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Garage Workshop A cluttered garage becomes a multipurpose workshop loaded with storage. From "Wasted Spaces" episode DWSP-207

(Continued from page 1)

Karl and the Peltons lay out the closet framing before nailing the joints together. They build the frame, then secure it to the floor with concrete nails and to the block wall with special anchors.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

Building the Closet

• Whether building a house or a closet, it's always best to lay out the framing first (figure A). Remember: Use pressure-treated lumber for any pieces that make contact with the concrete; use regular 2x4 studs for the rest of the piece. Leave a large gap between the studs in one wall to accommodate a door (figure B).

  Tip: Lumber varies in thickness, so it's important to always keep one side flush. The flush side of each "wall" of the frame will face toward the outside when the closet is assembled to give a flat surface for the siding.

• Lay out the pieces for one wall of the closet and assemble using a nail gun (figure C).

  Safety Alert: Always wear safety glasses and use extreme caution when working with a nail gun. These powerful tools can cause serious injury if handled carelessly.

• Lay out and assemble the remaining walls of the closet.

• Position the first wall, making sure to keep the pressure-treated lumber on the sides that come in contact with the concrete. The wall should fit snugly between the ceiling joists and the floor; use a hammer to tap it into position (figure D).

• Use concrete nails to secure the bottom of the wall frame to the concrete floor. Secure it to the block wall of the garage with anchors.

  Safety Alert: Wear safety glasses and ear protection when drilling or hammering into any type of masonry.

  Tip: When driving anchors into the wall, always go into the center of the blocks. The joints may not provide enough support.

• Install the other wall frames in the same manner, keeping the flush side of the frame to the outside. In addition to securing the frames to the floor and walls, also nail them to each other at the corners.

• The doors will go on the wall frame that has a gap. Use a reciprocating saw to cut out the bottom of the frame where the door will go.

  Safety Alert: Wear safety glasses and use caution when working with a reciprocating saw or other power tool. A reciprocating saw can have a strong "kick back" that makes it difficult to control; don't use one of these tools if you don't think you can control it safely.
  

  Figure E

• Measure the space for the doors and build two frames from 2x4 lumber to fit side by side in that space.

• Wearing safety glasses, use an orbital sander to prepare the siding for installation.

• Cut the T-111 siding to fit and use a nail gun to attach it around the exterior of the closet and to the door frames.

• Install hinges on the doors with screws and a screwdriver. To attach the doors more easily, prop them up on wood blocks while screwing the hinges into the wall frame.

  Tip: Remember that the rounded barrel of the hinge goes on the outside for a door that opens outward.

• Prime and paint the piece to match the garage walls (figure E).

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