Use every square inch of a wall or keep some negative space?

[Strouty]

So what do you prefer? Do you use every square inch of space on the wall or do you keep some negative space? I have been reading a bunch of threads and seems that some people use every inch, some not so much. I know if you have a smaller shop it is nice to use every bit of space available, but should that tactic be employed everywhere?

 

[txvwnut]

Above four or five foot I use all I can, below that its nice to have open area for machines or rolling items that need to be against the wall. With the size and style of my shop I'm limited on wall space due to windows doors and a staircase, but I am trying to utilize all I can.

 

[maxpower_hd]

Well for aesthetics I prefer some negative space. However, over the years I have managed to use up nearly 100% of my wall space out of necessity.

 

[taumac]

So what do you prefer? Do you sue every square inch of space on the wall or do you keep some negative space? I have been reading a bunch of threads and seems that some people use every inch, some not so much. I know if you have a smaller shop it is nice to use every bit of space available, but should that tactic be employed everywhere?

Its more about using space wisely. Definitely, in a small garage you have to use every square inch then some. It a big place like yours it's ok to have some unused space and give yourself more elbow to work. Make a layout that flexible that if needed to can move stuff around.

 

[Bondo]

Do you sue every square inch of space on the wall or do you keep some negative space?

Ayuh,..... Negative space is where ya drive in a big nail, 'n hang some more "Stuff",.....

 

[Jsf721]

I am forced to use every inch of space and I still don't have enough space for my stuff

 

[padroo]

I always thought that if I were to build another garage it would have bays with dividing walls serving several purposes. One would be to keep cars in storage so they could be covered up and protected, away from the work area.
Two, it would increase wall space dramatically for shelves and storage. Three, there would be a bay set up to wash cars that would basically be empty most of the time and could also be used as a paint booth well light, and when not in use a car or whatever could occupy that space. The main area would be for a shop and a bay for one car with a lift to do all kinds of work. JMO

 

[-Brent-]

I'm leaving one full wall clean/empty. One wall is really occupied. The last wall is mixed. There is empty space but there are also tool boxes and some equipment along the wall.

Personally, I like empty walls. But space is at a minimum for me. So I try to be smart and make things look decent, as best I can.

 

[PFSard]

I have a two-car garage. Every inch is crammed (except for one small area that's a work-in-progress). Fairly well organized (or so people tell me). Will always need tweaks as circumstances change.

I like to have a place for everything and everything in its place. That way, I can tell when something is missing. I'm not there yet, but someday .....

As said previously, it depends on the size and use of your space.

 

[bczygan]

If you are designing a museum, negative space is important.

If you want your shop to be pleasing to the eye, it is also important.

If it is all about efficiency and getting the most use out of space, then things get closer together.

But there is also a need to have ways to delineate different functions and keep them separate. So small spaces help visually and psychologically. Even a couple of inches matters. Think of the space between the cab and bed of a pickup.

You have enough space in your shop to do a little of this. Think of masses and create different masses for different functions. Use color or texture to differentiate them. Use bold graphics. Create work stations at each machine.

So balance is the answer, as it also is for doors, windows and walls enclosing spaces.

Bill

 

[glentre]

In my present small 2-car garage shared with a well pump, two expansion tanks, a water softener system, two large refrigerators and other misc family stuff, I have no choice but to use the wall space to hang things on. However, in my new 30 x 38 three car garage with lift and attic storage space, I plan to use closed door 18" x 36" x 72" metal cabinets plus another 36" cabinet with parts bins inside the doors to keep everything neat, clean and out of sight. Hopefully, I will not hang anything on the walls except auto themed signs, posters etc. but this may end up being wishful thinking.

So, whether you use your walls to hang stuff or not depends entirely on what you have, what work you do, the total space available and your personal preferences. Some of the garages on this site are a disaster of clutter but I'm sure many of those guys are very comfortable with that and turn out some fantastic work. On the other hand, some of the garages here are pristine and look like nobody has ever worked in them but owned by guys who are neatnicks and capable of doing some fabulous work.

Do what you feel best represents your personality and available space. There is no correct answer here.

Glen

 

[sberry]

I am a master at removing stuff I aint used in a decade. I had a big deliberate purge and remodel recently and gained several hundred feet, hung a couple more cabinets and took another bunch out of the way. Its hard for me to gain much more wall space. I have it fairly refined now.
My place functions on open floor plan, if it isn't being worked on its generally moved. All the pieces are "restored" to where they go and ready for the next advent much in the way a fire dept would be.

 

[Strouty]

Padroo, I understand what you are saying, my old space had a dividing wall that was 30' long, my current shop only has about 15' of space (both sides) along a dividing wall. It makes a big difference, I am always looking for wall space. I can go higher, but I have not done it yet.

 

[padroo]

One trouble I have is that I am three cars wide in my 32 foot wide back garage and one of the cars isn't driven and is up against a wall, there goes 18 foot of wall space.
I am going to do some upgrades in the old garage next yeat, cover ceiling, paint the concrete block walls and do something with the floor. I still have too many cars in it.

 

[D rock]

After being in my 30x40 shop for about 10 years, I need to add on. My shop will now be 30x50 with a 26x40 lean to...I am hoping I will learn from what mistakes I have made in the past so that this will be enough of a renovation that I won't need anymore. It's odd shaped stuff and vehicles that takes most of my space.

 

[kwoswalt99]

I prefer to use every cubic inch of space.

 

[vettex2]

Walls?
What are walls?