5 Ways to Store Your Summer Power Equipment

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Summer is that time of year when we pull out our summer power equipment to mow the lawn, work on our landscaping, or start a home renovation project. You’re probably storing all of your needed tools in your garage. Here are some best practices to keep your concrete floors and cabinets protected from your summer power equipment.

1. Store smaller power tools in the box they came in or keep them in a toolbox or cabinet.

The best way to store your smaller tools is to keep them in the box they came in. This will protect your tools from dust and prevent them from rusting.

If you don’t want a pile of boxes lying around, you can also store tools inside of a toolbox. If you add a few silica gel packs inside, you can protect your tools from any moisture that accumulates in the toolbox. (It’s easy to find silica gel packs at any big retail store at a good price.)

If you already have cabinets built in your garage, you can store smaller tools here too. Keep your drawers and cabinets lined with anti-rust liners to protect your tools and cabinets from any rust.

2. Hang larger tools like weed wackers on hooks and peg boards.

Hanging tools on the walls helps you not only protect your garage flooring, but also conserve floor space. The best way to store power tools like your weed wacker is to hang them up. You’ll keep them safely out of the way and they won’t collect any dust or dirt from the floor.

3. Store gas in containers safely on the floor.

You need to be very careful to keep gas in a specific gas canister and at least 50 feet away from any ignition sources in your garage, like water heaters and furnaces. Instead of placing gas canisters directly on the concrete, put it on a piece of plywood to prevent damage from spilling. Make sure to keep gas canisters out of direct sunlight and out of the reach of children.

4. Keep lawn mowers inside and easy to access.

If you mow your lawn yourself, this will most likely be your most frequently used tool. Make sure it’s easy to reach and to move in and out of the garage. While it may be tempting to store your lawn mower vertically, check the owner’s manual first. Many mowers can’t be stored vertically due to the risk of fuel and oil dripping into the engine. We recommend storing it on a low ramped shelf or a protective pad to keep it off of the concrete.

5. Use large metal trash cans or plastic boxes for fertilizer.

It’s important to keep fertilizer away from any ignition sources, any water sources, and it’s also nice if you can contain the smell. We recommend storing fertilizer in sealable metal or plastic containers. This will protect the fertilizer from the elements and it will also protect your garage floors from fertilizer spilling from torn-open bags.

 

As custom garage specialists, we know how important it is to keep your garage in tip-top condition. Contact us if we can help you with any custom storage solutions for your summer power tools.

5 Ways to Store Wet Equipment in Your Garage

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The garage is often the catchall storage location for most outdoor equipment. However, if some of the items are wet, such as kiddie pools or life jackets, they could damage your concrete floor or cabinets. Even with adequate storage systems, you need to avoid mold buildup in your cabinets or racks due to wet gear.

Read on for some tips on how to store these items:

Get a Rack

Life jackets or vests can accumulate in your garage, and if they are wet, the moisture could cause damage to your concrete floor. Most people tend to stuff them into storage cabinets or boxes even while wet, leading to mold growth. A rack is an ideal option for damp life jackets. You can also install a rod along your garage ceiling, then utilize heavy-duty hangers to hold the jackets. This way, they will dry properly.

Old Crates

Wet shoes are common in the garage, especially if you have kids. If not properly stored, they can quickly become mildewed, damp, and ruined. You can utilize old milk crates by placing them in one corner then toss all the wet shoes into one convenient and breathable receptacle. A milk crate has lots of holes that allow air to flow through them, and it also prevents direct contact with the floor. If you have less floor space, you can set them on brackets mounted on the wall.

Open Cabinets

While using garage cabinets, ensure that they have an open front to allow air circulation around your wet gear, which helps to eliminate moisture. Also, keep the rack near the doorway to ensure every family member puts their wet shoes in the right place.

Cookie Tray Boot Storage

After a day out in wet boots, most people keep them in the garage. Instead of placing them on the floor, cookie trays are a great alternative. Rummage through the kitchen aisle or your local hardware store for baking cupboards. Fill the large cookie trays with some small stones to bring out a unique boot drainage tray. Even with dripping water from your boots, the tray will collect it and prevent water from reaching the floor. You can then wash off the pebbles and clean the tray.

Use Easy to Transport Storage Containers or Bags

Storage containers with tight lids and handles are a good option for your wet camping gear. Choose those with plastic material since you can place them on the floor or in storage racks without causing any damage. The handles make them easy to put on racks and move from one place to another. Alternatively, you can opt for nylon or canvas bags that are heavy and impenetrable. They also have handles, so you can hang or carry them easily.

Key Takeaway

Your garage concrete floors and cabinets could be damaged by wet gear stored in your garage. Hopefully, the above tips will help keep your wet or damp equipment safely and protect your storage solutions. For more professional storage systems that fit your style and space, contact us to get a free estimate.

What Types of Storage is Best for Your Garage

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Types of Garage Storage

One of the biggest complaints that most people have about their current home is the lack of storage that they have. It can be frustrating not to have enough room to store items away for that next project or camping trip. Here are some areas of your garage where you could be maximizing your storage potential.

Overhead Garage Storage

Airy garages with high ceilings have the advantage of all of that overhead space that’s not being utilized. Overhead storage can be a beneficial way to store away items where they won’t be in the way. Hooks, racks, and installed shelving are all options for keeping things up high. 

 

Overhead storage is perfect for putting away items that you won’t need for a while since it’s often not easy to access. Think camping gear stored during the winter months or Christmas decorations stored during the summer months. There are specialized overhead storage holders for items like bicycles and kayaks that can best help you to maximize this space when trying to store more awkward items.

Wall Storage Cabinets

The walls in your garage may be overlooked for their value as a storage space, especially in areas where there isn’t a lot of clearance. Wall racks in these areas can be beneficial for hanging up smaller items, such as brooms and mops. The wall storage rack helps keep them off of the floor and out of your way.

Pegboard systems and shelving can be great additions along garage walls to add more storage. These are great for not only adding places to put things, but helps with keeping your tools and items organized. Wall units are very customizable for the space you have available on the wall, along with what you want to store.

Off the Floor Garage Storage

Keeping things off the floor can go a long way to getting your garage organized the way you want. Cubby systems and bins are one great option for off-the-floor storage. These work nicely because the containers are stored away when not in use but can be pulled entirely out for easy access when needed. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes to store all different kinds of things.

Out of the Box Ideas

Think outside of the box when considering where you can add storage to your garage. For instance, you can use your garage door as a storage space with racks that are specially made to fit on your door for items like fishing rods. Another idea is creating a loft that fits above the garage door that doesn’t stop it from opening but uses an area that would otherwise be dead space. Not everyone has the same setup with their garage, so there may be a space you have available that could provide you with more space.

Customizing your garage is one of the best ways to maximize the amount of storage space it offers. At Carolina Custom Garages, we specialize in creating a garage space that optimizes the inside of your garage while making it look fantastic. Contact our staff today to discuss your options for customizing your garage space.

 

4 Steps to Your Custom Garage

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Designing and installing custom garages is our specialty. We provide everything from custom cabinets and organization systems to high-quality garage floor coatings.

Our process is simple. Our mission is to make this project as easy as possible for you, so we will take care of all the heavy lifting.

Here’s what you can expect when hiring us to create your custom garage.

Step 1. Free Consultation

Every project is different, we understand that. We invite you to give us a call to schedule your in-home consultation so we can better understand your vision for your new garage. This helps our garage experts understand both your needs and your budget.

Our approach is custom, there is no one size that fits all. As each project is uniquely different from the other, we do not offer blanket pricing options.

Step 2. 3D CAD Design & Estimate

Once we gather all the information regarding your project request, we will then create 3D CAD designs so you can visualize what the end product will look like. Along with the visual design, we will also include the breakdown of the project costs so you will know exactly where your money is going throughout the project.

This is an important step in the process as it proves the value and quality of the work and shows how your investment will pay off.

Step 3. Schedule Installation

Once we receive approval from you on the design and project cost, we will then have our crew of supervisors set up an installation time that fits your schedule. We always provide you with exact installation dates so the project gets done quickly and on-time.

Step 4. Installation Day

This is where you can sit back and relax while our team of experienced professional installers transforms your garage into a clean, organized space. We typically complete projects within 2-3 days. Once the installation is complete, your transformed space will now be ready to show off to your friends and family.

 

If you have any questions regarding our capabilities with custom garages, reach out to our team today. We look forward to working with you.