Garage Update Ideas

When you’re considering updates to your custom garage, it’s a good idea to take a step back to consider what you hope to accomplish. Do you want to add space and make your garage more accessible? Are you interested in changes to support a hobby? How about transforming the use of this space altogether? The options are endless.

If you’re unsure about the changes that you’d like to see, remember that this is your opportunity to incorporate updates that do more than improve the appearance of your garage. These options can breathe new life into the entire space so it works better for how you live your life:

• Create a Space to Call Your Own
• Design a More Functional Space to Save Time and Effort
• Choose Items to Maximize Storage Space
• Upgrade Your Garage Flooring
• Expand Your Living Space
• Give Yourself a Safe Place to Park

Before you start shifting boxes and installing new hardware, browse the garage update ideas outlined below. Then determine which changes you'd like to make. 

Believe it or not, your garage can offer you a valuable space to call your own & escape from the world. With a few tweaks and upgrades, you can create a room in your home that reflects your interests and hobbies, particularly if you’re low on indoor space elsewhere. If your desire is to create a garage man cave:

• Carve out a tool and repair center.
• Build a bar to socialize with friends.
• Set up a sports and entertainment area.
• Store and display your hunting or fishing gear.

Into personal fitness? HGTV recommends considering a garage gym. If your garage has two stalls, your exercise equipment can generally fit on one side, leaving your other stall open to park. Besides the actual weights and exercise equipment, this is one space transformation that requires little effort and extra items. About the only thing you'll need are rubber floor mats to soften the impact of dropped dumbbells. 

Are you a handyman with a passion for fixing things around the house? Chances are you rely on your garage to store at least some of your tools. Without good planning, though, those bulky tools and equipment can easily overwhelm your space.

But fear not! Here are some valuable tips to capitalize on this space without sacrificing your trusty table saw: 

• Hang smaller, lighter tools where there’s open wall space.
• Consider magnetic strips to keep your most-used hand tools right in front of you.
• Repurpose old jars and containers to store loose items, like screws, nails, and fasteners. 
• Use a hanging shoe organizer to hold spray paint, primers, sealants, and spray adhesives.
• "Build a battery recharging station for your power tools. "

If you simply need to add storage space, you’re in luck! There are numerous garage-specific fixtures and storage solutions that can dramatically cut down on clutter. Bob Vila offers two suggestions for maximizing your storage space:

Consider ceiling storage to take advantage of all that untapped overhead space in your garage. For off-season items and rarely needed belongings that you’re tired of tripping over, ceiling storage offers a safe, convenient way to move items out of the way and out of sight. Prefabricated options may be a little bit of an investment upfront and could require help during installation, but you’ll love the results when you suddenly have all that open floor space. 

Another option if you’re a handyman to consider is a rolling tool storage chest. It's designed with multiple drawers to keep all your wrenches, screwdrivers and hardware neatly tucked away. Plus, some models can double as a workbench and they can be repositioned. 

Now that you’ve considered overhead storage, it’s time to think about ways to upgrade the floor. DIY Network explains that there are plenty of options that enhance the entire look, longevity, and performance of your garage floor:

• Concrete Sealer: As an "easy to apply option," concrete sealers "help protect against water, mild chemicals, oil and road salts."
• Concrete Stain: Like sealers, stain offers protection for your concrete floor. In addition, it offers some visual benefits by hiding minor scratches and chips. 
• Rubber Tiles: These flooring covers resist chemicals, prevent slips and offer superior protection. Plus, they're incredibly easy to clean!
• Carpet Tiles: You can even get ultra-tough tiles made out of carpets that are specifically designed for garage floors. The synthetic polymer construction allows them to resist oils and chemicals, and they can even be power washed if they get dirty. 

Are you really ready to commit to transforming your garage? You may want to consider expanding your living space by repurposing some or all of your garage’s square footage for another purpose altogether. The Spruce offers several suggestions:

• Extend kitchen storage by carving out space for a pantry.
• Create an intermediary mudroom to take off your shoes and store outerwear.
• Relocate your washer and dryer so you have a garage laundry room.
• Insulate and renovate your garage to transform it into another room in your house, whether it’s used as a guest room, studio, or lounge.

The options go on and on. If you’re low on space throughout your home and need to increase your square footage, repurposing your garage by transforming it into a regular living space is an option. 

Here’s a novel idea: You can incorporate garage updates that make it a better place to park your vehicles. As one of the biggest investments and expenses, your cars and trucks deserve a safe place to sit out of the weather when they’re not in use.



Even if you’re not a car enthusiast with luxury models crowding your driveway, your vehicles will thank you for incorporating a few changes to improve your garage parking:

• Use parking aids like a hanging tennis ball, reflective tape on the walls or a wood block on the floor to let you know when you’ve pulled in the correct distance.
• Upgrade overhead lighting to make it easier to see where you’re parking.
• Cut down on any garage clutter that could scratch or dent your vehicle (s). 

No matter how you use it, your garage remains one of the most valuable areas of your home, and for good reason. It keeps you organized, protects some of your most valuable possessions, and expands your storage options. If you’re interested in updates that can make a major impact in your home and lifestyle, the garage is a great place to start. 

• https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/the-10-best-things-you-can-do-for-your-garage-50978
• https://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/rooms-and-spaces/floors/best-garage-flooring-options 
• https://www.hgtv.com/design/rooms/other-rooms/16-ways-to-make-the-garage-your-new-favorite-room-in-the-house-pictures 
• https://www.thespruce.com/total-garage-makeover-ideas-5190074