How to turn your garage into a game room

With the kids getting older, you’ve found the need to do a bit or rearranging in the home. Maybe you finished out the basement so that it’s a bedroom and bath, but that means you need to move your pool table somewhere else. What can you do? The answer might just be to turn your garage into a game room. Whether it’s an arcade, a pool hall, a man cave, or something else, there’s a simple way that you can transform that space. In this post, we’ll cover some of the most important points to know.

A transitional space

For most people, the garage is a transition space. While many of us don’t park our cars here, we use it for multiple reasons. It’s a laundry room, a storage area, and a DIY corner. It might be where we put a second refrigerator or freezer, as well. This is actually good news. Because the space is so transitional, it won’t require that much to transform it into something else entirely. In fact, the garage can be a great place for a game room.

Plan it

The first thing you need is a plan. Without one, you’re not going to get very far. Here’s what you need to do:

• Move the cars – If you’re using the space to park your cars currently, the first step is going to be getting them outside. That will probably mean parking in the driveway, but it doesn’t have to mean leaving them to the mercy of the elements. A portable car shelter may be just the ticket, assuming that your area or HOA allows these. You’ll find a number of sizes available, too, including those that can fit two cars side‑by‑side.
• Check the measurements – With the cars out of the way, you can get the measurements of your garage. First, though, you’ll need to think about the space. What items in the garage will remain? Which ones will you move outside, or put into a shed? Can the items that remain be consolidated into the back or side of the space to leave more room for your gaming equipment? Grab a sheet of paper and sketch out the usable room. Note where windows are located and any items that cannot be moved, such as your furnace, AC, or water heater. Make sure that you account for height, as well as length and width. This includes the space above the garage door if your ceiling is particularly high.

• Lay it out – Now is the time to rough out where you’re going to put your gaming equipment. Measure the space and then lay out where the pool table will go, and where your arcade games will be set up. Where will the foosball table go? What about your air hockey table? While you’re at it, pay close attention to logistics, such as the location of outlets in the garage and for storage space. Make sure that you leave room for everything else too, such as a table and chairs, benches, and the like.

• Note the renovations – This is your chance to do a lot of renovation with your garage. You will most likely want to repaint the walls and the floor, but there are lots of other things to consider. For instance, a coat of epoxy on the floor can be a great addition. Using paler colors for the walls and ceiling can help make the space feel larger, too. However, if you want a more intimate feel, paint the ceiling a darker shade. This is also the time to consider electrical work. Do you need more outlets? Do you need to upgrade outlets and add a larger breaker? Do you need additional plumbing installed to handle that wet bar?

Cut out the clutter

Now you’re done with the planning and it’s time to get to work. Where do you start? The best place is with decluttering. You need to figure out what is staying and what is going to go. Anything that you don’t want or need can be sold in a yard sale or donated to Goodwill or a similar operation if it’s in decent shape. You should move anything that you’re going to keep into more permanent storage – the attic or a storage shed, for instance. Anything that will stay in the garage should be stored in plastic bins on shelves.

Get comfy

With the clutter gone, you can start getting comfortable. Pay attention to lighting, add furniture to relax on while you’re gaming, and generally ensure that the space is as livable as possible. You might want to add a sofa and recliner, or any number of other creature comforts.

Think about your gaming

What games are you going to add to the space? Sure, a pool table might be a given, but there are so many other options here! Think about the following:

Don’t neglect the garage door

The “fourth wall” of your garage is the garage door. Is it up to snuff? Is it weathertight and insulated? Will it help your space stay comfortable all year long? If it’s not up to the job, then you need to think about repairing or replacing it.

If you live in Lindsay or Peterborough, get in touch with us. You can reach us at 1-800-780-3883. We have decades of experience with garage doors and door systems and will be happy to offer advice and guidance. Feel free to drop by the showroom in person, or just ask for an email quote! Our Design Centre is a great tool to give you an idea of what’s possible, and our image gallery highlights our customers’ successes.