{"id":1206,"date":"2021-03-02T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-03-02T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mancavescan.com\/?p=1206"},"modified":"2021-03-04T11:24:32","modified_gmt":"2021-03-04T11:24:32","slug":"small-garage-man-cave","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mancavescan.com\/small-garage-man-cave\/","title":{"rendered":"Small Garage Man Cave"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]
We all want a space to call our own, and if your house is full, that space may be relegated to the garage. If you\u2019re working out of a small garage, you know how difficult it can be to set up your space just how you like it. You don\u2019t have a lot of room to work with, and that can be frustrating.<\/p>\n
Today, we\u2019re going to run through some ideas that should help you maximise your space. Working from the floor up, we\u2019ll talk about a variety of things you can do to make the garage really feel like your man cave. Using your space efficiently is critical to getting your man cave right, and we\u2019re going to help you use it the best you can.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.6.6″ _module_preset=”default”]
With this man cave being in the garage, you\u2019re most likely going to be working with concrete floors. And those floors are probably going to be pretty crusty. While some guys are ok with nasty, gross floors, if you want to take pride in your space, you need to clean things up.<\/p>\n
Thankfully, with the help of commercial products, cleaning up concrete floors is pretty simple. This process can take anywhere from 5-10 days, and you\u2019ll need to clear off the floor to do it. Make sure you can take the time to clean them up, and make sure you have a place for the things that usually live in your garage.<\/p>\n
This is a three-step process, and for each step, you\u2019ll need a different agent. First up, you\u2019ll need a degreaser to clean off the floors. After that, you\u2019ll need an etching solution to open up the pores of the concrete. Finally, you\u2019ll use paint, epoxy, or clearcoat to seal the concrete and protect it against further damage<\/a>.<\/p>\n So, let\u2019s run through this process in a little more detail.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_video src=”https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=p-rPIZ6oV8Y” image_src=”\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/p-rPIZ6oV8Y\/hqdefault.jpg” play_icon_color=”#ffffff” thumbnail_overlay_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” _builder_version=”4.6.6″ _module_preset=”default” width=”80%” width_tablet=”” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” module_alignment=”center”][\/et_pb_video][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.6.6″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″] If your garage has been used as a garage before you decided to make it a man cave, there\u2019s probably a lot of oil, grease, and various other stains on your floor. This is where the degreaser comes in. It\u2019s a solvent designed to break down and clean off any type of stain that you would typically find on a concrete floor.<\/p>\n You should be able to find a concrete-specific degreaser at your local hardware store; if you can\u2019t, they should be able to order one for you. I would recommend an environmentally friendly one, not only for the environment but also for you.<\/p>\n They aren\u2019t that expensive, and you won\u2019t be in as much danger using the product. If you\u2019re not happy with the results, try a second scrub. If you\u2019re still not satisfied with the results, contact the product manufacturer and see if they can help. However, if you are happy with the results, you\u2019re ready to move on to step two.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.6.6″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″] To paint or seal concrete, you need to prep the concrete for the finish. This used to involve using dangerous chemicals to open the concrete’s pores, making it ready for paint. However, thanks to Rustoleum\u2019s Clean and Etch<\/a>, you can now use a much safer and equally effective product.<\/p>\n Rustoleum\u2019s Clean and Etch is a perfect solution for prepping concrete floors. Of course, you will still need to wear safety gear and have ventilation in the space you are working in. However, it is not nearly as harmful as other etching products, such as muriatic acid. Just follow the instructions on the container, and you\u2019ll be good to go!<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_video src=”https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=faixSmOIYXc” image_src=”\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/faixSmOIYXc\/hqdefault.jpg” play_icon_color=”#ffffff” thumbnail_overlay_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.6)” _builder_version=”4.6.6″ _module_preset=”default” width=”80%” width_tablet=”” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” module_alignment=”center”][\/et_pb_video][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.6.6″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″] There are several ways you can go when finishing your concrete floors, and I just want to do a quick overview here. You can go with a clear concrete sealer, paint, or epoxy on the floors. There a couple things to consider here, namely the look you\u2019re going for in your man cave and the humidity of the area you live in.<\/p>\n A concrete sealer is going to give you just a protective clear coat over the whole floor. You\u2019ll see the floor as it is, which will leave you with an industrial look. If the industrial look is not what you\u2019re going for, I\u2019d go with paint or epoxy.<\/p>\n Both paint and epoxy are applied similarly, even though they are chemically different products. If you want a particularly vibrant color, I would go with paint. You can get any color you like in any finish you like; however, use something designed for concrete. Regular paints will chip and won\u2019t last very long on concrete.<\/p>\n If you are ok with a limited range of colors and finishes, I would go with an epoxy. It should be more durable than paint, and it will look very nice on the floor. While the range of finishes is smaller than paint, some epoxies come with aggregates that add some color and pattern to the floor. If you want to learn more about applying epoxy to a concrete floor, check out this article from hunker here.<\/p>\n The final thing to consider is the humidity of the area you live in. If you live in a high-humidity area, you\u2019re going to need to be extra patient. The humidity will extend the dry time of whatever finish you use. Be strategic and try to pick low-humidity times to apply the finish.<\/p>\n Whatever method you decide to go with, just remember, be patient. This is a process that will take a little bit of time, but it is worth it. Do the proper research for whatever method you decide to go with, take your time in doing it, and you will have a man cave with great looking floors that will last a long time.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/mancavescan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Small-Garage-Man-Cave-Ideas-Concrete-Floor.png” alt=”Small Garage Man Cave Ideas – Concrete Floor” title_text=”Small Garage Man Cave Ideas – Concrete Floor” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.6.6″ _module_preset=”default” width=”80%” width_tablet=”” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|phone”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default”] No matter where you are, garages are not known for a moderate climate. They\u2019re ovens in the summer, freezers in the winter, and only usable in the spring and fall. But you don\u2019t want to limit your ability to enjoy your man cave to just two seasons!<\/p>\n So, consider picking up a small air conditioner\/heater\/dehumidifier combo. Most hardware stores have units like these, and they are perfect for small garages. They are designed for small rooms that aren\u2019t hooked up to central A\/C<\/a>, and they\u2019ll keep them cool in the summer and warm in the winter.<\/p>\n I won\u2019t recommend a brand, simply because there are many different features designed for different spaces. You\u2019ll need to do a little research, but I am sure there is one out there that is perfect for your small garage man cave.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default”] Even though you\u2019re in a small garage, you\u2019re still going to need some seating. Your best bet will probably be having a central seating area on one end of your garage. You can have some couches and some benches around a table, with a TV up against the wall.<\/p>\n This begs the question, what\u2019s going to be the best kind of seating? Some smaller couches and a couple armchairs should do the trick. You\u2019ll be able to fit 4-6 guys in the same area, and you all should still be comfortable.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking for ideas on what kind of furniture would be good in a man cave, check out our article here<\/a> for my bar stool recommendations and here<\/a> for the best couches to get for your man cave.\u00a0<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/mancavescan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Small-Garage-Man-Cave-Ideas-Couch-Seating.png” alt=”Small Garage Man Cave Ideas – Couch Seating” title_text=”Small Garage Man Cave Ideas – Couch Seating” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.6.6″ _module_preset=”default” width=”60%” width_tablet=”” width_phone=”80%” width_last_edited=”on|phone”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.6.6″ _module_preset=”default”] In a small garage, space is a premium. You may not have room for a bar, and that can be disappointing. So, rather than trying to cram a bar into your small man cave, consider another option.<\/p>\n A bar cart is an excellent alternative to a standard bar in a small man cave. You can still store and serve drinks, and you can easily tuck this into a corner when you\u2019re done using it. It\u2019s cheaper, faster, and smaller than building a bar.<\/p>\nStep 1: Degrease And Scrub The Floors<\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default”]
Regardless of the product, you\u2019ll need to read and follow the instructions on the back. Those instructions should include mixing ratios, wait time between coats, and scrubbing instructions. Apply your first coat, scrub your floors, wash it off, and check your results.<\/p>\nStep 2: Prep The Floors For Finish<\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.6.6″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]
Step 3: Finish The Floors<\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default”]
Idea 2: Keep Your Man Cave Cool In The Summer and Hot In The Winter<\/h2>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.6.6″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]
Idea 3: Seating Corner<\/h2>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.6.6″ _module_preset=”default”]
Idea 4: Mobile Bar For A Small Garage<\/h2>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.6.6″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]