Whether you're building a detached garage, a post-frame shop, or a full-size pole barn in Central Oregon, designing for everyday functionality is just as important as choosing the right materials. We’ve seen it all—garages that are too cramped, missing basic utilities, or built with no long-term plan in mind.Before you break ground, here are 5 essential design tips that can make your garage not only useful today, but adaptable for years to come.
Most garages in Central Oregon end up doing double or triple duty—parking, tools, gear, and even home offices or hobby space
Plan for vertical storage using wall systems, lofts, or mezzanines. Typically we'll suggest a minimum of 5 feet of walking space around the front and back of things like large rvs. Leave a 36" clear path around vehicles for toolboxes, benches, and walkways.
You’ll thank yourself later when you’re not shuffling gear around just to get out of your truck.
Garage door size and placement have a huge impact on usability—especially if you have trailers, lifted trucks, or plan to work inside the space.
A very typical rv overhead door size will be 12 feet wide and 14 feet tall. Your ceiling height will typically be your tallest door height, plus 2 feet. So a 14 foot tall door would mean you have 16 foot ceilings. Some applications would benefit if you considered a double wide door instead of 2 independent overhead doors.
Snow buildup can block poorly placed doors. Avoid placing them directly beneath high roof eaves without gutters.
TIP: If you have a lean to (shed roof) on the side of your build, place your man door here, to have a clear path all season round.
Nothing slows down a shop project faster than searching for an extension cord. A well-wired garage isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.
Plan outlets every 6–8 feet along workbench walls, plus ceiling drops for tools, EV chargers, or shop lighting. Don't forget a dedicated 240V line if you’ll be running welders or compressors.
Central Oregon swings between hot summers and sub-zero winters. If you're already building, it's the perfect time to prep for comfort and efficiency later.
Install insulation-ready framing cavities, vapor barriers, and roof venting now. Even if you don’t heat the space yet, you’ll prevent condensation and keep future options open.
Bad lighting makes your garage feel like a cave—and can even be dangerous if you’re working with tools or machinery.
Install high-output LED shop lights, preferably on separate switches. Add windows, skylights, or even a translucent paneling for daytime light without extra electric use.
Bright, even lighting makes your garage more usable for everything from car maintenance to woodworking or weekend projects.
TIP: Trying to increase your curb appeal without much more cost? Invest in exterior lighting to bring shadow lines, texture, and interest to your building during evening and night hours.
Designing a garage or pole barn in Central Oregon is about more than square footage. It’s about planning ahead so your space works for you—not against you. From layout and lighting to insulation and electrical, thoughtful design can turn a basic garage into a high-functioning part of your home or business.
