Building a Garage Work Bench? Check Out These 5 Great Ideas!

Your garage can be so much more than a cluttered storage area. It can be a critical workspace for many different hobbies, from woodworking to auto maintenance. However, you need to set it up correctly. One way to do that is with a workbench. These five ideas will help you take your garage from 0 to success.

Work bench with rod and vise clamp with hand wheel

Image: Pixabay

Ready to install a new garage workbench?

Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional, a garage work bench is a critical consideration. It’s where you’ll sit down with tools in hand to do what you do, whether that’s lubing up a stuck brake caliper or sharpening lawnmower blades.

You can go almost any route you want when it comes to your garage work bench, too. They can be purchased from big-box stores, built by hand from scratch, and more. You can also opt for something that’s customized to your specific needs or go with a generic bench.

Regardless, you’ll want to consider several important factors when deciding what route to take in regard to your bench. Those should include the amount of space you’ll need (and the amount of space available), the types of materials you’re working with (and the types you’ll need for your bench for wear and tear, resistance to chemicals, and the like), and how to set up the bench in terms of layout and design.

Use these considerations to help you create the ideal workbench.

Mobility

Is your garage small? Maybe it’s being used for other things, like storage or parking a car. Whatever the case, space constraints don’t have to mean skipping the work bench.

A mobile work bench

A mobile design from Colin Dennis Board on Pinterest

In many instances, work benches are built on walls or crammed into corners. Why do that when you can have the run of the place? With a mobile design, you can build a work bench on wheels. That also ensures that you’re always able to move your bench around for maximum space utilization.

Safety is still going to be a big concern here. Make sure you install wheels with a locking system. Otherwise, the bench won’t stay in place and accidents could happen.

Design It with Levels

More shelves = more utility

Why build a bench with just one level or just a couple of shelves when you can go big? Add additional shelving above, create space to hold lighting, and generally make your work bench the envy of your friends .

A multi level work bench

Check out this multi-level design from Colin Dennis Board on Pinterest

An upper shelf gives you so much storage and additional utility. Store your extra fasteners there or save it for frequently used tools that might get lost on a bottom shelf. You can also add shelves under the benchtop itself. Here you can store heavier tools that you don’t want up high, extension cords, and so much more.

With all the effort you’re putting in, you might as well make the most out of the vertical space to hold all your stuff.

It’s really all about storage optimization and extra space. When you’re able to put everything away, you can walk through the garage without worrying about tripping over tools or extension cords.

Add Some Fun

Reinvent that dark, dank garage.

The California, Garaga's fully transparent garage door is a strikingly dramatic choice to add loads of natural light to a classed-up garage.

Love this see-through door? It’s a California garage door. What a way to dress up your garage space!

Working by task lighting is no fun at all (and it’s hard on the eyes). Open up that garage and usher in some natural light! Not only will it make it easier to work, but it also adds to the wow factor of the space you’ve created.

Work bench with a window

To make it work, you might need to consider some changes to your garage door so that natural light will flood in. After all, most doors are actually more like walls, even if you have a few windows in it.

Image: Unsplash

If your door doesn’t have windows or you want more light, you can add more windows relatively easily. In addition to making your workspace more usable, you can also benefit by increasing the curb appeal of your house. It increases the appearance of your home, but can also bump up its value.

Of course, the best way to let natural light in is just to open the garage door. If you don’t already have a garage door opener installed , consider scheduling a garage door opener installation – just the press of a button and your workspace is filled with bright, natural light and you’re able to get back to work.

These are just some of the simple things you can do to add more light. If you don’t want to go the modification route, get creative with interior lighting to brighten up the space.

Consider Comfort

Creating a workspace doesn’t have to mean sacrificing all the creature comforts. There’s no reason that you should be hot in the summer or cold in the winter. Adding a little bit of insulation to your garage door, as well as throughout the rest of the garage can help.

Garage door: Vog Design, 18'x7', Black color

Love this design? This garage door is from Standard+ Construction (R-16 thermal resistance), Vog Design, 18'x 7', in Black color

By adding insulation, you increase the R-value of your garage door and the space itself. R-value is a term used to measure thermal efficiency – the higher the number, the better able to withstand temperature extremes a space is. In the instance that the outdoors is not hospitable, an insulated garage door ensures that you can do what you need to do without wearing mittens and a coat.

Also, good insulation isn’t just important for winter. It helps keep your garage cool in the summer, too!

Don’t Neglect Style

We’ve touched on adding style and utility to your work bench and garage space, but there’s so much more possible. You can transform the entire garage if you want, all the way to a brand new garage door. You can add stylistic touches on the outside, too, like stone veneer, which costs just $10-$20 per square foot. That’s an affordable way to add style and sophistication to your home.

You can go even farther with this – add a window box between the garage doors and grow colorful flowers. Add wall planters, light sconces, or build an entire flower bed if your space permits. The sky’s the limit here, so don’t be afraid to dream big.

Want to highlight the features of your garage? Use the power of nature and the beauty of lighting to draw the eye where you want it. It’s never been simpler to add refinement to your garage’s exterior and transform your space from drab to fab.

Garage Doors: Eastman E-21, 9' x 7', Desert Sand doors and Ice White overlays, 8 lite Panoramic windows

You like this look? These garage doors are Eastman E-21 design, 9' x 7', Desert Sand doors and Ice White overlays, 8 lite Panoramic windows

Is it time to make that work bench and garage investment?

Contact a specialist in garage door repair and replacement. Don’t attempt to do the work on your garage door on your own. They can be very heavy, and a mishap with the springs can cause serious injury, even death. The right specialist will be able to help with all your needs, from windows to selecting a new door.

McLaughlin Roof Trusses Ltd. is your one-stop-shop for virtually everything you need. You can easily request a quotation via email and we’ll reply as quickly as possible so you can get started with your project immediately.

Also, check out these 3 styles to understand what’s available for your home’s garage door.

Make sure you take time to explore all of your options and think about the different styles, features, and how each connects with your home’s aesthetic. Then, use those to guide your decision.

Not sure you have all the information necessary? The at McLaughlin Roof Trusses Ltd. can provide the advice and guidance you need, whether it’s a small renovation job or a full replacement project.

Get in touch with us at 506-375-4105.

We would love to hear from you and talk about your needs and goals. Now’s the time to start that improvement or renovation project!

Make sure to explore our Design Centre.

This unique tool lets you build your garage door with just a few clicks of the mouse. Get up close and personal with different door styles, window options, colors, and more!

Need some inspiration?

Explore our gallery of garage doors to see some real-world examples of garage door replacements and other projects.

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