5 Tips for Designing Your Ideal Workshop
What does your dream workshop look like?
When it comes to workshop design, the beauty is that everything is up to you. You can take a very small, simple space and turn it into whatever you’d like. With that space, you’re then free to work on, well, whatever you’d like.
As you can see, there’s a lot of freedom to do as you please. But designing your ideal workshop might seem like a difficult task. For instance, maybe you’d like to do it, but don’t even know where you’d start. Or maybe you simply need some ideas to spark your creativity.
Workshop Design—First Things First
The first thing you must consider is the space you have available. Our recommendations:
- Map it out on a piece of paper and include measurements so you truly have an idea of what’s available for you.
- Think about your space and its limitations. With a little creativity, you likely can adjust things to fit just right into your workspace.
Now, here are five tips for getting started with your personal workshop design.
Tip #1: Good Lighting Is a Must
Whether you’re imagining pristine work benches or fancy gadgets, how you light your space should be the first thing you consider. Not only will your workplace look better, it will make for a safer and more efficient space to get projects done.
Here are two ideas to ensure good lighting:
- If your workshop design allows for it, strategically place windows in the sun’s direction.
- Incorporate highly reflective surfaces like roof sheafing into your workspace so that more light finds its way inside.
Tip #2: Create a Four Season Workspace
Think deeply about things like insulation and aeration. Be sure to work these into your budget, and think of them as an investment in your year-round workshop.
If your workshop design fails to take into account the changing seasons, you may limit yourself to six months or less per year to get work done!
Be sure to also consider how you’ll manage temperature and moisture control when you aren’t in the workshop.
Tip #3: Tabletop vs. Freestanding Tools—How Much Space Do You Have?
Obviously, having all of your tools stationed to a tabletop sounds more convenient and aesthetically appealing than having to pull down and set up tools each time you need them.
But what will your space allow for? If you have the space to pull it off, a tabletop might be the way to go. If your space is limited, think about investing in shelves or freestanding units that give you easy access to your tools.
Ready to begin shopping (or just need some inspiration)? Take a look at our vast array of manual, electric and battery operated lift tables.
Tip #4: Consider the Flow of Your Space
Dividing your space up into quadrants or triangles will help your workshop design flow nicely.
Place your most important equipment at the corners of your squares or triangles. This will allow for adequate space between your most-used tools, maximizing their accessibility.
Tip #5: Make It Your Own!
Ultimately, your workspace should be a function of who you are and what you hope to accomplish while inside it.
Safety and functionality reign supreme, but don’t forget that the point of your own workshop design is to build it exactly how you want it. Have some fun with your design project!
Workshop Design Wrap-Up
To design your ideal workshop, follow these five tips:
- Start with the space you have.
- Design your workshop around what’s available to you. Will you go with tabletop or freestanding tools? You must decide. Envision yourself working in your shop and think about how things will flow.
- Start with securing good lighting.
- Be sure your workshop can be utilized in all weather conditions.
- Make it yours, and have fun with it!
Have your dream workshop but still need a good lift table to pull it all together? Contact us here. We can help you find just the right table for your needs.
