Space Saving Ideas for Small Garages/Workshops

[Linhardt]

Many people have small garages/workshops where space is very limited. I am one in that category. So I am in the process of turning a small garage into a decent workshop by using some space saving ideas. Below are a few of the things I thought about doing. What are some of current things or ideas?

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/b0/b9/48/b0b948e59e1fe4edc8cdec6e29208296.jpg
https://www.popularwoodworking.com/projects/aw-extra-4512-folding-table-base
https://www.woodsmithplans.com/plan/folding-workshop/
https://www.woodstore.net/Flip-top-Tool-Bench-p/gr-00986.htm
http://www.finewoodworking.com/2005/09/01/shop-drafting-table
http://www.shopnotes.com/issues/104/extras/table-saw-workstation/
https://www.woodstore.net/Fold-Flat-3-in-1-Workbench-p/gr-00899.htm
https://www.woodstore.net/Overhead-Swing-down-Shop-Storage-p/gr-01029.htm

 

[Falcon67]

Casters. Put everything possible on casters. One example was at the old shop I had a small wall mounted 3x4 work bench/welding table. It was set high enough to be comfortable and still roll a 10" table saw under the bench - maybe 1/2" clearance. Most of the smaller machines here are on casters so they can be parked away and pulled out when needed.

 

[crewchief888]

i put casters on the stands my belt sander and abrasive chop saw are on.
mig welder is on the smallest stand that it would fit on, bench mount drill press is on a cart.

at least once a year i "purge" the **** that accumulates in the garage.

last spring i put up an 8x10 shed to keep the yard stuff in.

woodworking type stuff stays in the basement...

i have enough room to park the wifes car inside (if needed, due to weather conditions) so far this year it's been sitting in the driveway.

my tools, equipment and harley take up most of the room...
my '00 sierra sits in the street along with my service truck, my off road toy is parked in back of the garage.

 

[T_R]

Have a shed for all the **** you rarely use. When I built my new garage, my old small garage become the storage shed for all the junk. It's great, I just pile everything in there, shut the door and forget about it until next time. My new garage is always clutter free and easy to work in.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Have a shed for all the **** you rarely use. When I built my new garage, my old small garage become the storage shed for all the junk. It's great, I just pile everything in there, shut the door and forget about it until next time. My new garage is always clutter free and easy to work in.

Would it be possible to get a picture of the trap floor in Your old small garage?
A self cleaning garage that doesn't burst at the seams with the overflow would be priceless.. Suppose I should have offered to buy Your old garage before mentioning that; bet the price just went up a bit.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Jack Olsen has some ideas He has shared on this forum.. Sure You would enjoy them as much as I have... try the search box.

 

[mike93lx]

like others, i keep tools mobile. i replaced a larger hybrid saw with a jobsite one that folds and is on wheels. My miter saw is on a portable stand that also folds and stores vertically. my bandsaw is on a mobile base.

i keep the yard tools and snowblower in a crappy 10x10 shed in the yard. tools are in my 2 car garage, that we actively park 2 cars in, so I need to keep it under control.

it's a constant struggle and I am always working on ways to be more efficient with the space. I won't give up the parking so everything else has to work around that.

 

[PhantomEB]

Shelving and cupboards always a huge bonus. Get everything possible off the floor.

Only things that are permanent is the built in work bench and the 80 gallon compressor which is getting moved into the back corner out of my way. Then building two shelves above it for the windshield washer fluid I buy in bulk and my wood chop saw. Everything else is on casters.

As is I can comfortably work on my 72 bronco as well always have a spot for my DD and to do maintainence work on all other vehicles.

Soon my quad will be moving over here from my folks, but that could easily take up room in front of the bronco or be parked on its trailer beside the garage.

This summer I am building a shed that will house the mower and all garden tools.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

-Get all large tools on casters for easy mobility.
-Utilize all wall space that isn't a window, and all ceiling space that isn't lights.
-Use the attic for storage of rarely used items or supplies, a lot of wasted space above if you're not using the attic.
-Park outside, if you aren't already.
-Get rid of tools you don't need, or that could be easily replaced by other, smaller tools.
-Loan out large tools that aren't used often. Someone is always borrowing my drywall lift, trim/siding brake, and jackhammer, so I rarely have to actually store them anywhere.

 

[ez-duzit]

OP--forget about all those gimmicky, fold-down, hinge-out contraptions and simply organize your space efficiently. .

 

[Jack Olsen]

Everybody's got to find their own path through this. If you've got 10 minutes, you might get some ideas from my (slightly ridiculous) home-made video:

 

[Djui5]

^^^ cool video

 

[jgromada]

Everybody's got to find their own path through this. If you've got 10 minutes, you might get some ideas from my (slightly ridiculous) home-made video:

Loved that 12 Gauge Garage video. I have seen the pictures of that garage somewhere else (not here), but it is so inconic with that life in the floor like that.

 

[tarmy]

Here you go...

 

[Skunkape]

Loved the video Jack! Well done, Sir!

 

[gearhead1]

+1, nice video. Thanks to all who post their thoughts/ideas. I’ve learned a lot from all the other members here.