[Closed] Woo-hoo ... going to have my own (wo)man cave! Your tips and suggestions please

Throw cushions.

candles, and a jet wash

TSY - at anyone in particular? Or a new approach to a pillow fight 🙂

scented candles, and a jet wash

mmmmmhhh... me pillow fight cave woman...

[img] [/img]

fridge, flat screen tv, insulation, hot n cold running water

[img] http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSVwEuoErzav7wP3_IaJwRnxyAJ4hGvxG5IWorKnWEJFLw75VXW4EOuFCMQ [/img]

wine cooler for the little lady? Like a beer fridge but more civilised 😀

Oh... and when you're in the kitchen, don't forget to constantly have your head tilted at a certain angle, while toying seductively with something covered in cream

[img] [/img]

Hey... I don't make the rules

You'll definitely need a good bench vice.
You may never need it, but it's not a proper man cave without one 😀

Paint the floor with floor paint (yes really) before you move into it, saves on dust and means you can find those pesky nuts & bolts when it drops on the floor.

Hang the bikes horizontally, the vertical (front wheel) hangers are a pain to use.

Solid bench, not too high - think dining table height, not breakfast bar. As GrahamS so correctly points out a vice is essential. Make sure it's got its own overhead light, and powerpoints. And a radio.

Lots of shelves.

Big stick for paint stirring.

Rags. More rags.

Bike workstand.

Scented candles optional, a real man cave smells of oil and grease.

You need a few cats too.

Storage, storage, storage... did I say that already? When you've finished lobbing around soft furnishings and sipping wine 😉 you'll be wanting lots of space to put stuff. Shelves, hooks, cupboards, those clever little boxes they sell in DiY stores with lots of compartments to put widgets in, you know the ones. Oh yeah and a vice, of course, and a proper work stand. Think upscaled trip to stationery store in terms of 'I must have that functional and aesthetic object'' and you're there. Oh and congrats on the house!

Torque wrench it's not a man cave unless you have a torque wrench!

a real man cave smells of oil and grease

You are behind the times grandad, the modern fragrance is GT85.

LOL! Boys, I come on here for burly, rugged manly advice ... and what do I get? Suggestions for cushions and candles ... mind you, the wine cooler looks good 🙂

Girl cave is part of the house and already comes with heating, but will be a 'blank canvas' (in best Kirsty / Phil / Kevin speak), so will need to fit it out from scratch.

have a look at vortex's garage, far nice than my kitchen. 😀

it's the same as a man cave but with extra 'wo'

🙂

that is great line.

You are behind the times grandad, the modern fragrance is GT85.

That's a given, but it's only a short-lived smell. The oil-soaked rag is what gives a man-cave character, the underlying tannins and body to the floral bouquet and hint of chocolate that GT85 provides.

mogrim - I was wondering whether horizontal would be better than vertical - but with 4/5 bikes I am a bit concerned about how much wall space would be needed?

Thanks for the suitably manly advice guys and girls, keep the suggestions coming ... and yes it will probably smell of GT85 🙂

You need the following:

Perforated chipboard wall covering to hang your bike tools on. Bonus points if you sketch out a little outline around each tool so that it has it's own home. A vice is vital too.

You must not forget to have a little corner of the cave devoted to the room temperature storage of beverages. In times of crisis one needs to reach over for a calming bottle of cider/beer etc when tackling a difficult engineering task.

Enjoy!

The Southern Yeti - Member

Throw cushions.

lol

Sue_W - Member

LOL! Boys, I come on here for burly, rugged manly advice ... and what do I get? Suggestions for cushions and candles ... mind you, the wine cooler looks good

They are all a bit "metrosexual" these days

As TJ is now on the thread I should like to make clear my use of "man cave" is pure laziness and does not reflect any inherent sexism on my part, and should be taken to read as "wo/man cave" at all times. Thank you.

Insulation, hate working with cold tools!
Workstand & stool, tools on the wall for easy access, loads of shelves, decent lighting.
White floor, helps with lighting and find those washers/bolts you've dropped.

Hoping to get a man cave sorted this summer! Show us your pics of your man caves for some inspiration!

Is wo an abbreviation of woe?

I'd go for mid-grey floor paint myself, but my step-father prefers a lighter colour. He does like his garage to highlight dropped spanners and oil though.

Racking/shelves can be got from B&Q for cheap money. I got 4 lots of their four shelf plastic rack for my garage and they hold a lot of paint and random stuff. They can also be linked together and have brackets for attaching to walls.

Re a bench, see if you can blag some off-cut kitchen worktop from a DIY shop. it's good and solid, you can attach it easily enough using angle brackets and batten and it's strong enough to take a bench vise. Plus, you can sometimes get a nice pattern. Also, formica wipes clean.

You are going to need some shackles, straps a decent bench, hooks from the ceiling and a cradle.

And Extra virgin olive oil

storgae in the roof space for camping/climbing kit:
[img] [/img]

Work bench for fettling. With a view.
[img] [/img]

Racking for bits and pieces (try http://www.bigdug.co.uk )
[img] [/img]

And of course bike hooks on the wall
[img] [/img]

mogrim - I was wondering whether horizontal would be better than vertical - but with 4/5 bikes and a bit concerned about how much wall space would be needed?

Horizontal and high enough you can get two above / two below. Vertical you can probably fit more in, but they're a real pain to get and down from the hooks and will stick out (a bit) more. Wall space for horizontal hanging is the length of the longest bike+a bit, obviously.

Actually, looking at Stoner's photos I wonder whether the problem I had with vertical hanging could be because I stuck the hooks high up on the wall and too close together. (I didn't have much choice, the kids' bikes need to be on the floor, and to get enough space I had to tuck my bikes out the way.)

As its compulsory for every bloke who's ever picked up a spanner to covet a big, shiny, red Snap-On tool box, would this be essential in a woman cave too? I don't see any reason why not

You need one of these....

[img] [/img]

Whether there are any tools in it, or not, is irrelevant. As long as it looks the part 😉

They are all a bit "metrosexual" these days

Yup, anything more manly generally gets reported as 'offensive'

You need a nice rack, just like Stoner's.

Big stick for paint stirring.

Don't ignore this advice.

Also bag/box of old clothes for use as rags.

A stack of jazz including at least 2 calenders.

Ignore the painting of floors and get a rubber floor.
Tools bounce, expensive bike bits bounce without breaking, it'll keep your feet warmer than standing on a painted concrete floor and as a bonus use it'll stop it being echo-y (Is that a real word?) so you can use a decent stereo in there.

Stoner - I take your [i]storgae in the roof space for camping/climbing kit:[/i], and up it with a staircase to get there:

[IMG] [/IMG]

If you've space just park the bikes in a rack - or alternatively hang some off rafters (with wheels out).

Some form of heating and a (beer) fridge helps, plus its not a 'proper' man-cave without a Drill Press 😉

When I got a garage I was all excited and wanted to hang tools all over the walls, then I realised I'd have to pack and unpack them every time I went away biking.

So instead I just keep them in a nice big toolbox on wheels and pop the tool tray out when I have fettling to do.

Stoner - what bike hooks are those?

I can't see suitable calendars in those pictures.

Is there a "Readers Husbands" equivalent?

Edit: beaten to it I see

maycontainnuts - Member

A stack of jazz including at least 2 calenders.

Insulation on the walls,
Wall mounted TV (and DVD) in front of a dedicated turbo,
Tool wall (with lines drawn round the tools),
Bench vice,
Good lighting,
Good workstand next to a kitchen height worktop,
Kettle and small fridge,
Sofabed.

Bikes hung vertically by the wheel, but leave approximately 50cm either side of the bikes to avoid loads of hassle putting them up and taking them down. If you mount ground anchors onto the wall you can chain each bike individually (and securely!).
If it's a proper mancave, lock the grage door so it's impossible to open from the outside to increase security - you won't be using the garage door anyway!

This is my plan when the other half and me move, I'm currently sharing a cramped garage 🙁

A friend had her basement converted into a (wo)man cave, the place is incredible.
You walk in to what looks like a normal ground floor flat: bit poky, small rooms, her bikes everywhere. Into the (small) kitchen and there's a spiral staircase in one corner, down there and into this huge expanse of cellar space, just one massive room. Immaculate with a plush carpet, massive TV, huge Buddha Bags (like massive bean bags), throws, cushions, an exercise mat and a drinks cabinet. All the lights/wiring/heating etc is hidden. Really lovely "chill-out zone" type area.
I guess it stands out cos it's such a contrast to the rest of the house with it's narrow corridor and small rooms.

You need a pool table as well [ps I have one for sale ;-)].

I went to a slate bed one 🙂

Ooh ... getting even more excited now!

So, on the must have list so far:
Work bench and stool with good overhead light
Bike hanging area (vertical or horizontal)
Lots of shelving and storage for widgets
Red shiny toolbox on wheels (could I get away with having one in pink???)
Space for oily rags etc (ie a dirty zone ...)
Am liking the idea of a rubber floor (any other slightly pervy suggestions will have to wait til I'm seeking advice on fitting out the rooms upstairs 😉 )

Wine cooler with optional candles and cushions 🙂

A roll of big blue paper towel hung from a hook on a loop of string, one of them anglepoise lights over the workbench, and a big bin you can throw trash into from across the room.

And a piece of old carpet to stand on by the bench.

[img] [/img]

If you climb, you definitely need one of these.

You really need a dartboard.
And a disco ball.

Will be able to give more advice once we've had a nosey round at the housewarming weekender. 😀

Theres an opening in roof storage to climb up on a ladder or upturned milk crate. Being slatted means you can see where your stuff is from below, and also helps keep things well aired.

The hooks are are just like these tortec ones although mine are branded "Flinger".
http://www.bikesyoulike.co.uk/product/938/TorTec_Wall_Mount_Bike_Storage_Hook
I got a box of ten of them off ebay for a steal

I also recommend installing a corkscrew and a wine rack. A digital radio for 6M, natch, and a nice stool.

Also, screw the environment and fit a f-off big halogen spot lamp which can act like a heater in winter 🙂

OH and depending on whether you're likely to be disturbed by the other half or kids, fit a throw bolt on the INISDE so you can lock yourself in. LALALALALA I CANT HEAR YOU!!!!!!

ianv - fantastic idea! A mini climbing wall (bouldering mats could double up as a spare bed, or extra large throw cusions to keep TSY happy?)... or maybe a couple of traversing routes round the room? Plus a finger board 🙂

mmm - at this rate I'm going to have to knock through the wall and expand the wo-wo man cave into the utility room to make more space

Rusty Spanner - I sure am having a housewarming party, just not sure that an open invite to a (predominatly male!) mtb'ing forum would be wise! However, I might organise a North Wales ride at some point after moving ...

Indeed... Our (wo)man/kids cave has the following... bikes, tools, workbench (with 2 vices, large and small) tools, inc. DIY ones, all camping, climbing, etc. kit and an adjustable bouldering wall (overhang to vertical/slab). Also use the space for turbo sessions.
Good lighting and a fan for the summer. Radio/music device.
Could just do with being a bit taller for the wall, but other than that, pretty spot on.
Sorry, no photo's though... I may get some later if I remember!

I'm getting excited now...we have a prefab garage which is stuffed to the gills with mine and MrsPJM's accumulated junk. We need to spend a weekend clearing the crap out and organising the place.

She's a rock climber too so maybe I can install some rafters for her to store her climbing gear on? I love the idea of a rubber floor and beanbags too.

And a stereo...

Thanks for the inspiration all!

Graham_Clark - adjustable bouldering wall sounds great ... any details / info? Did you make it yourself, or buy it?

Layout doesn't only depend on dimensions but also on height and the position of the door.

Your 5 by 3 isn't the handiest as its a bit of a narrowish corridor.

Assuming your door is on one of the 3m walls that is if its in the middle of the 5m wall you are lucky.

You will need a passageway all the way through so count on either in the middle or on one side a 1m corridor unusable(thats one third of your surface gone).

Am setting up a similar cave of 2.5 m by 5

Bikes will be mounted from ceiling wall in vertical position over the whole width of the 2.5 wall this is by far the most space efficient. Put your hooks not to high so you only need to lift the bike a little say wheel 10 cm from floor its the high mounts that people regret.

So your last 1m by 3m is all suspended bikes. The spot before them is an ideal working place say 2m by 3m in this space shelving will take up to much width to be on both sides but one side you can do or the above mentionned wal mounted boards.

If you insist on horizontal if sufficient height mount two above each other saves space of course the less used higher up as lifting takes energy. If so lucky to have a very high ceiling say 3m plus you can get a bike lift and suspend bikes from ceiling and save wall and floor space. My recumbent is about 15 feet up in my old cave.

Don't forget room for spare wheels its not only bikes but wheels also plan for the future if you have 5 bikes design for 7 if no boyfriend husband bikes counted ad some.

Shelving very important you will want some open and closed shelves(for smaller bits or dust free storage.
The open ones are great but there are some but's. Make sure your wall is flat and that they are attached to the wall else stuff might fall inbetween. VERY important shelve debth you will see lots only 30 cm or 40cm rubbish. get them as deep as possible its all extra space for and costs you no extra wall space. Make sure your shelving is strong enough( stuff is heavy). Yet you shelves high enough so you can make use of the top for not often needed stuff once a year big tools spare climbing rope you actually only get out once a year. The spare tent stuff you keep but should have actually trown away 5 years ago(at least you still have it and it won't loose place.

Proper lighting several power points(as inevitably some will get inacessible or get a permanently attached iteam to it). For lighting think of shelves make sure they don't take light away, Stronger lighting on the work spot think of you own shade when choosing where to mount.

Source of heating.

Think of safety ground or wall anchor so you can get your bikes nicely attached and less burgular prone.

Always nice to work on a cave though you will want another on or a bigger one soon. Currnetly have at 4 by 2.5 and high ceelings in parents place. A 4 by 5 utility/cave and then the 2.5 by 5 bikes only cave in progress I do have more then 10 bikes though and some extra wheels

I wouldn't bother with an adjustable wall. They are a pain to make and a slab/vertical section is pretty useless for training. Start with a 30degree overhang and as you get stronger either put smaller holds/ wood edges on or rebuild at about 45 degrees. 3 sheets of 8 x 4 ply and a kickerboard would make a nice little wall in the space you have.

The wall is self-build, and pretty simple really. It needed to be adjustable enough to suite our kids (5 & 8) and me and the missus, and also to ensure there was enough space in the room to do other stuff - turbo use, maintenance, etc. Having a fixed overhang would have left us too short of space.
Pretty easy to construct, have a hunt around on the web as there are many ideas on how, but I basically built a short up-stand on the brickwork (good for footholds, etc.) then mounted a frame on top of that with a number of larg-ish gate hinges mounted directly to the frame (before covering with ply). Wall held at an angle with a number of heavy duty gate bolts on each side. One side into existing vertical wall, and the other into a wall I built to have more shelving and storage behind.
Also a useful storage space behind the wall for long-ish timber, set of steps, etc.

TV? In a cave? 2m Beamax Electric screen and projector, I think you mean!

Nothing wrong with hanging bikes from the ceiling. I have two tandems hung this way. You wouldn't want to remove them daily. But my commuter sleeps vertically. Spacing is standard joist spacing (18" I think). I wheel them up the wall.

And you need a 30 tonne vice bolted to a workbench (mine's an old pine table). For seatpost removal, obviously.

[i]Assuming your door is on one of the 3m walls that is if its in the middle of the 5m wall you are lucky.

You will need a passageway all the way through so count on either in the middle or on one side a 1m corridor unusable(thats one third of your surface gone).[/i]

One of the first things I did when we moved in was to move the back door in the garage to the side, that way I could get a full width bench across the back wall.