🖼️
The project:
We have an old garage (built in the 1960's) that was in desperate need of a makeover so that it could function better and be used to its potential. The fibro garage, with an open timber frame interior, is basically set out in three distinct zones; workshop/car, second car/living space, and a laundry/WC.
Due to the age and state of the garage we had to approach this makeover carefully and not over capitalise on the reno work that we wanted to achieve. Therefore, material costs was a key consideration and the work had to be D.I.Y. to remove labour costs.
As each zone had its own challenges and were to be used differently, we decided to tackle these zones one at a time, which resulted in this overall D.I.Y. project taking almost 2 years to complete in its entirety.
The following project overview covers two zones only, with the third laundry/WC zone being discussed under a separate Bunnings Workshop D.I.Y. project.
- Materials:
Recycled Fence Palings (Decking Boards)
Concrete and Paving Sealer, Black
Easycraft easyRegency150 General Purpose 9mm 2400 x 1200mm MR MDF E0 Primed White
Primed FJ Pine Colonial Architrave and Skirting
Tasmanian Oak Colonial Select Moulding (for Window frame)
Framing MGP10 Untreated Pine 90 x 35mm
Selleys Liquid Nails
Dulux Vivid White Low Sheen Wash & Wear Interior Paint
Slate Grey Dyed Nylon Carpet Tiles, 50 x 50
Double-sided Carpet Tape
- Tools:
Ryobi 18V ONE+ Circular Saw
Ryobi 18V ONE+ 18GA C1 Brad Nailer
Mitre Drop Saw
Mitre Box and Hand Saw
Adjustable Height Work Platform
Ear Muffs and Safety Glasses
Measuring tape and pencil
Spirit Level
Hammer
Caulking Gun
Paint brush and rollers
Portable Ryobi 18V ONE+ Radio
- Step 1:
Living Room zone:
We wanted to use the middle zone of the garage as a living space, so the floor needed fixing first, the walls had to be enclosed, and some extra power points added.
The first preparation step was to empty this section of the garage, remove and dispose of the old carpet, and fix a large crack that had been there for many years running across the garage floor. Once the cement compound set, this was then painted with a black floor sealer. The same sealer was then used on the brickwork that ran around the perimeter of the whole garage. This rubber type compound is not paintable, but the black finish suited our application. This compound was not cheap so we decided not to paint the whole floor.
The second prep stage was to run extra power wiring for three new double power points (electrician required).
The third prep stage was to mark out the positioning of the wall studs on the floor. These floor markings could then be used to identify the stud locations and aid in the securing of the VJ panelling.
The final prep stage was to mark out where the VJ panels would start/finish. This then highlighted if any extra vertical and/or horizontal noggins were needed to match where the VJ panels connected together (the edges should ideally be supported).
The whole room was then finally check measured and materials ordered from Bunnings with delivery.
- Step 2:
Once all of the preparation steps had been done and materials received, work commenced on installing the VJ150 panelling.
We purposely bought 2400H x1200W panels so that I could handle them by myself (tricky but doable), and at the same time they would cover large sections of the wall quickly (wall length roughly 14m). A Brad Nailer and Selleys Liquid Nails was used to secure the panels.
Small gaps were purposely left around the panelling to allow for expansion / contraction. The gaps were simply covered using colonial style architraves / trim. Any slight gaps that appeared between panel sheets (it does happen, even though they are tongue & groove) were sealed using silicone and painted over.
We also had a window and door in this room section, so they were given new wooden trims.
Once the panelling was all up, the whole room was given a good paint (Dulux vivid white low sheen) and this took up to three coats (use a brush to get into the grooves, then finish with roller). Even though the VJ panelling is E0 pre-primed, the first coat simply soaks in, so if you have left-over cheaper paint (undercoat in a light colour/tone) then use that first. We used a vivid white low sheen finish because it's a living room and a wireless projector is used as the entertainment.
The architraves and beading were pre-painted before fitting, making it easy to do small touch-ups once in-situ.
- Step 3:
The final step for this room was to lay some new carpet tiles, which were chosen as a cost-effective and simple D.I.Y. way to cover a large area, plus they gave us the flexibility to easily change tiles if any got damaged or dirty down the track.
Job done.
- Step 4:
Workshop/Car zone:
We had recently pulled down an old wooden paling fence (35m) and rather than simply sending it all into landfill, we decided to try and recycle the fence palings by using them to line the internal garage workshop walls, thereby creating a natural feature.
Upon removing the old fence palings, we were surprised to discover they were actually wooden decking boards (who does that). This meant they were thick and in much better condition than expected. After removing hundreds of nails, trimming off the rotted ends and a good pressure wash, the palings were dried out and placed into the garage for storage.
- Step 5:
Better organisation and storage was a key need for this workshop area, so we first added extra timber noggins and shelf support posts. Even though we rarely use the garage to house a car, we still needed to be mindful of that requirement down the track, so shelving was somewhat restricted in its depth.
During a few weekends, the palings were gradually mounted in a staggered horizontal pattern. The drop saw made cutting the palings a very quick and precise process. A Brad Nailer was used to secure all of the palings to the wall studs and noggins. All of the palings were left in a slightly rough state (i.e. none were sanded), which gave us a great natural finish and feel.
- Step 6:
A metal cupboard and steel framed bench were purchased for extra lockable storage and of course a place to plan future D.I.Y. projects.
