Magnetic Toolbox Labels

Tired of trying to guess which toolbox drawer contained the tool I was looking for, I bought magnetic business cards at an office supply store. I peeled the film off the front, stuck a piece of card stock on top of it (old business cards work great) and labeled each drawer. Laura Vogel.

The post 20 Tips and Hacks To Organize Your Garage appeared first on Family Handyman.

Garage wiring requirements get updated periodically, and different jurisdictions follow different code cycles. Check with your city permitting office to see what code cycle they enforce. The below requirements are based on the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC), but they’re not exhaustive. If you have any questions or aren’t comfortable working with electricity, call in a pro.

Do I Need a Permit to Wire My Garage?

You might verify with your city’s electrical inspector. My jurisdiction allows me to install up to six receptacles and/or one new circuit on my own home without getting a permit, but your city likely has different rules. Many places require licensed electrical contractors to obtain the permit, even if it’s okay for the homeowner to do the work. Remember that if you do need a permit, you’ll also need an inspection when the work is done.

Garage Wiring Basics

Garage wiring requirements change fairly often because our needs are constantly evolving. Tools, electric vehicle (EV) charging and other garage accessories get bigger and more powerful every year. Here are the 2023 NEC basics, and also some general wiring tips.

Branch circuit requirements

All attached garages and detached, powered garages need one 20-amp circuit that feeds receptacles. If you have a single-car garage, you can also power the lights, but for garages with more than one “vehicle bay,” this 20-amp circuit is for receptacles only you can’t supply the lighting or anything else. It’s perfectly fine to add additional circuits, though, as long as they are 15 amps or greater.

Houses built as recently as 10 years ago might only have a 15-amp garage circuit (the 20-amp requirement was added in 2017). But if you use shop tools or have a portable EV charger, you probably know why the NEC upped the circuit amperage: They draw a lot of power. If everything in your garage is on a 15-amp circuit, and you fire up the table saw or plug in a 16-amp EV charger, the breaker’s going to trip.

Speaking of EVs, any charger over 16 amps must be on an individual branch circuit, meaning the circuit is dedicated to that use only.

Receptacle requirements

The NEC requires one receptacle for each vehicle bay, and they can’t be higher than 5 1/2 feet off the floor. These receptacles must be powered by the 20-amp circuit. You can have more receptacles on this circuit or add additional circuits for other receptacles, but the vehicle bay ones must be on the 20-amp. It’s also acceptable to add outdoor receptacles to your garage circuits (the 20-amp one or any additional circuit you add).

Every receptacle in the garage and outside must be protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI), which can be breakers or receptacles. Keep in mind that GFCIs must be installed in readily accessible locations, so don’t put a GFCI receptacle on the ceiling by your garage door opener or behind the fridge. Use other receptacles to protect these inaccessible ones, or use a breaker.

Lighting requirements

The inside of your garage (attached or detached and powered) must have a lighting outlet that’s controlled by a listed wall switch or controller. This light cannot be fed by the 20-amp garage receptacle circuit unless you have a single-car garage. You also need a lighting outlet outside any exterior door that’s accessible from grade level. It’s a good idea to use three-way switching to control the interior light so you can turn it on and off from either door, but it’s not required. The exterior light can be controlled by a switch, remote, central or automatic means.

One thing to consider: If you put lights and receptacles together, and something trips the GFCI, you will be left in the dark until you can reset the tripped breaker or receptacle. For this reason, many electricians run lights separately from other branch circuits.

Protect Your Wiring

The NEC requires that exposed non-metallic sheathed cable (NM-B), aka Romex, be protected from physical damage, and unfinished garages are full of things that could snag your wire and cause a fire or shock incident. People often ask if they can run cables vertically alongside and horizontally through the studs in a garage. The answer? Yes, but you have to follow some rules.

• Maintain 1-1/4 inch depth. Keep cable at least 1-1/4 inches from any edge of wood studs, joists or rafters, and never staple it to the face of framing members, where it could get hung up on something you’re carrying.
• Use nail plates. If you can’t maintain a 1-1/4 inch depth when you bore holes through the studs, use nail plates. These protective metal plates attach to the front of the stud to prevent a nail or screw from being driven into the cable. If you have metal studs with pre-punched holes, add bushings when bringing NM-B cable through.
• Use care with finished walls. If you have a garage wall that’s concrete block or already finished with drywall, consider using conduit or metallic sheathed cable instead of NM-B if the run will be within reach of people or tools. The NEC requires you protect NM-B from physical damage “where necessary,” which can sometimes be a judgment call.
• Support your cables. NM-B must be secured every 4-1/2 feet, and can’t be draped over joists or other things in your ceiling without proper support. Running cable horizontally through studs is considered support.
• Secure cables at boxes. Secure NM-B cable within 12 inches of boxes unless you have a single gang, non-metallic box without integrated clamps that’s no more than 2-1/2 inches by 4 inches in size. (In that case, secure the cable within 8 inches of the box).

FAQ

Does the garage door opener need a dedicated circuit?

No. The 2023 NEC allows all receptacles in the garage to be fed from the 20-amp circuit, including one on the ceiling for the garage door opener. You can also add it to any additional circuits. But, if the listing or labeling requires you to use an individual branch circuit, the NEC says you must follow the listing.

Sources

National Electrical Code (2023). National Fire Protection Association.

The post Essential Tips For Wiring An Unfinished Garage appeared first on Family Handyman.

But it’s no secret that garage storage systems can be pricey. Plus, with so many options on the market, it can be hard to know which systems to spend your money on. Luckily, our editors recently tested the best garage storage systems in their very own homes, and we landed on a favorite: theGladiator Flex Cabinet system.

What is the Gladiator Flex Cabinet System?

The Gladiator Flex cabinet system is a multipurpose, adjustable storage solution made of welded steel. The system holds an impressive 2,350 pounds of weight and includes seven fully adjustable shelves that fit within the cabinets. The cabinet structure is 30 inches tall and includes two wall cabinets and two base cabinets, all 24 inches.

The Gladiator brand is aptly named for a reasonthis garage storage solution is made to be extremely durable with its welded steel construction. It can withstand dings, dents and scrapes from garden tools and more.

The fully adjustable shelves have a sleek, modern design with recessed handles and soft-close doors. You can keep items safe by locking them up with the systems two-point locking mechanism on all wall and base cabinets and the three-point locking mechanism on all tall cabinets. There are even cable management holes with a protective grommet to keep wires from getting damaged so you can keep your garage workspace neat and tidy.

Mary Henn/Family Handyman

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Gladiator Flex Cabinet System IV

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Product Features

Soft-Close Doors and Recessed Handles

You might think of soft-close doors and recessed handles as luxury features youd find in an indoor closet systemand you wouldnt be wrong. But this system brings those sought-after indoor features out to the garage. All cabinets have soft-close doors for quiet opening and closing and recessed handles that look streamlined and wont stick out to snag tools or scratch cars.

Heavy-DutyHolding

The Flex Cabinet System IV can hold up to 2,350 pounds of weight when items are distributed evenly throughout the system. That means this system can hold your heaviest tools and machine-powered lawn equipment. If youre not using it for tool storage, thats an ultra-heavy capacity for household items you need to store in the garage.

24-Gauge Steel

The systems welded steel construction makes it exceptionally strong and durable. It is made to last for years and withstand any elements that may otherwise cause warping and bending. The Gladiator system we began testing almost a year ago still looks and feels as good as new. Plus, its durable powder coat finish offers corrosion resistance.

Locking System

All cabinets and doors on the system have locks, and the unit has a set of keys. Once locked, the doors arent easily pried open. Each door has either a two or three-point locking system, so theres more than one lever on each door that keeps it in place when locked. If you need to lock away potentially dangerous equipment or sharp tools, you can do so without worry.

How We Tested It

A year ago, I began testing theGladiator Flex cabinet system. Actually, I gifted the Gladiator Flex cabinet system to my mother because I did not have my own garage at the time. (Flash forward to a year later, and I wish I had the Gladiator Flex for myself!) However, my mom is a handywoman in her own right and desperately needed a storage system to hold lawn and garden equipment, power tools, paint and supplies.

When I asked if shed help me test the system a year ago, I did not anticipate it being one of her favorite gifts from me. The system arrived via delivery personnel; while they did not assist with assembly or installation, they did hand deliver the system to her garage. Note: If you order the garage storage system from Wayfair, you can add professional assembly service for an additional cost.

We installed the system ourselves, which wasnt difficult. The frame of the unit was already built, so assembly (if you can call it that) was as easy as installing the shelves and hanging rack and making sure various screws were tightened. The unit arrived in great condition, with no flaws or imperfections. The most difficult part of the installation was mounting the unit to the wall. The unit should come with a mounting kit. The most difficult part about mounting the unit was ensuring it was level and secure, but once thats done, it is ready to use.

After we mounted the unit using the wall-mounting bracket, we loaded it with supplies that needed storage. Immediately, we were impressed by how much the unit can hold, and we were both wowed by the locking system, which is great for keeping items safe and out of reach in homes with young children. Stowing away nail guns, hand saws, and other potentially dangerous tools can be done worry-free with this unit. Youll just want to remember where you keep the key!

My mother loves the sleek, modern design of the metal cabinets with its powder-coat finish and recessed handles. She also loves that the doors on the cabinets stay quiet while opening and closing. Thanks to the soft-close doors, you dont have to worry about waking anyone up or having the dogs bark while tinkering around in your garage late at night.

In addition to the convenient locking feature, we love that the Gladiator brand offers a wide range of garage storage products.For a customizable feel, you can shopcompatible gear tracks, other matching accessories and storage units with wheels, drawers and built-in workspaces from the brand.

Why You Should Trust Us

Family Handyman Shopping Editor Mary Henn goes the extra mile when it comes to reviewing products. When recommending a product to the consumer, she wants to test it in her own home firstwhether drilling into the wall, digging into the yard or unloading heavy appliances. When writing this piece, she didnt have her own garage to use for testing, so she called on the help of family members. She was present to deliver, install, and use the system. She also checked in monthly to report any new findings or issues with the garage storage system. That way, you can make consumer-informed decisions based on real-life testing before you buy.

FAQ

Who makes Gladiator cabinets?

Whirlpool, a long-time trusted American brand, makes Gladiator cabinets.

Will Gladiator cabinets rust?

What Others Had to Say

We pulled reviews on the Gladiator Garage Storage Cabinets from Wayfair, Lowes and the Gladiator site. With many five-star reviews, buyers note the outstanding quality of the system, ease of setup and durability. Many reviews also mention the large upright cabinet as an added perk and great for hanging work clothes for any outdoorsman or construction pro.

Additionally, reviewers note that because of the quality of the product, the doors dont require manipulation to lock them. While we didnt test the workbench ourselves, many other buyers say they love the addition of the Gladiator workbench, which fits perfectly on top of the two smaller cabinets.

Mix & Match Gladiator Garage Systems

When it comes to customizing your Gladiator Garage Storage System, you can mix and match the number of cabinets you want. You can also choose which color system you want and whether you want additional features and accessories like a workbench top, wheels, bins, baskets and more. You can shop for additional accessories separately at Wayfair.

Final Verdict

Without a doubt, I would recommend the Gladiator Garage Storage System to anyone looking for garage storage solutions. It is a bit pricey, but you pay for what you getand typically, garage storage systems arent cheap. The secure locking feature can be difficult to find across garage storage units from other brands, and the quality of Gladiator systems is unmatched. Plus, hardware stores like The Home Depot and Lowes carry Gladiator products, which make them widely accessible no matter where youre located.

Where to Buy the Gladiator Flex Cabinet System

Mary Henn/Family Handyman

Shop at Wayfair

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We Tried It

Gladiator Flex Cabinet System IV

A sleek garage storage solution with locks on every door

Shop at Wayfair

Shop at The Home Depot

Shop at Lowe's

You can shop the Gladiator Flex Cabinet System at Wayfair or from hardware stores like The Home Depot and Lowes. We got the Gladiator Flex Cabinet System IV from Wayfair for $1,600, but prices will vary depending on which system you get and which accessories you choose to add.

The post Gladiator Garage Cabinets Review: We Tested This Tough Storage Unit for One Year appeared first on Family Handyman.

But is it worth the hype, and are there better garage fridges out there? That’s what I wanted to find out, so I decided to test the Gladiator garage refrigerator in my garage.

Here’s the elevator pitch version of my Gladiator fridge review: It’s one of the best things I’ve done for my relationship because it allows me to have extra food on hand while not crowding the kitchen fridge (which my girlfriend is very thankful for), but I do have some concerns about its durability.

Read on to find out more.

What is the Gladiator Fridge?

The Gladiator All Refrigerator is a garage-ready fridge. Its powerful compressor keeps food cold even in a garage that may experience rapid temperature changes. Unfortunately, Gladiator doesn’t specify what type of compressor it uses.

Let’s look inside: There are 17.8 cubic feet of storage space, and as the name implies, it’s just a fridge (Gladiator sells a freezer that looks just like the fridge). You get adjustable edge-to-edge shelves, two drawers and five door shelves.

But wait, there’s more. A step-to-open foot pedal allows you to open the door even when your hands are full, and depending on where you’re putting it, you can change the direction the door opens. Need to move it elsewhere in your garage? That is no problem since the fridge has caster wheels for easy portability.

It’s also Energy Star-certified, and according to EnergyGuide, it only costs about $41 a year to run (this figure might change based on your usage and local climate).

Gladiator is owned by Whirlpool, which also makes several garage-ready fridges and smart fridges and produces several appliances and storage systems for your garage.

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Gladiator All Refrigerator

The garage refrigerator everyone's talking about

$1499.99 at Lowe's

$1800 at Home Depot

Gladiator Fridge Features

Let’s take a closer look at what makes the Gladiator Fridge one of the best choices for garage refrigerators.

Spacious

Remember when I said the Gladiator Fridge was one of the best things I did for my relationship? Well, I was only being a little sarcastic when I said that. I’m a foot taller than my girlfriend and frequently lift weights, so my caloric demands are higher than hers. Our kitchen fridge simply didn’t have enough space to hold all the food I needed to stay full during the day, which is why most of my protein and extra snacks live in the Gladiator Fridge.

Here’s a quick look at how much food we have in our fridge right now:

The 17.8 cubic feet of storage space is enough for large families or those who like to entertain. To give you an idea of the size of this refrigerator, a 17.8 cubic foot kitchen fridge (which includes the freezer space) is considered “small.” But again, this is just a fridge with a wide-open design to fit as much food as possible.

However, the Gladiator Fridge has a fundamental flaw: no door open sensor or alarm. We’ve been cautious about shutting the door is closed every time we retrieve something, but there’s been one or two times we’ve found it slightly ajar. Thankfully, it wasn’t open for long during those times, but I would’ve liked to see a beeper to let people know when it’s not sealed correctly.

Although I like having the door shelves for beverages and other items, I have to nitpick the bottom shelf for a second. We use this to store wine bottles and other drinks, but I’ve found that they tend to roll around if they’re not packed strategically. It doesn’t happen all the time, but it’s been often enough that it’s an annoyance.

Adjustable Shelves

The Gladiator Fridge’s edge-to-edge adjustable shelves help increase its capacity. I love it when fridges have this option because sometimes I want to marinade a large roast or conduct a kitchen experiment, like making my own pickles, and I want to make sure it doesn’t hit the shelf above it. Sometimes, you want to chill tall wine bottles or stack a large number of soda cans for a party.

Whatever you put in this fridge, there are numerous ways to configure it so everything is secured safely.

Wheels

Gladiator doesn’t say how much its garage refrigerator weighs, but I can tell you it’s a hefty son of a gun and would take at least two people to place it on a dolly. Luckily, you won’t need that since it has casters that effortlessly glide on concrete for easy portability.

Important note: You must put the wheels on before setting this up in your garage. We didn’t do that, and now our fridge is filled with things, so we can’t put the wheels on. I will say that these casters feel heavy-duty.

We don’t plan on moving this fridge much, so the lack of wheels isn’t a huge issue for us.

It does, however, mean we can’t take advantage of one of the cooler features.

Step-to-Open

Opening the Gladiator Fridge isn’t difficult, even when holding a 36-count Diet Coke and two rotisserie chickens in your hands. Still, if you need an extra hand (figuratively speaking), there’s a step-to-open feature. We didn’t realize that you couldn’t install this once the fridge is set up because, like the casters, it needs to be on its side to install it properly.

I tried putting it on while the fridge was upright with no luck.

Interchangeable door

While I haven’t taken advantage of this feature, it’s nice to know that you can change what direction the door opens simply by unscrewing and screwing a couple of bolts into a bracket. This allows it to fit into any space in your garage.

Energy Star-certified

Don’t worry about a second fridge running up your electricity costs. According to the EnergyGuide, the Gladiator Fridge is Energy Star-certified and should only cost about $41 per year to operate. This number may change based on your usage and where you live. For example, if you live in Florida or Arizona, the compressor may need to work harder to keep your food cool than someone who lives in a more moderate climate.

I live in North Carolina, which gets humid during the summer. We haven’t seen a significant uptick in energy costs since installing the Gladiator Fridge about two months ago, but I’ll update this article if anything changes.

Check out our tips for garage refrigerator and freezer maintenance.

Garage Ready

It goes without saying, but the most important feature of the Gladiator Refrigerator is the fact that it’s garage-ready. This industry term means it can be placed in a garage and keep food cool thanks to a powerful compressor.

Gladiator doesn’t specify what type of compressor it uses for the All Fridge, which is where one of my major concerns comes into play. In reading through the customer reviews for this fridge, I found several complaints that it stopped workingsome people said it lasted one year, others said it took up to five for it to break. You can make a garage refrigerator work again on your own, but it’s often an expensive and laborious process.

It’s not uncommon for fridge compressors to stop working; honestly, it’s a matter of when and not if it will break. That said, the Gladiator Refrigerator costs around $1,500. It would be nice for something that expensive to last a bit longer than five years.

To be fair, the compressor has to work a bit harder due to the temperature changes, so we shouldn’t expect it to have the same durability as an indoor fridge.

How We Tested It

The Gladiator Fridge has been our backup refrigerator for about two months, and we’ve been using it to store extra food that can’t fit in our kitchen fridge. During those two months, we’ve checked to see that all food is still cool, beverages are kept cold, and there are no signs of a broken door seal or other maintenance issues.

I will update this Gladiator fridge review with any problems should there be any.

Pros

• A lot of space
• Edge-to-edge adjustable shelves
• Garage-ready
• Energy Star-certified
• Step-to-open feature
• Interchangeable door
• Wheels

Cons

• Only comes with a one-year warranty
• No “door open” sensor

FAQ

Who makes the Gladiator fridge?

The Gladiator Fridge is produced by Gladiator Garage Works, which the Whirlpool Corporation owns.

What makes a fridge garage-ready?

A garage-ready fridge has a compressor that can withstand outdoor temperatures and temperature changes and still keep your food cool. Additionally, it usually has a durable exterior compared to kitchen fridges.

Where are the Gladiator fridges made?

Gladiator doesn’t specify where its fridges are made, but its parent company, the Whirlpool corporation, produces all of its products in the United States of America.

What other Reviewers Had to Say

People seem to love the Gladiator Fridgewhile it still works, that is. Its website has an average rating of 2.8 out of 5, with most of the complaints being about the fridge dying after six months to about five years. Many customers also seem upset at Gladiator/Whirlpool’s customer service.

“As many reviews have said, this thing does not last very long,” customer reviewer Reno614 says. “It is way too expensive to only last that long.”

Customer reviews on Home Depot are slightly better, with a 3.9 out of 5 average rating. One customer says their fridge has lasted 12 years, which is the longest I’ve seen out of the dozens of reviews I’ve read. “It still works fine, except for the defrost condensate line,” writes Boilerfan. “I only need to empty it every 6 months.”

Still, other Home Depot customers complain about short-lived fridges and poor customer service.

Gladiator Garage Refrigerator vs. GE Fridge

Whirlpool and GE are two of the most reliable refrigerator brands, and the two companies are at the top of the list when it comes to garage fridges. But which brand should you go for?

The GE Garage-Ready Fridge is the clear winner if you’re looking for extra freezer space. It looks and acts just like a kitchen fridge but can work in temperatures ranging from 38 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit.

“Springtime in New Jersey is unpredictable, and we’ve had 50-degree and 85-degree days,” says Caitlyn Fitzpatrick, senior shopping editor. “The GE has performed well through them all, and the fridge’s contents have remained at the ideal temperature.”

Looking at the customer reviews, it seems to last a little longer than the Gladiator Fridge.

Gladiator, however, is still the winner when it comes to storage space. The GE Fridge is 21.9 cubic feet, but some of that is reserved for the freezer (which doesn’t have a light).

Final Verdict

Time will tell if the Gladiator Fridge is a worthwhile appliance. As of this writing, it’s done well in keeping food cool in various temperatures, and I’m a big fan of the space it provides. I’m still a little peeved that it doesn’t come with a door-open alarm, and the complaints about its short-lived compressor worry me a little, but I will enjoy it while it lasts.

Where to Buy the Gladiator Refrigerator

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$1499.99 at Lowe's

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I Tried It

Gladiator All Refrigerator

A garage-ready refrigerator that keeps food cold even in extreme temperatures

$1499.99 at Lowe's

$1800 at Home Depot

Shop on P.C Richard & Son

The Gladiator Fridge is available at P.C Richard & Son,The Home Depot and Lowe’s. As of this writing, this garage fridge retails for around $1,600.

The post I Tried the Gladiator Refrigerator in My Garage, and Here Are My Unfiltered Thoughts appeared first on Family Handyman.

If you need a new garage door, here’s what to expect regarding the cost and what features to keep in mind while shopping around.

How Much Does It Cost to Install a Garage Door?

Installing a garage door typically costs between $1,200 to $3,500, depending on the door’s material, design and insulation. Doors without electric motors are usually the most affordable option. Adding an electric motor can increase the cost by around $800. Other options that can raise the price further include those that you can open with a phone app, or that include an inset man-door.

Factors That Affect Garage Door Installation

The main factors that influence the cost of a garage door include:

• Insulation type
• Windows
• Design
• Materials
• Size
• Site preparation
• Labor costs
• Removing doors with lead paint
• Building permits (if applicable in your location).

“Technological features like smart-home connectivity and cameras also add to the expense,” says Jon Russell, Director of Systems at Precision Garage Door Service. “Also, the type of drive for the door opener, whether it’s a chain, screw, belt or wall mount, can affect the total price.”

Can I Install a Garage Door Myself?

Yes, but unless you’re very handy, some experts recommend against it because of the complexity of the job. “There are a lot of factors involved, and if any one of the steps isn’t followed correctly, then the entire system won’t work at all,” says Brandon Walker, superintendent at ASAP Restoration.

Some of the trickier parts of the job include:

• Leveling the track
• Determining the spacing of the tracks
• Tensioning the counterbalance system
• Aligning panels
• Attaching the motor system, and
• Setting up the safety devices properly

Russell also recommends against DIYing garage door installation due to the high risk of injury. “Garage doors are heavy, often weighing more than 400 pounds, and require precise handling to avoid accidents,” he says. “It’s also highly dangerous when homeowners try to adjust or remove any parts that can be essential.”

If you install your garage door, Russel says common mistakes to avoid are ordering the wrong size springs and other components and using the wrong tools to handle the door’s springs, like long screwdrivers or 1/2-inch drive socket extensions.

How Long Does It Take to Install a Garage Door?

If no glitches occur and no construction adjustments are needed, a garage door can be installed in a couple of hours to a day, depending on the number of amenities involved and the door’s size.

How to Choose the Right Garage Door?

Besides price, there are a couple of major factors to consider when buying a garage door.

Existing Infrastructure

Your home’s existing features will be the biggest determining factor in choosing a garage door. “The space for the door will be dictated by the opening already framed in, and the amount of track and paneling needed will be dictated by the height of the door opening,” says Walker.

If you need to change the existing opening for the door or add wood framing, that will likely increase the costs by a thousand dollars or more.

Aesthetics and Amenities

Other major considerations are the door’s appearance and extras like insulation, unique designs and other options meant to make your life easier.

“Pick a garage door with an electric motor if at all possible,” says Walker. “This way, you won’t have to exit your vehicle every time you want to get into the garage to open its door.”

And once your new door is in place, don’t forget to do regular maintenance, according to Russell. “It usually costs about $90, and helps your door stay in top condition over the years,” he says.

About the Experts

Brandon Walker is a superintendent at ASAP Restoration in Tempe, Arizona. He has been in the painting and construction industry for more than 20 years, starting as a teenager and working his way up to running his own company. Some of his commercial projects have included Planet Hollywood and Elizabeth Arden’s Red Door Spa.

Jon Russell is Director of Systems at Precision Garage Door Service, a Neighborly company. He’s fostered his knowledge of installation and management in the garage door industry through previous roles at the company, including Vice President of Operations and as a corporate trainer, overseeing operations across many states.

The post How Much Does It Cost to Install a Garage Door? appeared first on Family Handyman.

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$188.75 at Amazon

Rust-Oleum’s RockSolid coating is about as durable as it gets, with a proprietary formula made to last. This best garage floor paint has a high-gloss finish that stands up to grease, dirt, drips and just about anything else you can throw (or spill) at itand looks good doing it. A blend of polyurea, urethane and epoxy, this garage floor paint comes premixed, which makes painting a garage floor easier than some other coating kits. It comes in six colors; black, tan, mocha, gray, dark gray and modern “griege”with decorative color chips that’ll give your floor a terrazzo feel.

DIYers of all skill levels will find it easy to use Rust-Oleum’s RockSolid coating. After cleaning the concrete, apply it in small sections using a paint roller. You’ll be able to walk on it eight hours later, and in 24, it’ll be safe to pull your car back into the garage. It’s a low-volatile organic compound (VOC) product, too, so you won’t be overcome with chemical fumes when painting your garage floor.

The post Painting Your Garage Floor? Reach for the 5 Best Garage Floor Paints appeared first on Family Handyman.

Wondering if a gas heater is right for you? Our digital editor, Ethan ODonnell, says, I have found that gas heaters are more efficient at heating up a cold space, are less expensive to operate and require less maintenance and repair than electric garage heaters.

What is a Mr. Heater garage heater?

The Mr. Heater garage heater is a powerful 50,000-British thermal unit (BTU) natural gas heater, which includes an liquified petroleum (LP) gas conversion kit. It has an impressive 82% thermal efficiency rating, and it’s designed to heat a 1,250- to 1,667-square-foot space. In other words, the Big Maxx (model#MHU50NG) will easily heat your three-car garage. The unit is 15 inches deep by 29 inches wide by 26 inches tall, with a black finish and three adjustable air louvers.

If the 50,000-BTU unit isnt right for your space, the Mr. Heater Big Maxx series is also available in 80,000 BTU and 125,000 BTU models. All three models have LP conversion kits, spark ignition, high-velocity fans and aluminized tubular heat exchangers included.

Before deciding on the size you need, ODonnell offers a tip. You should assess the level of insulation in your garage. If your garage will lose a substantial amount of heat through its ceiling, walls and garage door, it somewhat defeats the purpose of heating it and, therefore, requires a much larger heater,” he says.

Mr. Heater offers a three-year warranty on parts and burners, and a 10-year warranty on the heat exchanger.

Pros

• 50,000 BTUs
• 120-volt power source
• High-velocity fan
• Affordable
• 82% operating efficiency
• Horizontal or vertical venting
• Includes an LP conversion kit
• Includes a ceiling mount
• Compatible with digital and smart thermostats
• Three-year warranty on parts and burner
• 10-year warranty on heat exchanger

Cons

• Some buyers reported receiving dented units

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$380.24 at Amazon

$544.88 at Walmart

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Product Spotlight

Mr. Heater Big Maxx Garage Heater

Grab this 50,000-BTU garage heater for your shop, barn or warehouse. Add a smart thermostat and control the heat from anywhere.

$380.24 at Amazon

$544.88 at Walmart

$382.49 at Home Depot

$619.99 at Tractor Supply

How to Install and Use a Mr. Heater Garage Heater

Once the unit is installed, operation is as easy as adjusting the thermostat. Users have reported that set-up is relatively simple because the connectors are located on the outside of the unit.

If you love the idea of a warm garage and plan to install a garage heater, ODonnell offers some advice. Though it is possible to DIY, gas garage heaters are difficult to install due to venting and plumbing requirements,” he explains. “A professional will know all the building codes, permits and regulations applicable to different types of garage heating systems. Professionals will also test the heater for functionality and provide optimal operational instructions, ensuring that the garage is heated safely and efficiently as the system is used.

The Mr. Heater Big Maxx is designed to be mounted from the ceiling and includes two angle brackets. To add to its versatility, the exhaust can be vented vertically or horizontally. If youre tight on space, this gas-forced air heater only needs 1-inch of clearance from the ceiling and requires a standard 120-volt power outlet. However, be aware that it needs to have at least 8 feet of clearance from the floor to the base of the unit. Another thing to consider is that the venting is not included with the unit, since venting will need to be customized depending on the space and building codes. Again, we recommend calling in a professional when it comes to installation.

Once the unit is installed, pair it with a smart thermostat or simply choose the bundle with the analog thermostat included. Easy as pie!

The Best Amazon User Reviews

The Mr. Heater garage heater has plenty of happy, warm users. Here’s what they’re saying:

This was a great purchase for the money. Works good. Operates quietly. As a professional HVAC service tech, this is as good as major name brand products,” says Derek, a five-star reviewer.

Verified purchaser, Joe Peacock, writes, Well worth my money. This unit heater fits my needs quite well. It is well built and works great. It is a bit heavy to install by one person, but a strong back and careful planning can get it done safely. The venting and fuel supply is well placed. The instructions are easy to read and follow. I converted this unit to LP gas with the included kit and have it supplied with a 500 gallon LP tank outside my wood shop. The initial start-up went flawlessly. It worked exactly as the instructions stated.

I love having a heated three-car garage, and this heater is just the right size,” writes G. Preston, another verified buyer. “The packaged thermostat is a plus, although it is old-fashioned analog instead of digital. For a few more bucks a digital option would have been nice. The heater itself is reasonably quiet and very efficient. Installation is standard and requires a full day or a professional installer. At this price point, you won’t find a better heater.

FAQ

What size Mr. Heater do I need for my garage?

To give you a rough idea of the best BTU output needed for your garage, grab your laser tape measuring tool to calculate the cubic feet of the space.

• First, multiply the length and width of the garage to calculate the square footage. Then, measure the ceiling height and multiply it by the square footage number to determine the total cubic feet.
• Next, calculate the temperature rise by subtracting the coldest average low winter temperature in your region from the temperature youd like to keep in the garage. For instance, if you want to keep the temperature at 70 degrees Fahrenheit and the average low temperature is 10 degrees Fahrenheit, your temperature rise rate is 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Finally, to calculate the BTUs needed to heat a garage, multiply the cubic feet by 0.133. Multiply that number by the temperature rise.

However, this is where you need to consider how well your space is insulated and adjust accordingly. An HVAC professional can better advise you on sizing, building code regulations and venting requirements.

Does Mr. Heater need to be vented?

Yes, since the Mr. Heater garage heater is a natural gas and LP-burning heater, venting is necessary to avoid deadly fumes and gasses, like carbon monoxide, from being released into the space. So make sure the placement is convenient to an outside wall (or ceiling, if local code allows) that can accommodate proper venting.

Product Comparison

The 50,000 BTU Big Maxx gas heater is currently priced at around $430, compared to the popular Hot Dawg 45,000-BTU heater by Modine which is around $1,000. Both units are low-profile, ceiling-mounted units and require outside venting. The Hot Dawg doesn’t include an LP conversion kit, but one can be bought separately. Modine offers a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty on the Hot Dawg, similar to the 10-year heat exchanger warranty and three-year warranty on parts and burner like the Mr. Heater Big Maxx.

Where to Buy a Mr. Heater Garage Heater

VIA MERCHANT

$380.24 at Amazon

$544.88 at Walmart

$382.49 at Home Depot

$619.99 at Tractor Supply

Product Spotlight

Mr. Heater Big Maxx Garage Heater

Enjoy trouble-free warmth with a three-year warranty on parts and burners, and 10-year warranty on the heat exchanger.

$380.24 at Amazon

$544.88 at Walmart

$382.49 at Home Depot

$619.99 at Tractor Supply

Don’t let the cold keep you out of your garage. Once you grab the Mr. Heater garage heater you’ll wish you would have made the decision long ago. You can snag this life-changing workshop addition on Amazon, Walmart, The Home Depot, Tractor Supply Co. and Farm & Fleet.

The post The Mr. Heater Garage Heater Allows You to Use Your Workshop All Year Long appeared first on Family Handyman.

Best Overall Garage Door Insulation Kit

Reach Barrier Reflective Air Garage Door Insulation Kit

The best garage door insulation kit for your home is the one that fits your needs regardless of what might be best for your neighbors. However, one kit that meets many homeowners’ needs is the Reach Barrier garage door insulation kit. It’s a budget-friendly reflective insulation solution consisting of eight 24-inch-by-48-inch panels of trimmable, 20% recycled material. The kit includes self-adhesive fasteners for simple installation, and the materials won’t require protective clothing to install.

While the product doesn’t state its insulating ability or R-value (rating of a materials ability to resist heat transfer), its high average consumer ratings attest to the fact that it’s effective against heat and cold transfer. The product works best for single garage doors of 8 feet wide or less, or double garage doors 16 or fewer feet wide with the purchase of two kits.

Pros

• Deflects heat in summer and retains heat in winter
• Long-lasting adhesive
• Easy installation (no special tools necessary and panels are pre-cut)
• Budget-friendly price
• Made from 20% recycled material

Cons

• R-value not stated

$50.49 at Amazon

The post The 6 Best Garage Door Insulation Kits for Temperature Control appeared first on Family Handyman.

Best Garage Storage System with Locking System

Gladiator Flex Cabinet System

Family Handymans shopping editor, Mary Henn, tested the Gladiator Flex cabinet system to see how it stacks up against the rest. Actually, I gifted the Gladiator Flex cabinet system to my mother who, being quite the handywoman herself, was in desperate need of a storage system to hold tools, paint and supplies that arent in use,” Henn says.

The Gladiator Flex cabinet system is an adjustable storage solution made of welded steel. The Flex cabinet system IV holds an impressive 2,350 pounds of weight and includes seven fully adjustable shelves that fit within the cabinets. Theres also a locking system on all of the cabinets, which is great for keeping items safe and out of reach in homes with young children, Henn says. Thats right, this pick is useful for stowing away nail guns, hand saws and other potentially dangerous tools. Youll just want to remember where you keep the key.

My mother loves the sleek, modern design of the metal cabinets with their powder-coat finish and recessed handles, Henn says. She also loves that the doors on the cabinets stay quiet while opening and closing. Thanks to the soft-close doors, you dont have to worry about waking anyone up while tinkering around in your garage or workshop late at night.

All in all, the cabinets took us about three and a half hours to assemble and mount, Henn explains. We scheduled a specific date and time for the Gladiator Flex cabinet system to be delivered, and the unit was delivered by a professional on time. While we did assemble the system ourselvesand without much difficulty, I might addthe system did not come with mounting hardware. So, we had to acquire that after we had the cabinets assembled and ready to mount.

In addition to the convenient locking feature, we love that the Gladiator brand offers a wide range of products when it comes to garage storage. You can shop compatible gear tracks, as well as other matching accessories and storage units with wheels, drawers and built-in workspaces from the brand for a customizable feel.

Pros

• Locking cabinets
• Tough, welded-steel construction
• Adjustable shelves
• Soft-close doors
• Entire system holds up to 2,350 pounds
• Integrated cable management holes to prevent wires from getting damaged
• Lifetime limited warranty

Cons

• Wall mount hardware not included
• No wheels or workspace
• Assembly required

Shop on Wayfair

The post The 4 Best Garage Storage Systems, Tested by Editors appeared first on Family Handyman.

Cutting List

Cut the parts

• Cut the parts on the table saw. Note the grain direction for all the cuts.
  • NOTE: If plywood isn’t your style, make it out of your favorite hardwood.

The post How To Build a Bike Rack for Your Garage appeared first on Family Handyman.

Always begin by testing the rest of the system to determine if the issue lies with the keypad itself or some other component of the opener.

• A typical garage door opener system will have a number of distinct parts. They include:
  • The opener itself (attached to the ceiling);
  • A wall-mounted button (usually close to an entry door);
  • Wireless remotes (the ‘clickers’ usually kept in a car);
  • The rails that the door rides as it’s lifted up;
  • Safety sensors located near the bottom of the door;
  • And of course, the keypad that you’re troubleshooting.
• If both the wireless remotes and the wall-mounted button are having issues, look for a problem with the opener itself or the door track.
• • • One common issue is leaves or other debris blocking the safety sensors at the bottom of the door frame. Simply clearing that debris may solve the issue.

If multiple wireless remotes are malfunctioning but the wall-mounted button is working fine, you may want to jump to Step 5: Reset the App/Clear the Opener. If the only element not working is the keypad, continue with the rest of the troubleshooting steps.

The post Garage Door Keypad Not Working? Here’s How To Fix It appeared first on Family Handyman.

Rustic Ceiling Tiles

If you have a suspended or drop ceiling in your garage, consider these corrugated metal ceiling tiles. The pre-rusted metal has a rustic, industrial look, and a drop ceiling hides any exposed wires or clutter. The tiles are easy to replace when needed without a lot of effort.

The post 7 Ceiling Ideas to Give Your Garage Some Flair appeared first on Family Handyman.

Black

“Black is popular on contemporary designs or those where we want to show contrast with a lighter color on a house,” Vaccaro says.

This moody, neutral shade is often used for a monochromatic, sleek look. It’s a popular choice for mid-century modern properties. A black garage door is often a good match if your siding features fellow neutrals such as browns, whites, grays, or even richer deep blues or greens.

As long as the garage door isn’t front-facing, painting the garage door black is a good way to ease yourself in if you aren’t brave enough to use it across your whole home.

Vaccaro recommends Black Beauty by Benjamin Moore or Tricorn Black by Sherwin-Williams.

The post 8 Best Garage Door Colors and How To Choose One appeared first on Family Handyman.

Slatted Shelving

Walls are an overlooked asset in any garage. Instead of cramming more freestanding shelves into your already cramped space, consider an upgraded shelving system, like this slatted one from professional home organizer @pantrygirl.

This sleek and customizable option can hold your tools, bikes and anything else to free up floor space. Plus, you can switch up the placement of shelves, wire baskets and hooks whenever you need an update.

The post 8 Garage Wall Ideas to Enhance Your Space appeared first on Family Handyman.

However, like all mechanical systems, they aren’t immune to wear and tear. One of the most frequent issues homeowners grapple with is the malfunctioning of garage door springs.

What Are Garage Door Springs?

Nearly all garage doors come with springs, the unsung heroes of your door system. They counterbalance the hefty weight of the door, ensuring it opens and closes with ease. Without these springs, the door’s weight would overwhelm the opener, making it virtually impossible to operate.

Types of Garage Door Springs

They come in two primary variants. The first, extension springs, are commonly found running parallel to the door tracks on either side. They operate by expanding and contracting as the door moves.

The second, torsion springs, are situated above the door’s opening. They function by coiling and twisting on a shaft when force is applied, either manually or by a motor.

Signs Your Garage Door Springs Need Replacement

If your garage door springs need attention or replacement, there are a range of signs. Keep your eye out for these issues:

• The door isn’t hanging straight;
• The motor operates, but the door remains stuck;
• The door descends faster than usual;
• The door won’t remain open on its own;
• You see visible gaps in the springs;
• There’s excessive noise when operating the door;
• Loose or broken cables;
• Springs start to rust.

Can You Repair Garage Door Springs?

While garage door springs are robust, they’re under a significant amount of tension. When they falter, it’s often more prudent and safer to opt for a replacement than a repair.

If one spring gives way, it’s generally smart to replace both to ensure the door remains balanced. Generally, garage door springs last 10,000 to 20,000 cycles. Like your car’s headlights, if one spring needs replacement, the other won’t be far behind. Given the inherent risks, it’s advisable to entrust this task to professionals rather than doing it yourself.

“Most types of minor damage to garage door springs can be repaired,” says Jon Russell, director of systems at Precision Garage Door Service. “However, if one or more of your springs have extensive damage, it will need to be replaced.

“Homeowners can lubricate the door’s moving parts with either a spray lubricant or a spray grease product. We do not recommend WD-40 or silicone spray, though. However, if the counterbalance springs need to be adjusted, you should contact a professional company due to the risk of injury.”

Garage Door Spring Replacement Cost

Several factors influence the cost. The number of doors in need of repair, the size of the garage, the type of spring and even your geographic location can all impact the final bill.

Replacing springs for a single garage door might set you back $150 to $350, including materials and labor. However, if multiple doors require attention, or if there are additional complications, costs can escalate to $500 or more.

The type of spring also plays a role. Torsion springs generally cost more than extension springs.

New Garage Door Spring Maintenance

To maximize the life of your garage door springs, a few maintenance steps can go a long way. Regular lubrication, especially in areas prone to high moisture, can prevent rust and ensure smooth operation.

It’s also beneficial to have a professional inspect and tune your garage door springs periodically. If you observe any signs of wear or potential breakage, addressing them promptly can prevent further complications and potential safety hazards.

The post How Much Does Garage Door Spring Replacement Cost? appeared first on Family Handyman.

Track Lighting

Because a garage is such a large space, overhead lighting often doesn’t reach dark corners. That was the case with this area until @qualitycareelectrical got his hands on it. He installed track lighting to spotlight the dark workbench area.

Now multiple spotlights provide ample illumination so the client can clearly see their tools and projects any time of day. And who knew garage task lighting could be so attractive and could upgrade your garage?

The post 8 Garage Lighting Ideas to Illuminate Your Space appeared first on Family Handyman.

On a shed, closet or patio, the sliding door panel overlaps the fixed one. Applying this principle to a garage, you’ll need an oversized door opening to accommodate panels wide enough for a vehicle. That often means you need a bigger garage. That’s why you seldom find this kind of sliding door on existing garages.

The way around this problem? Have the doors to follow a curved track and rest against the inside walls of the garage. This type of slide-to-the-side door is easier to open and close than a door that opens vertically, and provides extra headroom for storage.

If your household is anything like mine, you need all the storage space you can get. It doesn’t hurt that a sliding door on your garage can also look stylish.

What Is a Sliding Garage Door?

If you’re looking for a flat panel sliding door, also known as a barn door, you’ll find plenty out there. But slide-to-the-side doors, aka side-sliding doors, are a more elegant option for most garages.

A side-sliding door is sectional, meaning it’s made of individual panels hinged together, only vertically instead of horizontally. This allows the door to slide on a curved track exactly like a conventional lift-up sectional door, except the tracks are over and under the door rather than on the sides.

There’s no reason a manufacturer can’t make a side-sliding garage door out of the same material as a lift-up sectional door, but the ones most readily available are steel, aluminum, wood or vinyl. With the exception of wood, these materials are lightweight, making the door easier to open and close.

Lightweight materials don’t offer much climate control. But if you live in a colder climate, you can find lightweight doors with added insulation that keep a garage warm.

Sliding garage doors are easy to operate manually, but some people prefer a push-button remote. Wall-mounted openers for slide-to-the-side doors are pricey, but they’re available. If you have a sliding barn door, you can equip it with an opener that mounts on the exterior wall above the top track.

Sliding Garage Door Pros and Cons

Barn door-style sliding doors have been around for a while, but slide-to-the-side doors are a relatively new addition to the market. If you’re interested in one, consider these benefits and drawbacks.

Pros

• More headroom: We’ve already mentioned this, but it deserves repeating. When you install a side-sliding garage door, it make available all the space from the top of the doorway to the ceiling. Use it for storage, build a loft or simply leave it empty.
• Quiet, easy operation: The openers for side-sliding doors may cost more, but they don’t have to work as hard, so they’re quieter with less impact on your energy bill. You can skip the opener if you prefer because sliding doors are easy to operate manually.
• Safe to repair:Unlike lift-up canopy and sectional doors, side-sliding doors have no torsion springs that can injure and potentially kill you if you try to repair them yourself.
• No opening zone: You don’t have to leave space in front of the door before you can open it, as you do with swinging doors and lift-up canopy doors. You can stand right next to the door while it’s operating with no danger of it crashing down if you walk through.

Cons

• Unobstructed side walls: You may gain storage space overhead, but you lose space on the side walls. These must be kept clear to allow the door to open.
• Bottom track can freeze:Snow and ice can collect on the bottom track and stop the door from moving. To prevent this, you may have to install a heating strip, which costs extra.
• Expensive: Slide-to-the-side sectional doors cost more than lift-up sectional doors. This is mostly because they aren’t yet mass-produced. Prices could come down as these doors become more popular.

Sliding Garage Door Installation

If you’re determined to install a garage door yourself, you’re better off choosing a side-sliding door than a lift-up canopy or sectional door. But you’ve still got a major task before you.

The upper and lower tracks need to be accurately spaced, properly aligned and securely anchored, or the door won’t work. Adding an automatic door opener introduces even more complications that pretty much require professional servicing.

Should You Get a Sliding Garage Door?

If your workshop is in the garage and you find yourself frequently opening the door partway to go in and get a tool, a sliding door may be just what you need. You can leave the door open just wide enough for you to enter. You can even install a passage door in one of the panels.

You may also prefer a side-sliding door to another type if you like the idea of overhead storage space. It’s a particularly good investment for people who live on busy, crowded streets and with limited driveway space in front of the garage. Many homes in congested cities like San Francisco, New York and Boston have this problem.

The post Are Sliding Garage Doors the Best Option for You? appeared first on Family Handyman.

Fortunately, most DIYers can treat garage door rust without much difficulty. Here, I’ll walk you through the steps for properly removing it and preventing it from happening in the future.

Identify Garage Door Rust

From fixing rust on lots of metal surfaces, I know it often goes further than it appears. So look carefully.

Start by inspecting the entire garage door thoroughly, paying special attention to rust-prone areas like the bottom, edges and any exposed metal surfaces. Look for “bubbles” forming under the paint, paint-free spots, or reddish-brown flakes of corroding metal.

Gather Tools and Materials

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Safety gear:Protective goggles, rubber gloves and a dust mask to keep rust particles and paint fumes out of your lungs.
• Steel wool or wire brush: You’ll use this to remove loose flakes of rust from the door.
• Sandpaper: Grits ranging from 120 to 400.
• Rust converter and microfiber cloth:A spray-on chemical mixture that neutralizes rust and stops it from spreading.
• Shop vacuum: After removing the rust, it’s important to vacuum the door’s surface to remove all particles before painting.
• Primer and paint: Get the kinds specifically for outdoor metal surfaces.
• Masking tape and drop cloths:Chances are you’ll need to protect hardware, window trim and floors as you repaint the rust-free door.
• Screwdriver: You may have to temporarily remove some hardware to properly deal with rust forming underneath.

Prep the Area

Here’s how:

• Ensure proper ventilation: If you’re working on the inside face of your door, open garage windows or work with the door partially open if possible.
• Remove any objects or pieces of garage door hardware in your way: Keep careful track of the hardware and where it goes on the door so you can easily reassemble it later. Snapping a picture is easiest.
• Lay down drop cloths: Cover the garage floor, driveway, vehicle and any other surfaces you feel are at risk of getting rust or paint particles on them.

Remove Loose Rust and Debris

Use some steel wool or a wire brush to knock loose flaky rust, peeling paint or other debris from affected areas of your garage door. Keep the pressure moderate, using a back-and-forth motion in the same direction to remove all loose material.

Sand the Rusty Areas

After brushing away all loose rust, use 120-grit sandpaper to sand the surface smoothly. Make sure you’ve removed all traces of rust, then move on to 180-grit paper and repeat the process. Continue sanding with progressively finer grit paper until you reach 400 grit.

Apply Rust Converter

After sanding, vacuum the surface thoroughly to remove all dust particles. Spray the rust converter over the entire sanded surface, following the instructions on the can.

Use a clean microfiber cloth to spread the converter evenly. Allow the converter to dry over the next several hours; see the can for the recommended length.

Prime and Paint

Once you’re sure the rust converter is completely dry, apply spray-on primer to the entire sanded area, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure to use primer formulated for metal surfaces. Once the primer dries, apply exterior-grade paint of the closest color you can find to your original garage door paint.

I find when repainting metal, spray paint makes it easier to get smooth, even results. But if there’s rust on most of the door, the job will likely be more economical with a paint can and roller. If you can’t find a close enough color match, you’ll have to sand and paint the entire door. Add a second coat when the first coat dries.

How To Prevent Garage Door Rust

Your best defense is installing a garage door that isn’t vulnerable in the first place, like one made of stainless steel or aluminum. If you’ve got a regular steel garage door, here’s what you can do to keep it rust-free:

• Inspect it regularly and deal with any small rust spots you find right away. Don’t let them spread.
• Keep it dry. Make sure the area around the bottom of the door is well-drained and doesn’t hold moisture.
• Clean it regularly. Wipe it down every month or so to remove dust, debris and corrosive substances from the road, which could lead to rust.
• Check the rubber seals on the edges to make sure they’re in good shape and properly keeping out all outdoor moisture.

The post How To Properly Treat Garage Door Rust appeared first on Family Handyman.

Garage doors also come in standard sizes, but they’re much more difficult to modify on site. And if they’re steel, vinyl or fiberglass, modification isn’t even possible.

While you can order a garage door to fit a non-standard opening, it ends up being lot more expensive than one with standard dimensions. If you’re building a new garage or modifying an existing one, you probably want to avoid that extra expense unless you need extra space for a boat or RV.

You also need a grasp of standard garage door sizes if you’re replacing an existing one. A garage door upgrade is one of the best things you can do for your home’s appearance. But if you have a non-standard opening, be prepared to spend more.

Also check out these six best Wi-Fi garage door openersto retrofit your old opener.

How to Measure for a Garage Door

Most garage doors must fit exactly inside the door opening, so determine the width and height with a tape measure. If the door has a track system, you’ll need space between each side of the door and the wall for the springs.

Most track systems require 3-3/4-in. of room on each side, but some can take up to 5-1/2-inches. Moreover, most doors that open vertically need 10 inches of headroom between the top of the opening and the ceiling, and some require 12 inches.

If you’re in the middle of construction, don’t forget to allow for trim when you measure the width and height of the door opening. Standard 3/4-in. trim material will reduce the width of the opening by 1-1/2-in. and provide an extra 3/4-in. of side room. If the opening is already trimmed out, you don’t need to make this allowance.

Standard Garage Door Size: Single-Car Garage

Doors for single-car garages come in four standard widths: seven, eight, nine and 10 feet. Most cars are five feet two inches to five feet 10 inches wide, so an eight-foot door is usually more comfortable than a seven-foot one.

You’ll probably prefer the seven-foot door if you’re storing lawn tools or a golf cart in your garage. You might want a nine- or 10-foot door if you’re parking your car as well as storing tools, or if you have a larger vehicle.

The standard heights are seven and eight feet. The most common standard size for a single-car garage door is nine feet wide by seven feet high.

Standard Garage Door Size: Two-Car Garage

The standard dimensions of a two-car garage door are 16 feet wide by seven or eight feet high.

Instead of a 16-foot door, many homeowners opt for two eight-foot doors separated by a central column. This arrangement provides more structural stability, because the column supports the door header, and two smaller doors have less visual impact than one large one.

If you want the doors to open automatically, you’ll need two openers or a tandem opener that operates both doors at the same time.

Standard Garage Door Size: Triple-Car Garage

Manufacturers offer triple-wide garage doors that are 32 feet wide by seven or eight feet high. That might seem excessive for a garage that only accommodates one extra vehicle, but the extra width provides space between the cars for people to get in and out.

Not surprisingly, doors this wide aren’t common. Construction calls for expensive oversize headers, and such a large door facing the front of the property can have a negative impact on curb appeal.

One alternative: Install double-wide and single-wide doors next to each other. Or go with three single-wide doors separated by wide columns to provide space between vehicles.

Standard Garage Door Size: RV Garage

Manufacturers offer doors for RV garages that are 12 feet wide and 14 or 16 feet high. RVs come in all sizes, but all will fit inside a 16-foot-high door.

The post What Are the Standard Garage Door Sizes? appeared first on Family Handyman.

Has your garage door ever stopped closing and re-opened by itself? Or even stranger has it ever opened completely on its own? I asked Tommy Mello, founder and CEO of A1 Garage Door Service, to find out if this is a common issue.

Mello confirmed this problem is real, and doesn’t blame anyone for feeling creeped out by it. “I find this phenomenon to be quite disconcerting,” he says.

While it may seem funny at first, it can create serious issues. “A garage door that opens unexpectedly can pose a security risk, so make sure to address the problem promptly,” Mello says.

After all, if somone with nefarious intent finds your garage door wide open, all your belongings are up for grabs. And if the garage is attached to your home … suddenly, this is no laughing matter.

Why Does a Garage Door Open by Itself?

These components can cause a garage door to open by itself:

• The remote:Remotes can have physical damage or conflicting signals.
• The wall switch: Wall-mounted buttons or control panels can malfunction when they get dirty or if there’s a wiring problem.
• The keypad:Similar to wall switches, keypads can have physical or wiring issues.
• The sensors:Sensors can trigger the safety response, re-opening a door before it can fully close.
• The receiver:The receiver on the opener can have signal issues or wiring problems.

We’ll go over possible fixes for each of these.

Change the Remote Batteries

Low batteries in your remote can cause false ‘open’ signals. Easy solution: Replace the old batteries.

Clean the Buttons

The buttons on remotes, wall switches and keypads can collect dirt over time. This buildup can interfere with functionality, triggering unintentional activation. (In my experience, DIY mechanical work can easily leave grease on the wall switch.)

A quick wipe down usually fixes the issue. If there’s dirt behind the button, refer to this guide for cleaning TV remotes. The steps are essentially the same for garage door openers.

Clear and Re-Sync the Opener and Remotes

It’s possible that opener uses the same entry code as your neighbor. This is most common in garage door openers from the mid-90s or earlier which used a dual in-line package (DIP) switch to synch remotes and the opener to a single code. (DIP switches are thumb-sized units containing a series of small, numbered on/off toggles.)

It’s possible to have signal interference with newer openers, although it’s far less likely thanks to rolling code technology.

Signal problems can also be caused by overlap with other electronics. “I’ve noticed that interference from nearby radio frequencies can sometimes unintentionally trigger a garage door remote,” says Mello. “This interference could come from your neighbor’s remote, a nearby radio tower or even electronic devices within your home.”

The solution? Clear your opener’s current set of synch remotes, then re-sync them. If you have a DIP switch model, simply change the settings in the opener and the remote. For a more detailed walk-through, see How To Program a Garage Door Opener.

Clear Away Debris at the Sensors

If your garage door reopens after you attempt to close it, chances are there’s something triggering the door’s safety sensors. Located at the bottom of the door frame, these sensors send an invisible beam to one another. If that beam is interrupted, the door immediately stops closing and reopens.

It’s a great safety feature that prevents accidents from happening. But harmless clutter from leaves or sawdust can interrupt the beam, causing the door to kick open unexpectedly. It’s also possible for the sensors to be knocked out of alignment, especially when moving trash cans and similar items.

The fix: Clear away any debris with a broom, and make sure the two sensors are pointing at each other.

There can also be something physically obstructing the door. This happened to me when I hadn’t fully pulled my truck into the garage. The inside lip of the garage door grazed the end of my trailer hitch, and the door immediately reopened. Here’s what you should do if your garage door keypad isn’t working.

Check the Wiring

A short in the wall-mounted switch, keypad or the opener itself can cause the door to open unexpectedly. If you’re comfortable looking at low-voltage electrical systems in the wall switch or keypad, check for damaged or loose wires. Reattach and see if that solves the issue.

If the problem is in the opener itself, it’s probably time to call in a pro.

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Nothing, that is, except a door that looks so much like wood that you can’t tell the difference. That’s the idea behind faux wood, i.e. wood that isn’t real. But that “fauxness” isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Faux wood doesn’t mean the same thing to all garage door dealers. To some, it means embossed vinyl or aluminum sheeting on a steel frame. It’s difficult to mistake these materials for wood, however, especially when you get up close.

Top-quality faux wood doors made from plastic resin or fiberglass, like those featured at Artisan Custom Doorworks, are more convincing.

What Is a Faux Wood Garage Door?

A faux wood garage door is made from a synthetic material engineered to look like wood. Those synthetics include epoxy resin, urethane resin and fiberglass, i.e. epoxy or urethane resin reinforced with fiberglass strands. Doors made with these are typically tinted with wood-tone colorants that extend all the way through the material.

Vinyl and aluminum can also be molded with a wood texture. But they’re also thin, bendable and require a metal frame for stability, so they don’t look as realistic. Some manufacturers mount composite wood on a steel frame to make doors that look like wood. But since composites are made of actual wood, they form a category of their own.

The first garage door was patented in 1921. In the first half of the 20th century, most were wood. Manufacturers began experimenting with alternative materials in the 1970s galvanized steel first, then aluminum, vinyl and fiberglass. To match increasingly sophisticated architectural designs, they molded and colored these materials to look like wood, with plastic resins and fiberglass the most realistic.

Faux Wood Garage Door Pros

For a faux wood garage door to look like wood, the material must be textured with a wood grain and colored with a permanent wood tone. Any door with these qualities has these advantages over real wood:

• Lightweight: Most synthetic materials are lighter than wood. That makes the door easier to open with less strain on the automatic door opener.
• Weather resistant: Unlike wood, metals and synthetic materials won’t rot or warp. Metal doors can rust, but you can control that with paint.
• Low maintenance:Faux wood doors are easy to keep clean and generally don’t support mold and mildew growth. Some materials, including plastic resins, fiberglass and vinyl, never need painting. Because the color extends all the way through these materials, scratches usually aren’t visible.
• Longevity: Faux wood doors outlast real wood. A wood door may carry a 20-year warranty, while plastic resin, fiberglass and vinyl doors are often guaranteed for life.
• Cost: Virtually all faux wood doors cost less than real wood. Depending on factors like design and insulation, the price difference may not be that great.

Faux Wood Garage Door Cons

Faux wood doors are a mid-range price option, less expensive than wood but more expensive than non-embossed steel, fiberglass or vinyl. They offer the possibility of a wood substitute, but do have drawbacks:

• Artificial: You can’t get around the fact faux wood isn’t wood. Some doors may look more realistic than others, but all look synthetic to some degree.
• Insulation: Metals and plastics lack the insulation value of wood. In cold climates, faux wood doors need to include a core of foam insulation to keep the garage warm.
• Vulnerable to damage: Faux wood materials are more easily damaged than wood. Impacts can dent metals like steel, aluminum and vinyl, and materials like vinyl, plastic resin and fiberglass can turn brittle and crack in cold weather.
• Limited customization: Manufacturers usually offer fewer personalized options than with wood. It’s also more difficult to modify a faux wood door after installation.

A Faux Wood Garage Door Is for You If…

A faux wood garage door is a good investment if you want more style than a plain metal or vinyl door can offer but don’t have the budget for a wooden door. It’s also a great option for those who love the look of wood but live in conditions, like full sun or high humidity, that can make wood fade, crack, swell and warp.

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Self-Adhesive Weatherstrip Garage Door Bottom Seal

Like a sweep for your front door, a self-adhesive weatherstrip attaches to the bottom of the door on the outside. When the door closes, the rubber seal presses against the pavement and splays outward to make the seal.

This type of weatherstripping works best for wooden canopy and retractable doors that swing out and up when you open them. You can also use this on sectional and rolling doors.

There are easy to install. Close the door, position the strip, peel off the backing, stick it in place and drive screws to hold it on permanently.

$21.99 at Amazon

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VIA MERCHANT

$277.78 at Amazon

Chamberlain garage door openers are a perennial favorite among consumers, and its Secure View garage door opener is no exception. In fact, it takes our best overall spot for its long list of user-friendly features.

Its feature list starts with its quiet operation, horsepower (hp) lifting capacity and bright 1,000-lumen LED lighting. But that truly is just the start. The Secure View also comes equipped with an in-garage, wide-angle camera, connectable to the Chamberlain myQ app, so you can see inside your garage and receive real-time alerts and notifications from anywhere. The door opener is compatible with Amazon Key to facilitate secure package and grocery deliveries.

The product package includes a pair of remote controls and a wall control panel. Safety sensors also come standard, and Chamberlain backs its product with a lifetime motor and belt warranty and a five-year parts warranty.

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By the 1950s, many families owned automobiles, and some owned two. Attached garages that sometimes occupied as much as 45% of the floor space of the building became common. Garage doors evolved along with the upswing in car ownership.

Some were overhead doors (invented in 1921). All were made of wood until the 1970s, when manufacturers introduced metal and other materials.

Many of the vintage garage doors I remember from my neighborhood featured wood slats, but more stylish ones had flat and raised panels. All these styles exist today, evoking a bygone era. To improve the curb appeal of your home, nothing does it better than a new wooden garage door.

Wood Garage Door Types

Wooden doors are available in all formats, including:

• Sectional;
• Canopy;
• Retractable;
• Carriage (swinging);
• Bi-fold;
• Slide-to-the-side.

You can also find roll-up doors with wood slats, but steel or aluminum are more common.

Few modern wood garage doors are solid wood. Instead, manufacturers often use plywood or hardboard so they can offer different styles at reasonable prices. Common styles include:

• Flat panel:Typically, a sheet of plywood with a wood veneer.
• Raised panel: A series of smaller panels enclosed in a pattern of stiles and rails. The panels are usually veneered plywood or hardboard, while the stiles and rails are solid wood.
• Slat: Usually reserved for carriage-style swinging doors, but high-end sectional or canopy doors may also be made from slats.

The type of wood is just as important to the appearance of the door as its style. Redwood and cedar are preferred for their weather resistance, but you can also find doors made from fir, red or white oak, mahogany and alder. The more expensive hardwoods are often veneered onto a plywood or hardboard core.

Composite wood, an amalgam of wood dust and plastic, is a common alternative that looks the same as wood until you get really close. It’s also more resistant to warping and rotting. The use of reclaimed wood for garage doors is also trending.

Wood Garage Door Pros and Cons

Wood is the gold standard for a traditional-looking garage door, but it isn’t necessarily the best choice in all circumstances. For one thing, wood is heavy. For another, it requires a lot of maintenance.

Here are some of the pros and cons to consider when deciding whether a wood door is right for you.

Pros

• Durable: Unlike metal or vinyl, a wood door won’t dent. If it does suffer a gouge, it’s easy to repair. Wood doors also provide good security against break-ins.
• Good insulation: The insulation value of wood is as good as or better than any other material, except perhaps fiberglass. In cold climates, manufacturers can add insulation between plywood panels to keep the garage warm, although this adds to the price.
• Sustainable: Wood is a renewable resource that can be recycled after use. You get extra eco points by choosing a door made from reclaimed wood.
• Customizable: Wood doors can be customized to fit non-standard door openings, and it’s easy to add windows. If a door gets damaged, you can usually repair it.

Cons

• Price:Top-quality wood garage doors are among the most expensive on the market, particularly those with raised panels and lots of solid wood.
• Vulnerable to weather: High humidity and sudden temperature changes can warp wood doors and cause operating problems.
• Needs maintenance: Wood tends to show its age over time. You must stay on guard for signs of rotting, cracking and other defects.

Wood Garage Door Prices

Depending on size, style and format, a wood garage door can cost from $800 to $6,000, with the average ranging from $1,500 to $3,500. The less expensive doors tend to be plywood, while the most expensive ones feature almost all solid wood.

Wood doors are often constructed in layers of wood, insulation and overlay. The more layers, the better it’s insulated, and the higher the price.

Is Wood Garage Door Installation DIYable?

In some cases, yes. If you want to save money on installation by doing the job yourself, carriage-style swinging doors are your best bet. Although you might need a helper to lift the doors, installation is similar to that of an entry door.

But with canopy or sectional doors with tracks, you’re better off going with a pro who has the tools and expertise to do the job right the first time. Some components of a track system, particularly the springs, are dangerous, and you can get seriously injured if you make a mistake.

Wood Garage Door Maintenance

A wood garage door should be sealed with paint or stain and a clear finish to protect it from rot, warping and the elements. To keep the door looking new, you’ll probably need reseal or repaint every five years or so.

Clean your wood garage door with soap and water, especially if there’s chipping or splitting. If the door is in good shape, you can try a power washer; be sure to close the door to avoid wetting the tracks and rollers. A good cleaning every six months or so should do the trick.

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18-Piece Pegboard Accessory Kit

This 18-piece pegboard organizer kit features an assortment of baskets, shelves, hooks, bins and even a paper towel holder. These pegboard accessories work with any metal, wooden or plastic pegboard with -inch or -inch holes spaced 1 inch apart. The load capacities for the various accessories range from 3 pounds (smallest individual hooks) to 20 pounds (wire baskets).

$29.99 at Amazon

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Best Overall Garage Door Screen

Fresh Air Screens 3-Zipper Roll-Up Garage Door Screen

With zippers on both sides as well as the center, this Fresh Air Screens garage door screen provides a reliable seal against bugs and leaves, as well as the option to raise half the screen if desired. This versatile three-zipper design allows for quick access to your garage without rolling up the entire screen. This is especially useful for those with frequent vehicle traffic.

It’s also great when using the garage as a functional workshop. This screen uses a sturdy hook-and-loop attachment system for installation and is available in two different colors to better match your garage. You can also purchase a rope and pull kit separately, providing a convenient pulley system for raising and securing the screen in place.

Pros

• Versatile two-panel design
• Made of tear-resistant fiberglass mesh
• Easy to install
• Range of size options available

Cons

• Appearance may not meet your aesthetic needs

Shop on Home Depot

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Best Overall Garage Air Conditioning

Whynter Portable Air Conditioner/Heater/Dehumidifier

Our pick for the best overall garage air conditioner is the Whynter Portable Air Conditioner for its versatility and ability to meet most garage owners’ needs. This portable, 14,000 BTU air conditioner unit is capable of effectively cooling a two-car garagebut that’s just the start.

The Whynter can also act as a fan or a dehumidifierand includes a 13,000 BTU heater. The unit comes with everything you need for installation and operation, including a window kit, remote control and charcoal filter. The Whynter model may just be the perfect fit if you’re searching for an all-around solution in an easy and convenient package.

Pros

• Powerful air conditioner with heater and dehumidifier
• Four operating modes
• Automatic draining capability
• Adjustable exhaust hose and window kit

Cons

• Pricier than other models (but includes more features)
• Complex warranty details

$573 at Home Depot

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Best Overall Garage Fan

Lasko High-Velocity Floor/Wall Mount Fan

Powerful and versatile, the Lasko high-velocity fan quickly converts from a wall-mounted to a floor-standing fan. Once the bracket is mounted to the wall, the fan can easily clip in and out of the stand, depending on where you need air directed at the moment.

This wire-framed fan is perfect for cooling your garage with its pivoting head, and three speeds direct high-velocity air to where you need it, maxing out at an impressive airflow of 3,460 CFM. The strong metal fan blades, powerful motor and steel construction make this fan one of the most durable options in this price range.

The control button is conveniently located in the front, so you’ll never have to find yourself fiddling around blindly on the back of the fan to adjust it. When the temps are high and the cold drinks from the garage fridge simply aren’t cutting it, you’ll thank yourself for having this breezy companion by your side. P.S. If you like this, you might want to explore the new Lasko Tower Fan as well.

Pros

• 20-inch diameter, pivoting head
• 3-speed settings offer excellent air circulation
• Versatile fan can easily convert from wall-mounted to floor-standing fan
• Weighs less than 16 pounds and comes with a built-in handle for easy transport

Cons

• Can be noisy in small spaces

$79.99 at Amazon

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Here’s the good news: Programming your garage door opener remote is extremely easy, and only takes a few minutes.

The not-so-good news: Describing the specifics of programming a garage door opener is surprisingly difficult.

The basics of modern garage opener synching is about as simple as it gets: Just press two buttons. But any given model can have slightly different requirements. You might need to hold one of those buttons for a number of seconds, or press a button more than once. None of that is difficult, but can be tricky to explain.

But don’t let that scare you off! Here, I’ll give you all the info you need to tackle the vast majority of openers. And if you do run into issues, we’ve included links for information from specific manufacturers.

Check Garage Door Opener and Compatibility

First and foremost, determine the type and brand of your garage door opener. This is usually easy, since it tends to be printed in large letters on the side of the opener.

Of course, use a remote that’s compatible with your opener. Keep in mind some manufacturers produce more than one line of openers. Chamberlain also makes LiftMaster and Craftsman openers, and many Chamberlain remotes are compatible with all three brands. There are also secondary-market “universal remotes” that work with most major opener brands. We’ll touch on those later.

Let’s get started!

Prepare the Garage Door Opener and Remote

Begin by running a couple of tests to make sure you’re not missing something simple.

• Change the remote batteries. If this fixes the issue, you’re all set!
• Try opening the garage door using the wired wall button. If the door still won’t open, there’s a bigger issue beyond the remote. You’ll have to find another fix or call a pro.

Locate the Garage Door Opener’s Program Button

Most garage door openers have a button that puts it into programming mode. You’ll probably need a ladder, so use appropriate caution.

• Look for a prominent button on the rear of the opener or beneath a plastic shroud. Typically called a Learn or Program button, it’s usually bright red, yellow or green.
• If you have an opener made before 1995, it may use a DIP switch instead. Around the size of your thumb, a DIP switch features eight to 12 tiny switches along its length.

How To Program a Remote

This is about as easy as it gets!

• Press the Learn button.
  • Typically, a single push is all that’s needed, although some manufacturers require you hold it down a specific length of time.
  • There will be some acknowledgement that it’s in Learning mode, like a blinking LED or clicking noise.
• Press the Remote button.
  • If the remote and opener talk to each other, there will be another acknowledgement; usually the overhead light on the opener will blink.
  • If your opener doesn’t have an overhead light, it will usually signal completion with an audible click.
• If you have a second remote to program, repeat the above steps.

What if you have a DIP switch? The steps are a little different. (Remember, this will only come into play with openers made before 1995.)

• Locate the DIP switch on the opener.
• Using a small screwdriver, paper clip or similar tool, set the DIP switch to any sequence you like.
• Locate the DIP switch on the remote.
• Using the same tool, set the switch to match the sequence on the opener.

How To Program a Universal Remote

A universal remote can work with many types of garage doors and openers. Check how universal your remote actually is. Many limit compatibility to a few major brands. Yours may be fine, but it’s worth double-checking.

• Press the Learn/Program button on the opener, then press the button on the universal remote.
• Consult the remote’s instructions for specifics.
• You may need to press the remote button a set number of times, depending on which manufacturer/model of opener you have.

How To Program a Keypad

Typically, keypads are programmed the same way as remotes.

• Press the Learn/Program button.
• Within 30 seconds, enter the new code into the keypad and press Enter.
  • Enlist a helper. This way you don’t have to scramble down the ladder and rush to the keypad.

How To Reset a Garage Door Opener

If you’ve moved to a new home, you likely inherited an opener from the previous owner. Just as it’s a good idea to change the locks, it’s a good idea to reprogram the opener. Most modern openers have a reset function that works similar to this:

• Locate the Learn/Program button.
• Press and hold that button until the opener gives an indication; it could be a flashing LED or overhead light.
  • Different manufacturers/models have different hold times. Wait for the indicator before releasing the button.
• Program your remote as described in the section above.

Security and Safety Considerations

Modern garage door openers come with a high level of built-in security. Older openers with DIP switches lock the opener and remote onto a single code. But modern openers use a more secure rolling code, meaning the code changes over time.

Tommy Mello, founder of A1 Garage Door Service, describes it like this, “Every time the opener button is pressed, rolling code technology changes the access code. Because there are billions of possible combinations, it is almost impossible for hackers to steal the code for a garage door opener and use it to get into a home.”

If you have an older opener and would like to boost your security, consider installing the Genie Girud-1T. This easy-to-install device upgrades your garage security to rolling codes without buying an entire opener. Learn how to fix a garage door keypad.

More Info for Your Specific Opener

You’ll set up the vast majority of openers with the instructions above, but it’s always a good idea to check the documentation for your specific opener. Here are some links to popular brands.

• Chamberlain;
• Craftsman;
• LiftMaster;
• Genie;
• Linear;
• Sommer.

If your opener isn’t included on this list, a quick internet search should point you in the right direction.

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Best Overall Garage Floor Tile

MotorDeck Diamond Modular Flooring Tile

Easy installation, wallet-friendly pricing and good color selection are just a few of the qualities that put this MotorDeck Diamond Modular Tile at the top of our list. Designed with high-quality polypropylene, this product also features a non-slip design that resists penetration by grease, oil and other staining liquids. The 12-inch by 12-inch tiles come in a 24-piece package in black, alloy, graphite, red or blue. Installation is easy, requiring no tools unless you’re cutting pieces to fit.

While a few customer reviews expressed concerns about the potential for water getting trapped under the channeled tiles, the majority of reviewers gave this garage flooring idea a 5-star review. MotorDeck also stands behind its tiles, offering a 12-year warranty.

Pros

• High-quality polypropylene resists staining
• Non-slip design
• Available in five colors
• Wallet-friendly pricing

Cons

• Some reviews revealed concerns of water becoming trapped under tiles

Shop Now

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