If you’re a woodworker, crafter, hobbyist, or handyman, having your own workshop makes it a lot more convenient to do what you love. There’s something nice about having a dedicated space where you can stay organized and maximize your efficiency.
But if this is your first time building a workshop, you’re probably wondering where to start. This article will help you get moving in the right direction.
Tips for Your Creating Your Dream Workshop
Whether you’re upfitting your garage into a dedicated workshop or you’re constructing a standalone building, here are some tips that will help make your workshop a dream workshop.
- Make it Comfortable
While comfort might not be the number one factor in a workshop, it’s certainly a factor. No one wants to work in a space where they’re uncomfortable. Here are several tips for making your workshop a place where you genuinely want to spend time:
- Include a space heater. You can easily add a gas or propane space heater to your workshop without needing any special venting or complicated technology. Just find the space heater style that works for your space.
- Add rubber floor tiles. If you spend several hours at a time in your workshop, your feet can quickly grow tired of standing on a hard surface. This is why we recommend installing rubber fatigue mats. Better yet, cover the entire surface in rubber floor tiles (which interlock together and usually cost just $4 to $5 per square foot).
- Include a TV and sound system. When you’re doing repetitive work, it’s nice to have something entertaining in the background. Mounting a TV and/or sound system is a great way to pass the time. This is especially convenient if you enjoy watching sports, but also want to spend time in your workshop on weekends and evenings. It allows you to do both.
Doesn’t sound like your average workshop, now does it? With amenities and features like this, you might even want to move in!
- Get the Lighting Right
Good lighting is very important in a workshop. While most garages only include one standard light strip in the middle of the garage, you’ll probably want to upgrade to include three or four (spaced evenly across the ceiling).
If building your own workshop from the ground up, make sure you have enough lighting in all corners of the room.
- Give Yourself Plenty of Space
One of the biggest complaints people have about their workshops is a lack of space. When designing your workshop, make sure there’s ample room to move around.
When designing the layout, think about what your shop will be used for. For example, if you’re planning to use it as an auto shop, account for how much space you’ll need to freely move around the vehicle (not just the space for the vehicle to fit). Or, if you’re a woodworker, consider how much space you need to build projects and store large pieces of lumber.
- Invest in a Storage System
Storage is important in a workshop. You want to be as organized as possible. Generally speaking, vertical storage is going to be your friend. This allows you to save floor space, while taking advantage of vertical space that typically goes unused. You can even include ceiling-mounted racks for things like lumber, sheet goods, and rarely-used materials.
- Prioritize Versatility
Your needs will change over time. How you use the workshop today might be different from how you’ll use it in three to five years. This is why it’s a good idea to prioritize versatility. Every workbench and floor tool should be placed on casters so they can be easily moved around.
- Think About Air Quality
Your workshop might look great, but how is the air quality? This is especially important if you’re doing lots of woodworking or mechanical work where sawdust and chemicals are present. A good air filtration system can keep your air clean and remove those invisible particles that irritate the lungs and create respiratory issues.
Make it Yours!
Don’t just build a workshop – build your workshop. Don’t be afraid to add a few custom touches and a little personality. You want this to be a place where you enjoy doing work. If that means integrating some unique features, so be it! Have fun with this project and you’ll get way more out of it.
