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We’re cleaning out an overcrowded garage and turning it into a state of the art storage center. Find out how to build shelving, store bikes, ladders, and other equipment neatly for easy access when needed, and even stain a garage floor.

    Cleaning Out a Garage

    When cleaning out a garage, divide the items into three piles:

    • Those to keep
    • Those to throw away
    • Those to donate or recycle

    DIY Garage Shelving

    To increase storage space in the garage, we installed a 16” wide shelf along the back wall. Here’s how to go about it:

      1. Attach a 2×2 cleat horizontally on the wall to support the shelf.

    Garage shelving unit.
    Garage shelving unit.

      1. Cut triangular pieces of sheet material, such as plywood or MDF, to act as shelf supports.
      1. Glue and nail or screw 1x4s to the vertical side of the shelf supports, offsetting it at the top by the width of the 1×2, so it will be flush with the top.
      1. Position the shelf supports vertically over the wall studs and nail or screw them in place.
      1. Cut the shelf boards to length with joints meeting over the shelf supports.
    1. Attach the shelves to the shelf supports and wall cleat with nails or screws.

    We also built a 12” deep shelf unit that hangs between two of the shelf supports to hold paint cans and other smaller items.

    Watch our video on Building Garage Shelving to find out more.

    Hanging bike from hooks for easy access.
    Hanging bike from hooks for easy access.

    Hanging Garage Storage

    We installed hangers on the wall to store often used bikes and strollers. For less used bikes, we put in a bike storage system that uses ropes and pulleys to raise the bikes up out of the way.

    Watch our video on How to Hang Bikes in a Garage to find out more.

    Plastic coated utility hooks were attached to the wall and under the shelves to hang ladders and lawn and garden tools.

    Rolling stain on garage floor.
    Rolling stain on garage floor.

    Finishing a Garage Floor

    We applied semitransparent concrete stain to the garage floor to improve the look of the bare concrete and seal the porous surface. Before applying the stain, clean the floor thoroughly with a mixture of TSP (trisodium phosphate) and water, or another cleaner suitable for concrete, using a scrub brush. After rinsing off the cleaner and dirt, allow the floor to dry before rolling on the stain.

    Watch our video on How to Seal a Garage Floor to find out more.

    To prevent dirt from being tracked in the house, we installed indoor/outdoor carpeting in the area around the back door. Mastic was used to attach the carpet to the concrete, and the exposed corner was rounded to give the carpet a more finished look and prevent it from pulling up.

    Watch our video on Installing Carpet in Your Garage to find out more.

    Other Tips from This Episode

    Ladder hanging on hooks on shed door.

    Simple Solutions with Joe Truini:
    Utilizing Door Space for Storage

    Large swinging doors on a garage or storage shed are a great place to store stepladders, sawhorses, or other items that you use frequently. To use a door for storage, attach utility hooks to the inside of the door with drywall screws, then hang items on the hooks. (Watch Video)

    Can of Glidden Trim & Door Paint

    Best New Products with Jodi Marks:
    Glidden Trim & Door Paint

    Glidden Trim & Door paint is a high gloss, oil-based, mildew resistant paint that can be used both inside and out. The paint uses Gel-Flow technology to reduce drips and brushstrokes. Glidden Trim & Door paint is available at The Home Depot in a range of colors. (Watch Video)

    Painting wood paneling.

    Ask Danny Lipford:
    Brightening Up Dark Wood Paneling

    The best way to brighten up dark wood paneling is by painting it. Start by sanding the finish with 100-grit sandpaper to remove the gloss. Wipe off any dust, then prime and apply two topcoats of paint. For a smooth look, fill the paneling seams with drywall joint compound after priming. Sand the compound smooth and apply additional coats before applying two topcoats of paint. (Watch Video)

    Editorial Contributors
    avatar for Danny Lipford

    Danny Lipford

    Founder

    Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

    Learn More