Sunbimmer
Well-known member
It looks very cosy, love your attention for detail 
My 10x16 Workshop Shed: Scope creep, rain, an x-ray, and a bike
- Thread starter 964haus
- Start date
RHD 4 LIFE
Well-known member
Very nice job you did my friend! So what destinations do you have planned for the 2 wheel stead?
AndrewBigA
Well-known member
wow. that looks very nice!
pentavolvo
Well-known member
very nice build
bczygan
Well-known member
Exquisite!
And this from a builder of million plus custom homes.
And this from a builder of million plus custom homes.
Thanks everyone for your great comments - it's been a labour of love/hate And I'm happy to be moving inside and actually using the thing as I had always intended.
As others have said elsewhere, had I started this project a few years ago before I was sucked into the Garage Journal vortex it would have been much, much different - a basic shell with uninspired shelving, single plug and no thought of the ultimate potential.
Thanks to everyone here who in one way or another kept me inspired and really contributed to this build.
Matthew
As others have said elsewhere, had I started this project a few years ago before I was sucked into the Garage Journal vortex it would have been much, much different - a basic shell with uninspired shelving, single plug and no thought of the ultimate potential.
Thanks to everyone here who in one way or another kept me inspired and really contributed to this build.
Matthew
ClickClickBoom
Well-known member
Shed looks great. I think If I were you i'd offer to extend your neighbors downspout. Looks like it's going to drain right under your garage.
Mat Mobile
Well-known member
Nice shed. You could probably call it a micro-garage if you want.
For the floor, may I suggest racedeck type flooring. It will be so easy to lay down and you can take it with you if ever you move. I probably would have gone with that product if I wasn't welding and grinding a lot (I decided to go with porcelain). With black tar paper underneath you shouldn't have to worry about moisture.
For the floor, may I suggest racedeck type flooring. It will be so easy to lay down and you can take it with you if ever you move. I probably would have gone with that product if I wasn't welding and grinding a lot (I decided to go with porcelain). With black tar paper underneath you shouldn't have to worry about moisture.
Really like the shakes in the gable ends, and the corbels. Agree with Mat Mobile's recommendation you stop with the derogatory "shed" label, and move on to something far more befitting your labors... "micro-garage" is good. Or "moto-coozie". Or, if you insist on shed, "the 2-wheel sled shed"!
Very nice!
Very nice!
wrigh003
Well-known member
Installment #8
the building is gorgeous - great work.
That apple tree would annoy me in its current spot, unless that angle makes it look like it comes over the path more than it does. I'd be out there with a saw, cutting off that bottom branch on the left, or at least the leftmost part of it- if I didn't get to it, a winter ice storm would take care of it for me. :\
Cool project!
Thanks again everyone for the comments.
The neighbour is going to re-asphalt their drive in the spring and at that time will angle the drive and put in a lip to push the water towards the lane. At the moment I have a block of old concrete there which seems to do the trick for the short term.
The apple tree is a bit annoying but I'm able to pass underneath (just) using the path - I'm 6-2 so it's OK. That branch is a critical climbing one, as in the summers it's usually crawling with a few kids - a great climbing tree and one of only a few activities these days that isn't "safe"....
Hope to update soon.
HERE'S MY DILEMMA:
I want to build a workbench ASAP. However the flood is still plywood - I intend on putting something down and can't decide between porcelain tile, VCT, or BLT roll mat. A lot depends on cost and when I can get the extra cash and what's easiest to install given the sleeping KTM and other stuff inside.
So here's my question -
Do I build the workbench now (9' along the entire end wall) and then leave the space underneath blank when it comes to do the floor? OR
Do I wait until I can afford the floor, do the whole floor, and then build the workbench??
I can't decide on my next step.....thoughts?
Thanks all,
Matthew
The neighbour is going to re-asphalt their drive in the spring and at that time will angle the drive and put in a lip to push the water towards the lane. At the moment I have a block of old concrete there which seems to do the trick for the short term.
The apple tree is a bit annoying but I'm able to pass underneath (just) using the path - I'm 6-2 so it's OK. That branch is a critical climbing one, as in the summers it's usually crawling with a few kids - a great climbing tree and one of only a few activities these days that isn't "safe"....
Hope to update soon.
HERE'S MY DILEMMA:
I want to build a workbench ASAP. However the flood is still plywood - I intend on putting something down and can't decide between porcelain tile, VCT, or BLT roll mat. A lot depends on cost and when I can get the extra cash and what's easiest to install given the sleeping KTM and other stuff inside.
So here's my question -
Do I build the workbench now (9' along the entire end wall) and then leave the space underneath blank when it comes to do the floor? OR
Do I wait until I can afford the floor, do the whole floor, and then build the workbench??
I can't decide on my next step.....thoughts?
Thanks all,
Matthew
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e-tek
Well-known member
You need a workbench - almost every day - so I'd be inclined to build it ASAP....but then once it's in you know how it goes....your floor won't seem as important and it'll get pushed back....and back....and....
Great photo - That's about all the interest I get from my 9 year old right now too!! What's he reading? (looks like Captain Underpants!)
Where abouts in Vancouver are you? From the photo and lot size it could be anywhere in the inner city. I'm from Richmond, then lived off Granville and on Beach Avenue for years before moving to mecca.....hahahahahahaha!
Installment #8
And finally....
^^ I put the heater on (oil filled portable unit that is perfect) and was putting up the threaded rod. I asked my 9 year old son to help....while I didn't get much help, I snapped this picture that made me smile. Happy to finally have a place that he and I can hang out, even if very few words are exchanged....
Matthew
Great photo - That's about all the interest I get from my 9 year old right now too!! What's he reading? (looks like Captain Underpants!)
Where abouts in Vancouver are you? From the photo and lot size it could be anywhere in the inner city. I'm from Richmond, then lived off Granville and on Beach Avenue for years before moving to mecca.....hahahahahahaha!
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Mat Mobile
Well-known member
I think that at this point, you are too vague on your delimma. You're not sure on what type of flooring you will put. You haven't explained how you will build your bench.
I suggest you do a little more research on both projects.
1- You need to find out approximate cost of each possible floor type.
2- You need to decide how you will build your workbench (I suggest finding inspiration in this thread http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=464&highlight=let%27s+workbench
Example: Will you bench be on wheels? Will it be moveable on legs? Will you build it like a kitchen counter (cabinets)? Are you going to just make a shelf screwed to the wall with tool cabinets underneath?
It's definately overwhelming at the beginning but once you pick either the floor type or bench, you'll figure a work around.
Don't get me wrong. I think this forum is the best location for brainstorming but there are too many factors still to consider.
Keep up the good work and make sure you take the time to decide what's good for you.
I suggest you do a little more research on both projects.
1- You need to find out approximate cost of each possible floor type.
2- You need to decide how you will build your workbench (I suggest finding inspiration in this thread http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=464&highlight=let%27s+workbench
Example: Will you bench be on wheels? Will it be moveable on legs? Will you build it like a kitchen counter (cabinets)? Are you going to just make a shelf screwed to the wall with tool cabinets underneath?
It's definately overwhelming at the beginning but once you pick either the floor type or bench, you'll figure a work around.
Don't get me wrong. I think this forum is the best location for brainstorming but there are too many factors still to consider.
Keep up the good work and make sure you take the time to decide what's good for you.
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duggie
Well-known member
Why not build the bench the same way you built the overhead shelf ??
A couple of "temporary" angle brackets attached to the wall to support the bench top until you decide on the flooring. That way, you get your workbench top and still have options for flooring. Then finish under your bench as required ..... my CDN $0.05 !! (no more pennies, so nickels it is ... LOL)
A couple of "temporary" angle brackets attached to the wall to support the bench top until you decide on the flooring. That way, you get your workbench top and still have options for flooring. Then finish under your bench as required ..... my CDN $0.05 !! (no more pennies, so nickels it is ... LOL)
rieferman
Well-known member
I love it, great job! Also, I really enjoyed your writing style and story telling. Thanks for sharing!
Installment #9
It's been a while since I've updated - small things have been happening and it's not at a point that I can actually do some work inside the shed. Oh, and I've renamed it my 'workshop' to make sure it doesn't get confused with the place that our yard tools, mower, bikes, etc get stored....that's my wife's shed....
Since last time, I've laid the VCT floor and built a workbench.
VCT install
It really is as simple as people here have said, but I'll add a few of my own perspectives. I did this in 2 parts like I assume a lot of people do here, and the first part was laid while it was quite cool out. Despite me cranking up the heater, it was a pretty cool day and it took a while for the glue to dry and the tiles were pretty brittle. The second half was done about a month later in full sun - the glue tried really quickly and the tiles were much softer (I laid them out in the sun). The job was so much easier.
^^ Rented a 100lb roller and did the first half here. Then had to move everything onto that side (including the 500lb KTM) and do the other side. It was down to the inch to leave enough room for me to work. But it worked.
After this it felt more like a place I wanted to spend time in and work, which was the whole point. Like drywalling, the floor made a dramatic difference.
Workbench
I don't have to tell any of you that a good workbench is key to a good shop. I had anguished over what I wanted the workbench to hold, what tools should go where, how to incorporate the toolbox, etc. At the end of the day, I whipped up a sketch, taped it to the wall, and got cutting.
I have little marks all around the shed...err....I mean, workshop marking the stud locations. I figured it would save me having to use the stud finder each time. I just line up my level on the mark and strike the pencil wherever I'm hoping to attach something. Works really well.
^^ I began the bench by attaching a starter 2x4, lag bolting it into the studs. Likely overkill, but I used 5 lag bolts, and after all were secured this thing did not move. Never. Ever. As you can see, I am really close to the window, but had it all figured out given the dimension of the top that I already had waiting.
^^ Progression. You can see how I was measuring out my toolbox to give it the 'built in' look. Full disclosure - this idea was swiped from allinon72's "Single car garage in Indianapolis". I really liked how he incorporated his into his bench. I measured with only millimetres to spare. I then built up a 'stage' on which the toolbox would sit to keep it tucked up under the top.
^^ Here the box is in place and the last remaining pieces going on. The upper frame is lag bolted on 3 sides and even without any legs to support it, it was pretty solid. I sistered the 2x4 legs because that's what everyone else seems to do here....
The middle section is to hold my panniers, tools, etc and the right section is for the shop vac.
Fast forward a couple of hours.....
^^ Done! The top was bought for $30 on CL - it's 2 3/4" ply glued and screwed together with an oak edging. It weighs a lot but came all finished with about 4 coats of poly on it. It was about 3" too long so one cut later and it dropped right into place.
I then quickly began filling up the bench per my original sketch - level attached, clamps, toolboxes, beer, 50s craftsman bench grinder, old repurposed metal drawers. All in all, I'm really happy with how it turned out. It gave so much more storage that the workshop is functional now as it was intended.
^^ A home for the KTM.
^^ To celebrate, I took a well deserved ride up to Whistler and back....
Next steps:
- paint the workbench and upper 'loft' shelf
- build an additional upper storage 'loft' above the carriage doors for storing wood, motorcycle tires, etc.
- Use it, use it, use it.
Thanks everyone - really, if it wasn't for this site and the inspiration from all the garages big and small, this project wouldn't have been what it is. Owe you guys a lot.
Matthew.
It's been a while since I've updated - small things have been happening and it's not at a point that I can actually do some work inside the shed. Oh, and I've renamed it my 'workshop' to make sure it doesn't get confused with the place that our yard tools, mower, bikes, etc get stored....that's my wife's shed....
Since last time, I've laid the VCT floor and built a workbench.
VCT install
It really is as simple as people here have said, but I'll add a few of my own perspectives. I did this in 2 parts like I assume a lot of people do here, and the first part was laid while it was quite cool out. Despite me cranking up the heater, it was a pretty cool day and it took a while for the glue to dry and the tiles were pretty brittle. The second half was done about a month later in full sun - the glue tried really quickly and the tiles were much softer (I laid them out in the sun). The job was so much easier.
^^ Rented a 100lb roller and did the first half here. Then had to move everything onto that side (including the 500lb KTM) and do the other side. It was down to the inch to leave enough room for me to work. But it worked.
After this it felt more like a place I wanted to spend time in and work, which was the whole point. Like drywalling, the floor made a dramatic difference.
Workbench
I don't have to tell any of you that a good workbench is key to a good shop. I had anguished over what I wanted the workbench to hold, what tools should go where, how to incorporate the toolbox, etc. At the end of the day, I whipped up a sketch, taped it to the wall, and got cutting.
I have little marks all around the shed...err....I mean, workshop marking the stud locations. I figured it would save me having to use the stud finder each time. I just line up my level on the mark and strike the pencil wherever I'm hoping to attach something. Works really well.
^^ I began the bench by attaching a starter 2x4, lag bolting it into the studs. Likely overkill, but I used 5 lag bolts, and after all were secured this thing did not move. Never. Ever. As you can see, I am really close to the window, but had it all figured out given the dimension of the top that I already had waiting.
^^ Progression. You can see how I was measuring out my toolbox to give it the 'built in' look. Full disclosure - this idea was swiped from allinon72's "Single car garage in Indianapolis". I really liked how he incorporated his into his bench. I measured with only millimetres to spare. I then built up a 'stage' on which the toolbox would sit to keep it tucked up under the top.
^^ Here the box is in place and the last remaining pieces going on. The upper frame is lag bolted on 3 sides and even without any legs to support it, it was pretty solid. I sistered the 2x4 legs because that's what everyone else seems to do here....
The middle section is to hold my panniers, tools, etc and the right section is for the shop vac.
Fast forward a couple of hours.....
^^ Done! The top was bought for $30 on CL - it's 2 3/4" ply glued and screwed together with an oak edging. It weighs a lot but came all finished with about 4 coats of poly on it. It was about 3" too long so one cut later and it dropped right into place.
I then quickly began filling up the bench per my original sketch - level attached, clamps, toolboxes, beer, 50s craftsman bench grinder, old repurposed metal drawers. All in all, I'm really happy with how it turned out. It gave so much more storage that the workshop is functional now as it was intended.
^^ A home for the KTM.
^^ To celebrate, I took a well deserved ride up to Whistler and back....
Next steps:
- paint the workbench and upper 'loft' shelf
- build an additional upper storage 'loft' above the carriage doors for storing wood, motorcycle tires, etc.
- Use it, use it, use it.
Thanks everyone - really, if it wasn't for this site and the inspiration from all the garages big and small, this project wouldn't have been what it is. Owe you guys a lot.
Matthew.
Cris B
Well-known member
This is an inspirational build and I admire your attention to detail. Looking forward to see how this develops...
It's been a while since I updated.
I've been busy using the workshop as much as I can - time split between trying to get it more organized and learning to do the maintenance on my KTM Adventure bike.
A while ago I added some primer to the workbench and the storage 'loft'. I was going to paint it grey, but I'm leaning towards leaving it white as it keeps it looking light.
^^ Added some wall art to give a little colour - authentic from WWII
^^ The winter maintenance is in full swing....As I'm currently self-teaching myself to work on bikes, I have to be overly **** about labelling and organizing every bolt that comes off the bike. I'm really slow at the moment, but hope to speed things along as I gain more confidence..
I've got a couple of small parts storage bins on order (cheap Akro Mills plastic ones) so I can take out any non-tools from my toolbox and make it 100% for tools. As it should be.
I also plan on building more shelving where the Union Jack is hanging now, but uncertain what kind to build. I'll then slide the KTM over a little as the opposite wall is completely clear and will continue to be.
Surprising how nice it is to work in it - even as a tiny space. I plug in the heater a few minutes before working out there and it's nice and warm. With good tunes I can hide out for hours....
Up next:
- water pump seal on the bike which will test every ounce of wrenching ability I've recently acquired...
- construct loft above carriage doors for additional storage.
Matthew.
I've been busy using the workshop as much as I can - time split between trying to get it more organized and learning to do the maintenance on my KTM Adventure bike.
A while ago I added some primer to the workbench and the storage 'loft'. I was going to paint it grey, but I'm leaning towards leaving it white as it keeps it looking light.
^^ Added some wall art to give a little colour - authentic from WWII
^^ The winter maintenance is in full swing....As I'm currently self-teaching myself to work on bikes, I have to be overly **** about labelling and organizing every bolt that comes off the bike. I'm really slow at the moment, but hope to speed things along as I gain more confidence..
I've got a couple of small parts storage bins on order (cheap Akro Mills plastic ones) so I can take out any non-tools from my toolbox and make it 100% for tools. As it should be.
I also plan on building more shelving where the Union Jack is hanging now, but uncertain what kind to build. I'll then slide the KTM over a little as the opposite wall is completely clear and will continue to be.
Surprising how nice it is to work in it - even as a tiny space. I plug in the heater a few minutes before working out there and it's nice and warm. With good tunes I can hide out for hours....
Up next:
- water pump seal on the bike which will test every ounce of wrenching ability I've recently acquired...
- construct loft above carriage doors for additional storage.
Matthew.
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Outlander
Well-known member
Great job and thanks for the inspiration to us fellow shed...I mean workshop....dwellers!
RSOllie
Well-known member
Now that's a shed!!!
Top work
Top work
captain14
Well-known member
Can you post closeup pictures and a description of how the hinges are hidden and mounted on the rear carriage doors. I did not see any close ups but just your description and the idea from your carpenter.
Very nice job and remember reading 6 months ago. Thanks for the update
Glad to see the little heater makes it nice to work in.
Very nice job and remember reading 6 months ago. Thanks for the update
Glad to see the little heater makes it nice to work in.
It's been a while since my last post, and I haven't yet grabbed those photos I've promised! (But will, I promise)
With the weather getting nicer and nicer, I'm feeling the pressure to complete my winter maintenance on the big bike - took a few shots of me doing the front brakes a few nights ago. Last task is to do an oil change (not 10 minutes on these bikes), coolant flush, and do a preventative change of the water pump seal. Hopefully once these are done, it'll be ready for the road….
It feels pretty cozy in here, and with the little heater, it's really comfortable. Now if I only had a bike lift….
M.
With the weather getting nicer and nicer, I'm feeling the pressure to complete my winter maintenance on the big bike - took a few shots of me doing the front brakes a few nights ago. Last task is to do an oil change (not 10 minutes on these bikes), coolant flush, and do a preventative change of the water pump seal. Hopefully once these are done, it'll be ready for the road….
It feels pretty cozy in here, and with the little heater, it's really comfortable. Now if I only had a bike lift….
M.
I've been pretty bad at keeping this thread going. Well really bad. Like 4 years bad...
I've been too busy riding (motorbikes and mountain bikes) and raising kids to really do anything other than adding a few items to make it more functional, like shelving for helmet and riding gear, storage for my zip ties, organizational bins for my small hardware, adding LED lighting over bench, etc.
Biggest news is that my house is now for sale (anyone looking for a character house in the heart of Vancouver??). We've bought a much newer house, still in Vancouver, but this one actually comes with a single car garage! I know it's not much, but it's more than I have now, and I'm totally stoked on making it my own. Right now it's a nicely unmolested canvas for me to apply as many Garage Journal inspired details as I can.
Will likely start a new thread for that, or maybe just continue with this one....
This is still an awesome site to come and spend time.
M.
I've been too busy riding (motorbikes and mountain bikes) and raising kids to really do anything other than adding a few items to make it more functional, like shelving for helmet and riding gear, storage for my zip ties, organizational bins for my small hardware, adding LED lighting over bench, etc.
Biggest news is that my house is now for sale (anyone looking for a character house in the heart of Vancouver??). We've bought a much newer house, still in Vancouver, but this one actually comes with a single car garage! I know it's not much, but it's more than I have now, and I'm totally stoked on making it my own. Right now it's a nicely unmolested canvas for me to apply as many Garage Journal inspired details as I can.
Will likely start a new thread for that, or maybe just continue with this one....
This is still an awesome site to come and spend time.
M.
Unruh
Well-known member
What a great space! I’m gonna take some of your ideas.
Fast914
Well-known member
Hey Matthew, what a great "Shed" LOL....love your attention to detail and as one of the guys said, your writing is excellent! I have a KTM 300 xcw and love riding as well....reality, work, family etc often find it in the garage but I have always lusted after a 950 / 990 Dakar model....so cool! I was fortunate to buy a 914 years ago and that has been an ongoing project....never to be sold as I am pretty sure I would never see another....LOL!
....once again Congratulations on your Shop and now new home as well! Grant
....once again Congratulations on your Shop and now new home as well! Grant
sean Buick 76
Well-known member
Very cool functional little man cave!
Love the build. I'm hoping to do something similar, maybe a bit larger. I was thinking 16 x 25 if I can swing it. I'm just curious and I apologize if you mentioned it and I missed it but any idea on how much you have spent on your shop? I'm tossing around the idea of pre-built vs built in place and maybe having the framing and roof done by someone and then just building down on my own.
Dredging up this blast from your past to say thanks for the inspiration! This looks so welcoming and functional.
Would you mind sharing your total cost in $ and time?
Sorry for the delay here gents, and thanks for the nice comments. It was a great little 'shop' and served me well. I drive by it from time to time and wonder what the next owner is using it for....
I never kept a proper list of what it cost (self preservation) and I think I genuinely thought it was a 'weekend' project. It obviously grew bigger than I originally thought. If I remember, so bigger cost items were:
Other than that, the windows and doors were relatively cheap, siding was pretty cheap, went overboard on insulating/wiring/drywall but I wanted it to feel less like a shed so I was happy.
Cheers,
Matthew
I never kept a proper list of what it cost (self preservation) and I think I genuinely thought it was a 'weekend' project. It obviously grew bigger than I originally thought. If I remember, so bigger cost items were:
- Hiring the father/son team to do the drywall/insulation/siding cost me about $1300/wk for 3 weeks
- Took longer than I expected - may labour was free, but it still 'cost' my time
Other than that, the windows and doors were relatively cheap, siding was pretty cheap, went overboard on insulating/wiring/drywall but I wanted it to feel less like a shed so I was happy.
Cheers,
Matthew