DIY Network

Chopper Garage: Preparing the Walls Chopper Garage: Preparing the Walls From "Weekend Remodeling" episode WKR-313

This chopper garage is sure to make the neighbors envious with a place for your tools and your chopper.

Host Fuad Reveiz dresses up ordinary garage walls to look more like a place for a chopper to be stored using diamond plate.

Rated 3 on a 1-5 remodeling difficulty scale.

17 hours over 2 days

Materials:

2 x 4 lumber
1/2" MDF sheathing
Screws
Screw gun
Diamond plate
Mini bike-lift/ratchet strap (optional)
Doors and hardware
Outlets
Non-metallic sheathed cable
Wire nuts
(2) Power strips
Fluorescent lights
Utility knife
Circular saw
Table saw
Jig saw
Metal cutting blade
Router
Drill and bits
Heavy-duty drill and auger bit
Paddle bit
Painting supplies
Level
Mini sledgehammer
Chalk line
Fish tape
Miter saw
Framing nailer
Reciprocating saw
Pry bar

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E

1. First, decide what works best for your particular situation, then get your hands on a good plan. In this example, a computer program was used to render a 3D version of the chopper garage. A good plan can save you time, dollars and energy.

2. Next, it's time to clear the space and add some additional outlets to provide necessary power. Before beginning any electrical project, make sure the power is off, then check the existing outlet with a tester (figure A). Remove the cover, then pull the outlet from the box to expose the wiring.

3. Take measurements to determine height of shelves -- this will also help with placement of the new outlets. With a box as a template, mark the hole for the first outlet. Cut a hole directly above the existing outlet, so the wiring can easily be pulled through.

4. Thread a fish tape up through the wall (figure B), tape on the new non-metallic sheathed cable, then pull back through opening until the wire is accessible.

5. Cut the hole as marked and notch the drywall where the wiring will cross the wall studs. Feed the wiring through using the fish tape.

6. Mark for the next box, use a drywall saw to create space, then continue the process above. After all openings are complete, install the outlets (figure C).

7. Now it's time to move to the installation of the diamond plate on the back wall. This element is purely for design aesthetics, so keep in mind that aluminum diamond plate comes in several thicknesses. In this example, a 1/16" thick plate is selected.

8. Once the first piece is installed, host Fuad Reveiz must measure and cut the diamond plate for the outlets. To do this on your particular project, first drill the corners on the area marked for the outlet. Then, use a jig saw (figure D) with a metal cutting blade to make cuts for the outlets.

9. Install safety plates over the non-metallic sheathed cable crossing the studs to make sure a screw doesn't end up in the wiring.

10. Apply a few dabs of construction adhesive to the wall, then lift panel into place (figure E). While pressing on glue points, anchor aluminum panel with self-tapping screws.

11. Continue to the final panel. Once the final panel is set into place, anchor with self-tapping screws, then do a quick touch-up with flat black spray paint to disguise any gaps between panels.