How to Set up a Home Workshop

Do you dream of being the ultimate fixer and do-it-yourselfer but the lack of a home workshop has been holding you back? It’s time to take the plunge and build a workspace that inspires you to create!

Whether you’re looking to add an area for carpentry, woodworking, auto repair, or multi-purpose use, it’s important to set up the workshop to meet your specific needs and property’s characteristics. No two workspaces are the same!

Determine the size and location of the workshop

The first step is picking an area and identifying your goals. Maybe you have big ideas of turning your shed into a full workshop or just want to be able to do some light woodworking in the garage. Whatever the objective is, try to stake out as much room as possible. Nobody complains about a shop being too big!

Consider obstacles like climate, electricity, and fire hazards

It’s easy to dream about building a home workshop, but it’s another thing to truly have the right space for it. Make sure you’ve taken into account any structural changes that would be needed, including extra heat or air condition, dehumidifiers to prevent tools from rusting, proper ventilation, improved lighting or outlets, wall supports for mounted storage, and two working exits (windows are fine) in case of fire. These types of upgrades might help you narrow in on a realistic goal.

A garage or shed won't just become your dream workshop without some serious planning.

Envision the final workshop and storage system

Once you’ve picked the location and size, make a rough sketch or outline of what you want the shop to look like. Include large items like a workbench, saws, power tools, sawhorses, welding equipment, or big toolchests.

Don’t forget to add in any necessary storage or organizing updates. Most people with shops acquire more tools than they can keep track of, so having a flexible storage system is probably best. Consider a combination of racks, cabinets, hooks, bins, and magnets, while factoring in all potential spots on walls and ceilings to use. Make a list of the bulkiest items you could store vertically as a guide for what to prioritize.

In your shop draft, mark the measurements of the work area. Be sure to include:

• Walls and ceiling where you can add storage for small items to bulky tools
• Anything to avoid blocking, such as doors, windows, light switches, outlets, trash/recycling receptacles, etc.
• Room to leave for cars, motorcycles, lawn mower, or other large items

Choose a work set-up, organization system, and tools

Start researching the different options for the shop layout and organizing solutions. Don’t forget to add any tools or other work equipment you might be missing. If this is your first workspace, you might not have much beyond a basic toolbox. Think about what types of projects you’ll be using the workshop for and any new skills you want to learn.

For homeowners adding a large workshop, a popular upgrade is a unified wall storage system. This consists of a back panel that you can easily install cabinets, shelves, bins, hooks, racks, and magnets on for all types of organization needs. Unified wall storage systems are great options because they’re customizable, so you can add to them or change the layout in the future.

Flow Wall’s unified storage systems are great for shops, garages, sheds, and more!

Prepare the space for installation

After you’ve placed the order, it’s time to get the area ready. Set aside time to pull out any boxes, bins, or other clutter currently residing in the future workshop. Thoroughly clean the area and perform any maintenance you might have been ignoring, like repainting the walls or adding a protective layer on the floor.

Sort any items previously stored in this area into five piles: keep in the shop, store elsewhere in the house, sell, donate, or trash/recycle. Then, break down the “keep in the shop” pile into relevant categories: hand tools, power tools, gardening or yard equipment, wires/cables, ropes/adhesives, chemicals, protective gear, nuts and bolts, you name it!

Everything should have its place in the new space.

Install the new products

Now the real fun begins: setting up the shop! The time and tools needed for this range significantly based on the upgrades you’re making, so be sure you have a clear understanding of any wall supports or other alterations needed before installing the products.

Organize the shop

Put everything in its new place. Once you start unpacking and storing your tools in their new homes, the shop will really start to feel like your very own haven!

Create Your Own Workshop

Country Home Products is proud to offer a full array of power equipment, yard tools, hand tools, and storage solutions for your workshop. Get started on building your dream shop today!