outside.

Make an agreement the house is hers and the garage is yours. The house will be hers whether you make this agreement or not.

 

[GrizzlyAdams12]

1. Build a shed for storage. I have an 8x12 that I use for all the stuff I'm not currently using and it's invaluable.

2. Keep the bike and store it in the shed too.

3. Make her park outside.

I have a two car garage and the only car ever in it is what I'm working on. If I happen to have the room during a winter storm I might be able to fit one care, but only maybe.

I've got a shed which garden tools, yard tools and riding mower are stored. Along with a BUNCH of wood left from previous homeowners (not complaining about that). Selling the motorcycle to get a gas getter car to drive back and forth to work. She told me the garage is mine haha. I'm not letting her go back on her word.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[autonaut]

I've got a shed which garden tools, yard tools and riding mower are stored. Along with a BUNCH of wood left from previous homeowners (not complaining about that). Selling the motorcycle to get a gas getter car to drive back and forth to work. She told me the garage is mine haha. I'm not letting her go back on her word.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

Congrats man

Men need a place to go and be alone, and do stuff. Or dont.

Im glad you got your own place

If i were to give you advice on how to use it, then it would be to place the compressor outside if you buy one. Build a wooden sound insulated box to store it in. It will help tremendously with both space and how nice it will be to hang out in the garage when using air tools.
Also, if you're into cars, try and find a more compact one to work on, being that space is limited. Or better yet, work on motorcycles only.
Scissor lifts, fold down tables and wall hanging tools will be your friends..

Good luck

 

[GrizzlyAdams12]

Congrats man

Men need a place to go and be alone, and do stuff. Or dont.

Im glad you got your own place

If i were to give you advice on how to use it, then it would be to place the compressor outside if you buy one. Build a wooden sound insulated box to store it in. It will help tremendously with both space and how nice it will be to hang out in the garage when using air tools.
Also, if you're into cars, try and find a more compact one to work on, being that space is limited. Or better yet, work on motorcycles only.
Scissor lifts, fold down tables and wall hanging tools will be your friends..

Good luck

I have a small wheel around air conpressor. I can work on cars but if the time ever comes to where I have too (I own a chevrolet pickup so I don't work on it too much ) I can just work on them outside. I'll mainly do tinkering and woodworking in there!

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[TonkaJoe]

Single car ----> complete renovation but due to my work schedule being continental I'm still not fully finished.. however heres a taste!. The possibilities are endless...

Sent from my SGH-I747M using Tapatalk

 

[rsnip988]

That looks great! Plenty of tinkering room and she can still park in it if needed!

 

[NUTTSGT]

Did anybody mention storage above the garage door or did I miss it ?

Plan the layout on paper and go through many times in your head.

 

[GrizzlyAdams12]

I built this over the weekend. Not the best but it's sturdy and works great. Put some over head storage up and hooks on the walls.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[brveagle]

Looks good. Consider ditching the garage fridge. I know they are cool for having beer in, but at the end of the day, not only do they take up alot of space but they also run up electricity bills real quick. Sell or donate the fridge and put your shelving system in its place. My two cents

 

[GrizzlyAdams12]

Looks good. Consider ditching the garage fridge. I know they are cool for having beer in, but at the end of the day, not only do they take up alot of space but they also run up electricity bills real quick. Sell or donate the fridge and put your shelving system in its place. My two cents

Deep freeze for meat.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[Coolabah]

Looks good. Consider ditching the garage fridge. I know they are cool for having beer in, but at the end of the day, not only do they take up alot of space but they also run up electricity bills real quick. Sell or donate the fridge and put your shelving system in its place. My two cents

Sacriledge I say !! Whats the point of being in your garage ( non commercial environment of course ) if you can't have a beer or other cool beverage on hand ?? Plus, they all have shelves in them . You can store your wrenches right next to the beers if you are short of space ...

as for power bills , life is too short. I guess you can keep the fridge on a timer so it just kicks in occasionally , more in summer and little in winter. Priorities I guess , YMMV

 

[OJ Bartley]

Grizzly, that's a great start! I wanted to chime in to say don't lose hope. You're not out of luck with a single, even one that you want to park a car in. There are some great single car and small shop projects like a few that have been posted... "dubber's single", eric's "Workshop 88" (not parking but great organization).

I have a single about your size, and I have just started to make something of it. Check out my thread in my sig, but it still has a long way to go. The first thing I'd ask you is how big is your GF's car? I'm able to park our car (Mazda6) in the garage and still have room for a bench on the back wall, with a table saw tucked underneath. I had to employ a little creative use of overhang, but things seem to work out nicely, and I have a permanent bench.

Some storage above the door if you have room is a fantastic way to save space. I had JUST enough room for winter tire shelves. After that, get some hooks on those walls, and some cabinets or shelves with storage bins around the outside and you'll be in good shape. This is something that you can definitely work with, even if it does mean you'll have to move the car to do most work. Lots uf us get by that way. Welcome to the group!

 

[GrizzlyAdams12]

Grizzly, that's a great start! I wanted to chime in to say don't lose hope. You're not out of luck with a single, even one that you want to park a car in. There are some great single car and small shop projects like a few that have been posted... "dubber's single", eric's "Workshop 88" (not parking but great organization).

I have a single about your size, and I have just started to make something of it. Check out my thread in my sig, but it still has a long way to go. The first thing I'd ask you is how big is your GF's car? I'm able to park our car (Mazda6) in the garage and still have room for a bench on the back wall, with a table saw tucked underneath. I had to employ a little creative use of overhang, but things seem to work out nicely, and I have a permanent bench.

Some storage above the door if you have room is a fantastic way to save space. I had JUST enough room for winter tire shelves. After that, get some hooks on those walls, and some cabinets or shelves with storage bins around the outside and you'll be in good shape. This is something that you can definitely work with, even if it does mean you'll have to move the car to do most work. Lots uf us get by that way. Welcome to the group!

It's an 07 charger, I built the foldable work table as shown in the oictures, no room at all to store anything above the door. I'll take some pictures tonight to show my progress done in one weekend. Thanks for the welcome!

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[GrizzlyAdams12]

Still a mess cause I'm not finished yet. The bike is in the process of getting sold (have to find a serious buyer) and the grill will be put out back after we fence in the yard.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[cpttuna]

Make as much of the stuff in the garage as mobile as possible. For example, I have a drill press on wheels, I have a table saw on wheels, a plainer on wheels, a 55 gallon drum of scrap metal on wheels, my grinder in on wheels as is the welding cart and 2 storage cabinets. It's a 20x20 garage and the wife parks her jeep in it. I want to do some work, the car goes out and every thing get moved so i can use what I need to have.

 

[driftpin]

I agree w/'wheels for tools.' It makes it easier to quickly conform to whatever you need to do. There are kits for dollies of different sizes, I've used the BORA sets, they have various sizes and weight capacities. With the prices of lumber and the scarcity of hardware these days, the BORA kits are faster and cheaper than trying to fabricate something.

A wall-mount, jackshaft garage door opener will free-up space above the garage door which becomes available for storage. Consider the weight you're adding, it's not a good idea to add too-much to that bottom chord of a rafter truss.

I added LED 'two-bulb' 4 ft. lights from Costco (FEIT) below the garage door using brackets I made from some Simpson Strong-Tie galvanized sheet metal brackets.

The space above the garage doors is used for large, bulky but light things like Christmas ornaments, storage containers which are empty, etc. You can see the OH door track runs between the above-the-OH door storage platform and the LED 4 ft. lights below it.