Garages often harbor a not-so-secret second life: heroic home workshop. They’re well-suited to the task, with a tolerance for the noise and dust of do-it-yourself projects.
But if a garage workshop isn’t comfortable and convenient to use, you’ll avoid projects rather than enjoy them. Here are the essentials:
Adequate work space. Ideally, you’ll need room to work even when your cars are parked inside. Figure a minimum area of 10 ft. long and 6 ft. deep. Appropriate storage. Places for tools and supplies are mandatory — the top of your work surface doesn’t count!
Excellent lighting. Both task and ambient lighting help keep you safe and projects mistake-free. Durable surfaces. Pound away on your work surface — it can take it.
Easy-to-clean environment.
You can assemble a basic workbench, cabinets, shelving, and add simple overhead lighting for less than $500. At the other end of the spectrum, there’s no end; you can spend tens of thousands of dollars creating an ultimate garage shop showplace.
