mezzanine Archives - Garage Tailors

Christmas Decorations Inside and Out of the Garage

October 23, 2018 by Rick Scully

garage renovation, garage interior design, garage renovation, slatwall organization system, garage cabinets, garage storage, aluminum, steel, wood, workbench, made to measure, swisstrax ribtrax,

It’s that time again to get out the Christmas decorations. There are a lot of people out there who enjoy going all out to do a light show with choreographed music themes and moving lawn ornaments to match. With an aging population, this may not be possible for all of us. And, getting up on ladders may not always be practical for everyone especially if you have a fear of heights.

However, many of us thoroughly enjoy this time of year and we want to participate in the merriment, the coming together of people as well as all the good tidings of joy and peace. Here are some ideas for how to decorate the garage from the outside while using the garage for storing decorations again in the new year.

Overhead Garage Storage for Rarely Used Items

The overhead space is the best place to store things we use only once or twice a year. Or, we may want to store summer garden tools in the overhead space during the winter and early spring when we need to use winter tools to maintain the driveway and yard in these colder seasons.

Overhead platforms offer open storage space where it is fairly easy to see what’s up there and it is only a limited distance of 18 to 24 inches to the back or furthest reaches of the platform. They come in a variety of formats including made-to-measure wood platforms with pot lights installed to illuminate work spaces below. There are also metal shelves which are mounted against the walls or platforms which hang from the ceiling and can still carry hundreds of pounds of belongings as long as it is properly secured to the ceiling. And, for garages with a high ceiling, a mezzanine makes using the storage space above a lot easier.

For the smaller items such as strings of lights or delicate ornaments, clear plastic storage bins are a great way to store and manage the decorations available. They not only store well on overhead shelves or platforms, but they help the family to seethe available decorations available so you don’t end up with duplicate items which go unused each year due to a lack of space.

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Decorating Around the Garage Door

We often will hang a wreath on the front door and add decorations around the front steps or porch. Often, we forget the garage door yet this door may be a large part of the presentation of the front of the home.

Keeping with the theme that we might use for the front entrance of the house, we can add garlands along the top and down the sides of a garage opening. Wreaths can also be used on the garage door or along the opening of the garage by hanging them over the outdoor lighting fixtures or sconces.

Garage Door Wraps

These days, garage door wraps are available for garage doors of all sizes. They come in a variety of Christmas themes from peaceful to fun and frivolous. Depending on your style, a garage door wrap can match the style of your lawn ornaments.

Whether you go to the extent of having a nativity scene or reindeers with Santa, a garage door wrap can stand on its own or compliment the whole theme of the outdoor landscape décor.

Add Lighting along the Driveway

Still keeping it simple, if you don’t have the ability to get on a ladder and string lights around the house, you can always add a little light along the sides of the driveway. With reliable LED lights, they can be installed temporarily or as a permanent feature of the driveway with spotlights highlighting potted plants of the season or seasonal ornaments.

At the foot of the driveway is a great spot to place over sized outdoor bows, wreaths or seasonal ornaments to welcome your guests with the spirit of the season. All of these decorative ideas not only highlight the garage and the driveway which is the first entry to the house, but it adds some practical benefits of lighting the driveway for more easily locating the driveway entrance on quieter streets.

Make Seasonal Storage Easy for the Whole Family

At the end of the season, most of these decorative ornaments and lights have to go back into storage until the next year. If you find that storing your seasonal decorations has become difficult to manage, start planning for a garage renovation and design which will create a garage storage system to help your family transition to the winter season, the holiday season as well as all the family activities which winter inspires.

Five Ways to Maximize Storage in Tall Garages

February 23, 2017 by Rick Scully

Having cathedral ceilings in the house gives a spacious inviting feeling to the room or space in the home. In the garage, most of us just don’t spend enough time living in the space to enjoy the tall ceilings in the same way. Instead, more often, we use the garage as a place to store and easily access a wide variety of tools and lifestyle items from bikes, kayaks, canoes, tires, seasonal decorations, and much more. For the car enthusiast, a drive in a favourite vehicle is always just moments away.

The tall garage with its abundant overhead space is one of the most versatile design spaces in an entire garage renovation. With a wide range of overhead storage solutions available, the tall garage has the most potential for unique options of both form and function.

The Mezzanine

The mezzanine is a way to create a functional space in the garage. With tempered-glass safety railings, the mezzanine offers a storage space which is comfortable to access. Instead of constantly having to reach overhead, access to the mezzanine can be as inconspicuous as a retro style pull-down attic ladder which maximizes the use of overall space. Or, it can be actual stairs which can automatically lower with the push of a button. And, in one instance, where a car lift already existed, it was incorporated as an actual lift to reach the mezzanine platform overhead.

To consider a mezzanine, the higher the ceiling height the more well-suited the garage is to a mezzanine. Ideally, people would be able to walk around on the mezzanine without running their heads into the ceiling above. The ideal depth would be a platform area of 8 feet or more. Mezzanines are typically situated above the garage door or to the rear of the garage depending on what makes the most sense.

Storing seasonal decorations, off-season sports equipment and other bulky or seldom-accessed items is the ideal use of the mezzanine. In a tall garage, the mezzanine makes it possible to leverage the entire height as well as depth of the overhead storage space.

Overhead Platform Storage

People rarely realize how to leverage the overhead space in the garage to maximize storage space while opening up the floor space in the garage for vehicles to be parked and your family to get around the garage safely. There are many options to use the overhead garage space to add additional storage space.

A storage solution like an overhead rack or a platform is a good answer to many storage challenges. We offer aluminum Hyloft racks which we’ll install securely to the ceiling of your garage. The other option is the Strong Racks steel racks which come in two styles: the overhead platform or the wall shelf which attaches high along the side or rear wall of the garage.

Racks are typically mounted near the centre or away from walls so there is clearance on multiple sides to access the items stored above. On the other hand, a steel shelf is typically not as deep as a rack as it gets mounted to walls of the garage. The overhead height is adjustable so that more or less space may be made available to store garden or winter tools, seasonal decorations and sports equipment.

Made-to-Measure Platform Solutions

Our made-to-measure platform solutions are made to measure and will fit all the nooks, crannies and turns which the wall takes. Our custom platforms are made to the specified depth and length while being mounted to the specified height from the ceiling.

Not only are they secured to the garage wall but using airplane cable, the platforms are mounted to the ceiling joists allowing them to wrap around the side and rear walls of the garage. Alternatively, poles can be used instead of airplane cable for supporting the platforms. In general, poles limit the amount of usable floor space available. Whether it’s airplane cable or poles, the platforms can support 750 lbs worth of off-season tools, spare tires, seasonal decorations, automotive accessories and more.

Made to measure custom platforms can also be finished with drywall and pot lights below to improve the lighting of the garage or the workspace areas of the garage.

Sports & Vintage Car Lifts

For automotive enthusiasts who love to be near their cars, in their cars and out driving their cars, the hydraulic car lift is one of the ways to park extra vehicles in the garage. Not only are additional parking spaces a concern but for vintage or sports vehicle owners, securing and safely storing these vehicles makes it possible to preserve and prolong the life of these limited edition treasures.

When considering an automotive lift, the minimum garage height depends on the vehicles being stored but a tight squeeze would be 10 feet or 11 feet. And, of course, the automated garage door mechanisms may need to be replaced by a Jack Shaft Operator which allows the garage door to slide up along the ceiling to clear the overhead space for the vehicles. The garage also needs an appropriate width to safely operate the lift to avoid damaging the vehicle or other belongings.

From there, a decision can be made for a 1 post, 2 post or 4 post lift. If you’re considering a car lift, book an in-home consultation with a garage renovation specialist to work out the viability of a lift in your tall garage.

Overhead Bike and Water Sport Storage

Hydraulic lifts are not only for vintage vehicles but also for bicycles. A whole family of bicycles can be parked on a single rack and lifted up and out of the way with the click of a switch. While there are numerous bike storage solutions using walls as well as ceilings, the hydraulic bicycle rack is accessible by every member of the family regardless of their height or strength. And, it’s a good way to leverage the space overhead and use the overhead space in the centre of a garage. In addition to the hydraulic bike rack, a wide variety of bike rack solutions are available to suit any bike lifestyle.

In addition to bikes, water sports crafts such as kayaks or canoes tend to be stored in the garage as well. Water crafts tend to be bulky and don’t tend to fit standard storage solutions such as platforms or shelves. To optimize the overhead garage storage space, an overhead sling is one of the safest ways to store water crafts and keep them out of the way of being damaged by a vehicle or damaging a vehicle. In addition to kayaks and canoes, wake boards and stand up paddle boards can be place in an overhead sling storage solution.

The Versatile Tall Garage

If you have a tall garage, there are many ways to use the overhead space to improve and increase the usable space in the garage. Not only are these garage renovation solutions functional but they can also add visual appeal to support even the most dynamic of family lifestyles.

Create Garage Storage Solutions in Time for Winter

September 28, 2015 by Rick Scully

The end of summer is upon us, and soon we will be bolstering for winter. For months, your garage has become a receptacle for sports equipment, camping gear, bikes, and more, leaving your car in the driveway. Before a snowy winter arrives, it is time to organize.

The best way to proceed is to determine your family’s organizational personality, and design storage solutions that will work for everyone. Determining your storage style is easy. Look inside your home, especially the kitchen and the bathrooms. Is everything hidden away in a cabinet or drawer? Or do you prefer to have everything in sight and within easy reach of where you will need it? Remember to consider other members of the household, too.

Young children may have one set of needs, while teens have another. Maybe your four-year-old won’t remember to brush his or her teeth, unless it is all laid out before them. Teens may feel the need for more privacy to store the items they use routinely.

As you set out to reorganize your garage storage system, there are three basic styles to consider. Here is a brief explanation of these styles. Pick the one that works for your family situation.

Open Storage

If you are a highly visual family, you may prefer to have everything on display. Imagine your belongings hanging neatly on a wall or visible on a shelf. You can simply walk in, spot what you are looking for, and then when you are finished, you know exactly where to return the item.

Nowadays, there are some amazing garage storage materials. Did you know you could hang your lawnmower on the wall? New technology has provided systems that accommodate tremendous weights using a simple Camlok^TM hook. Shelves or platforms offer a level storage area, ideal for books, bins or boxes. Make sure bins & boxes are well marked, however.

Garage interior design has become a myriad of choices and options. If you have 14′ ceilings, or more, you can even include a mezzanine to hold seasonal items that aren’t too heavy, like lawn furniture in winter, and holiday decorations in summer.

Open storage can be an efficient and easily maintained solution for your garage. You can get everything off the floor, and leave plenty of room to keep your car safe over winter.

Closed Storage

If the idea of open storage doesn’t appeal to you, closed storage keeps everything out-of-sight and sometimes, out-of-mind. If your idea of a garage renovation includes sleek lines, and a polished aesthetic appeal, cabinets may be the way to go. Your garage storage can go from chaotic to controlled using the proper choice of cabinets, in a layout tht suits your needs.

Closed storage is also extremely flexible, so if your hobby is woodworking, you could have small drawers to hold screws, nails, hinges, all within arm’s reach of your workbench. If you are an auto enthusiast, the drawers may be better placed next to the spot you will be working. The key is to organize your possessions in a way that actually works for you. Cabinets can come with drawers, shelves or countertops, all based on what you need.

Women may want a corner for craft items or sewing projects. Again, these areas can be organized easily with the correct choice of cabinets.

One more benefit of closed storage is that it can be lockable. Some of us store valuables in the garage, or we keep cleaning supplies and oils or windshield washer fluid for our vehicles there. Locked storage keeps children safe and protects your assets.

A word of caution, however, closed storage works great for organized people. If your family can keep a system going, terrific, but some families tend to start out with good intentions, but life has a way of distracting us and we end up creating chaos but behind a closed door. Be realistic when you choose your garage storage options. Can you see yourself opening a cabinet door and releasing a barrage of assorted items cascading over your head? If so, closed storage may not be the answer.

The Best of Both Worlds

Most families will benefit most from a combination of the first two styles. Garage renovation specialists can help you sort out your family’s storage needs based on your family lifestyle. Most of us do one major garage renovation in a lifetime. How are we to know the pros and cons, and anticipate what the future may hold? That’s why professional help, via a free in-home consultation, can be extremely helpful.

Closed storage is ideal for items you will not need frequently. There are even locker style cabinets for sporting equipment off-season. Having a dedicated space for the things you may use a handful of times throughout the year will provide better accessibility and convenience.

Things you use frequently can be stored openly on hooks, shelves, etc. so they are always within easy reach. You can also rearrange open storage as the seasons change. The lawnmower gets stored away and the snow shovel hangs in its’ place.

With some consultation, you can devise a garage storage system that will help your family stay organized, as well as giving your car (or cars) a safe, warm spot indoors this winter. Consider a free in-home consultation to discuss your options.

Overhead Storage

March 5, 2013 by Rick Scully

A recurring theme in helping my clients with garage organization is getting stuff off the floor. Having hooks to hang tools and racks to store equipment keeps the garage neat and maximizes your space. But there’s often an overlooked way to get even more storage space from your garage. Overhead, there’s a whole new area for storage.

Overhead racks are an ideal place to store items that you use infrequently. It’s a great place for storing garden furniture in the winter, as well as camping gear, out-of-season sports equipment and seasonal decorations. Tires can also be stored on overhead racks, but it’s best for tires without rims. Tires with rims are heavy and you likely don’t want to lift that much weight over your own head.

Where can I place overhead storage?

Selecting the ideal area for ceiling storage depends on the height of your ceilingand whether you have an entrance to your home from the garage. Over the garage doors, for example, is an ideal spot if your ceiling is 10 feet or higher. The tops of the rear and side walls make excellent storage areas as well, provided that you leave enough clearance for parking and walking below.

Types of overhead storage solutions

Ready-made

There are ready-made durable racks made of steel with a scratch-resistant finish. The ceiling unit is 48 x 96 inches and is secured to the ceiling joists. The rack can extend from 16 to 34 inches from the ceiling and holds up to 750 lbs.

For ready-made overhead storage on the side walls, there are 24 x 48 inch cantilevered racks that can be attached to the wall studs with sturdy metal brackets. These shelves can hold lighter items of under 200 lbs.

Custom-made

Garage Tailors Garage can create custom-made overhead storage that opens up a whole new world of possibilities. Canadian garages are rarely a standard size or shape and this limits what is available in ready-made storage solutions. Having overhead storage custom-designed to fit your garage ensures you are making good use of every inch of available space.

Ready-made overhead racks come in limited sizes and are often wide and open on all sides, making it difficult to see and reach items stored in the middle. We can design and make overhead platforms out of wood to any shape, size or depth you need.

Garage Tailors Garage attaches custom-made overhead storage to the ceiling using aircraft cable. These sturdy cables can support more than 1000 lbs. And we’ll finish your platforms to complement the design of your garage. The possibilities are endless. We can even install pot lights underneath to create a lighted workspace or create something as elaborate as the mezzanine we recently built for a client, complete with a space-saving retractable ladder.

Often clients will choose a combination of ready-made and custom-made storage to make their garage space work for them. If you’re ready to get organized, consider overhead storage.

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