If you’re like most homeowners, you probably already store tools and equipment in the garage, but that does not make it a comfortable place to work on your next project. Whether your hobby is restoring classic cars or tinkering with electronics, these tips can help you transform your garage into a safe, efficient workspace for all of your hobbies.

Tip 1: Clear the Clutter

Clean out your garage to get an idea of how much space you will have to work with. Separate miscellaneous household items from the tools and accessories you use for your hobby. Designate a section of your garage to store household items out of the way of your workspace. Once you know the exact size and location of your workspace, you can plan a functional garage design to complement your hobby.

Tip 2: Focus on Flooring

There is no better time to consider replacing your garage flooring than when the entire room is empty. Standard concrete floors can work as a workshop surface, but they eventually stain and crack. Epoxy flooring, on the other hand, is easy to clean and provides better traction. With decorative floor coatings, you won’t need to worry about Arizona’s extreme temperatures or the wear and tear typically inflicted on a garage floor. From parking the hot car to working on messy projects, clean-up is as simple as hosing the area down and using a mop. Low-maintenance, slip-resistant epoxy floors are resistant to stains and spills. To keep your epoxy floors looking great for years to come, be sure to use a durable top coat that has 100 percent UV protection which prevents fading and yellowing. You can even customize your garage floors further with the best color scheme to match your space.

Tip 3: Weigh Your Workbench Needs

Workbenches can be customized for your unique needs. If you need to sit and work on small parts, consider a table-style workbench with a comfortable stool and proper overhead lighting. If you need a more durable surface to hammer, saw and drill various materials, you will want a sturdy countertop with plenty of space to work. A few common workbench options to consider can be found here.

The type of surface you choose for your workbench will depend on the type of projects you want to complete, as well as the overall décor of your space. Don’t forget to install extra electrical outlets if necessary. You will need enough outlets to charge handheld tools and power corded shop tools, and you will not want to risk tripping over sprawling extension cords while you work.

Tip 4: Consider Your Comfort

Garages typically do not have the most ideal insulation against outdoor temperatures. While the Phoenix winter weather is perfect for most garage workspaces, the summer heat can pose a problem. Take the extra step to properly insulate your garage by investing in a portable air conditioner to keep your garage cool enough to work all year long. You should also take an active approach to ventilating the space. Exhaust fans are a good start to keeping the room ventilated. If your hobby produces a lot of dust or fumes, you should consider a dust collection system, air ventilation system, and a central vacuum. For most craftsmen, however, the use of fans combined with open windows and an open garage door will suffice.

Tip 5: Tend to the Tools [image of cabinet system with countertop and tools mounted on gridwall]

The majority of garage designs are made with tool storage in mind. Tools are an investment worth protecting. A garage cabinet system with drawers can be installed along one wall of your garage and mounted above the floor so that you can easily keep the surface underneath clean without worrying about damaging your cabinetry. Large power tools and other accessories can be stored in the cabinets when not in use to keep your workbench clear, and drawers offer one of the easiest ways to sort wrenches, screwdrivers and other hand tools. The cabinets should have interior mounted hinges that swing 110 degrees for easier access to contents, while full extension runners on the drawers allow you to open them all the way to reach the items in the back.

Wall-mounted storage systems above your workbench allow a flexible layout that easily adapts to changing storage needs over time. Start by installing slatwall or gridwall panels, and then add your choice of accessories, which can include shelves, bins, baskets, magnetic strips, and more. Keep your most frequently used tools hung for easy access.

Tip 6: Evaluate Your Entertainment Options

Do you like to keep a television close by while you work? Mount a flat-panel TV directly against the wall or use a wall-mounted swing arm to watch sports and stream television and music through the internet to your workspace. Bluetooth speakers are also a great addition to a garage, provided they are durable enough to withstand dust.

Arizona Garage & Closet Design is a leading provider of high-quality garage cabinetry, workbenches and garage flooring in Phoenix and Scottsdale. With top-of-the-line technology and the strongest, most reliable materials on the market, along with our years of expertise and experience in the industry, you can feel confident in trusting Arizona Garage Design with your custom garage design. For a free in-home consultation, please contact us today!

Want more garage organization ideas? Download our latest guide to gearing up your garage for adventure.

{{cta(’68ac9fba-dfdf-49ec-961a-1a64626a78ec’)}}