Many men dream of having an impressive, spacious workshop where they can do intricate and complex woodwork or build to their hearts' content. Unfortunately, unless you have a huge home, your garage workshop will likely have to be on a bit of a smaller scale. Though it may be small, there are ways to create a workshop you love working in, though! Take a look at our ideas for setting up your dream garage workshop:
Start with a durable work surface
Of course, every workshop should start with a work table. Make sure you choose a durable table that can withstand normal wear and tear along with flooding, cold temperatures and other potential environmental concerns. A rolling table is a great option for a small garage workshop because it can be easily pushed out of the way when you don't need it and maneuvered into different positions when you do. Plus, you can even take it outside if you're doing a project that requires a little more space.
Invest in storage
Good storage is key when setting up a workshop, and garage wall storage is the best way to get items off of the floor. Wall storage systems can keep everything from tools to building materials to tiny nuts and bolts contained, organized and secure.
Organize
Now's the time to implement a good organization system, too. If you start off organized, you'll find it easier to keep it that way, and working in a clean and tidy environment is both safer and more enjoyable. Shelves and wall cabinets are a great start, but it's a good idea to have plenty of organization bins in every size, and plenty of hooks for hanging tools. Make sure to label every shelf, bin and cabinet from the get-go. You'll be glad you did when you don't have to rummage through bins to find what you're looking for.
Keep it well-lit
Using saws and power tools in a dimly lit environment is a huge hazard, so make sure to set your workshop up with some great lighting. Bright overhead lights are important, but you should also consider adding task lighting to your main work areas.
Don't forget outlets
You may have already noticed your garage is probably lacking in electrical outlets - most have just one. If you can, set up your workshop around the electrical source. If not, it's a good idea to hire an electrician in to add more outlets. Having a maze of multiple extension cords and power strips is a surefire way to get injured.
Ventilate
Make sure your garage is well-ventilated, especially if you're planning on working with paint or chemicals. If your garage doesn't have one already, be sure to install a mechanical ventilation system and fan.
Keep new purchases to a minimum
For some people, walking through the hardware store is equivalent to a child perusing a toy store - new tools can be hard to resist. One of the best ways to keep a small workshop organized and clean is to limit those new purchases. If you do get a new item, keep the area safe and tidy by finding a good storage spot for it right away.
