Hey everyone! I'm planning my first home shop and would love some insight from those of you who have already built your own. Looking back, what's one thing you would have done differently to improve your shop setup? Any tips on layout, lighting, or equipment organization would be super helpful!
4 Answers
I’ve worked in sheds and barns for years, and trust me, ceiling height matters. My dad’s barn had low ceilings, which made it hard to maneuver big materials like plywood. I made sure my new space has at least 10 feet of clearance. Plus, having enough windows is vital for natural light—don’t skimp on that!
Make sure you have mostly flat floors so you can easily move everything around. I’ve set mine up with wheels on almost all my tools, and it has made a world of difference in flexibility! Invest in good lighting too; you really can’t go wrong with extra brightness in the shop. It has totally improved my work experience!
The biggest takeaway for me was to prioritize storage. You need a place for each tool, materials, and projects. It helps to sketch out a floor plan before getting started. Oh, and everything should be on wheels—makes moving and rearranging so much easier! Don't forget to plan for lots of power outlets and proper lighting, too!
If you have the space, definitely create a dedicated finishing room with ventilation and heat. It’s fantastic to be able to work on other projects while varnishing, plus you avoid the mess in your main area! Oh, and be sure to focus on lighting; it makes a huge difference! I used graph paper to plan my layout before moving heavy tools, which saved a lot of hassle later on.