Designing a woodshop’s layout can seem like a daunting task to tackle. Questions like where to place different types of tools are critical ones that should not be overlooked. A poorly designed woodshop can be dangerous to you, as well as potentially cause damage to the projects you are working on. Fortunately I explain exactly how to set up a woodshop to create an ideal working environment.
When setting up your woodshop the layout is an important detail that should not be overlooked. You want to consider the flow of your material through the shop to help reduce any potential damage caused to your project. This flow is created by the placement of the tools you will be working with throughout the shop. When this is done correctly you will be able to easily and comfortably move around your woodshop.
The top 5 woodshop layout tips are designed to maximize your workspace:
1) Consider The Material Workflow
Material workflow is an important concept to consider when designing a woodshop layout. Think of the stages the material goes through from when you first grab a piece of stock lumber or other material you are using, to where it is finished at the end. You want to use this when you are locating where the different machines and tools will be.
There is going to be a step by step progression for creating the project you are working on to completion. You want to first consider the types of projects you will be working on. I tend to work more on furniture, and other larger projects, but you might be creating smaller things that use a different set of tools.
The starting point for your material flow is where you will store the raw lumber when you get it home. It’s best to keep it close to a main entrance if possible. My shop is located in a two car garage, so I have my material near the rollup garage door. This makes it easy for me to pull into my driveway and unload the material straight into the garage.
2) Store Tools Where They Will Be Used
Keeping your tools in locations they will be used goes along with creating a material workflow. You want to consider the tools you will be using in your projects, and have them in locations where it will be easy to take your materials to the next workstation. You won’t want to carry bulky or heavy items through narrow corridors or over machines that are not in use.
This is also what you want to think about with where you want to store your hand tools. An orbital sander will usually need a flat workbench when being used. And a hand drill isn’t going to be used at the table saw’s location.
When using your miter saw it is handy to have things like your pencil, a tape measure, and personal safety equipment nearby. Having these hand tools in their own designated locations will also make it quick and easy to find them when needed.
If your shop is a smaller size, then it’s an excellent idea to have some of your larger tools mobile. If they don’t have casters on them when you get them it’s possible to install casters afterwards. This also is a good idea for the machines that won’t be getting as much use.
It’s best to have the tool flat on the ground when in use, especially if it’s one that will be pushed against when working the materials. In some cases locking casters will work, but it’s better to have a mobile base so that the casters can be lifted off the ground. This allows the tool to be sitting on the ground where it will have the best friction, and not move when being pushed against.
Being able to move your tools around the shop will allow you to have room to do certain things like ripping a piece of plywood. You will also be able to move tools out of the way that aren’t needed when assembling larger pieces of furniture, or a bank of cabinets.
3) Plan For Power
It doesn’t do much good to have a power tool in a location that doesn’t have any outlets. It’s important to consider where the tool will be in your shop compared to where the outlets are located.
Extension cords are an option, but try to use them sparingly. They can become a trip hazard when too many are used at the same time. They also make it uncomfortable to walk on when you are focusing on the task at hand, which is making an awesome project.
Some machines may require more amperage to run. These will require an upgrade to your breakers, which should only be done by a trained electrician. It’s not always hard to do, but this can be an added expense that might have been overlooked in the initial setup of your woodshop. This is something to consider when purchasing your equipment.
4) Minimize Any Dead Space
Dead space are areas that seem to be unusable. These are typically found on walls, and in corners of rooms. To minimize these areas you can consider storing smaller items in them. Store items that won’t be used as often like clamps, wood glue, or even stains and varnishes.
These items will need to be accessible when needed, so consider this as well. I have an 8’ X 4’ sheet of pegboard on the wall in my shop. This lets me store the smaller hand tools that I will be using more frequently. Doing this has them in my line of sight for when I need to look for the right tool.
Being creative when minimizing dead space will allow you to keep more tools in your woodshop without having them get in the way. When done right a woodshop can look clean and tidy, and be very easy to navigate comfortably.
5) Your Woodshop Is Never Finished
Your woodshop will always be going through changes throughout the course of the hobby. It may even evolve into more of a career at some point.
There will be different tools coming in, and tools that will need to go. As you get more experience with woodworking you will notice a natural progression taking place in your shop. As tools get older they may need to be replaced by newer ones.
Your skills will improve over time, which can require upgrades in tools. In the beginning of the hobby it’s natural to start with second hand tools. Although some of the older tools are capable of outliving any of us when maintained correctly, some of them are going to fail and need to be replaced.
These Top Five tips to creating an amazing woodshop layout is just the beginning. Leave me a comment below with any tips you might have on setting up a woodshop. I look forward to reading them!
With these tips in mind, there are going to be other aspects of setting up a woodshop that are just as important. Now let’s take a look at the best way to plan your woodshop layout.
Woodshop Layout Plans
Every woodshop is not created equally. It’s important to go through the proper planning steps before setting it up. The method I am going to share with you is the best way to plan out the position of your tools to maximize efficiency in a woodshop of any size.
Each shop has a different footprint and dimensions to work with. There will be a different set of tools, that have their own sizes and shapes to work with. I will show you the best way to layout your woodshop to maximize functionality and minimize any potential problems.
To start you will need to measure the footprint of the space you are working with. Take note of where the windows or doors are on the walls. If there are any objects like cabinets take note of those. My workshop has a ladder to my garage attic that I need to work around.
Now it’s time to break out your arts and crafts skills. Get a couple of sheets of graph paper, a pen, some cardboard and a stick of glue. Transfer the measurements onto the graph paper so you can see the size and shape of the shop you are working with. I like to use one square per one foot as a conversion.
Once you have the size and shape of your space be sure to make note of any fixed items you will need to work around. This can be anything from doors, windows, and electrical hookups. The electrical hookups are not as critical as working around doors and windows because you can use extension cords if needed.
On a separate piece of graph paper draw the size and shapes of any large pieces of equipment you have. If you know you will be getting some pieces in the near future simply look up the dimensions online. Once you have all the pieces drawn out glue them to the piece of cardboard.
After cutting these pieces out you will be able to slide them around on the graph paper model of your woodshop. This allows you to figure out the placement of the pieces to help visualize material flow as well as spot any dead spaces.
It’s important to get a good understanding of where you want to place your tools, especially the larger machines. If done correctly you only need to set up your workshop once. If you don’t get it right you may spend a lot of time moving them around in trial-and-error.
Woodshop Layout Tool
I like the WoodMagazine.com woodshop layout tool because it’s a simple print and cut out template. Follow the link to their Workshop Grid and Tool Templates to see what I’m talking about.
The only downside I can see is the pictures of the machines might not be exactly to scale for the equipment you want to use. But it’s close enough to give you a good idea, and it creates a nice visualization of what you will be working with.
Tips For Small Woodshop Layouts
When the only option for your woodshop is in a small space, there are a few things that can be done to make the most of the space you are working with. When done correctly your small woodshop can be a place of big accomplishments.
First think of the tools you will be using. There are most likely solutions that will allow you to fit all the tools you need into the tighter space.
Follow These Tips To Improve Your Small Shop Layout
- Large equipment like a router table can be kept on wheels to move it out of the way when not in use.
- If you have an outdoor area nearby you can take your woodworking outdoors when the weather is good.
- If you can’t get a table saw into the area, a circular saw and a saw guide will work.
- When not in use put a piece of plywood on your table saw or router table to give you an extra assembly area. You may need to attach boards on the underside to keep it from sliding.
- Using hand tools in the place of machines will allow you to have more room as well as fit more types of tools in your shop.
Having a small woodshop to work with allows you to be creative with your setup. There are ways to do similar things using different types of tools. They can be just as effective as larger ones, and should be looked at as a benefit.
My Woodshop Layout in a 2 Car Garage
Even though my woodshop is in a 2 car garage, I am not able to use all of it for my tools. I am limited to one wall with my table saw kinda in the middle of the garage. I would love more room to expand my shop, but for now I get to enjoy what I have.
The wall my workbench is against I have my lumber near the roll up garage door. Below it I have a lateral cabinet I repurposed for storage.
Next to that is an eight foot workbench with a step down for my miter saw. I did this because I want the surface of the saw to be flush with the benchtop. This allows the lumber to rest on my workbench while I’m cutting.
On the wall above my bench I have a 4’ x 8’ sheet of pegboard. Here I display the tools I tend to use the most. This makes it easy for me to get them when I need to.
Below the workbench I have a shelf that I keep smaller tools and supplies on. Under the table saw I have my shop vacuum. In the future I will be hooking it up to the table saw to reduce dust when I cut.
On the ground to the left of the saw I have my air compressor stored. The bench has been maximized with what I have stored in it.
In conclusion, deciding on a woodshop layout is an important step in your woodworking hobby. When following these tips it’s easy to set up a comfortable woodshop for you to enjoy. I hope this has made it easier for you to decide on a woodshop layout.
Please leave a message below if you have any questions or comments on this post. I look forward to hearing from you!
Happy woodworking
-Kevin