Housing Examiner: Creating garage Zen
Conventional wisdom tells us that garages were originally made to contain cars, just as barns and stables were originally meant for horses and livestock. But as we all know, today’s garages must play a plethora of roles that have little to do with merely housing automobiles.
So where do we begin to organize this space that has become the collect-all domain of our dwellings?
Housing Examiner: Creating garage Zen.
by Dena Kouremetis, Housing Examiner
Elements of Garage Design
Garage Storage Components
The main consideration for your new garage is proper storage. This will allow you to have a place for everything so you can maintain a neat appearance in your garage. Storage options include several components; cabinets, racks, wall systems, and overhead storage.
Garage Storage Cabinets - Cabinets for storage in garages can be made of many materials. Typically they are made of wood, plastic, or metal. When considering what type of garage storage cabinet will work best in your particular situation, you must consider cost, aesthetics as well as function and durability. Each type of garage storage cabinet has different qualities. Plastic cabinets are typically the least expensive and are easiest to install. The downside is that they can be rather flimsy and suceptible to wear and tear. Wood cabinets used in garage storage are similar to low end kitchen cabinets. They can have a variety of finishes to match your design preference and are very durable. Metal cabinets are extremely durable and come in unique finishes like diamond plate that can add a very high end look to your garage. Research is the key to making a good decision. Visit jobs that have the cabinets you are interested in and talk to owners that have had them installed to understand the benefits ad drawbacks of the garage storage cabinets that you are interested in.
Garage Storage Racks - Rack storage options started with old pegboard and hooks but has evolved into a highly specialized approach to storing all manner of tools and equipment in garages. There are racks for sports equipment like skis, helmets, balls and golf clubs. There are also racks for hand tools, garden tools and mechanics tools. All of these rack storage solutions work great but must be incorporated into your design carefully. A garage with too much open storage on racks can still end up looking cluttered, so it is important to balance your approach to storage.
Garage Wall Storage Systems - Some garage storage systems use wall sheathing to create the maximum amount of storage space. This sheathing is typically a slatwall material that will allow all of the garage storage components to be hung on the slatwall. This provides the added flexibility of making the entire design reconfigurable. This means that any storage rack or storage cabinet can be moved to a different location in the garage with minimal effort. The slatwall material can be made of wood or plastic ad is typically available in several colors. It is screwed directly over the drywall and does not require any painting.
Overhead Storage for Garages - This is an interesting storage option that has been introduced in recent years. These storage systems are suspended above the floor of the garage typically where your vehicles would be parked. The idea is that this space is “wasted” since it can not be used a the floor level. This can be a great way to expand your storage. Use this option carefully. Too much overhead storage can leave you feeling a little claustrophobic.
Garage Floor Coverings and Coatings. - One of the most striking improvements you can make to your garage is on the floor. The unsealed concrete floors that are a hallmark of the american garage are susceptible to damage and stains. The wide range of floor coverings and coatings that have been developed for garage floors gives consumers a wide range of options for aesthetics, durability and cost. These include epoxy paints, acrylic, and urethane coatings, thermoplastic coatings as well as a variety of mats, and tiles. Each option has benifits and limitations co it is important to understand each option.
Epoxy Coatings for Garage Floors - Epoxy Coatings are special chemical coatings that are comprised of two chemical reactants that are combined immediately before application. Once applied to the floor these reactant combine chemically to create an extremely durable surface. These coatings can be pigmented with a wide range of color. They can also be mixed with colored granules that will give a terrazo style finish. There are two basic types of epoxy
Thermoplastic Garage Floor Coatings - This coating system is a thermoplastic acrylic designed for sealing over concrete. This is also a very durable floor coating that comes in a variety of granite like finishes. It seals and protects the substrate from stains, chemical attack, and surface wear.
Vinyl TIles for Garage Floors - Perhaps the easiest solution for garage flooring is vinyl tiles. These tiles come in a wide variety of patterns, textures, and colors. They are also simple to install. the drawback is that since the installation leaves seams there is the potential for moisture penetration and lifting. This potential can be mitigated with careful maintenance and care.
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Garage Design Considerations
You may have a general idea what you would like your garage to look like when you have finished your project, but you may not really have a clear picture of how you can get there. A good design will help guide you as you begin the process. You have several options for design available to you. There are many CAD (Computer Aided Design) software packages available to accommodate every budget. With a little work you can put together a rudimentary layout for you project that will help you plan your purchases of cabinets, racks, and other accessories. You can also employ a garage storage specialist. These specialized contractors will typically provide design services as a free component of their total package. Some of these vendors also have web-based tools that allow you to start the design process online. These vendors also typically “rep” a particular manufacturer. Make sure that the system they sell is what you want and that it will work for your project.