One of the core elements of any garage or workshop is the garage workbench. If you are purchasing one, building one or organizing one, it is important to follow these steps to do it correctly. Regardless of how regularly you use the workbench, it is important that one realize how quickly a workbench can become cluttered and it is this cluttering that can reduce the productivity time. To reclaim the workbench space and eliminate work stress, it is important to engage in garage organization and regain productivity.
Do I Need A New Workbench In The Garage?
Choosing the ideal garage workbench for your garage is dependent on various factors, particularly the type of work being done and how much free space is available in the garage. If you are choosing to buy a premade workbench, it is possible to choose from various types of workbenches on the market. Currently, there are flip-up, flip-down, and portable options in both small and large sizes. The designs are also available in different materials including metal and wood. The key to finding the best model is to determine how much space is available, what will be done in this area, and then choose accordingly.
If you prefer to opt for the "do it yourself" alternative, it is possible to build a customized garage workbench. The typical DIY workbench can be produced using simple plywood for the top and 2x4s for the rails and legs. The wood can be stuck together using wood glue and fastened with screws or carriage bolts to ensure stability.
The majority of people choosing the DIY option will often build the garage workbench using unused wood. For example, an old door can be used for the garage workbench top and this can be simply supported using a base constructed of 4x4s or 2x4s. While this type of workbench top may not be most suitable for power tool users, it is efficient for the majority of simple tasks.
What Is The Correct Garage Workbench Height?
The correct workbench height should allow one to be comfortable using the bench while standing. There are various prescribed techniques for identifying the correct workbench height; however, it comes down to a person's personal preference.
While some individuals will tell you that the workbench should be meet the individual's wrist, others will inform you that the correct height is when one can stand and comfortably place their hands on the bench. This is true for domestic and industrial workbenches. Both of these techniques will place the workbench height at an approximate height of between 33 and 36 inches for people who are between 5'9" and 6'0" tall.
If I were to follow the standard advice regarding garage workbench height, my bench would have a height of approximately 34 inches; however, this is not the case. I am 5'9" tall and my preference is to have the garage workbench stand at a height of 37" above the ground. This is not as high as my work desk, but it is higher than the average garage workbench and it meets my personal needs.
Why Must I Consider The Workbench Stool?
Even if you do not plan to use a stool when working at the garage workbench, it is recommended that you purchase one. Think about it. What if a person stops by and offers to help with your project or wishes to watch you while you are working? Where would they sit if you do not have a workbench stool? Having a place to sit can be highly significant, even if you are not using the seat yourself.
When choosing the ideal garage workbench stool it is important to take certain considerations into account. For more information on workbench stool ideas and recommendations, it is advised that you visit our dedicated workbench stool page.
Many people prefer their garage workbench height to match the top of their table saw as this allows them to utilize the bench when cutting materials more effectively. While this does make sense, the overall effectiveness relies heavily on the placement of the workbench in the garage. Personally, I prefer using a 10" portable table saw with a stand-alone out-feed roller stand. This allows me to use a workbench and table saw that are completely independent of each other.
What About The Correct Garage Workbench Location?
Needless to say, the location of the workbench is influential in the effective use of the item. If the garage is attached to your residence, it is recommended that you install the workbench on the wall nearest to the house. The reason for this is that it will reduce the amount of wiring required to set up an electrical outlet for the bench.
It is common for the garage to be one of the warmest spaces during the winter, particularly if it is close to the inside of the home. If you have not completed the intended garage organization project before this time, then it would be best to find a good place to position your garage workbench.
Looking Beside And Underneath The Garage Workbench
The installation of a simple slide drawer underneath a section of the garage workbench can be highly beneficial as it will allow you to store several small, frequently used products. This will not only make the frequently used items easily accessible, but will also eliminate any work surface clutter. Installation of magnetic strips along the workbench surface or inside the drawer can also be beneficial by keeping the items in place.
It is important to remember that all storage space in and around the garage workbench must be used. In fact, many people leave space underneath the workbench unused and this area can be utilized for stacking boxes. Of course, you must be sure that the boxes are placed up against a wall so they do not obstruct any movement around the workbench.
Among the list of garage organization items, clear plastic totes are a recommended product. By using these clear plastic totes, it is possible to store items underneath the workbench and be able to view the items inside the storage piece without having to open the tote.
Looking Above The Garage Workbench
It is essential that the tools used regularly are placed close to the garage workbench. For the majority of people, the ideal location for any small tool is on the wall above the garage workbench. By hanging small tools on a pegboard above the bench, it is possible to avoid clutter while still keeping the tool accessible.
The key to maintaining order of tools is by organizing the items according to the tool type and choosing the tools you use most frequently for hanging on the pegboard. The tools that are not used as frequently should be placed in drawers, toolboxes or storage bins.
When purchasing hooks for the pegboard, it is important that you buy enough hooks to place a single tool on a single hook. The tools should be arranged on the pegboard so as to allow space between the items; therefore, making it easier to find the tool required when it is needed. With so many types of tools available, placing them all on a pegboard is similar to completing a puzzle. For this to be suitable, it should be pleasant to view once completed and this will help greatly.
What About Garage Shelving And Cabinets?
Another beneficial method to keep the workbench free from clutter is to hang garage shelves on either side of the pegboard. Smaller shelves placed alongside the board are useful to keep smaller items accessible and organization; for example, bottles of wood glue and unopened boxes of nails.
Garage cabinets are beneficial in that they add extra storage space while reducing any clutter in the garage. With so many different types of garage cabinets available for purchase, finding the ideal cabinets is easier than ever before.