Hey everyone! I just got my first house and I'm super excited to dive into woodworking. I'm planning to set up my woodshop in a big barn, but here's the thing: it's not insulated or weatherproof. I live in Quebec, Canada, where the seasons can be really extreme—think cold winters and lots of humidity. My questions are: 1) Is it okay to store wood in this barn environment? Will it be usable for weeks at a time? 2) How can I make a workbench that stays reasonably flat with such fluctuations? Should I seal it or is there something else I need to consider? 3) What other stuff should I keep in mind? Thanks!
3 Answers
Weatherproofing is crucial; you definitely don’t want rain on your tools! But besides that, you should be good to go year-round without much hassle. Just make sure you have some shelter from the elements, especially for your tools to avoid rust later on!
I've been working out of my not-so-great garage up north for a while now. One trick I've learned is to buy your wood a week or two ahead of when you need it and let it adjust to your shop's environment before you start building. My setup has survived a year, but I've learned to keep an eye on humidity; my jointer has some rust now. So, don't forget to maintain your bare metal tools during colder months!
Storing wood in your barn should be fine as long as you keep it dry and out of direct weather. Wood has been used for ages without climate control, so don't sweat that too much. Just remember, humidity and temperature changes can still cause movement in the wood. For your workbench, it doesn't have to be perfectly flat; just get it close and refinish it as needed. You can rest large pieces over small imperfections, and throwing some MDF or plywood on top can help for precision work when needed. I built mine with laminated lumber, and it's held up in my unconditioned garage just fine. Good luck with your new woodshop!