Turning my garage into a poor man's shop. Simple garage "build" thread.

[sixstringsteve]

Nothing special here, but I wanted to document my garage improvements to stay motivated and to allow others to chime in and give suggestions. I'm no builder, just a hack with a few tools.

Prior work done recently:
- had 240v installed
- painted the garage white
- installed 3 big florescent lights

Day 1:
Off to HD for supplies.

Lots of unused space up here.

Using lag bolts, attached to studs.

End of Day 1.

 

[UFAB]

Shelves are the best thing you can do for cheap. Run PEX line for wall mounted air hose outlets.

 

[sixstringsteve]

awesome idea for the PEX line. I like it.

 

[sixstringsteve]

The plan is something like this:

Yesterday's progress. Back to Home Depot for more wood.

Here's where I ended up last night:

 

[sixstringsteve]

I was going to mount some unistrut to the top of the ceiling, but I can't find any studs in the ceiling. I think I have those dumb particle board pesudo-studs. So I'm probably going to have to support the shelves from below (like in the picture). I was hoping to remove the pillar from the floor to the bottom of the shelf, but it's looking like I need to keep it there since I can't tie into the ceiling.

I'm also looking for some old cabinets. Does anyone have any leads on some used cabinets for free/cheap?

 

[STAG]

Lookin great! It already looks easier to work in! I finally got my shop cleaned and organized ha

 

[mbryson]

I've got a few cabinets I wouldn't mind unloading. I honestly have to many in my garage

 

[Kevin B.]

I'm also looking for some old cabinets. Does anyone have any leads on some used cabinets for free/cheap?

Habitat For Humanity has a thrift store downtown SLC where they sell all the donations they get that they won't be using to build houses with. They've always got old cabinets in there.

 

[BCGPER]

One can NEVER have too many cabinets....

But, the best way to organize a garage is to build a shed.

 

[rockdog]

Steve, run a two by six on top of the front rim. Nail it real good and it sould carry action packers etc. that way you can eliminate the post going to the floor. I'm not sure of how wide your spanning, but I think that should work. I used to frame houses for a living a century or so ago!

 

[mbryson]

One can NEVER have too many cabinets....

But, the best way to organize a garage is to build a shed.

LOVE your garage. When we get in the next house, I'm hiring you as a consultant

 

[TJDukit]

That's a huge difference in the lighting with the walls painted fresh white. I'll have to work on that this summer.

 

[sixstringsteve]

LOVE your garage. When we get in the next house, I'm hiring you as a consultant

x2. That's amazing.

 

[sixstringsteve]

Steve, run a two by six on top of the front rim. Nail it real good and it sould carry action packers etc. that way you can eliminate the post going to the floor. I'm not sure of how wide your spanning, but I think that should work. I used to frame houses for a living a century or so ago!

it's 13' across. So you're saying to lay the 2x6 flat on top of the side rails should do it?

 

[sixstringsteve]

I've got a few cabinets I wouldn't mind unloading. I honestly have to many in my garage

Cool, let me know. I'll take 'em.

 

[mbryson]

Cool, let me know. I'll take 'em.

I believe I'll be in the garage at least Sat. I don't know that I can leave the lift/tires off my JK much longer (all the boxes and crap take up a bunch of space which is at a premium in my garage). I'll try to get some pics for you.

 

[rockdog]

it's 13' across. So you're saying to lay the 2x6 flat on top of the side rails should do it?

No, lay it over the front rim. On its edge just like the 2x4 rim. Basically you are doubling up the front. 13 feet is a pretty good span. It depends on how much weight you plan on putting on it. But I think it will surprise you how much it will carry if your sides against the wall are anchored well.

 

[phatfoto]

I like where your overhead shelving is going...
My woodworking skills are almost non-existant. So my son and I built these a few years ago.

Not real pretty but solid enough for me to sit on. Now if only my garage was this organized again... I do wish I had more overhead space so i could add more shelf space.

The workbench is solid as well. But I have a real problem keeping it cleaned off so I can use it. I'm currently planning some overhead shelving over the bench. Next house needs to have a bigger garage. My 10'x14' shed is full too, I will be getting rid of stuff soon to make more room.

 

[SpeedyVic]

I'm also concerned about the strength of the joints agains the runner on the wall. It looks like those are only toe-nailed in.

I would reccommend using some of these joist hangers or re-enforcing with some cleats of some kind.

 

[sixstringsteve]

I'm also concerned about the strength of the joints agains the runner on the wall. It looks like those are only toe-nailed in.

I would reccommend using some of these joist hangers or re-enforcing with some cleats of some kind.

THey have a lag bolt connecting them.