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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.
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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.
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I have two shop areas, one in a 4.5-car garage for mostly automotive work and painting, the other in 700 square feet downstairs in the house and mostly for woodworking with several machines. Many times, I have wished it was all together in one place, at ground level. While the split workplaces have served me well, I more admire the farm-type shops built in a separate polebarn or shed of some sort with a tall overhead door, good insulation, lots of light, and central heating. It’s not only a more efficient and practical way to run a shop, it gets you out of the house. You can fire up a cigar out there without recriminations, and avoid constantly schlepping things up and down stairs including yourself. This factor becomes more significant when you’re turning 81.
My garage isn’t tall enough for a lift so any work done underneath a car is done with it on jack stands. I put folding tumbling mats under the car to lay on. It’s soooo much better than laying on that cold concrete. If you spend much time laying under your cars on the garage floor, they will pay for themselves quickly.
Tumbling mats are a great idea. I have one of those quilted vinyl mats that they hang in an elevator to carry freight. About 20 years ago, they were throwing them away after the project was done at work, so I snagged one. Many times I wish I had gotten all of them. I did buy a lift last year from Advantage Lifts, so I will rarely use the mat now.
I have everything on this list and most of what people have suggested. My 60’x40′ garage is almost finished. The interior is completely spray foam insulated, and the four garage doors are insulated. I have two 5000 watt heaters that easily keep the inside at 60 degrees and it is only 30 degrees today. I bought a two bowl laundry sink for my shop sink. I installed a small on demand electric water heater. Plenty of 4′ two tube LED lights for each bay and all four bays are on different switches. I have plenty of storage cabinets and shelves too. Hopefully it will be completely finished soon, so I can actually do some projects on my cars.
My 2 car garage will NOT fit a single car. Two XS1100 motorcycles, riding lawn mower that has the snow blade on at the moment, tool box, welders, and stainless steel work bench. The bench was a prep table at a local Sizzler that closed. 7 4′ LED lights with one on a pull chain over the bench.
I put insulation over the garage, and an insulated door. I can work all winter with just a small electric heater, as the furnace and water heater for the house is in the garage.
I do have the engine cases for my ’78 XS1100 on the bench, with the lower case built, and waiting on two small parts to put the upper together. Oh, and a radio to listen to the local classic rock station.
Concerning numerous outlets on the walls, the first outlet on a run should be a GFI. Most locals require the GFI by code. Also don’t make all of the outlets on a single breaker. While you are at it, take a Sharpie and number the faceplate with the breaker number. That will save you time looking for the popped breaker.
Being 87, all of the above, Harbor freight is a friend for, Blue or Red battery powered tools, nothing lower. Good vice, good drill press, can’t have enough drill bits etc. , Band saw, good lighting, compressor, cheap hose real, drop light, storage, shelves/hang space, mine is a -20x-20 with the queen car will still get my next project in.
8ft ceiling take takes lift idea out. Thus when I find the “next, “(Miata or C5). queen car has to sit out during maintenance/projects. Memorabilla, frig. ( Music I don’t have, have had, need to work on that again. beach boys, Willi, Lacy J. Buffett.). Have fun young guys, it will help u stay young.
I have lots of good Vices. Single Malt Scotch, Dunhill and Peterson pipes, Fender, Ovation and Gibson guitars, English cars, German and Japanese motorcyles, Redheads, etc., etc….
You da man!
Yes a lift plus SiriusXM tunes
I covered the concrete floor in front of the bench with tiles of foam matting that link together, then covered the whole garage floor and the foam with big cardboard sheets from furniture and TV boxes. It’s just better than concrete and when it gets funky I replace the cardboard. The other thing I use more than I thought is a good size computer monitor mounted to the wall on a movable arm. It’s easy to hook up a laptop when you need one, and a lot easier to see standing up.
WOW, Kyle…How do you get any work done in your shop? There’s not nearly enough chaos! hahahahah jay
The shop got a little out of hand over the last few months but is finally coming back to shape. It got to the worst it’s ever been here. hopefully I don’t reset that high watermark again for a number of years!
Worst article ever!!
No mention or pic of person in shop using eye protection.
OSHA called, they want you to come work for them… Get real, the only image of a person is in the garage working on a wheel, you mean to tell me he should have had them on for a staged photo? Sure, a worthy mention, but lighten up a bit.
A Lathe, Bandsaw, Heliarc, and hydraulic press make life a whole lot easier. Air lines and 110V. drops next to the lift are essential. Look-up Bi-Focals really help us older folks and magnetic work LED lights. My favorite light is my “Head” light. A welding rotator makes the welds look so much nicer on the round parts. A good solvent tank with good filters accompanied by an ultrasonic cleaner really speeds up the process.
i’ll second the 2 post lift .. i’m lucky to have 16′ 6” ceiling in my shop . so plenty of room for the lift . no more crawling around on the floor or dealing with jack stands . if i get tight on room can always stick a car up in the air and 1 under it . best money ever spent ..
Good list. Lighting is everything. Too many shadows and you don’t know what you are aiming for. I second the music/stereo. Since I have more than one car I open the door on one car door sometimes and can hear the podcasts/music, etc. I want with pretty good fidelity.
What about adding a “TV” in order to view all the Yu-Tube DIY videos?
I live in the frozen tundra. Built a new shop few years ago with hydronic floor heat. Best investment ever. Shop stays 61 degrees all winter. 20 degrees out today. Usually just have a sweatshirt on. Put the compressor on cold storage side to eliminate noise. One air outlet by compressor side and a hose real on other side of the shop.Lots of outlets 220 extension cord for welder to access entire shop. A rolling seat/cart for brake work. SUV jack stands that are taller than normal. More room under the vehicle. Stereo,mini fridge, big screen. Couple padded chairs. Shop doubles as a man cave in dead of winter
No beer fridge?