6 Essential DIY Shop Comfort Items
Working on your projects or just maintaining your daily driver does not require a lot: Some tools and a little space are all that is strictly necessary. As someone who has replaced a fuel pump in a hotel parking lot in the rain and understands exactly how much can be done with very little, I’ve discovered that there are some items that, while not strictly necessary to complete work, are the first steps into enjoying your time turning wrenches. Once you have a project, some space, and some tools, these six things are likely to make your working time more enjoyable and less wearing on your body.
Lighting
Even before I needed corrective lenses, I knew that seeing is believing. It seemed every project was filled with surprises when the only shop lighting I had was two halogen bulbs on a three-legged stand and a bare lightbulb 20 feet up on the ceiling of a storage unit.
Well-lit spaces just make working on projects less stressful and tiring. Fair warning, LED lights have gotten affordable and it might be tempting to start mounting every single light you can afford to the ceiling. More is not always better, though. We make jokes about the garage being similar to a surgery ward, but with enough light it will really feel like it. Bright white lights will change the feel of the space, so consider also installing a few softer lights on another switch to so as to not surprise-blind someone as they open the door late in the evening, or keep the whole neighborhood up while you’re working late with the garage door open.
Appropriate working-height bench
Workbenches are very personal. I like mine to be stiff, heavy, and roll to where I need them. More than anything, I love that my benches are adjustable height. I’m not a giant, but I’ve found that I prefer my benches higher than most of my friends who also have workspaces.
Having your work at an appropriate height makes things more enjoyable and allows the use of tools and leverage appropriately. It also prevents the need to lean over or work at odd angles. Whether you build your bench or buy one like I did, consider the working height and even experiment to find the best one for you.
Anti-fatigue mats
Automotive projects seem to have three options for how we end up working on them: Standing, sitting, or laying. Sitting is a luxury few of us get to enjoy in the shop since chairs take up so much space and often we would need to get up and sit down multiple times to get tools or supplies mid-project.
For standing and laying down, some cushion goes a long way. This large anti-fatigue mat was left by the previous owners of this house when they moved out and I almost immediately found myself asking why I had never used one previously. These mats aren’t incredibly expensive and can last a very long time, making for a perfect investment for anyone who enjoys working in the garage.
Hearing protection
Damping the noise of my tools and projects has made working in the shop that much more enjoyable for me. Unfortunately for me, hearing the ringing of tinnitus for the rest of my life is already a reality, but it doesn’t have to be for everyone.
Having a nice set of earmuffs, noise-cancelling headphones, or earplugs within reach while working will ensure that things stay the appropriate volume. A shop can get chaotic when the radio’s cranked up to 11 so it can be heard over air tools and hammering. Rather than turning things up to match each other, it makes sense to dial everything back.
Music
Counter to the point above, I’m not trying to work in silence. Music sets the mood for projects too. The perfect song at imperfect times can literally save your project, or at least your sanity. Having a garage stereo is basically law, but do consider that the stereo can cause hearing damage just the same as big tools and loud bangs. Listen responsibly or you may never enjoy music the same again.
Workbench toe kick
It’s strange to think about, but some years ago I was renting a house that had a built-in workbench in the basement. Whenever I would use that bench my lower back would hurt. Turns out it was from the lack of a toe kick which forced me to stand that little bit further away from the bench, making me lean over to ever so slightly to work on the the surface. Everyone is different, so this might not affect you, but it highlights that there are many small items in a garage that may go unnoticed until you start working in there on a regular basis. There is a reason nearly all kitchen lower cabinets have this feature. Consider repurposing a set in your garage or shop to get this along with other nice features.
Pretty good list, Kyle, and I suspect that other commenters will add to it, but I want to put a hearty second vote to the workbench height idea. I’m a fairly tall dude – and most of my height is in the torso as opposed to the legs. Thus, bending over has been de rigueur in many of my jobs over the years. At the end of a long day, one can have a miserable night with just a slight bit of bend that isn’t necessary with a bench at the right height. The toe-kick piece is also important.
I second the height being up a little. Having to only crane your neck a little is a LOT better than working bent over.
Good heating for us in the northern areas. We have a 120,000 BTU ceiling unit and a pellet stove in our garage that has the lift in it. Thermostat is set at 45 to keep the chill off 24/7 and can get the get it comfortable to work in shirt sleeves within 10 or 15 minutes.
Amen! I’m working in shorts and t shirt today at 70 degrees while 28 outside.
I have an oil-fired unit rescued from a demo job. The regular house heater is in the garage too, and that alone keeps things above 40
Living near San Antonio, I have the opposite problem. I need a big fan in the garage if I want to work in summer. There’s no window, so if I want to install an A/C, I’ll have to knock out some stonework on the exterior.
Outlets. When building add outlets often and all around. I have them every couole feet and even a good number in the ceiling.
Heat in the colder areas. Thus becomes a year round work space and doubles your use.
Finally water inside the garage. This is good for work to cleaning.
But on the list above. Make sure to follow the light recommendation. It makes life easier and can increase the quality of your work be it paint detailing to a better weld. Not to mention finding tha nut you dropped.
Hot and cold running water, a sink and a toilet, #1 only. My garage was once a working shop
Concur with plenty of receptacles. If you have compressed air, a drop on each wall with hose reels is nice!
We have our compressor in the shed next to the barn, so it’s quiet. I like our woodstove because we have lots of free wood, and it has a glass door so I can sit and watch the fire. Plus chicks like woodstoves so my hot lady friend (my wife) will sometimes visit. Lights on multiple switches so you can turn them all on, or just a few depending on what your doing. Stool for working at my bench, and comfortable chair to sit by fire. Wharfedales, Yamaha amp and subwoofer. Someday I’ll find a nice old Fisher or Marantz.
LED headlamps. They make a world of difference.
I had none of these when I changed the clutch on my BMW R100S in the 90s in my apartment garage. I used a Coleman lantern for light and ran an impact wrench off a carry tank to loosen the clutch bolts.
I’m much better off now with a two car garage, LED lights, a rolling stool and a cordless impact wrench.I still don’t have room for a car in there what with motorcycles, kayaks and bicycles.
As an ‘Octo’ R.O.P.¹, enjoyed all the nostalgia!! ‘The Shop’ (garage) has always been my favorite room!;)
Thx!! HNY’25!
¹ ‘Ret’d Ol’ Peeps’ (below I-40, few heaters!;)
Jim, I’m a ROP as well, just turned 70.
BTW, I loved you in “It’s a Wonderful Life”.
(Sorry. I’ll bet you get teased about being Jimmy Stewart way too often! 😝)