Full Workshop in a 1-Lawnmower Garage
This 12' x 20' space is essentially a shed built into a house. Building a full workshop in this space required me to innovate on several fronts...some of which are represented by the photos below. Stay tuned on my YouTube channel, Instagram and Facebook page for periodic tidbits about some of the tiny-space usability hacks I did for this space.
The Starting Point
A familiar sight, am I right?
The Full Workshop
Panoramic view of the finished space.
Island & Workbench
To be clear - that garage door is a LAWNMOWER-sized garage door - too small for a car to get through. This is truly a tiny space workshop.
Lighting Tricks
This workshop has 2 stages of lighting, both of which can be seen here. Follow me on YouTube for more on this soon.
Lumber Rack Hack
In a tiny space, even this minimalistic lumber rack can be too invasive. This view shows how I cut the lower 2 tiers back 4 inches... providing more elbow & shoulder space when moving around the island.
Recessed Miter Saw Station
I mounted the miter saw out from the wall a bit farther than necessary. This allows the miter saw to cut full-length boards WHILE allowing the other tools to be used in-place. All 5 of those tools can be used right where they sit.
Empty Spaces, For The Win
This view shows several spaces I intentionally left empty. The blank spot on the plywood is for future workshop evolution. The empty shelf above the miter saw is for holding lumber while using the miter saw. Look closely and you'll find quite a few intentionally-empty spaces in this garage.
Isolated Splash of Color
Also notice the oversized miter saw cavity. Rather than sizing it to fit the customer's CURRENT miter saw, I sized it to support future upgrades...such as the Bosch GCM12SD 😅.
Right-Handed Cockpit Area
ALL tools you see here are positioned for right-handed use. Drills on the right, bits on the left. Screwdrivers on the right, tapes on the left. Etc.
Slatwall for Yard Tools
I'm not a huge fan of slatwall for a tool wall, but when it comes to yard tools.... slatwall is easy to love & hard to hate
Easy-Change Screwdriver Holder
Custom brackets & knobs to allow this to be quickly removed for quick modifications.
Angled Tape Shelf
These custom brackets hold a shelf at an angle to let tape roll back against the wall. Go getcha some from my Etsy store!
The Clipboard Bench Dog
This custom KTG bench dog doesn't just hold your workpiece in place... It also holds your clipboard up and out of your way!
3D-Printed Bench Dogs
Color-coded KTG bench dogs stored right in the apron.
Multi-Tier Magic Island
This workbench island is made to answer the question “where do I put this thing that's in my way but I'll need it again in just a minute?”
Magic Island Clipboard Slot
In a tiny workshop, even the clipboard can take up a lot of space. In the magic island, there's a slot for it.
Clamp Rack
Clamps organized and accessible under the bench.
Secret Compartment
Here, it's just being used for rarely-used stuff like snakes & fishtapes. But imagine the possibilities!
Functional Drawer Fronts
Labels are not only readable... they're glanceable. Also, the sanding & grinding drawer is useful without even opening it!
Just an Empty Drawer
It's important to implement empty spaces to embrace future growth.
Measuring, Layout, Beating, Prying
Frequently-used tools in the top drawer. (main hammer is on the wall)
Even More Emptiness
Again, empty spaces allow the shop and user to evolve.
Sanding & Grinding Drawer
Custom organizer sorts discs by grit with room for the sander.
Sandpaper by Grit
Every grit in its own slot.
Glance-Friendly Labels
This user's drill bits are mostly blue, his air tools are mostly orange, his router stuff is mostly red, and his vacuum is yellow. This isn't just cute... it's a subconscious visual recognition technique that often eliminates the need to even read the label.
Sockets & Allen Wrenches
This dedicated “workshop set” is color-coded NOT ONLY for size recognition.... But ALSO so if a colored socket (or allen wrench) finds its way outside the workshop, everyone knows exactly where to return it to.
Router Bits & Parts
See all the red? Red label? Red parts? See? This isn't just about matching. It's about hacking the shop to make you think less about finding things.
GridFinity Screw Drawer
Common screws, bolts, etc. organized in GridFinity bins. This allows the user to simply pick up the bin he needs, without having to unfold an origami organizer tray on the precious workbench space.
Color-Coded Bits & Labels
This seems silly, BUT your subconscious mind gets it: By color-matching screw labels & bits, you're able to grab a screw & the right bit... WITHOUT having to look closely at the shape of the head or the tip.
Color-Coded Bits
Here are the colors.
Custom Designed Light Shades
KTG-branded light shades that direct the task lighting only where you want it: on the workbench (and not in your eyes.)
Wider Custom Light Shade
This shape is nice for allowing light to flow onto a workbench & tool wall, while keeping the bright bulb out of sight.
Textured Detail
A closer look at the custom-designed 3D printed shade's exterior detail.
Power Near Upper Shelf
I added this receptacle by the upper shelf to allow a stereo to be mounted up and out of the way... WITHOUT wires stringing up the tool wall.
