Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a professional mechanic looking for that extra workspace, a custom-designed garage workshop is an option unlike any other. Think of all that space just waiting to be put to the right use – from home improvement and maintenance projects to specialty hobbies like gardening, woodwork, motorcycle work, or classic car maintenance.
A custom-designed garage workshop will allow you to work on your projects more efficiently and keep a clean, organized workspace. Aren’t you itching to start your first project in your new garage workshop? Here are some must-have features to help make the perfect workshop right in your garage.
1. A Large, Open Workspace
If you’re considering a custom-designed garage workshop, the space must be functional, efficient, and safe. But above all, you must have a large, open workspace to suit your interest and hobbies.
While the size of your garage will determine how much you can utilize the space, ensure you have enough room to move around comfortably. Some factors determining a good garage workspace are the garage floors, proper lighting, and storage space for tools, equipment, and other materials.
Strong and durable garage floors are crucial to withstand heavy equipment and constant foot traffic. Concrete floors with epoxy coatings are an excellent choice. Then, there’s the matter of lighting. You may not have access to natural light in your garage workshop. So, you must invest in high-quality artificial lighting to provide adequate illumination and help avoid accidents. LED lights are a good investment as they’re long-lasting and energy-efficient.
Workshops require electrical outlets; you must ensure your garage workshop has enough electrical outlets. You’ll need these for plugging in various power tools, lighting, or other electrical equipment. By having enough outlets, you can avoid overloading circuits or the need for extension cords.
Don’t forget a good workbench – an essential feature of any garage workshop. Whether you’re fixing a car or working on a DIY project, you must have a sturdy workbench. Consider installing a workbench that’s sufficiently large for your projects, has built-in storage, and is sturdy enough to handle heavy loads.
2. A Stain-Proof Epoxy Floor
Garage workshops are subject to considerable wear and tear. It’s essential to choose the right flooring. You’ll want a durable, non-slip surface that’s easy to maintain and clean. Some options include rubber mats, interlocking tiles, or epoxy flooring.
Since you’re making a custom-designed garage workshop specifically for your hobbies or as an alternative workspace, it’s bound to involve chemicals, stains, and wear and tear. You’ll want a floor that is highly resistant to these elements.
An epoxy floor coating is a popular choice for garage workshop flooring owing to its low maintenance, durability, and stain-resistant properties. You can use an epoxy coating on the existing concrete floor to create a durable, seamless surface.
This is best done by a professional garage floor installer. It involves preparing the concrete surface by cleaning and repairing any damage or cracks. Then, the epoxy mixture is applied to the surface, followed by the application of a topcoat for added protection and durability.
The entire installation process takes a few days; also, you’ll have to stay off the surface a few days after the installation, allowing it to fully cure. Once it’s done, you’ll have a garage floor that’ll last for years to come and with minimal maintenance.
Choosing the right garage flooring will make it more functional. Not to forget, it also adds a sleek, modern look to your garage workshop. Choose from various colors and finishes for the one that complements your style and the look of your workspace.
3. Ample Tool Storage
Imagine you’re in the middle of some DIY project, and you reach out for a tool. But your workshop is cluttered, and you go about hunting for the tool instead, feeling frustrated. Doesn’t having ample storage space to keep your tools and equipment organized seem like a better solution?
That’s exactly what you can aim for with a custom-designed garage workshop. It’s essential to consider garage storage solutions to store your tools and equipment safely and efficiently. If you use more hand tools, look at installing a pegboard or a tool chest with drawers.
However, if you have more power tools, you’ll need more substantial storage solutions like shelves or cabinets. Here’s an often overlooked factor – the environmental conditions of your garage workshop. Metal tools and equipment will rust or corrode with humidity and temperature fluctuations.
The solution? Dehumidifiers or air conditioning units to help control your garage workshop’s environment. You can also apply protective coatings or rust inhibitors to prevent rust or corrosion on metal items.
4. Overhead Storage Solutions
A garage workshop is all about maximizing storage space, and what better way to do this than overhead storage? It’s an ideal way to store all that you’ll need for your workshop in one place. Luckily, garage companies offer a range of overhead storage solutions that you can opt for to make the most of your custom-designed garage workshop.
Before you decide on overhead storage, consider the equipment you’ll be storing to determine the appropriate storage solution. You’ll want to go with one that’ll safely support the weight of your tools and equipment.
Another essential factor that can impact your choice of overhead storage solutions is the shape and size of your garage workshop. Especially consider the height of your garage ceiling to ensure sufficient clearance for easily storing and accessing your equipment.
As for installing any overhead storage solutions, you can never be too careful. You can avail of the professional installation services of garage companies for safe and secure storage solutions.
5. An Insulated Garage Door
Depending on your location, you might have to look into heating and cooling features for your custom-designed garage workshop. Extreme temperatures can make it challenging to work in your garage. While you could opt for a portable heating/cooling unit or a central HVAC system to help maintain a comfortable working environment, here’s another option – an insulated garage door.
You wouldn’t want to freeze in the winter while working in your garage workshop. An insulated garage door will help maintain a comfortable temperature within your workshop. Whether you live in a cold or hot climate, the insulated door will keep cool air from escaping in the summer and heat from escaping in the winter.
Did you know an insulated door will also help reduce noise levels in your workshop? If you are working with power tools or noisy equipment, the insulated door will absorb some of the sounds, preventing it from disturbing your neighbors or the neighborhood.
Custom garage doors with insulation capabilities will help improve your home’s energy efficiency, apart from helping create a comfortable and functional workspace.
6. Quick-Access Supply Cabinets
Whether you love organizing or prefer having your tools handy and easily accessible, garage cabinets are a great solution. To be more specific, quick-access supply cabinets are a must-have for any custom-designed garage workshop.
Such cabinets help keep your tools and supplies organized, safe from damage, and easily accessible. The choices are vast, from small wall-mounted cabinets to large free-standing cabinets with multiple drawers and shelves.
You must consider the size, configuration, and accessibility of your garage cabinets and decide on the cabinets’ material. Steel cabinets are a popular choice for garage workshops owing to their durability, strength, and resistance to rust and corrosion.
It all comes down to the tools and supplies you use and want to store in your garage cabinets. Consider this, and you can decide what storage solution suits you best.
7. An Automatic Garage Door Opener
When getting a custom-designed garage workshop done, you must prioritize convenience, ease of use, and security. An automatic garage door opener can make a great addition to your garage workshop to serve these purposes.
Garage door openers have come a long way over the years. A range of advanced features can help make your workshop more secure and efficient. Gone are the days when one had to open and close their garage door manually. The most recent models can be opened with the press of a remote control button or from a smartphone app.
Think of all the time and energy you can save, especially if you frequently move in and out of your garage door. Moreover, manually opening and closing your garage door can eventually cause the door, springs, and other related components to wear out. However, an automatic garage door operates smoothly and consistently, reducing the wear and tear on other components.
You can use the more popular chain drive systems, belt drive, or screw drive systems for an automatic garage door opener. While you’re at it, why not consider one with advanced security features that can help prevent unauthorized access?
8. Storage Solutions for Large Equipment
A workshop is a perfect place to keep your large equipment and tools; there’s all that extra space to serve your storage needs. So, why not take your garage space up a notch with custom garage storage cabinets? It’ll make the perfect custom-designed garage workshop.
Garage storage solutions for large equipment will help with proper organization and ease of access. Custom-made garage storage cabinets will maximize your storage space and provide a tailored solution that meets your specific needs.
What is it you expect? Cabinets with shelves, drawers, or hanging racks? Whichever it is, you can have it made to store your equipment efficiently. Don’t neglect the durability of the cabinets; large equipment tend to be heavy-weight, and your cabinets must withstand the bulk.
Often, steel or aluminum is the ideal long-term storage solution since they’re resistant to rust and corrosion. You needn’t worry about cabinets made with these materials caving in under the heavy equipment.
9. A Loft Space for Additional Storage
If you think about it, storage space is seldom well-utilized to the maximum capacity. Have you ever pondered about incorporating a loft space into your garage workshop? You can truly maximize your garage space and ensure everything is well-organized in a dedicated storage space.
Apart from the shelves, cabinets, and other storage units, a loft space will provide you with so much more additional space (that you probably didn’t give much thought). You can choose the size and location of the loft space to maximize storage without sacrificing the workspace.
That’s not all; you can use a loft space for many other purposes. It can be an office, a relaxing place, or a workout area. Having a loft space offers versatility to make the most of your garage workshop and as a space that meets all your needs.
Why not check out Amish built garages to have your custom-designed garage workshop just the way you’d like it? Amish craftsmen do a great job of making you a custom structure you can be proud of.
10. A Garage Door Screen
Having your own dedicated garage workshop sounds amazing. But how will you work through the warmer months in a closed space? It could get slightly suffocating to be cooped up inside your garage in the summer months.
Luckily, you have the option of installing a garage door screen. This will keep your garage workshop cool and breezy while keeping out bugs and pests. Garage door screens are a popular and affordable option for garage door installations. They’re easy to install and can be customized to fit any garage door.
Not only do garage door screens allow for airflow and ventilation, but they also help keep your garage workshop private, away from any nosy passersby. They’re easy to operate, too; you can open and close one with minimal effort. Some garage door screens come with automatic openers; you can control these kinds with a remote control.
Final Thoughts
There you have it! The 10 best features that’ll make an excellent custom-designed garage workshop. Don’t forget to add personal touches to your garage workshop; it could be a mini-fridge, posters, or artwork. Doing this will create a space that feels like your own, making your workspace more enjoyable.
Get yours done right away so you can start that project you’ve been looking forward to for a while. It can make a huge difference in your efforts to work on your project efficiently.