swftiii

Hey Guys,

My new garage is almost finished (detached on the alley). It has been hard to wait for the contractors to finish it, but it is almost there.

My wife says "It is HUGE! Makes everyone elses garage look like a shed." I almost feel guilty and like I shouldn't have made it that big.

Now I have a few questions:
1. Should I seal the new concrete? If so what is the best product?
2. What about the unfinished interior walls - should I insulate and drywall or is there a better garage system out there?
3. Any other thoughts would be greatly appreciated as I can now get the car moved in and settled in the new home.

Skip

Phil

My garage is insulated, and drywalled I like the finished look! You must after all keep the P car very happy!!!

BradB

Absolutely, you need to insulate. Consider a heat source and cooling source as well. It's not as expensive as one might think. I have central air and heat. It makes a huge difference. I added glass block windows for security and the light reflection/refraction actually increases light. Add MORE electrical recepticals than you think you will need all around the perimeter and in the ceiling for drop lights, etc. Split up the circuits for balance of electrical load. If you have the option, use as much overhead storage as possible. Keep stuff off the floor. I have a winch and trapdoor and store all non-car stuff in the attic. I access it with pull-down stairs. I am lucky that my overhead area is quite tall. Be sure to paint the floor. Don't forget about entertainment! Get a TV and stereo. Speedvision! Have fun in your new home! My wife never sees me anymore.

LAURIER

Skip,

Definitely insolate and sheet rock the walls and ceiling. Although the weather has been perfect in Chicago this week, it’s going to change, big time. I would also add a garage heater if you can run a gas line out there. As far as the floor is concerned, if cost is not an issue please e-mail me and I’ll give you the name of a company in the area that will make your concrete look like tile (~$4.00 sq. ft.). On a budget, the Griot’s Garage floor paint is as good as it gets. I have had industrial fire resistant carpet down for over 10 years now and it has worked out well for me. Good luck.

Following are a few pics of my garage:

SteveL1

I would do everything over again in a heartbeat! I put insulation/drywall up after installing 19 outlets and some 220v for the heater. Painted the floor, prewired for Stereo/Cable and put an atic ladder in so that anything "seasonal" can be stored in the attic.



BradB was a really bad influence, as his 6 car Garage MaJal has made me start the process of expanding mine. Won't ever be as big as his but that's OK. As long as it's big enough for my toys!



Planning is everything! Make sure you have enough backing in the walls before you drywall! I also understand that the new concrete floor should cure for a few months before you seal or paint. I may be wrong on that one though. Have fun with it and just tell your wife it's the exact same thing as her wanting to decorate the house!

os993

It's gotta be a guy thing... <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

Absolutely brilliant (all of your garages)!!

One day..... <img src="graemlins/xyxwave.gif" border="0" alt="[bigbye]" />

E. J. - 993 Alumni

Steve, tell us about your tire rack.

Thanx,

E. J.

SteveL1

E.J.....Pretty basic construction. 2" x 3"'s on edge screwed to wall studs w/ 3 1/2" screws on back and right side. Front and left side screwed to frame work with 2 1/2" screws. The left side piece is screwed to the side panel of the TV cabinet which is anchored to the cieling rafters. I also glued a piece of rubber base moulding to the wall where the tires contact it. They kept pulling off the drywall paint after being in contact for a few months. That is the winter set of tires for my daily driver so they get switched out every fall and spring. I'll try to take some close up shots tomorrow for you.

DJF1

Rick you garage is unbelievable!
You said:
[quote] I have had industrial fire resistant carpet down for over 10 years now and it has worked out well for me <hr></blockquote>

Since I will be building a new house next year in the very cold envinronment of Manitoba I was thinking about carpeting. My question is how about the cleaning/wet issues like mud, snow etc?
How do you deal with that? How often it needs changing? Did you use underlay on top of cement? Also can you direct me to the specifications of this carpet?

Thanks! <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

jw97C2S

Rich
The garage looks great. Did you use glue or tack strips to install the industrial carpeting?
Jim

Bins

Wheres Rich's garage?
I only see a lounge...

E. J. - 993 Alumni

[quote]Originally posted by SteveL1:
<strong> I'll try to take some close up shots tomorrow for you.</strong><hr></blockquote>

That would be great Steve. Looks like you have a small support going to the top of that cabinet too. I am trying to figure out how to get my 16 race tires off the floor and the two stacks reacing the ceiling like they are now. I think I want to build a similar thing but make it 2 levels and have the 2x4 supports run to the floor.

Look forward to the close ups.

E. J.

SteveL1

OK, here are the close up shots. Hope the photos aren't too big. The small support block between the center brace and the lower cabinet is VERY important! I did get a little sag in the front long piece with out it. Using 2x4's would have been better. I originally had a vertical brace anchor to the ceiling in the middle, but find that this works fine.



Right side screwed to wall studs.



Left panel anchored to ceiling joist.



Left side anchored to panel.



Center supported by lower cabinets.