Convert Part of Your Garage into a Dog Wash and Grooming Station
Garage Corner or Bay → Dog Wash and Grooming Station
Build a dedicated dog washing and grooming station in a corner of your garage with an elevated wash tub, hand-held sprayer, non-slip surfaces, a grooming table, dryer station, and supply storage — saving hundreds per year on professional grooming while keeping the mess out of your bathroom.
Cost Range
$2,000 – $8,000
Timeline
1–4 weeks
Materials Cost
$3,875
Permits Cost
$350
Steps
Choose the Location and Size
You do not need to convert the entire garage — a dog wash station fits in an 8x8 foot corner or a 4x10 foot section along one wall. Position the station near existing plumbing (typically the wall shared with the kitchen or laundry room) to minimize plumbing costs. You also need access to a floor drain or the ability to install one. If your garage does not have a floor drain, position the station near the garage door opening so water can flow out naturally during use, or install a small utility drain connected to your sewer line.
Estimated time: 1 days
Run Plumbing for Hot and Cold Water
A dog wash station needs hot and cold water supply lines and a drain. The easiest approach is to tap into existing supply and drain lines on the adjacent wall (kitchen, laundry, or bathroom). A licensed plumber can extend supply lines and add a drain connection in half a day. Install a mixing valve so you can adjust water temperature easily — too hot or too cold and your dog will fight you every bath. If connecting to existing plumbing is not feasible, you can run new supply lines from your water heater, though this costs more.
Estimated time: 3 days
Install the Wash Tub at Elevated Height
The biggest mistake people make is washing their dog on the floor. An elevated wash tub saves your back and gives you better control of the dog. Options include a stainless steel elevated dog wash tub (purpose-built, $300-$800, available on Amazon or from pet supply vendors), a large utility sink or laundry tub mounted on a sturdy frame at waist height ($100-$300 plus framing materials), or a DIY platform built from pressure-treated lumber and plywood with a plastic tub set into the top. The tub should be large enough for your biggest dog to stand and turn comfortably. For medium to large dogs, a tub at least 48 inches long and 24 inches wide is ideal. Mount it 30 to 36 inches off the floor depending on your height.
Estimated time: 3 days
Install a Hand-Held Sprayer and Non-Slip Surfaces
A hand-held sprayer on a flexible hose is essential — it lets you rinse the dog thoroughly, including under the belly and between legs, which a fixed faucet cannot do. Install a wall-mounted hand-held sprayer head with at least 6 feet of hose for maximum reach. Apply non-slip material in and around the tub: rubber bath mats or non-slip adhesive treads inside the tub prevent your dog from slipping and panicking. Non-slip rubber flooring tiles on the floor around the station prevent you from slipping on wet surfaces. Add a splash guard on the wall behind the tub — dogs shake. Use FRP (fiberglass reinforced panel) or tile on the wall behind and beside the tub. Both are waterproof and easy to wipe clean.
Estimated time: 2 days
Set Up the Grooming Area
Adjacent to the wash tub, set up a grooming station. A grooming table with an adjustable arm and loop costs $60 to $200 and keeps your dog safely positioned at a comfortable working height while you brush, clip, and trim. A high-velocity pet dryer ($80-$200) dramatically speeds drying time compared to towels — a crucial investment for thick-coated breeds. Mount the dryer on a wall bracket or set it on a shelf at tub height. Add a grooming tool organizer on the wall — a small shelf or pegboard holding brushes, combs, clippers, nail trimmers, ear cleaning supplies, and shampoo bottles. Keep everything within arms reach of the tub and grooming table.
Estimated time: 2 days
Install Drainage and Waterproofing
Water management is critical in a garage dog wash. Options for drainage: if your garage has an existing floor drain, simply slope the floor toward it using a thin layer of self-leveling concrete if needed. If there is no floor drain, install a small linear drain connected to your sewer line ($300-$800 installed by a plumber). As a budget alternative, use the wash tub drain as your only drain and ensure the tub is large enough to contain all splashing. Waterproof the floor area around the station with epoxy floor coating or rubber matting. Seal the base of any walls adjacent to the station with waterproof caulk to prevent water from seeping behind the drywall.
Estimated time: 2 days
Add Supply Storage and Drying Area
Build or install a shelving unit near the station for dog shampoo, conditioner, towels, treats, and grooming supplies. A small towel warming cabinet ($100-$200) is a luxury but keeps towels warm and ready — and your dog will love you for it. Install 2-3 heavy-duty wall hooks for hanging leashes, collars, and harnesses during bath time. Add a towel rack or bar for hanging damp towels to dry between uses. If you have space, a small bench nearby gives you a comfortable place to sit during nail trimming and brushing sessions.
Estimated time: 2 days
Electrical, Lighting, and Final Details
Install a GFCI-protected outlet near the grooming table for the dryer and clippers — GFCI protection is required by code for any outlet in a wet area. Add bright overhead LED lighting directly above the wash tub and grooming table — you need to see what you are doing, especially when checking for ticks, skin issues, or trimming around the face and paws. Consider adding a small wall-mounted heater or heat lamp above the tub for cold-weather bathing so your dog does not shiver. Final touch: mount a pet restraint tether at the tub and the grooming table so your dog stays safely in place during the process.
Estimated time: 2 days
Materials
| Material | Est. Cost | Required |
|---|---|---|
| Elevated Dog Wash Tub or Utility Sink | $500 | Required |
| Plumbing (hot/cold supply, drain, mixing valve) | $1,500 | Required |
| Hand-Held Sprayer with Flexible Hose | $60 | Required |
| Non-Slip Rubber Bath Mat (inside tub) | $20 | Required |
| Non-Slip Rubber Floor Tiles (surrounding area) | $150 | Required |
| FRP or Tile Splash Guard (wall behind tub) | $200 | Required |
| Grooming Table with Arm and Loop | $120 | Optional |
| High-Velocity Pet Dryer | $150 | Optional |
| Floor Drain Installation (if none exists) | $500 | Optional |
| Epoxy Floor Coating (station area) | $150 | Optional |
| GFCI Electrical Outlet Installation | $200 | Required |
| LED Overhead Lighting | $60 | Required |
| Shelving for Supplies | $80 | Required |
| Towel Rack, Hooks, and Organizers | $50 | Required |
| Waterproof Caulk and Sealant | $30 | Required |
| Pet Restraint Tethers (2) | $25 | Required |
| Wall-Mounted Heater or Heat Lamp (optional) | $80 | Optional |
Permits
Plumbing Permit
Required for new water supply and drain connections. Licensed plumber pulls this permit.
$200
Electrical Permit
May be required for the new GFCI outlet, depending on your jurisdiction. Licensed electrician pulls this permit.
$150