Posted By Ibropalic on Feb 16, 2015 | 1 comment

Transforming a Garage Into a Man Cave in Six Simple Steps

More often than not, the garage is the least frequented part of a home, other than parking. Many times, a garage isn’t even used for the car, or only half of it is. Sometimes the garage becomes a store it all, where everything from old sneakers to broken toys tends to end up. Instead of letting the space go to waste, why not turn it into a man cave? Garages are generally more a male domain anyway, so let it become the room that gets the boys out of the house when the girls have Bunco.

It takes less effort than you might think to actually make the garage to man cave transformation, while maintaining any needed organization. The most realistic design is one that includes space for any necessary storage, while making the area into an ideal hang out. Here are 6 ways to make the man cave transformation clever enough that even the women won’t complain:

Design the Domain

The first thing to do is to determine what style man cave would best suit the garage space. Maybe even do a few sketches just to see what stands out, and calls to all that manly energy. Focus on the important things, like where the big screen television, gaming systems and stereo will go, along with bar placement. Heating and air conditioning also has to be considered, as staying a comfortable temperature is important for the cave.

Do not be afraid to personalize the space, after all, this might be the only man cave we ever get. We need to make sure our seating is comfy, our entertainment and alcohol accessible, and any tools needed for yard work or home maintenance are easily utilized and within reach. Making sure things like rakes, shovels and trimmers can be easily found by the feminine aspect of the home, make the man cave a friendlier place.

Utilize Wall Space Well

Keeping the man cave comfortable may be as simple as insulating the walls and installing a small heating and cooling unit, unless the area is already vented to the home units. A detached garage can be regulated with a window unit in most cases, unless excessive or fluorescent lighting is used.

Pick those colors and paint the area a solid color, or get creative with sports teams, gaming themes, or something more customized. Once painting is done, add some storage bins for lawn and garden supplies, cleaning chemicals or tools. Basket storage adds a rustic look, but allows a clear visual of what is inside. For larger tools like shovels, rakes or sledgehammers, build a storage corral from scrap or recycled wood. Both of these units of storage take little space, and can add to the creativity of the space.

Become familiar with the studs behind the drywall, as that will allow the hanging of dart boards, basket ball hoops or any other “hanging” entertainment desired. Neon beer signs, flat screen televisions, and gaming systems can all be hung neatly from the wall, taking up little space, but being conveniently accessible.

Add Flattery to Floors

Concrete is standard flooring for most garages, with most being on a slab. This make them relatively simple to insulate by installing carpet, floor boards or area rugs. Any of these methods can work to warm things up in the winter and hold in the cool in the summer. A concrete floor can also be painted, if one wants to keep that “garage” look, which will help cool the room during hot summer months.

Rubberized tiles or carpet tiles are also good to consider. Both are easily replaceable , so it is usually a good idea to order some in advance with the original order.

The Ceiling

An unfinished ceiling can be great for storage, or it can be dry walled in, allowing a neat, almost house like finished ceiling to be added. Once that is decided, the time for light arrives. Rather we have a fondness for track lighting, lava lamps, drop lights or adjustable settings, getting proper electrical wiring is still required. Use any joists as a convenient source for lamps to be dangled over a pool or fooz ball table.

Furnish The Cave

Get comfortable by getting furniture that actually sits comfortable. Choose from Chinese, Japanese, Turkish, Russian and more fabrics and furnishings. Borrow a few things from the house or simply start over with some of the unique thrift stores in town. A fridge will be an important asset, especially during those big games. Other than that, find comfortable seating that makes the kind of statement wanted. Choose colors that create the kind of energy the desired man cave will have. Think blue or green for cooling, calming shades and red for artistry and passions.

The Glory of the Man Cave

The most important thing about a man cave, is that it represent the man. Take the time to make this room an extension of oneself. Transforming a garage into a active man cave is one of the greatest projects men can take on, and finish quickly. Rather it is a room that will be used primarily for gaming, watching movies, or playing games like pool or Fooz ball, taking time on the design and furnishing can make a glorious difference in the appeal of the cave itself. Consider adding a billiards table, a liquor cabinet, humidor section, wine rack or a Kegerator, depending on personal likes and dislikes. Keep in mind, the more comfortable and inviting the man cave is for us, the more inviting for our friends.