Who says you can't have it all? This active family had several distinct goals for their garage, and they accomplished each one.
Introduction
Rough cost estimate: $7,860 (Does not include labor costs or applicable taxes, which vary by market.)
Rough time estimate: 2 weeks (Does not include lead time for Special Order materials.)
- Wall panels and track systems: $1,780
- Kids zone: $450
- Woodworking zone: $3,130
- Gardening zone: $605
- Flooring and lighting: $1,620
- Paint: $185
- Accessories: $90
Imagine an organized, attractive space carved into separate zones for the kids? Sports gear, a woodworking station, and all those gardening supplies, plus enough room left over to park the car. Here, this single dad's dream becomes a reality.
Zone 1: Sports
The kids score the nook at the back door and a corner near the driveway.
1. The track wall system holds various shelves and baskets for the kids gear.
2. A clean-up caddy on the track system has a metal shelf and a paper-towel bar to keep cleaning supplies on hand and in one place.
3. The double bike rack stores cycles and scooters safely and out of the way.
4. Specialized storage, such as the large mesh caddy for balls and hooks for tennis rackets, are the keys to having everyone's sports equipment organized.
Zone 2: Woodworking
Dad claims the back wall as his handyman hangout.
1. On the left side of the space, a safety area includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke and carbon monoxide detector, a weather radio, hearing and eye protection for woodworking projects, and emergency phone numbers.
2. The wall panels above the workbench hold shelves, wall cabinets, and hooks for tools. The panels are mounted to the wall studs.
3. A modular workbench with durable steel legs fits over the base cabinets to offer a stable project station.
4. Two heavy-duty cabinets-one with open storage and one with drawers-house large and small tools. The cabinets have lockable front casters for stability; swiveling rear casters make the units easy to move and dock under the workbench.
Zone 3: Gardening
Outdoor stuff is organized thanks to a large cabinet and wall storage.
1. A wheeled work surface with casters can be easily moved in the garage or used outside as a potting bench.
2. The generous cabinet, which can stand alone or be mounted on the wall, features two adjustable shelves, adjustable leveler legs for uneven floors, and lockable doors.
3. Three levels of the track system accommodate bins for small gardening goods as well as various hooks for long rakes and shovels.
4. This project caddy keeps everything organized and within reach. It features hooks on each side, a metal shelf, and a utility bag for tools and supplies.
Good to Know: You can save up to $200 a year by adding more insulation and sealing air leaks in your home.
More Garage Tips
Thoughtful additions maximize the makeover.
1. If your water heater is exposed, consider enclosing it in a closet. This keeps it out of sight and protected. You'll also gain some extra closet space. Be sure to follow local building codes.
2. Consider installing a shelving unit suspended from the ceiling for storing seldom used items, such as seasonal decorations.
3. Set up a recycling station near the garage door for easy transport to the curb on pickup day. Clearly label the bins for recyclable materials.
4. Simplify cleanup of spills and sawdust by investing in a garage vacuum with an extra long hose.
Floor Time
1. In the parking area, durable floor tiles are placed in a highly visible checkerboard pattern. Along with covering the existing cracks and blemishes, these nonskid tiles help prevent future damage and stains.
2. Any concrete floor can be transformed into an eye-catching surface. Here, the new look starts with gray epoxy garage-floor coating, which seals the floor and simplifies cleanup. Color flecks can be sprinkled in for added style.
Good to Know: The wall panels and track storage systems, featuring simple tongue and groove configurations, are easy to install for handy DIYers.
Tools, products, materials, techniques, building codes and local regulations change; therefore, Lowe's assumes no liability for omissions, errors or the outcome of any project. The reader must always exercise reasonable caution, follow current codes and regulations that may apply, and is urged to consult with a licensed professional if in doubt about any procedures. Please read our terms of use.