Do you have a garage or workshop? Have you been looking for organizational and functional solutions for it? Most find that when trying to organize their garage, home improvement stores will not carry what you are looking for. Most cabinets, tables, and other organizational products are either expensive or not the right fit for the application.
T-Slot Advantages
Although used in industrial and commercial settings, t-slot has become a commonplace material used in home garages and workshops. There are several advantages to using a t-slot in a garage or workshop, and they are:
- Lightweight, easy to move or reconfigure
- Strong and durable
- Multiple mounting capabilities and accessories
- Variety of surfaces, panels, designs
- Easy to assemble
- Can be placed in almost any environment (Basements, detached workshops, barns, etc.)
- Custom solutions can be designed
Garage and workshop solutions made with t-slot aluminum can be tailored to fit your space and even your tools. Below we will go over the various solutions and DIY ideas that can help make your space more functional.
Garage/Workshop T-Slot Solutions
There are so many t-slotted aluminum solutions that can be made for the home garage or workshop. Below we have listed the anchor pieces that are essential components for a workspace. We have also included ideas that will organize as well as help you utilize your tools better.
Workstations
Workstations can come in either basic, intermediate, or complex. A basic workstation will essentially be legs and a tabletop, and maybe a second shelf below. Intermediate workstations will have a backing (dry erase, metal, etc.) for communication, an overhead bar for lighting, or shelves. These may also have a second shelf below.
As for complex workstations, these are made for specific applications. Workstations can serve multiple purposes at once, such as hold parts in bins, have a monitor mounted to them, and have a work surface. Complex workstations generally have lights installed along with drawers, shelving, or cabinets.
Shelving
Shelving is one of the necessary components of garage organization. Most shelving that is bought off the shelf will often sag or come in standard lengths and heights that won’t fit your space. Most shelving will also have particleboard shelves or wire. With t-slotted aluminum shelving, the solution can be custom made and have various surfaces such as HDPE, laminate, or stainless steel. Shelving can be mounted to the wall or be freestanding with casters or leveling feet.
Workbenches
T-slotted workbenches are the perfect solution for large work areas. Project tools and materials can be stored in cabinets and drawers below, keeping them out of the way and clean. These units can be as big as 48″W x 96″L or bigger, depending on your needs. Workbenches and their tabletops can be made of various materials. With workbenches, your imagination is your only limit.
Cabinets
Storage in a garage or workshop is a necessity. From freestanding to mounted, cabinets off the shelf will generally be big, bulky, and have little shelving. T-slotted aluminum cabinets can be made to fit large or small spaces. Particularly in small areas, t-slot can provide space-saving cabinet solutions that are multifunctional.
Other T-Slotted Garage and Workshop Ideas
T-slot aluminum profiles can be used for so many solutions beyond workstations, shelving, workbenches, and cabinets. As mentioned above, space-saving on-demand solutions are always helpful in areas with limited workroom. Some t-slot ideas that can be incorporated into small spaces are:
- Pop-up tables
- Combo cabinets
- Cord Caddys
- Tote Organizers
- Bike Racks
- Charging Station
- Drill Bit Holder
For tools, t-slot can be used to make stands for saws or carts for compressors. It can also be used to create fences for routers. For adventure seekers and Jeep owners, t-slot is a great material for building mobile racks for canoes, kayaks, hardtops and doors, tents, and fishing gear.
Some t-slot companies offer step-by-step instructions with downloadable designs and a bill of materials. With this much free information at your fingertips, you can build the solutions yourself or have a company do it for you. Most companies will provide your solution to you either in kit form, pre-assembled, or fully assembled.
Compared to other off-the-shelf organizational products, t-slotted aluminum extrusion offers solid and stable solutions with unlimited variations and accessories. From leveling feet to locking casters, handles, and finishes, your space can be built out with t-slot to fit your needs down to the smallest detail.
Check out our forum for more project ideas and information concerning t-slot aluminum extrusion solutions.
ControlsChris
Great info! I’m hoping to build a cabinet and a couple of racks for my garage this summer—just need to find the time!
Gina
Thanks Chris! Totally understand finding time to get projects done!