How to hide electrical cords in your garage

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Introduction

Electrical cords can be one of the biggest sources of clutter in a garage. They’re not just unsightly—they can also create tripping hazards, collect dust, and make your workspace feel disorganized. Whether you use your garage for storage, vehicle maintenance, or as a workshop, learning how to hide electrical cords in your garage is an easy way to make it safer, cleaner, and more efficient.

Why You Should Hide Electrical Cords

Taking the time to hide or manage cords offers several benefits:

  • Safety – Reduces tripping hazards and minimizes the risk of damage to cords.
  • Organization – Creates a cleaner, more professional look.
  • Longevity of cords – Prevents tangles, kinks, and wear from being stepped on or driven over.
  • Better workflow – Frees up workspace and makes it easier to find and use the right tool.
  • Increased property value – A neat garage is a selling point for buyers.

Step-by-Step Guide to Hiding Electrical Cords in Your Garage

1. Identify All Problem Areas

Start by walking through your garage and noting:

  • Where cords are lying across floors or hanging loosely.
  • Which cords are permanent (appliances, lighting) versus temporary (power tools, extension cords).
  • If cords run along the same paths as vehicles or foot traffic.

This helps you plan the most effective cord-hiding strategy.

2. Choose the Right Cord Management Solution

Depending on where your cords are and how often you need to access them, consider:

  • Cord covers (floor raceways) – Protect cords running along the floor from vehicles or foot traffic.
  • Cable raceways (wall-mounted) – Plastic or metal channels that neatly enclose cords along walls.
  • Conduit tubing – Rigid or flexible tubes for protecting cords and wires in exposed areas.
  • Cord reels – Retractable reels mounted to walls or ceilings for easy cord storage.
  • Velcro or zip ties – For bundling cords neatly against walls, workbenches, or shelves.

Tip: For a long-term, polished look, wall-mounted raceways or conduit work best.

3. Gather Tools and Materials

You’ll need:

  • Your chosen cord management product(s).
  • Drill and drill bits.
  • Screwdriver.
  • Tape measure.
  • Pencil or marker.
  • Level (for straight wall-mounted runs).
  • Safety gear: gloves and goggles.

Optional: Paint to match wall-mounted raceways to your garage walls for a seamless look.

4. Unplug and Detangle Cords

Before you start, unplug all cords you plan to manage.

  • Untangle them completely to avoid binding them in a messy state.
  • Wipe cords clean to remove dirt and dust—this helps them last longer and keeps your garage looking tidy.

5. Install Wall-Mounted Raceways or Conduit

For cords that run along the wall:

  1. Measure the route from the outlet to the appliance or tool.
  2. Cut the raceway or conduit to the required length.
  3. Mount the base of the raceway to the wall using screws or adhesive backing (depending on product).
  4. Place the cord inside the channel.
  5. Snap the cover closed.

Tip: If you want an even cleaner look, paint the raceway the same color as your wall.

6. Use Floor Cord Covers for Traffic Areas

If cords must run across the floor:

  1. Choose a heavy-duty floor cord cover wide enough for your cord bundle.
  2. Cut it to length if necessary.
  3. Place it securely over the cords in high-traffic areas.
  4. For extra stability, secure it with double-sided tape designed for floors.

This is especially important in garages where vehicles drive in and out.

7. Mount Cord Reels for Flexible Power Access

Cord reels are ideal for garages where tools are used in different spots.

  1. Mount the reel to the wall or ceiling near a power outlet.
  2. Plug the reel into the outlet.
  3. Pull the cord out when needed and retract it when done.

Ceiling-mounted reels keep cords completely out of the way and make it easy to work anywhere in the garage.

8. Bundle and Secure Loose Cords

For shorter cords or those that don’t need to be moved:

  • Use Velcro straps or zip ties to bundle excess length.
  • Secure the bundle to a wall hook, pegboard, or the underside of a workbench.

Avoid wrapping cords tightly around tools or fixtures—they can become damaged over time.

9. Label Your Cords

Labeling cords makes it easy to identify what each one powers without unplugging multiple devices.

  • Use adhesive labels or clip-on tags.
  • Mark both ends of the cord for quick identification.

This is especially useful for workshops with many tools plugged in at once.

10. Maintain Your Cord Management System

Once everything is hidden, do a quick check every few months:

  • Make sure raceways and covers are secure.
  • Replace any frayed or damaged cords.
  • Keep the area around cords clean and free from clutter.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Overloading extension cords
    • Mistake: Plugging too many devices into one cord.
    • Solution: Use multiple outlets or upgrade your garage’s electrical system.
  2. Using cords designed for indoor use only
    • Mistake: Running light-duty cords in garages where they may encounter moisture or heavy wear.
    • Solution: Use heavy-duty, outdoor-rated cords.
  3. Blocking outlets
    • Mistake: Installing storage or covers that make outlets hard to reach.
    • Solution: Plan your cord management around accessibility.
  4. Neglecting safety clearance
    • Mistake: Running cords too close to heat sources or sharp objects.
    • Solution: Keep cords away from hazards and use protective conduit where needed.
  5. Not accounting for future changes
    • Mistake: Hiding cords in a way that makes it difficult to add or remove equipment.
    • Solution: Leave some flexibility in your system.

Extra Garage Tips & Hacks

  • Install extra outlets in key work areas to reduce the need for long cords.
  • Combine cord management with lighting upgrades for a more functional workspace.
  • Integrate power strips into workbenches for easy tool access without cord clutter.
  • Related read: Check out our guide on setting up a smart lighting system in your garage for more efficient power management.

Conclusion

Hiding electrical cords in your garage isn’t just about looks—it’s about safety, organization, and efficiency. With a few simple tools and the right cord management products, you can create a tidy, hazard-free workspace that’s easier to maintain. Whether you use raceways, floor covers, reels, or bundled straps, the result will be a cleaner, safer, and more professional-looking garage.

Pro Tip: If you’re planning other garage upgrades, tackle electrical organization first—it makes every other improvement easier to install and enjoy.