Garage or Workshop Fit-out Guide: Workbenches, Small-Parts, Maxi Bins and Shelving
It’s one thing to have a garage or workshop. It’s another to turn it into a highly-functional, efficient workspace where everything is organised, safe and ready for the job. Whether you’re a tradesperson, hobbyist or simply want to upgrade your garage storage, the right fit-out can make a big difference.
Here we’ll show you how to structure a fit-out around four key elements:
Workbench (the heart of your workspace)
Small-parts & Maxi bin storage (for fast access to tools & consumables)
Shelving (for larger items and general storage)
Layout & workflow optimisation (making it all work together)
And we’ll reference product lines from Dexion Auckland, such as the workbenches, small-parts storage systems and shelving.
1. Start with the Workbench: Your Work Zone Foundation
A good workshop fit-out always begins with a solid workbench: a dedicated space for tasks, tool usage, assembly and repair. Dexion Auckland offers several solutions for workshop benches.
What to look for:
A strong, stable frame that will take tool-based work without wobble or risk.
A work surface that suits your tasks (particle board, melamine, stainless steel) as per the Dexion workbench range.
Beneath-bench shelf or storage for placing larger tools or parts.
The ability to expand or customise as your needs grow: longer bench tops, additional undershelf, pegboard/louvred panel for tools.
The option to connect with small-parts bins and pegboard so that frequently used items are within arm’s reach.
Product reference:
Ultima Longspan 2 benches give you the ultimate in flexibility. They can be configured to any length and are easy to put together … They are cost-effective and can also be accessorised with small parts bins and high-density drawer systems.
Speedlock benches can be customised with the addition of a top shelf, or by adding maxi bins or high-density drawer systems for small parts storage.
Tip: Place your bench along a wall if possible, with overhead pegboard and shelves. Ensure your bench height suits your preferred standing posture (typically ~ 900mm for general tasks, but adjust for your body height).
2. Small-Parts & Maxi Bins: Organise the Little Things That Cause Big Delays
In a well-run workshop, one of the biggest time-sinks is hunting for screws, bolts, connectors, fasteners or frequently used small tools. That’s where a dedicated small-parts storage system makes a big difference.
Why it matters:
These items are used frequently and need to be immediately accessible. If you’re spending minutes hunting for a screw or a fastener, you’re losing productivity.
A consistent bin system also helps you know at a glance where a part is stored (and when it’s running low).
When you integrate this with your workbench (above or alongside), you minimise walking and interruption.
What Dexion offers:
Dexion’s range of shelf, hanging and stackable bins allow you to sort small parts any way you like. Our Maxi bins come in seven sizes and five different colours. They can be stacked, hung off louvred panels or incorporated into other Dexion storage systems.
So you can choose:
Stackable plastic bins (Maxi bins) in various sizes.
Colour-coding for quick visual distinction.
Mounting them on hanging panels above the bench or wall-mounted, or even mobile.
Integration with Dexion’s shelving/workbench frames.
Implementation tips:
Above the bench: install a louvred panel or peg-panel and hang your bins and hooks for frequently used hardware.
Under the bench: smaller sized bins for consumables (nails, screws, washers).
Off the bench: larger Maxi bins for bigger parts (brackets, fittings, motors).
Use colour-coding (e.g., red for electrical, blue for plumbing, yellow for fasteners) for rapid visual identification.
Label each bin clearly (either weight, part number or description).
Keep a primary working set of parts near the bench; keep backup stock in shelving.
When bins run low, replenish from stock.
3. Shelving: Store the Big Stuff, Maximise Space
Once you’ve got your bench and parts bins sorted, the next step is to properly store the bulkier or less-frequently used items: cases, boxes, power tools, spare parts, bulk consumables, etc. Quality shelving keeps these organised, off the floor, safe and accessible.
What to consider:
Choose shelving rated for the weight loads you’ll store (e.g., heavy power tools, boxes of parts).
Select adjustable shelving so you can reconfigure as needs change.
Maximise vertical space to free up floor area.
For workshops with variable items, modular shelving allows flexible adaptability.
Consider accessibility (walk-aisle width, reach heights) — you don’t want to block the bench or create hazards.
Product reference:
The Dexion Ultima® CI-80 is perfect for the growing business. It is a modular system that expands in any direction and is suitable for small parts of light to medium weight.
The Dexion Ultima Longspan 2 is Dexion’s most popular hand-loaded shelving solution, it is engineered to be strong, durable and safe.
While the CI-80 is ideal for lighter loads/small parts, the Longspan series caters to heavier loads or larger items — both viable for a workshop.
Implementation tips:
Dedicate one shelf bay for heavy lidded toolboxes, another for consumables or stock.
Use adjustable shelves so you can change heights for bulky items (e.g., full-sized tool cabinets vs small parts boxes).
Place the shelving unit adjacent to but not directly behind your bench to keep flow clear.
Consider anchoring shelving units to wall or floor if heavy items are stored (safety first).
Use storage boxes or bins on shelves to keep things clean and labelled.
4. Layout & Workflow: Making It Work Together
A great fit-out isn’t just about furniture and bins — it’s about how you use the space. Here are some workflow-oriented guidelines to ensure your garage or workshop is functional and efficient.
Zoning your space:
Work zone: The bench + immediate small-parts storage. This is where you stand and do your tasks. All high-frequency tools/parts should be here.
Support zone: Shelving area for secondary storage — spare consumables, backup tools, less-frequently used items.
Access/clearance zone: Ensure you have clear space in front of the bench and shelving for movement, trolleys or equipment.
Service zone: Consider where you’ll handle cleaning, disposal, or heavy items.
Accessibility principles:
Keep your most-used items at waist to shoulder height to minimise bending or straining.
Keep frequently-used consumables near the bench, rarely-used stock higher up or deeper in the shelving.
Use colour-coding or visual cues (bins, labels) so you, or anyone else using the space, knows immediately where each thing belongs.
Maintain cable/plug access for power tools near your bench.
Lighting: ensure the bench zone is well lit (task-lighting). Shadows hamper accuracy and slow you down.
Safety & maintenance:
Secure shelving and benches properly to avoid tipping or collapse.
Keep the floor clear of obstructions (cables, bins) to avoid trip hazards.
Routine clean-up: return items to their home, empty rubbish, recycle scrap. A tidy workspace is safer and more efficient.
Consider ergonomic mats if you stand for prolonged periods.
Review your storage at regular intervals: as your tasks evolve, your fit-out may need tweaking.
5. Why Choose Dexion Auckland for Your Fit-out?
We offer locally-based design and installation, making it easier for Auckland-based workshops to deploy quickly.
Our bench, shelving and small-parts lines are engineered and modular, meaning you can expand as your needs evolve.
The integration between benches + shelving + parts bins means one coordinated system — less time wasted finding parts or tools.
Support services: design consultation, supply of components, installation advice.
Final Words
Whether you’re upgrading a home garage or outfitting a professional workshop in Auckland, a well-designed fit-out pays off in productivity, safety and satisfaction. Focus on building your work zone around a solid bench, then add smart parts organisation and shelving that grows with you. With the right products — such as the Dexion bench, Maxi bins and shelving systems — you’ll create a space that works for you, not against you.
When you’re ready to bring your vision to life, reach out to Dexion Auckland for a bespoke fit-out tailored to your space and workflow.