The Workbench

So let's talk garage! Several weeks ago, Angela and I finished our last home improvement project and put the final touches on the nursery. With several weeks left before the baby due, I wanted to work on some garage stuff that I have been wanting to do. If anyone has seen our garage, they know it has some issues; cold in the winter, hot in the summer, not enough adequate light, no shelves, no workbench, and very few electrical outlets. What an opportunity for improvement!

Step 1, workbench. Most women know that men cannot function without a work bench. At our old house, I built a work bench that weighed close to 400 lbs. It was solid as a rock and handled just about any task that I threw at it. So working at Toyota the one thing I have learned, is that you never do the same thing over again. Even if it worked before, it can always be better. So when I looked back, I made the following adjustments: smooth top surface, better storage space under workbench, used un-treated lumber (weighs less), and built with nails as opposed to screws. In the end, it is a great work bench.

Step 2, lighting. So I have a workbench, so now I need a light and some outlets. Flourescent lighting is the best so I installed a 4 ft section right above the work bench. I then wired in more electrical outlets right at the workbench. The light actually helps light the rest of the garge.

Step 3, insulation. It was so cold up here this past winter and was very uncomfortable to work in the garage. I installed some R-13 insulation all around the garage which should help make it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.


Step 4, wall storage. A large part of the problem with having hand tools is finding a place to store them. Home Depot and Lowes both carry a Rubbermaid product called "Fast Track". This stuff is great. I highly recommend looking into this product for wall storage. There are many different attachments and what is different, is that you have the ability to make changes very easily.

So the garage is complete and it has increased my floor space by almost 2 x. I am very pleased and did not spend that much doing it.