Outdoor Projects

Pool Noodle Garage Hack

I just got back from a whirlwind trip to the capitol of the south, Atlanta, where I attended a conference for DIY/home decor bloggers. Yes, that’s a thing. It’s called Haven and it’s in its 5th year, with over 300 attendees. I was able to meet a lot of other bloggers just like me and learned SOO much about improving everything I do from photos to home decor and social media.

Before I left on my trip, I knocked one quick fix off my list I should have done 10 months ago! I added pool noodles to the studs in my garage…

Pink Pool Noodles Protecting Car Doors

Our garage is pretty narrow and a tight fit for my large Honda Pilot. I can park in there, but then I only have access to one side of doors, the driver’s side.

I couldn’t stand the thought of not parking in the garage once Mary Helen was born. Normally the infant seat would be installed on the passenger side since they’re so large and a tight fit behind the driver’s seat. But I decided I preferred the slight discomfort of an upright seat to having to lug baby and all our stuff to a car parked in the street, especially on rainy days!

Since our garage has open studs, I was constantly having to watch and make sure the door didn’t swing open and hit the studs and scratch the car.

Car Door Hitting Garage Studs When Open

So as soon as summer pool noodles hit the store shelves, I picked one up. In my favorite color, obviously!

It’s so easy to cut it with a serrated bread knife. I only needed 2 studs to be covered, so I cut my noodle in half.

Pink Pool Noodles Cut with Serrated Bread Knife

Then I sliced it lengthwise like a hot dog bun.

Pool Noodle Sliced Lengthwise with Bread Knife

Without any nails or screws, the noodle slides onto the stud easily and stays put!

Pink Pool Noodles Installed on Garage Studs

If you have one of those fancy garages with drywall, you need to see this quick video on how you can use a pool noodle too!

What tricks do you have for protecting your car in the garage? Does anyone have a tennis ball hanging down to stop you from pulling in too far? Comment below to let me know about your garage situation!

Thanks for Checking In! ~Chelsea

12 Comments

  • zan

    In our previous home, we always parked outside. Apart from the fact that the garage was tiny we had no storage so we used the garage. Just junk on either side. Our current garage is pretty big but we are still in the unpacking boxes stage. We are still parking outside. So no, I have not had this situation.

  • Alina

    Brilliant idea! I love finding these small tips that can really make a difference, especially when they are inexpensive cuz im a bit cheap but still want the solution hahaha

  • Sarah @ Making Joy and Pretty Things

    Such a creative idea! My husband actually backed into our closed garage door one time, so we could have used this back then!! We live in the city now so only street parking. I would give anything to not have to lug the kids through the rain/snow into our house. I don’t blame you for coming up with such a great solution!

    • Chelsea Lipford Wolf

      Lucky! I wish it was a tad wider, but it was like this when I bought it and new codes keep me from improving the garage too much! ~ Chelsea

  • Colette @ Restyle it Wright

    haha i totally need the tennis ball hanging! I never pull in far enough with my beast of a car! This is an awesome hack! I know my husband would appreciate all attempts at avoiding a scratch on the car!

  • Lynn

    Someone told me great use for the pool noodles and tried it and its a great tip. When i want to fill a bucket with water and use the sink most of the time trying to get it out i loose alot of the water or the bucket is bigger so it doesnt fit so i have to fill a pot with water to fill the bucket. Instead take a pool noodle and where the hole is place it over your faucet make sure its on snug, then put the other end into your bucket and turn on the water and it fils it r up. Dont have to loose water trying to get it out from under faucet and can act have the bucket on a wagon and fill it then just roll to where you’re needing it and if you have back issues you wont hurt your back trying to lift out of sink

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *