Lifestyle

6 Tips to Help You Create the Ultimate Garage Workshop

Published

4 years ago

September 23, 2020

A garage might be designed for parking cars and protecting lawn equipment from the elements, but these spaces are far more versatile. They can serve a variety of purposes – ranging from a teenage bonus room to a storage unit. But if you really want to make the most out of this space, you should consider transforming it into your ultimate garage workshop.

Whether you mess around with woodworking, do a little welding on the side, have a knack for home projects, or like tinkering with engines, a garage workshop provides the perfect environment for rolling up your sleeves and knocking out projects.

Here are a few helpful tips to assist you in creating the ultimate garage workshop of your dreams:

Get a Solid Workbench

Every garage workshop needs a rock-solid bench to serve as the main work area. While you can make a workbench out of any number of materials, a hard and heavy top is absolutely key. You can either make your own or buy a premade option from the store.

“Premade workbenches run $100 to $500 and come in many lengths; they’re usually 24 inches deep,” home improvement expert Larry Erickson explains. “A 38-inch height is typical, but you might be more comfortable with a work surface as low as 36 or as high as 42 inches. Some benches include vises, drawers, and shelves.”

If you build one yourself, you should be able to get some quality materials for $100 or less. If you want some more complex features or finer materials, $300 to $500 is a more realistic price range.

Establish an Organization System

It’s not the most engaging of topics, but a good workshop must be organized. Installing the right organization system from the start will ensure you have the space and freedom to work on projects without having to reorganize piles of junk every time you want to work.

There are hundreds of organization systems on the market, so we’ll let you choose which ones work best for you. Just know that vertical and overhead storage can save you a ton of space!

Install Adequate Lighting

Garages tend to be pretty dark. You might be lucky enough to have a couple of windows, but they probably don’t let in the sort of natural light you need. Plus, opening garage doors during daylight hours can cast some mean shadows across your shop.

Make sure you install adequate task lighting to help you work in a safe and visible environment. While they may not be great for ambience, nothing beats overhead fluorescent lights in terms of cost and brightness.

Keep the Space Comfortable

You want your workshop to be pleasant to work in. And while it probably won’t be as comfortable as the inside of your house, there’s no need to be miserable during the peak of summer or the freezing days of winter.

To ensure maximum comfort, insulate your garage doors. In the winter, try running a gas space heater to warm up the workshop. In the summer, a window AC unit or a couple of well-placed fans can create a cooling effect.

Pay Attention to Air Quality

Whether you’re working with wood or engines, you need to do something to ensure your garage workshop has good ventilation and satisfactory air quality.

“A ceiling exhaust fan is a good start but if you are serious about keeping things clean then your ultimate workshop should also include a dust collection system, central vacuum and air ventilation system,” DIYer Timothy Dahl writes. “All three of these systems will keep the dust, dirt, and other heavy particles off your clothes and out of your lungs which makes for a safer work environment.”

Customize to Your Liking

There are plenty of technical components to setting up a garage workshop – like setting up an organization system and purifying the air – but there’s also plenty of room to get creative.

Your workshop should be a place where you want to work. When you walk into your garage, it should be inviting and energizing. So make sure you customize it to your liking. Put up posters, display your projects, or install a TV so you can watch the big game. Do whatever you can to make this space yours!

Give Your Garage an Upgrade

Every workshop is going to look different – and that’s okay. At the end of the day, a workshop is an intensely personal environment. Take the tips you like, discard the ones you don’t, and architect a space that works for your needs. Before you know it, the garage will become your favorite room in the home.

Lifestyle

Duravo’s Success Story: Engineering the Perfect Suitcase

Published

5 days ago

September 11, 2024

Michelle Langton

Photo credit: Duravo

By: Mae Cornes

When Matt Muhr and Dan Cooper founded Duravo, they started with something other than luggage design. Instead, their journey began unexpectedly: the world of tactical and anti-ballistic gear. This unconventional background led them to discover a self-reinforced composite material used in professional sports equipment, military gear, and automotive components.

Working closely with a German engineering team, Muhr and Cooper developed Flexshell™, a material that combines strength and lightness. “We saw an opportunity to bring advanced materials science to an industry that hadn’t seen significant innovation in decades,” Muhr explained.

A Lightweight Contender in a Heavy-Duty Market

Duravo’s entry into the luggage market came at a time when established brands dominated the landscape. However, the company’s focus on material innovation sets it apart from competitors.

The Duravo International, an expandable carry-on, weighs just 5 pounds, making it significantly lighter than many competitors’ offerings. This weight reduction doesn’t come at the cost of durability or capacity. The suitcase expands from 37 liters to 46 liters, providing travelers with flexibility without exceeding airline size restrictions.

Cooper noted, “Our goal wasn’t just to make another suitcase. We wanted to change how people think about luggage durability and weight fundamentally.”

Rigorous Testing: Proving Durability in the Lab and on the Road

To validate its claims about Flexshell’s durability, Duravo invested heavily in product testing. The company reports subjecting its luggage to weighted tumble tests, extreme drop tests, and thousands of handle yanks.

The company does not publicly share specific test results, but it states that Flexshell provides five times the strength of traditional plastics used in luggage. This claim would represent a significant advancement in luggage materials if independently verified.

Technology Integration: Beyond Basic Storage

Duravo’s products incorporate several tech-friendly features, reflecting the changing needs of modern travelers. The luggage includes built-in USB access for charging devices, a hidden sleeve for tracking devices like AirTags, and compartments designed to protect electronics during travel.

These additions address common pain points for travelers, such as keeping devices charged and preventing lost luggage. However, it’s worth noting that some of these features, such as USB charging ports, are becoming increasingly common in premium luggage offerings.

Market Performance and Customer Reception

Since its launch a year ago, Duravo reports generating over 1,500 customers. While this number suggests steady growth, it’s modest compared to established brands in the luggage industry. The company currently limits its market to the U.S. and Canada, indicating potential for expansion.

The company reports positive customer reviews, a critical factor in the luggage industry, with an online star rating of 5 out of 5. However, independent verification of these ratings and a larger sample size would provide a more comprehensive picture of customer satisfaction.

Challenges and Competition in a Crowded Market

Despite its inventive method, Duravo faces significant challenges. Established brands like Away, Monos, and Tumi command substantial market share and brand recognition in a highly competitive luggage market.

Duravo’s focus on high-end materials and manufacturing in Germany will likely result in higher production costs. This could make it difficult for the company to compete on price with brands that manufacture in regions with lower production costs.

Environmental Considerations and Future Directions

Duravo emphasizes the eco-friendly nature of its products, stating that Flexshell is recyclable. However, specific data on the material’s environmental impact throughout its lifecycle is not readily available. As sustainability becomes increasingly important for consumers, more transparent and detailed environmental information could benefit the company’s market position.

Duravo’s success may hinge on its ability to scale production while maintaining quality, expand its product line, and effectively communicate its value proposition to a broader audience. The luggage industry’s recovery and growth following the COVID-19 pandemic will also play a crucial role in shaping the company’s trajectory.

As Duravo continues developing its brand and product line, its story is an interesting case study in bringing materials innovation to a well-established consumer goods category. The company’s future success will depend on its ability to balance innovation with market demands and effectively compete with more prominent, established brands.