Gardening can be a fun and rewarding hobby, but it is no secret that you will require a number of tools to make the most out of your experience. One of the issues that many homeowners will encounter is how to properly store this equipment within their garage. Indeed, it can be a bit challenging to know how to make the most out of what will often prove to be a limited amount of space while protecting the tools from damage. What are some of the most effective ways to accomplish this task?

Off of the Ground

First of all, it is highly likely that the majority of your tools are made from metal. So, you need to be concerned about rust. Moisture tends to hang low to the ground. When possible, hang your tools from a wall or even place them (safely) above the rafters. This will help to limit the exposure to water and humidity. In turn, you will vastly increase their lifespan.

Prioritise Your Access

Many of the most trusted organisational guides will recommend that you prioritise the ways in which your tools are stored. In other words, provide easy access to those that are used regularly. Any tools that are only needed once or twice a year can be placed out of common access. This equates to less clutter while the equipment that you need will only be a short distance away.

Storage Bins

Another great idea is to consider using plastic storage bins for the bulk of your equipment. This concept will offer a few key benefits. First, the garage itself can appear much cleaner than it would otherwise be. Secondly, the tools will be protected from the elements (as mentioned previously). Some high-end storage units may even be hermetically sealed from the outside environment.

Pegboards

These are a common feature within many garages, and for good reason. Pegboards are excellent do-it-yourself items that enable you to store a multitude of tools quickly and easily. They are lightweight, easy to assemble and cost very little. In turn, you will be able to enjoy years of constant use while the floor space can remain free from clutter and hazards.

Consider the space that you have to work with when choosing the most appropriate methods. In fact, you might find that two or more suggestions can be used in combination to achieve the best results. Organising your garage may not be as fun as gardening, but a clean work area is an efficient work area!

Tyres, being made of rubber, are susceptible to environmental changes and therefore it makes sense that if you use winter tyres and need to store them away for the winter, that they are stored properly in order to protect your considerable investment. As winter tyres are also used as a safety feature, utmost care should be taken that summer storage does not perish, degrade or damage them in any way.

Firstly, it is unacceptable to store them in the open air, even under a protective cover. They should be allocated space in a dark, cool and most importantly, dry area which is well ventilated. The temperature should at no time exceed a normal, comfortable room temperature, and should also not be excessively cold.

Direct sunlight is the enemy of rubber, and should be avoided at all costs. Continuous changes of humidity or temperature in the air can also be detrimental, and any devices that generate ozone should be avoided in the storage room. Solvents and chemicals, fuel, lubricants and other paraphernalia associated with car ownership should also be stored elsewhere and there should be no pressure exerted on the tyres from stacking or storing things on top of them.

Tyres should be inflated to one bar for storage and if they have rims can be hung from ropes to avoid any pressure being exerted on the rubber from the rims. Tyres without rims should not be stacked, but rather lined up alongside each other and in an ideal world, turned once every four weeks or so to eliminate the possibility of flat spots. If you live near the coast, ensure that your storage area is free from the effects of salt degradation.

Winter tyres can be viewed as an unnecessary expense or a lifesaving necessity, depending on your viewpoint. But one fact is clear. If you do decide to use them, take care of them and they will take care of you.

What Makes A Garage Extreme?

While “extreme” usually conjures up images of the most outlandish and unconventional renovations, the opposite is usually true. While your standard garage generally comes equipped with a door opener, automatic lights, and any varying amounts of clutter, what can be considered an extreme garage is a little less definitive. Aspects can include: spinning floor pieces and/or glass walls or doors; intense lighting upgrades; built-in jacks for lifting and storing; fully installed and equipped air and fluid hoses; and some folk even install bars or theatres, complete with all the necessary amenities to cut loose after a hard day. For a great example of some ideas for luxurious carport interiors, check out these garages.

Let’s Get Extreme!

The idea of extreme when it comes to garage renovations generally applies only to the idea that the additions will be time-consuming, possibly gaudy and, most abhorred of all, excessively costly. This is not always the case, especially when you work within your own needs or interests. Most people don’t need an extra lift to store their cars atop one another, however my guess is that if you do have enough cars and garage space that you want to stack them, then you may have the funds necessary to install said machinery.

That being said, there are many avenues which are available to the common tellurian to help them in the most prevalent issues with garage renovation, namely, a) moving their vehicles to b) redecorate.

Extreme… Decorating?

Customarily the superficial upgrades of appearance are easily overcome by some paint and minor touch-ups to the existing furniture or fixtures. The Family Handyman has tips for creating a few space-saving ideas and more. According to this site all you need to do is dedicate a few hours or a day or your time to each project, and you will be this much closer to your voluptuous dream Garage-Man-Cave!

Extreme Relocation

Not surprisingly, many difficulties arise when trying to stock said garages with their anticipated vehicles. Removing and replacing the vehicles can often be a time-consuming and irksome process, especially when re-locating out of country. That is why services such as Stringo exist; they are the world’s leading producer of vehicle movers, and they specialize in getting your sweet deuce coupe home safe and sound!

There are plenty more services, sites, pre-made plans, and workshops out there to help you with creating your own Extreme Garage interior.

Homeowners have long known how practical and versatile a garage can be for their vehicles. Choosing the right flooring is just as important as the door and the roof. In this article, we provide an overview of the most popular options in the 21st Century.

Epoxy

One of the leading favourites is floor epoxy that’s mixed with an A and B compound. This mixture is tough and applied in multiple coats. Homeowners get the option of coloured chips to create some texture. Most building companies offer up to 15 years of warranty for these tough floor coatings.

Tiles

Garage floor tiles are fast becoming popular as they are available in different colours and materials. You can opt for interlocking tiles, peel and stick, porcelain, or even vinyl composite. Some of these tiles can be installed in as little as a few hours, or you may hire a professional tiling expert to do this task. As long as you colour co-ordinate the look and design of your garage décor with the flooring, you will surely create something luxurious.

Vinyl floor mats

For an easy and convenient option, why not choose rubberised vinyl floor mats. These are available in different colours and textures. In addition, you have the added advantage of installing cushioned under-flooring that’s simple to install and you can even hide cracks. Best of all, these mats can be taken with you if you decide to move.

Floor sealer

If you like the natural look of concrete, then a floor sealer may be all that you need. A good quality sealer will prevent water or oil from penetrating, and it will also protect the floor from road grime and stains. It would be a good idea to ask a few companies for a price quote before proceeding.

Before you start shopping for the best garage flooring, you should take a few factors into consideration. The most important decision you need to make is how you plan to use the garage and the finished space. This will not only determine the type of flooring you select, but you can also choose the colour and surface finish. Keep in mind how often you will be using your garage, and whether it will be for storing your vehicle or just tools and household goods. There are many reputable companies that offer same-day flooring installation, but it is worth taking a look at some websites to determine the right design of flooring.

Shopping for a garage door can be a strenuous task if you aren’t familiar with what to look for. The process can be simple as long as you take some important factors into account. Here are some tips on choosing the right door for your garage.

Insulation

When you take today’s high energy costs, it makes sense to consider choosing garage door insulation. Most insulated doors contain polystyrene which is thicker than the average R-Value so when you are buying a garage door, look for thermal efficiency. The polystyrene material expands during production in order to fill the cavity space tightly before the two steel panels are fitted to the door.

Window design

You may be wondering why you need to think about the windows in your garage door. Many homeowners underestimate the value of windows. A garage door is not complete until it has stunning windows to turn an ordinary looking door into an aesthetically pleasing one. Aside from the look of the door, windows allow natural light into the garage. To be able to look out the door, make sure you place the windows in the third section from the bottom of the door. On the other hand, if you don’t wish to look out the window and just want natural light, have the windows placed in the top section of the door.

Cost

Cost is an important factor in most home improvement projects. Many homeowners are taken aback by how affordable garage doors can be. Generally, rustic wooden doors are more expensive than fiberglass, steel, or aluminium doors. When you add insulation, expect to pay a little more. Some people prefer to opt for single sheet doors or lower grade wooden designs that cost less, but no matter how much you are considering to spend, the door you choose is not likely to require replacement for many years so it is worth the investment you make. How much you spend on your garage now will make a big difference on the value of your home so paying out a little more now could give you a lifetime benefit and increase your property’s value.