Living: Top Three Tips for a Functional Garage Workshop

A functional garage workshop makes a difference in how well you finish projects. When your space is unorganized, cramped, or dark, it’s hard to stay focused and get motivated. 

But you don’t need a big budget or an interior designer’s mind to make your space work for you. Follow these top three tips for a functional garage workshop.

1. Select or Build Your Workbench 

Your workbench needs to be sturdy so that you can safely complete projects. And it needs to be the right size for your available square footage. Choose between wood, plastic, or steel workbenches.

Or, if you’re handy and have the tools for it, consider building your own custom workbench. Keep in mind that even when you have enough floor space, a larger workbench won’t always improve your space. Also, think about whether you want to put the workbench against the wall or away from it.

2. Light Up the Room 

In most standard garages, lighting is limited or ugly. Therefore, the next tip for a functional garage workshopis to upgrade the lighting. The better the lighting, the easier it is for you to see what you’re doing, and the less likely you are to strain your eyes. You can hang an LED shop light directly over your workbench to keep it illuminated. 

You don’t have to add lights everywhere to lighten the room either. Adding a diamond plate backsplash behind your against-the-wall workbench is a great trick for reflecting the light. And since one of the benefits of cosmetic diamond plates is durability, you’ll protect the wall from debris as you work.

3. Store Tools and Supplies Neatly

Use vertical storage space as much as possible. This will conserve your available floor area and can make it easier for you to find your tools and supplies. People commonly use pegboard to hold lightweight tools. And you can use a slatwall fitted with hooks, shelves, baskets, and bins to store larger and heavier items.

Place small items in drawers and use dividers to keep things organized. For miscellaneous small objects, consider using small storage bins. Label the bins, then keep the items you need the most often closest to you.