Opinion: Garage Cabinets

[Mark Howard]

Hi folks. Looking for some guidance here. My wife and I are in the process of working with an architect (a fellow Pelican browser) to design and build a new home. We are in the middle of the schematic design where we are figuring out all the major design decisions on size, layout, room relationships, etc. I am planning a 3 car garage with a two story workshop/ office combination. I plan to trick the garage out with a few luxuries including a scissor lift, air hoses, etc. One thing I'm have some trouble settling on is cabinetry. There are lots of options....anything from custom cabinets from a local shop to metal cabinets from Sears, etc.

I've been eyeing aluminum cabinets from Moduline. Very pricy but seem to be excellent quality. I don't mind dropping some cash here as I want to do this right.

What has been your experience with garage cabinets? Just seeking some guidance from the brain trust.

Oh, and any other "tricks" you have or wish you had.

[JavaBrewer]

Pour yourself a pleasurable beverage and read Jack Olsens 12 Gauge Garage thread for ideas.



He has a hidden lift as well. Very nicely done for a rather limited space.

[Mark Howard]

Been there, shamelessly stolen most of it already.

[DARISC]

Garage Mahal : DIY Network

[gsxrken]

I recently went the garageworks /gear wall route and have no regrets.
Consider getting racedeck floor tiles. It's a nice touch.

[Jim Bremner]

I bought used body shop cabinets on craigslist. I'm sanding and repainting them myself. Paid $150 for 6 30x13x27" cabinets. I missed out on a cool 72x16x36" cabinet with large plastic windows for $100 but I'll keep looking. picks soon

[look 171]

Are they anything special like dimensions? If not, they are just boxes with doors. have your local cabinet shop cut a bunch of plywood pieces and have your contractor put them together for a fraction of the price. After they are hung, Buy the doors or have the cabinet shop cut you flat panel doors. Put a little paint on it and be done with it. Make sure you tell them you are using these for the garage. Have them build it with a face frame and a 1/2" back. it's a much stronger construction method. We have done it for great clients in the past, but usually we don't like to do it, because building boxes is how we make money.

edit: PLease do not use those cheap imported plywood. The warp and twist llike crazy. I don't care how cheap they are, we will not have them in our shop.

[Bill Douglas]

What fun Mark. Keep us up to date

Another idea is to get kitchen cabinets for your home store building depot type place. Or ones that have been removed from a designer house that is getting a "refresh"

[rfuerst911sc]

I used the Gladiator series of metal cabinets in my garage makeover. I used discount coupons and just watched for sales to purchase to save a little coin. They are good construction and powder coated in a gray hammer type finish. I went mostly with wall cabinets and two large floor stoarage cabinets and one base cabinet. I am very happy with the results. Available at your local Lowe's.

[DanielDudley]

The "M" House - Razed and Rebuilt Detached Carriage House/Barn - Start to Finish - The Garage Journal Board


While this is not likely the kind of garage you would be building, consider that the GARAGE JOURNAL will have many threads about cabinets, brands, layout, etc, etc...

[sprio]

We saved a bunch of money by using old kitchen cabinets sourced from the local Habitat Re-Store.

[LakeCleElum]

I got cabinets free for removing them from a kitchen on a remodel job. Put on new counter tops, covering over the sink and stove openings. Lots of storage....

[Jack Olsen]

The Garage Journal boards will have lots of threads on cabinets. In your situation (which I envy), I'd say it's hard to go wrong with having a good builder make them. The nice thing about freestanding cabinets is that you can take them with you when you move. But it sounds like you're not going to be moving -- which is a great thing.

And thanks for the mention of my two-car, JavaBrewer. I boiled the thread discussion down and put it on a website at 12-GaugeGarage.com. Less time for a beverage, maybe. But more concise information.

[john70t]

Just some random thoughts:
-Urban or Suburban? Detached is better for insurance and safety. Attached/sheltered allows a comfortable walk into the house. Urban is more towards maximize space and working with doors closed for privacy. Viewing entrances from the house is a plus for security.

-Elements Water drainage layout will affect everything else built. Prevailing winds will either blow through for a nice breeze or blow leaves into the garage daily. With building position, sunlight will either blind you or provide a good environment.

-Roll up doors: Big ones for working on vans/larger vehicles, or several small ones for individual spaces(1 paint, 1 storage, 1 woodworking, 1 garage). Existing steel I-beams are good when moving interior walls around.

-Doors/stairs: You'll need two for fire code. At least one 36" for moving furniture. One close one for easy access and a far one for others(office rental/guest?).

Versatility is always good.

[Jim Bremner]

Have your contractor run wire for ANYTHING! I just upgraded my house power panel from 1963 code to todays standards. I added a 30 and 50 amp outlet and I should have added a 220 volt as well. What about an Air Compressor? If the walls are bare add in plumbing for it now! Don't do PVC it's a timebomb waiting to go off.