Anna Graham, Negosentro | A garage does not have to function only as a shelter for your vehicle – it can also function as an additional storage space and a mini-workshop. This is not about saving space, it is about utilizing it to the maximum, and if your garage covers a significant square-footage, using it to store equipment and creating a bench for mini-projects is only logical. If you’ve been thinking about this for some time, here are some ideas on how you can turn your garage into a DIY workshop.
Start by cleaning up
If you have a spacious garage, chances are you have been using that extra space for storage. After a few years, it probably turned into a messy chamber of towering cardboard boxes, makeshift shelves and moldy items. If you plan on create a DIY workshop, you first need to clear everything out and assess how much space you need for the workbench and equipment. You can use standard measuring items and chalk to draw the proportions for the required surfaces and outline the size of your workshop. It would be best to dedicate a corner of your garage to this mini-project zone.
Let’s discuss workbench design
Sturdiness is the most important aspect of any workbench, since it needs to be able to withstand all the hits, shakes and vibrations. You can rely on your own crafting skills to install strong support columns and a solid base or hire a reliable craftsman who will be ready to meet your custom requirements. As far as the appearance of the workbench goes (the shape and color), it is not particularly important.
Think about safety
Make sure to install electrical outlets near the designated workshop area, because dragging extension cables and creating literal knots of cables is both impractical and dangerous. Always keep in mind that some of your tools are quite demanding when it comes to electricity and they should all be grouped in this area.
Concrete floors underneath your workbench are the best and the safest bet – they are known as the work-proof surface that can be easily cleaned, not to mention they are fire and water resistant.
The surrounding area
As far as the immediate area that surrounds your workbench goes, it needs to be reserved for tools, since they need to be within your hand’s reach. For starters, repaint the corner of your garage you want to turn into a workshop with abrasion resistant paint – in this case, extra protective epoxy paint can be used, and it is just as applicable in home environments as it is in industrial facilities. Next, add shelves and wooden boards, and hang your tools on them.
You can purchase special hanging boards made especially for this purpose, or you can create your own. You should also keep your tools well-organized, and out of reach of children and those who do not know how to handle them.
Above all else, you need to make sure that your workshop area is properly ventilated. If your garage has windows, this will not be a pressing issue, but if that’s not the case, the most sensible thing is to add a ceiling exhaust system and upgrade it with a dust removal device. If none of these is an option, work with your garage door open as a temporary solution.
Finally, you need to purchase at least two work uniforms.
Since the garage is your private space, you are not obliged to follow specific and rigorous set of safety regulations, which means it is all up to you. Your garage workshop is your own responsibility, so make sure everything has its rightful place to avoid injuries and mistakes that can lead to domestic disasters. Other than that, effective and safe DIY workshops can be both extremely useful and fun.
