This upcycled workstation with DIY scrap wood storage was the first step in my garage makeover that I’m doing this month, but this project was a long-time coming.
If you’ve been a long-time reader of this blog, then you remember my pretty laundry room makeover a couple of years ago, right?
There was this ugly, turd-brown cabinet in there that, while helpful in holding heaps of clothing that I avoided folding and simply piled on top, it wasn’t as functional as I wanted it to be.
The new laundry room table was 100 times more functional because I could store dirty clothes underneath (and prettier, too!)
You know how I do……I can’t get rid of things that still have some “life” in them, and I knew this cabinet could be reused in the garage.
It must have had a sign on it that screamed “SET JUNK ON ME, PLEASE!!”
Because it also became a junk collector in the garage and sat just like this since finding its new home.
But this month I got my hands on it because my focus is on turning this dingy garage into a pretty little workshop.
I figured this would be the best project to start!
I turned it into a workstation and built scrap wood storage on the side of it!
BEFORE
AFTER!!
BEFORE
AFTER!
The coolest parts are the galvanized steel top and the scrap wood storage that I built to hold more scrap wood! (You remember this upcycled scrap wood storage bin I painted recently, right?). I’m excited to have organized places to work and store things now!
How to Create Scrap Wood Storage (and Win Some Tools!)
You’re probably wondering how I created this project, right? Well, I can’t wait to show you!
Click here to head over to my full project tutorial on RYOBI Nation and check it out!
For those of you that visit RYOBI Nation for the tutorial and then come back here and leave a comment below on this post, you’ll be entered to win this prize pack (sorry, U.S. and Washington, D.C. residents only)! Who doesn’t like free tools, right? A huge thanks to my partners at RYOBI!
18V 4 Piece Lithium-Ion Super Combo Kit
I can’t wait to hear what you think about this project!!
Okay, now go check out the full-tutorial HERE and come back to leave a comment on this post in order to win!
Did you love this project? Click here to pin it!
Hey Serena!!! I love, love, love your site and step by step instructions.
Your UPCYCLED WORKSTATION is amazing. This is on my to-do list for sure this summer!
Keep up the fantastic posts. You are an inspiration to all “DIY MOMS”!!!!
Your cabinet looks awesome Serena! My garage is such a mess right now-the DIY picket fence took so much time and effort that things just sort of got dumped in the garage. It’s definitely on my to-do list before it gets too hot.
gail
Now that’s a workstation for a thrift diving diva LOL. Love the color!.
Serena you never cease to amaze me. What a simple solution for the scrap wood storage. I love it and have the perfect spot for it. Those food warmer frames lined with wood are a fantastic idea, small scrapes and taller pieces in one area. One question on cutting the metal with a jigsaw, did it leave it fairly smooth or does it need to be filed? Love your ideas!
I am creating a workshop this summer and I can’t wait to add this project to my do do list! Thanks for all of the great ideas and inspiration. I too own my own power tools and this one looks like something I need to add to my collection! Time to go shopping!!!
Step 10, crap wood bin?? Misspelled I’m sure, but still appropriate!!! 😀 Love your stuff!!!
I love how that turned out and especially like the steel counter top. We have lots of leftover base cabinets in the garage from the former owner and they have old laminate counter tops. I need to show this to the hubby, while he may not like the blue I think he will like the rest.
Wow, just wow!! That cabinet is so amazing now!! I was trying to figure out how you attached the 2×4’s to the cabinet…I’m not sure I understood that part. Your ability to transforms things amazes me, you have such awesome creativity. I can’t wait until you do the post on painting the garage floor, I want to paint our front porch and will learn how to do it thanks to you 🙂
Have been loving your upcycling ideas for a long time now…and love this project especially because it’s so similar to a storage problem I’ve been pondering for some time. One thing you said in this tutorial produced a forehead-slapping moment. “Upcycle what you already have”! DUH! I have been trying to figure out how to get rid of one cabinet I already have only to replace it with one I thought would be more useful and very similar to what you created. Serena, thanks to your tutorial, it dawned on me that I just needed to look at the piece a little more creatively! My old tv cabinet is going to become a perfect sewing notions/fabric, etc storage cabinet with custom-sewn fabric boxes to fit specific spaces! Wahoooooo!!! I’ve been wanting to tackle chalk painting for awhile now and this is the perfect opportunity. Thanks!
You did such a great job! It’s so pretty – I love blue, it’s so calming to me. Just great!
Wow! This looks so good! I love the area to hold the scrap wood. Right now I just use some big buckets, but yours is so much prettier!! Thanks for sharing your how-to!
Hey Serena!!! I really like how you explain each step! I am really intimidated by the thought of using “power tools”. I have 1,001 ideas in my head and read your blog/FB for inspiration and a bit of HERO worship!! . I know you have done furniture painting classes (which I love also) but have you done a woman’s only power tool class? Our husbands are not always the best teachers and depending on where folks live….( I am in Virginia)…we don’t have such classes offered. I love the workbench and you made it seem possible for us beginners to try! THANKS! You are a Rock Star!!!!
What a beautiful and functional workspace! I especially love the galvanized steel top. My husband will want to use your ideas for his workbench area in the garage. Thank you for posting, Serena. Congratulations on your trophy win! I’m glad I voted for you! : D
Well it’s easy, you inspire me! I have a billion things stashed that cry for transformation, I’m going to get after them, THANKS
I have printed this out and shown it to my Dad to see if I can get him to let me work on his workstation in the basement. When the remodeled their kitchen (20 years ago) he took the cabinet and put it down in the basement. It’s painful how ugly it is. Hopefully I can get him to come around thanks to you.
I have a cabinet about the same size that I held on to after a kitchen remodel. I’m glad I didn’t get rid of it, you have given me inspiration! I also salvaged 2 sheets of pegboard. My favorite part is the galvanized steel tops, I can’t wait to start work on my project.
I love the Galvanized Steel look! I had never thought of being able to buy it in sheets. What a great way to cover the tops of my studio work stations! Great idea!
How did you have time to do all this is amazing!!! I loved how you snuck that laundry room cabinet to your garage and put it to use but then in a challenge not only made it pretty but added to the original piece to make it more functional. I’m impressed at how tidy it looks. I love the top. And the bins with the metal nameplates. Just a huge WOW!!!!! Soo proud of all you do.
Serena,
I have a garage that is badly in need of a makeover like the one you are giving yours! You have officially inspired me to get it done!
Thanks for the inspiration,
Melissa Esparza
I love how you used buffet warmers as baskets. Great job on the peg board. That’s my favorite part.
Would love to have some Ryobi tools.
Another great project! I love the galvanized steel. You are so inspiring!
Serena,
You take something rough and make it new again by repurposing and refinishing. Kudos! I am doing some building, organizing and designing in the next 6 weeks. Dragonfly & Lily Pads is taking on the One Room Challenge as a guest participant. It would be great to add to my arsenal of Ryobi tools for the project.
Happy Creating,
Karen Marie
I’m in love! And doggone it, quit being all inspirey! Yes, that’s a word now.
We have a brand new shed in our backyard that is waiting to be painted when it stops snowing. And I think I’ve earned my own little corner of the shed for my projects. In fact, I know I have. So here I come, shed. Now that I know how to get organized using the stuff we already have, I can’t wait for spring. Spring has to arrive, doesn’t it?
I LOVE your workstation project. I learned a lot- I wouldn’t have thought chalk paint would be durable enough for something like that, so that is exciting. Also, I didn’t realize I could purchase galvanized steel that inexpensively. Did you cut the steel a hair smaller than the top of your station to avoid sharp edges? Anxious to know!
Oh, I love it. I especially love the steel top and how you used the buffet warmers (and lined them with wood to hold scraps. Very functional, but the whole thing looks so pretty and clean. Nice way to upcycle some ugly (but useful) cabinets!
Love this project. I have never tried to do anything like this. I have never used tools like this either. I would love to learn how to transfer ugly furniture into beautiful useful pieces like you do. The color is awesome and you use the tools like a pro. I am so impressed with your talents, and a little jealous. But maybe this will be my chance to learn if I won a tool…I would be able to try anyway.
OMYGOSH Serena I love it!! Danmn girl you are so creative! Your mind is always buzzing.. I love that cabana blue color. And what you can create with RYOBI tools! Making nothing much to something much!!
Wow, what a difference! I LOVE the blue paint color. The scrap wood pile is a brilliant idea! Who wouldn’t be creative with a great new work space like yours? Great job, Serena!
You keep inspiring so many of us! : )
Yes, please! This is brilliant! I love the color and having your wood pieces close is so convenient. I am digging the numbered drawer pulls, too. Way to go!
I do covet your ugly brown cabinet that you turned into something pretty and useful. If only I had the tools to help me be that creative… I could be more like you.
This is nice—the old brown cabinets were so dreary looking, there’s no way you could make them better—but you did. This is such an inviting place to work—how could you not be creative? Plus, if everything is organized (and charged), you don’t have to waste time. You can get right to doing the project and having something finished. I’m very impressed.
Yes, you done it again! This is just the type of work that I enjoy most, clean up the old thing, repaint and reconfigure, and now you’ve got a better-than-brand new piece that really works for you! I’ve got some yet to accomplish in my basement!
Hey Serena, oh my I love that cabinet, the color and additions are amazing!! One of my favorite things is the paint brush art! So imaginative! I also have to laugh about your “old” house from 1973, my house is from 1955 and has a hand-built, one car garage that my dad built. Thanks for sharing. Love ya’
I love how you have repurposed this cabinet. It looks great. I think my favorite part is the scrap bin. I decided recently that I would like to learn how to use a scroll saw and started to do some research on which one to get. Somehow it rolled over into sanders. LOL I had decided that when I get one that it would be a RYOBI Random Orbital Sander. But first a scroll saw. Anyway I really enjoy reading your blog. It always gives me new ideas. Thank you.
Sorry folks, I had to do a test, I’ve been trying all day to comment and couldn’t.
How dare you use the word “Scrap” near this piece of furniture. You are amazing. Every time you say you got another project out in that endless garage that is supposed to be empty now BTW. I say to myself, there isn’t anything new she can show us. And then you do. By God, you’ve done it again.
This time though you got me. You know I’ve been a woodworker for 30+ years including the refinishing years so not much surprises me. You use tools and terminology that we have to sort out later, but for the most part we speak the same language and end up with the same looks, but this time you pulled one on me.
What is a pocket hole and a Kreg jig? My workshop has lots of tools, old school tools mostly, but I’ve never heard of this. Can you add this to the list or replace something for it? If I win I would love to learn how to use it.
I could never have made something as professionally finished as this is. You amaze me. Everything you do looks straight from the factory or old world work shop. Never call yourself an amateur ever again.
Oh yeah girlfriend, I have to give you credit for those before pictures. There is no way I would ever show those on the internet. Unless you secretly made the mess yourself? Is that your secret?
Reminds me of the times I tried to organize and beautify my garage work space when I was younger. It would look so awesome for a while then one day I’d realize I could never keep it that way. Lol…couldn’t get the family to think of it as anything besides a garage.Hopefully you’re stronger and wiser because it truly is better to create in a clean and organized space.
I am so glad you take great pictures because I spotted some things I want to use in my garage! One is the small ledge with the power strip above it. I think that is where you recharge those great RYOBI battery packs! How good to put that above and keep the work top free to WORK on! I also like the numbers on the drawers. It helps to tell someone where the tool is they want–look in drawer #4!!
Such a cool place to work! As always, you rock! I don’t have a garage, but I’ll keep thinking about how I can use the peg board part of this in the small storage area off the deck. I have to be very careful about what I do since this is an apartment, but I’m guessing I could figure out how to hang a pegboard. Then I could take it with me if I need to move. Might also be able to combine a small garden/work bench on the deck. I love, love how you spark ideas. That’s the best part of your blog. You create things that are special and personal to you, but they are very adaptable for the rest of us. And that’s what creativity is all about — being able to make things “us,” not just cookie cutter. PS, I checked out the Ryobi tools and they rock too! Would love to win them. I would share them with my sister who is better than I am at doing things. Her husband has tools but she can’t always use them, or find them. LOL!
YIppee – who doesn’t like an opportunity to win free tools!!! You are by no-means a hoarder – you see re-purpose value – it took your creative thinking to catch up with your subliminal thought of re-use and boy was it worth the wait!! Looks good, love the side bin add-on.
I appreciate your honest before photographs! Seems like there’s always a few areas around here that collect clutter, and I think fixing those areas up helps us keep them cleaner in the future. Thanks for all of the chalk paint details! I now have more confidence about moving forward with painting projects in our home.
WOW! I need you to come to my house & work your magic in my garage, please!!
You do such great work! I’m always on the lookout for a low cost makeover and really need a work bench in my garage. I’m going to sign up for some do it herself workshops to learn how to use more power tools:) Thank you for all your awesome ideas!
That looks awesome! We need to fix-up our pathetic work bench in our garage, and the steel top is such a fun idea for the top of it!
This looks amazing! I especially love the scrap wood bins that you added on the side. It looks so cohesive and like it always belonged there. This looks like a perfect garage workstation.
Totally awesome . You gave me the perfect solution to my laundry area. I have an extra table or two. So very inspiring. Thank you for the tutorial .
Serena,
With each project you do, I see your skill improving by leaps and bounds! This looks amazing! What does the inside of the cabinet look like?
You really know how to get someone’s juices flowing with your projects!!! Lol. I really like the color you chose for the cabinet and how you took it to the next level with side storage. Genius!! We have a bathroom cabinet in our basement that needs some attention so we can begin to organize down there!
Workstation is FABULOUS !!! I am loving the blue color and side trays. I followed your link regarding the chalk paint difference with plaster of paris vs BB Frosch and now I am curious to try it. Thanks for the heads up on the wax as I have been struggling to find one I like and I will take your advice.
Following you is making me miss my power tools. I gave them to my son when he bought his own house built in 1880 and took on a major renovation 3 years ago. He needed them more than I did at the time, and somehow I knew I would never see them again. haha But the contest!!!…. maybe Momma’s getting tools again if she is super lucky!! 🙂
Great tutorial. Always enjoy your posts and really like the color of the cabinet now. Keep the ideas coming.
Beautiful transformation! Need to do this in my shop!!
Another inspiring project! There’s an old desk in the garage that has become the junk collector. Now I know I can bring it back to life. Thanks for the tutorial on the Ryobi page!
Wow, what a great idea! Organizing and cleaning my garage is on my springtime list. While it’s not a workspace for me, I do like it to look good. I’m going to keep my eyes open for a similar piece that I can upcycle.
I love it! I really need to get my garage organized. Thanks for all you do Serena!!
I love to upstyle!! I get a lot of great ideas from reading your posts. This cabinet do-over is great! It not only looks good, but it is so functional. The blue color adds a calming peace to the area. I’ve been adding blues to my decor & they are very soothing. Love your work…keep posting!! 🙂
Hey there, Pamm!! Guess what?? You’re the winner for April’s giveaway here on the blog!! Thanks for leaving a comment on my upcycled garage workstation!! 🙂 Please email me so we can work out details! 🙂 Plus, I have to make sure you live in the U.S.! 🙂 Congrats, girl!!
Man I need to do this in my garage. I am inspired!
Awesome! I have an old dresser that I may use in this way!
I love it! The color is great and I really like the galvanized top on it. You did a wonderful job. Thanks for the inspiration!
Serena, I love your new work station. I would be tempted to add a vase of flowers and some caution tape and never touch it again. 😉
Ok, I know, I know, it’s a work station, but man is it pretty. I love that blue and grey combo and the galvanized steal is genius. Easy to clean, heat resistant, practical.
Your wood storage bin is inspired. Every DIYer needs one.
I clicked over to your tutorial, too, and read every step. That’s why I had to giggle (with apologies) at Step 10. Have a look, and let me know if you see it.
I live for your posts!
hahaha I am glad to see somebody else saw it too,
Love the color! I MUST learn how to use real tools!!!
The galvanized table top and the scrap wood bin are amazing! And I love the color choice! Great tutorial.
Every time I read one of your posts I tell myself “I need to try that!” You have great ideas and inspire me to get creative!! Thanks Serena!!
Good morning,
The workstation looks amazing! I love the galvanized sheet you used for the top and of course the paint color is popping!! I’m very excited to possibly have the chance to use one of those tools. I gotta send you pics of my vintage chair I’m currently tackling. You inspire me!!!
I love the scrap wood bin! I love the whole cabinet as well but it’s great how you incorporated the bin into like it belongs!!
What a great project! I love the galvanized steel top! I love your posts! Thanks for the chance to win 🙂
You are a master at combining function and beauty! The AFTER space is so much more cheery to work in! So many cute ideas for storage, organization…just love this one!
Goes to show that something necessary, like a workspace, does not have to be ugly! Thanks for sharing your ideas, tips and final projects!
Love it! I am inspired to get going on my own workroom ! Great color choice : )
Great looking work area! When my son gets all of his stuff moved to his new house , I am going to get busy on a work area in my garage! Thanks for the inspiration!!
Awesome project, just have to find the time and energy to complete it. I love how you recycle so much stuff, keeping it out of the landfill and creating a practical and beautiful space. Keep up the good work.
The right tools do make everything easier don’t they. Looks good. A fresh new space.
Great job on your workstation ! Love the pegboard for tools ! Tutorial was very good and detailed !
Thanks ! Karen in Texas
Love this project! My basement/craft room needs an overhaul, but the walls are cement block. I would love to have some “hanging space” with pegboard. How can I affix that to those blocks without creating cracks? Can I use a type of glue to adhere the firing strips to the wall?
Love it! You are so inspiring the way you find beauty in the ugly. I’m going to have to watch the yard sales for some ugly old cabinets to repurposed into a work station. Thanks!!!!!
Wow…there’s no better feeling than creating an incredible functional something from things you already have! Except maybe that ‘found on the side of the road item’. One final touch for your new work area I’d like to recommend – it’s an LED 4′ Shop Light and you can find them at Walmart. The brand is ‘Shop America’ and the price tag is just under $50. They carry another on by GE but it’s more expensive. It changed everything in my indoor craft room and my outdoor shop. On another note…do you have a tutorial on what can be done with a vintage stero console? I’ll try to send you a photo later but any advise you could give would be great. The painful part I guess may be that I have to ‘gut it’ by taking out the existing stero components and I would like to add feet to it in the end. Anyway, let me know if you have any ideas and keep up the good work!!!
This is a really great make over. My garage is a bigger mess than yours was. It’s been so cold that I haven even wanted to be out there but this is inspiring for me to get going.
Love love love!! I love the blue! I painted my kitchen cabinets thirty years ago a pretty light blue! The workstation is awesome! Love your scrap bins! Now I need some tools so I can create something awesome like that!! Looking forward to seeing what you do to the floor!
Wow! that looks great! Love how you recycle old furniture!!
Love that color! It took me a second to figure out how to you used the buffet warmers, but that’s a great way to build bins. All your wood storage seems to be for small pieces of wood though. Do you have storage for long pieces?
Serena, you rock! I’m building a garage this spring and got some good ideas just from your workstation. Never knew I could buy sheet metal sheets like that and it’s got the gears turning. And the RyobiNation site is a goldmine of information! I can see having the right tools will make my life soooo much easier. Birthday is in May and I know what’s going on my wish list. Love your garage makeover and can’t wait to see what you do with the floor next.
Great tutorial! Also – your work station looks AWESOME!!! I could so use this in my garage. Our work station is a MESS…. 🙁 Love your blog! <3
Perfect timing! I have ugly, old cabinets in my laundry room that I was trying to figure out how to get rid of, but now I see I can use them in the garage! Thank you!
Fantastic job! Loving that blue color you used. I’m super intimidated by power tools with blades…you are the first person to make me believe I can use them! Plus, how cool are those bins?! I am knee deep in furniture repair mode this week…a really pretty highboy dresser, but lots of dings and missing veneer. I took your tip on the Rub-n-buff to spruce up the hardware…that worked like a charm. I’m really pleased with the result and never would have known that product even existed if I hadn’t read your blog. Thanks! KatCruz
Wow! Awesome transformation. I would love to win the tools and be able to do a little of this stuff!
Don’t know HOW you do it, I can NEVER find pegboard that cheat.
An other Great job!
As always thanks for sharing <3
What a transformation this cabinet is! I’ve gotten ideas from this post on the Ryobi site, but also looked at it on your web site. I just fell in love with the table tops that are in your laundry room now. Hmmm…now off to read about your laundry room makeover. It would great to be given a Ryobi tool, as we are in the middle of a lake house rehab in the North Ga mountains; can use all the help we can get!
Hey girl, looks wonderful! I read the Ryobi full tutorial but couldn’t see how you attached the scrap wood bin “U’s” to the cabinet. Since they seem to be free floating, won’t they collapse with weight? Or are they attached to the garage wall too? Please advise! Love your blog..and please, I’d love to win the tools .. Hubby hates when I borrow his and I need my own!
I love the scrap wood storage idea!
This came out beautifully! The bright color and galvanized steel completely transformed it. I love those choices. Thank you for sharing about the product to age galvanized steel. Can’t wait to try it! Awesome job!!!
Crazy smart!! I have a small set of cabinets in my shed this would be perfect for!!
I would love any of those fabulous Ryobi tools if I’m a winner.
Thanks for your awesome ideas!!!
Love the transformation, Serena! The metal top is perfect too. Now to just stay organized, right?
Hi! I am going to try chalk paint on a small chest that needs some love! Love your ideas and the tool giveaway! Would love to win so I could become as adept with all the furniture redos like you!
Another beautiful, useful project! Thank you for sharing with us! And yes, I’d love to win a woodworking tool. My projects are limited to my hand tools at this point. Some day… 🙂