When it comes to storing unused items, the garage seems like a likely solution. Unlock your garage goals with a self-built workbench and smart overhead storage for your outdoor escapades. You’ll be ready for action when the weekend arrives!
How to build a workbench
Build a couple of savvy, practical projects to organise your garage, then you can tinker for a month of Sundays!
Gather your supplies
- 2400 x 1200 x 19mm plywood panel (2)
- 70 x 45mm x 2.4m dressed pine (3)
- PVA glue
- 70 x 70mm x 1.8m dressed pine (2)
- 65mm bugle screws
- 42 x 19mm x 2.4m dressed pine (2)
- 64 x 19mm x 2.4m dressed pine (2)
- Primer
- Paint
- Handy storage 70L crate (5)
You’ll also need
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Combination square
- Safety eyewear
- Circular saw with guide and clamps
- Mitre saw
- 80-grit sandpaper
- Electric planer
- Drill
- Countersink drill tool
- Impact driver
- Nap roller and tray
- Cloth
- Ladder
- Stud finder
Here’s how
Step 1
Measure and mark all components (see Workbench list, opposite page) with tape measure, pencil and combination square. Cut plywood components with circular saw. Cut dressed pine components with mitre saw. Sand edges with 80-grit.
Step 2
Use electric planer to chamfer 5mm bevel on edges of Legs, Outer and Side rails.
Step 3
Measure and mark drill lines 90mm from both ends of Outer rails and Shelf, then across centre of Outer rails and Shelf. Repeat for Top at 35mm from both ends.
Step 4
For ladder frame, apply glue to ends of 3 Side rails, attach to centres of Outer rail drill lines. Predrill 2 equally spaced pilot holes through Outer rails and into Side rail for all 6 joints, insert bugles, screw tight. Repeat for second ladder frame.
Step 5
Lay 2 Legs parallel. Position a ladder frame on side, corners flush with top of both Legs. Predrill through pilot holes into Legs, insert bugles, screw tight.
Step 6
Put base of second ladder frame along assembly lines of Legs. Predrill through pilot holes, insert bugles, screw tight.
Step 7
Flip workbench. Repeat Steps 5-6 to attach remaining 2 Legs. Stand workbench, check frame is level and square.
Step 8
Slide Shelf onto lower ladder frame. Predrill and screw 2 equally spaced bugles through Shelf drill line. Repeat for Top to finish.
How to build garage overhead storage
Here’s how
Step 1
Measure and mark all components (see Overhead storage list, page 163) with tape measure, pencil, and combination square. Cut plywood with circular saw (with guide and clamps), and dressed pine components with a mitre saw. Sand edges with 80-grit sandpaper.
Step 2
On ceiling, measure and mark the Mounting board location. Use a stud finder to locate joists in marked area. Mark centre of joists with a pencil (typically every 430mm), then mark corresponding drill lines on the Mounting board.
Step 3
To assemble a mounting track, predrill 4 equally spaced pilot holes along centre of Batten. Apply glue to long edge of Flange, then form a ‘T’ track with Batten. Carefully flip, insert bugles to pilot holes and screw tight into Flange with impact driver. Repeat for a total of 6 tracks.
Step 4
Position Mounting board and tracks according to the Overhead storage diagram (below). Mark track positions on edges of Mounting board, then pencil a connecting line. Predrill 4 equally spaced pilot holes.
Step 5
Apply glue to bottom of a track. Line up with drill line and attach to underside of Mounting board. Insert bugles then screw tight. Repeat until all tracks are mounted. Wipe away excess glue with damp cloth.
Step 6
Apply primer to Mounting board and tracks, then 2 coats of paint. Allow to dry between each coat.
Step 7
With an extra pair of hands, position Mounting board along ceiling location marks. Predrill, insert and screw 3 equally spaced bugles on drill lines and into ceiling joists. Label and insert storage boxes into Mounting board to complete.
How to organise your tools
Coat your garage floor for a seamless look
Achieve a tough, long-lasting, decorative finish with Dy-Mark Epoxy Coat. This product seals and protects your interior garage flooring, resists hot tyre pickup and has a durable satin finish. Your garage transformation isn’t complete until the floor looks just as good as everything else!
Garage storage shelves
Tall and narrow shelves are the ideal space-savers for bulky sport and camping gear. Assemble flatpack shelving to suit, then secure to walls for stacks of sturdy upright space complete with clear, labelled storage tubs. Mount bike hooks for vertical bike parking and you’ll have more room in your den for your other fun stuff!
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