Show me your Garage/Shop

I am looking to build a larger detached garage in the next couple years. Due to lot coverage limitations I need to stick to around 700 sq/ft. (Maybe a 24x30). If I knock down my small detached garage then I can go to around 1,000 sq/ft (around 32x32). I’d like to have enough depth in at least 2 bays to pull an engine out of a full size truck with the door closed so I’m think at least 28’ deep, preferably 30’. I’d also like adequate room for tool boxes and a work bench. Maybe one bay that could have a lift installed one day.

That said, show me your garage so I can get an idea of what dimensions/setups would work well in my size and price range. Bonus points if you have pics of your tundra parked inside! Please include dimensions too!

 

Bump!

 

This would be my dream setup, i wish i had enough room to expand my garage! Damn suburbia.....

 

OP, this thread may have a few ideas for you to browse:

https://www.tundras.com/threads/show-me-your-tool-box.62830/

 

I only have .7 of an acre, and I feel super limited compared to others in my community. I won’t complain though as I know I’m lucky to have the space I do compared to a lot of people.

Thanks I’ll check it out!

 

Were it me, I'd knock down the small detached garage. I know tons of people who have regretted building too small of a shop; but I've NEVER known anyone to build a large shop and then regret it.

My own shop is 20' x 30'. It's more than big enough for what I need (minor woodworking, weights, and some storage), but having 2.5 acres, I can tell you for a fact that while I don't 'regret' building the size I did, I do wish I'd built it slightly larger (say, 30' x 35' or so).

 

Yeah I think you’re right. If I’m gonna do it I might as well do it right the first time. It will feel more substantial and less cluttered to have just one larger building. Then the question becomes what’s the ideal dimensions as far as biasing the space to depth or width.
32x32, 26x38, 30x34. So many options to consider. Seeing some photos of trucks in various size garages would help.

 

I have a 23'x24' attached garage. It's too small, with my work bench and shelving I can only fit my truck inside. My car has to sit outside. I need to move the truck out for any real projects to take place too. Knock down your small garage and build at least 32'x32'. Go as big as you possibly can. Just know that no matter what size you get, it'll be too small. Such is the way with shops and garages.

I'll see if I can get a pic when I get home tonight.

 

I have a 24’ wide 52’ deep with upstairs storage. I park daily drivers in the front and a couple toys behind them. Shape was dictated by the space I had for it. I didn’t want the roof higher that the roof on my 2 story house, so while the ceiling is about 10’, it’s not high enough for a lift. I would have liked the lift but I live without it. I have radiant floor heating which I like a lot.

 

This is my current problem. My attached garage is roughly 21x28. It’s just deep enough at 21 to get my truck in and close the door. We keep both cars in there fine and some storage on the one side. I don’t feel like I can actually work on my truck in there though, since I have to pull it part way out and center it more in the garage to have working room. If I tear it apart, then I can’t leave it that way if I run into problems with repairs and can’t finish right away, or I can’t close my garage door. I need a space where I can tear stuff apart and leave it that way for as long as needed.

The detached garage is only 15.5x21.5 and my truck won’t fit in there since the door is a bit too small. Thats where I keep all my lawn equipment, snow blower, etc.

 

Ooo that sounds cool. Can you share any pics? I have contemplated a narrow and long a garage too, possibly a 25x40. How’s the space on the 24 wide with 2 vehicles parked side by side?

 

I’ll send you some pics.

 

That's a shed! Not a garage lol.
Take down the shed and go for the largest possible footage. A double deep is definitely a great idea on smaller land plots.

 

Before his divorce, my brother in law had a sweet shop. It was something like 28x40. Had two garage doors with 15' ceilings and a second full floor for storage. We put a 2 post lift in the left bay. Floor to ceiling storage on the right bay wall. You could pull 4 cars in with a 5th on the lift and still have space at the back to tinker on stuff.

 

Here’s a couple ideas to consider. I have built, I think, 6 shops at various homes where we lived.
A high ceiling area is important for rolling over full sheets of plywood etc
A door that is aligned with the blade of your table saw will allow you to use the opening for the occasional long boards you might need to rip.
An overhead trolley that can access the bed of a truck and your storage area is really helpful.
Locate a big door about 30” or 36” from a corner. On the inside wall you can locate your primary shop bench. This allows you to align your bench, toolboxes, cabinets and a vise along the wall that is then parallel to a vehicle that you pull into the bay.

 

Here are some pictures I took while building out my shop 5 years ago. It was bare studs when we moved into the house.

I will take some current ones tomorrow.

 

Nice shops guys! Thinking about maybe going with a 28.5x36. (2) 10’ doors in the front, and one 8’ door on the side toward the rear of the shop. I’m sure that may change as I try to brainstorm what would work best for me, but I’ve drawn almost every combo to scale and sketched in the truck in the bays. I’m kinda liking that setup, on paper anyway.

Anyone have pics of something with similar dimensions to that?

 

Does anyone here have any insights on all metal buildings like the American steel ones vs a traditional pole building? I’m working on pricing out both options. I’m guessing I can save 5-10k with a metal building but not sure if there are drawbacks I’m not considering.

 

Not an authority on the subject but I would guess rust/corrosion might be an issue depending on your area. Not sure if there are any permitting differences or insurance differences either. I would imagine insurance would be cheaper for metal since less burning concerns.

 

When I did my pole barn, I competitively priced against a metal building and stipulated matching features; doors, window, height, insulation, etc.
It appeared, at first, that the metal building was cheaper but then when I accounted for the fact that the anchor bolts and concrete were structural, requiring more engineering and inspections, the balance tilted towards the pole barn.
Costs of lumber, steel and labor are highly variable, so I don’t know what it is like in today’s market

 

I thought I’d follow up on this and show the route we ended up taking for anyone with interest. I didn’t realize it would be two years from the original post until we would be building it. I ended up keeping my other small garage as well as building the new one at 1,000sqft at 27x37. I was able to have more lot coverage than originally thought.

We went with a pole building with a 16’ insulated ceiling. We used wrapped Greenposts to prevent post rot, as well as skirt board protectors so anything near the ground will hopefully not rot for our lifetime at least. The doors are (2) 11x14’ and (1) 8x8’ on the side facing the back yard. 6” concrete is poured to accommodate a lift in any location one day. We also did a 100 amp subpanel, and I just finished the main interior lighting and at least have a few outlets to work with for now until I run the rest of the wiring. The lighting is great. 126,000 total lumens with dimmers. I’m thrilled to now have this space for my hobbies and storage to keep our camper from falling apart in the weather. I was able to clean the truck last night inside with ample room and light and it was an awesome feeling. I’m already wishing it was bigger, but we think this is a good compromise for my lot size. Had we gone bigger I’d have to do inspections by the township, and may have had to sacrifice on other aspects of the build or had to wait longer to build it.

This is likely one of those never ending projects. The future wish list includes toolboxes/benches, shelving, outdoor lighting, a 2 post lift, Heating/cooling, garage door opener(s), wall insulation, shaded outdoor patio furniture on the side, and maybe a loft area above the camper parking spot. Perhaps I’ll post on here to chronicle the progress for anyone interested.

 

SWEEEEET!!!

I have a pole barn on the property that is almost identical square footage, but trusses are at 8’ so no lift But it’s a place that’s not the garage that I can work on my vehicles. And it served as a storage unit when we moved in while we sorted through things, so I’m not complaining.

One of the best things I did was add a heat pump - not too cold in the winter, not too hot in the summer. We have a big Maple that shades it most of the day in the summer so it’s quite comfortable to be in there. I have aux heat for the winter because the heat pump won’t quite keep it warm, but it will keep it above freezing.

 

The heat pump is actually high on my priority list! I was thinking maybe a single 2 ton ductless just to temper it for now, installed in such a way that adding a second one could be an easy addition. If I could have it 50-60 degrees in wintertime and 75-78 in summer but with humidity removal I think I’d be happy. I could also supplement as needed with a propane torpedo heater or a diesel heater was my thought.

 

Yes, definitely interested in future updates. Keep the progress and pictures coming, even if it takes a while.

I need to get out of the suburbs so I can build something similar.
I'm currently making due with a 3 stall residential garage, pretty well insulated, with heat and a 4-post lift, but really want on-site camper storage and more project room.

 

Very nice!! Watch Craigslist free section, and tools section. I frequently aquire many shop cabinets, benches, tools, etc. from there and pawn shops too. Most of the cabinets and benches come free and one can then customize them with sinple add ons like casters, handles, new tops, add doors, etc. Much more affordable and it challenges one's creativity more. As time goes along, upgrades keep coming. Also watch for store remodeling, scored tons of free heavy duty shelving over the years and even framed a big shed with repurposed warehouse units and covered it with ribbed panels.

 

Very nice! If you end up insulating that, and depending on how NE you are, a minisplit (maybe a dual headed one) would be nice for heating and cooling. Looks like a great building. I'm jealous of those high doors!

 

Now that's how you store a camper!

 

I'd probably build a live in loft over half and rent the house for "play money". At the very least, rent the loft for some extra cash.

 

Will do! How do you like your 4 post lift? If I had 3 bays I’d probably do a 4 post, but I’m worried I wouldn’t have enough room to use my one open bay for a variety of things if I go 4 post. The 2 post, while still in the way, will be easier to live with and work around is my thought.

Great idea for sure. I’ve been keeping an eye of FB marketplace for free stuff, but nothing lasts long on there if it’s free and worth having. Just missed some free garage rubber mats because I was too slow. It’s hard to up and leave on a whim to snag deals like I used to with 2 little ones at home now.

Agreed! Campers suck. You can try and stay on top of maintenance, but even if you think you’re good there’s a good chance it’s leaking water in somewhere and you don’t know it.

I do like extra money, but I’m over here trying to get away from people so I’d probably regret inviting some to live on my property.

The renters would have to tolerate music and impact uggaduggas at all hours also. That does sound like a nice house hack though.