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How to turn and convert your garage into a workshop

A garage with a pegboard and steel shelving units and cabinets and a retro stool

Overview

It's hard to imagine that this garage was once cluttered and dirty. But, with a good clean, a coat of paint and some new storage, we have converted the space to create a functional workshop.

Steps

1Have a plan

We loved the look of these original white washed brick walls so giving this garage an industrial workshop feel was the inspiration for the makeover.

Adding lots of practical storage was big on our wish list for this space. Tools needed to be within easy reach, so that everything now has a place.

We also wanted to revive the old floor and chose to use a coating to conceal any mess and give it a new lease of life.

Old, dirty garage with oil stains on the ground.

2Declutter with storage

Open shelf storage is great for quick access and it's easy to see where everything is. Measure your space and draw a loose plan of the modular storage components to see how everything will fit in.

Our chosen storage pieces are light weight, heavy duty black metal racking with drawers and cupboards, and we've kept the colour palette workshop friendly with charcoals and petrol blues. We've also added an industrial style light fitting for a pop of red in keeping with our theme.

Once you have agreed on a layout, it's time to go shopping. There are so many modular storage options to choose from, including lockable cupboards, workbenches with modular handy drawers and of course open wall racks that give you the flexibility to customise your storage.

Whether you make your own pegboard or purchase one, this kind of open wall storage is great for easy access to tools you use on a regular basis.  You can fit as many hooks and handy little clips as you need, and then swap and change to suit your own workshop set up.
Garage shelves with assorted items on them.

3Restore the floor

We've given the tired, dirty old concrete floor a new lease on life with a charcoal coloured epoxy floor coating.  The darker colour helps conceal any oil spills and marks on the floor.

There are some great garage floor coatings available with hard wearing epoxy based products in everything from solid colours, to metallic looking finishes so your new garage floor can really shine.
Restored garage floor with grey epoxy floor coating.

4Make it personal

If you're planning to spend a lot of time in your garage, take some ownership. You can give it a personal touch by making this portable workbench. It's easy and we can show you how.
Organised garage with garage shelves full of assorted items and workbench in the middle of the room.
Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.