I'm moving to a new place that has a 23'x31' garage, and I'm planning to take half of it, about 11'x31', for my workshop. Has anyone here moved their shop recently and have advice on how to set everything up in the new space? I'm thinking about insulating the outside wall before I put up drywall and create a tool wall. Also, I'd love to hear any paint recommendations for a woodshop! What do you guys think of garage floor coatings? I know I could spend a lot on a professional finish, but I've seen some modern DIY kits that look durable. Lastly, I'm considering building a wall between the garage and the shop, but I'm leaning towards a thick curtain system with magnets to help keep dust off my wife's car, since a permanent wall might hurt resale value. Would really appreciate your thoughts and suggestions!
5 Answers
I tried epoxy flooring in my shop, but it can get super slippery with sawdust everywhere—like ice skating! What worked wonders for me is laying down 1/4" horse mat throughout. It's really comfortable to stand on, won’t move your heavy tools, and it's cheaper than professional epoxy jobs. Just a tip—look locally for the mat because shipping can get pricey!
You’ll want to install tons of lights in your workshop! Grab some inexpensive LED fixtures from Harbor Freight or Lowe's that daisy chain together. It's incredible how much brighter the space will feel—it can make a huge difference when you're working!
Definitely go for insulation and don't skimp on lighting! I highly recommend adding plenty of electrical outlets too; nothing beats a well-lit work space. A glossy wall paint would be a smart choice because it makes cleanup a breeze. Just so you know, a curtain might not cut it for dust control, and if you build a non-structural wall, it can be removed easily later on!
Insulating is key! It’ll help make your shop more comfortable year-round. If you live in an area that gets cold, definitely think about heating options—an electric space heater could be enough. Lighting is crucial too; you don’t want to miss any details while working. For painting, use shower curtains to section off space—it's a handy way to protect your tools and minimize dust on your wife's car! And don’t forget to have at least two 20amp circuits for power—trust me, it makes a world of difference!
I watched an old episode of New Yankee Workshop recently, and Norm mentioned not to install drywall. Instead, using plywood on the walls is better—this way, you can easily hang shelves, cabinets, and other fixtures wherever you need them without worrying about finding studs. Definitely worth considering!