What to do with large open ceiling space

[vrinner]

My garage is 40' deep X 60' wide X 20' tall. There is a 40' X 20' mezzanine (full second floor).

That basically leaves me with a 40X40X20 cube. This area is mostly for working on cars and such.

Anyone have any creative ideas on how to utilize the upper large empty space for anything?

It's this upper area here I'm mainly talking about.

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[bczygan]

Time for a mezzanine!

Bill

 

[mtwaterguy]

I ended up with an open area 36x40. I decided to drop the ceiling to 14'. Added insulation and finished off the new space with sheetrock and white paint.

 

[mcj115]

A suspended model train loop mounted on plexiglass or such around the perimeter could be fun

 

[dylanmitchell]

Warehouse Mezzanine & Work Platform pre-made, used from a warehouse takedown, or make your own with framing and plywood.

https://www.wildeck.com/newwp/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/wildeck-mezzanine-image2.png

Giraffes make great pets...

https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/08/e0/40/9d/twycross-zoo.jpg

 

[My Old Tools]

You can extend the mezzanine if you don't need that much space for lifts, etc. You can build upper storage shelving hung from the main cross members, leaving an open area just in the center. I did that coming out 4 feet from the wall with a beam, and straps up to the overhead structure, basically a 4 foot wide deck hung from the roof on its outer edge with the inner edge sitting on the wall purlin. Our you could simply put in some warehouse shelving along the walls if you don't need the clear floor space.

 

[kbs2244]

Some fans to move the heat around.
Then use it to build big stuff.

 

[Bigblockyeti]

A suspended model train loop mounted on plexiglass or such around the perimeter could be fun

Heck, it'd be cool to drop down track for a ride on 1/8 or 1/6 scale train.

 

[Maineshop]

That's a cool idea if one had enough overhead room. Nice

 

[HotRodBoater]

I've got a similar but worse problem with my 40'x60' shop. 18' eve height isn't tall enough for me to build a second floor without a low ceiling in both levels but tall enough that I have tons of wasted vertical space

 

[i4ni]

Pallet racks?

 

[i4ni]

I've got a similar but worse problem with my 40'x60' shop. 18' eve height isn't tall enough for me to build a second floor without a low ceiling in both levels but tall enough that I have tons of wasted vertical space

We have a 40 x 60 and I've been thinking about building a 8 or ten foot wide mezzanine on one or both 60' walls and split the difference in height and still have adequate head room on both levels with the center open. Our (2) doors are on the gable ends but I wish they were on the sides. I think that utilizes space better.Oh well.

 

[vrinner]

I like the idea of those wild decks. I want to keep as much floor space as possible so maybe something just around the edges. Maybe some heavy I-beams so I don’t end up with a lot of pillars. Hanging from the ceiling may be an option...seems tricky.

I do want to put up some fans but those would be in the center.

Giraffe would be cool but they would probably stink up the place. Lol

I went full 20’ eves because it was cheaper to just make it a a big box. Not very “architectural “ but it’s a working shop.

Thanks for the ideas!

 

[tarmy]

Here is an idea...ladders lifted by winch...

 

[i4ni]

Giraffe would be cool but they would probably stink up the place. Lol


Thats funny! .How do you access your mezzanine? I was thinking uni strut lift elevator. lot of good ideas on you tube.

 

[MadMechMaster]

Unless you have more stuff stored somewhere else, you're no where near full enough to worry about using that space yet. I have a small 2 car, so I would just enjoy the openness.

Two thoughts, a 80" TV mounted up high, and also fly drones around.

 

[vrinner]

Here is an idea...ladders lifted by winch...

Is that in your garage? What type of winch system is it? I was thinking about something like that but wasn't sure what exactly to store.

... .How do you access your mezzanine? I was thinking uni strut lift elevator. lot of good ideas on you tube.

I will be building a set of stairs on the right side as well as from the outside I'm building a deck that will go over to the second floor/mezzanine.

Unless you have more stuff stored somewhere else, you're no where near full enough to worry about using that space yet. I have a small 2 car, so I would just enjoy the openness.

Two thoughts, a 80" TV mounted up high, and also fly drones around.

I am slowly filling the place up. Already have 3 cars and my truck in there plus various work benches and shelving.

As for flying drones...just what I need...another hobby/distraction!

 

[Motorman55]

If I had that shop I'd build out a full scale tall, 6' deep, fake gas station frontage against the wall and utilize it as an office and display for vintage gas & oil collectibles and of course a gas pump.

Invest in a really large vintage gas station sign and hang it on the wall along with some banners.

Hang some vintage gas station lights from the ceiling with a large fan in the center.

Enjoy that open space since you already have a mezzanine on the other side.

 

[tarmy]

Is that in your garage? What type of winch system is it? I was thinking about something like that but wasn't sure what exactly to store.

Yep...in garage...welded up a bracket to hold ladders...and a couple pulley racks to hide all the cables in between the ceiling joists...