DIY home carpentry workshop. Setting up a workshop with your own hands

Preface

The workshop is an ideal place to realize your own creative potential and carry out work related to making, repairing something “for the soul,” as well as aimed at improving and improving living and recreational conditions. Only here can you develop yourself to the fullest and create exactly the working environment that suits you in all respects. With our recommendations, you can make a workshop with your own hands and equip it with all the necessary tools and equipment.

It is better to build the workshop anew, as a separate structure, and not as an extension to the existing buildings on the site. Of course, you can highlight a corner or room in the house. But in this case, you cannot count on the comfort of those living in it and the absence of reproaches on their part for the noise during work in the workshop and the garbage involuntarily carried into the living rooms. In addition, there is hardly enough space in the house to accommodate everything you need: tools, workbench, machines, etc. And you will have to work in very cramped conditions, when there can be no talk not only of comfort and convenience, but even of basic safety rules.

Although it is believed that the minimum sufficient area for a workshop is 5–6.5 m2, which can certainly be provided in the house, this is not enough. What is 6 m2? This is a closet or corner measuring 2x3 m. Such a space is only suitable for a darkroom or for a radio amateur.

When you plan to make a metalworking or carpentry workshop, then 6 m 2 is almost the same as nothing. Even if it is possible to squeeze some useful and serious equipment into the space remaining after placing the workbench and the most necessary things for any workshop, it will be almost impossible to work due to the cramped space, at least with large and long parts. Again, where to store finished products, blanks, lumber in a home workshop?

DIY carpentry workshop

A garage is also not an option. You will have to drive the car out every time so as not to damage it during work. In winter, because of this, it will be difficult and very energy-consuming to maintain a comfortable temperature in the garage workshop. In addition, you will have to sacrifice some of the space for car parts and tools.

Converting a suitable-sized barn into a workshop is an option, but a dubious one. A workshop needs normal windows and doors, insulation, heating, light, ventilation and preferably water. This is probably not in the barn and will have to be done. It itself may be placed in an unsuitable location for the workshop. The barn may require redevelopment or the creation of separate rooms if they do not exist. This is exactly the case that they talk about - it’s easier to break it down and rebuild it.

In addition, the workshop must have a solid foundation, namely a slab foundation. Especially if floor-standing machines are installed in it. And especially if they are for a locksmith workshop. They often purchase decommissioned or simply old equipment, including from Soviet times. It is heavy, bulky and creates a fair amount of vibration during operation. In any case, the workshop is a place where the load on the floor is very high. Falls of heavy objects are inevitable; work may be accompanied by impacts of something (for example, a hammer or sledgehammer) on something (a part or a workpiece), which hits the floor. With the latter, sometimes you have to drag something along. And even the smallest tabletop machine vibrates at least a little, thereby making its contribution to the process of destruction of the base of the room.

A slab foundation can still be found in a garage, but it is unlikely to be in a shed and unlikely to be in a house. If the workshop is placed on the second floor of a residential building, an attic or an attic, then not all buildings there have a sufficiently strong and durable floor.

It is advisable to choose a place on the site for the workshop in an open space so that shadows from trees or other buildings do not fall on it. Due to this, in winter it is possible to save a little on heating or it will simply be warmer to work, since on fine days the sun will help with heating. And all year round during daylight hours you won’t need to turn on the lighting fixtures or you can use them minimally, since there will be quite good natural lighting, which, by the way, is better for the eyes. In addition, this will save on electricity.

If possible, the workshop should be built away from the house and buildings with pets, since even if it is not intended to house too noisy equipment, almost any work will still be accompanied by sounds that are not the most pleasant for any ear. True, the farther from the house, the more extensive the supplied communications (electricity, heating and plumbing) are, as a rule, and these are additional costs.

Place for building a workshop

It is also recommended that the workshop is not in a low area. As a rule, rainwater and melted snow water accumulate there. Even if the workshop is not flooded, then excess humidity will become a serious test for the building itself, the tools of the machines and the supplied communications. All this will quickly become unusable. Even emergency situations, for example, short circuits in wiring or equipment, cannot be excluded. You can, of course, take protective measures against flooding and humidity. When building a workshop with your own hands, make the foundation higher and waterproofed, provide for drainage from it if possible, take care to strengthen the moisture insulation of the entire structure, and the like. However, all this will require additional financial costs, as well as effort and time for arrangement.

It is desirable that the chosen location has easy access to the workshop at any time of the year. So that in winter it is not too swept away, otherwise you will have to put a lot of effort into periodically clearing the path and the approach to the entrance doors, and in the spring you will have to push a much larger volume of snow away from the walls to prevent them from flooding. And finally, if there are places on the site that are not at all suitable or are of little use for growing any plants, then it is recommended to choose one of them for a workshop.

Before starting to develop a project, you must first decide what kind of work is supposed to be performed in the workshop: only carpentry or plumbing, or maybe both. It is best to make a complete list of all types of work. It is also recommended to think about possible additions to this list in the future. Maybe in a month or six months you will want to make a product with your own hands, the manufacture of which will require you to perform an operation that was not previously envisaged.

Based on the list of types of work, we are already compiling 2 other lists - for the required main and auxiliary equipment and workshop equipment. They must include everything that will be located inside the building. (from a screwdriver and sledgehammer to a drill and an angle grinder), hardware, fasteners, auxiliary equipment, small and small workpieces, finished products and the like, as well as a powder fire extinguisher and a first aid kit are grouped into the first list, which may be approximate and not very detailed. We decide how we will place and store all this stuff. Depending on the size and frequency of use, one or another equipment from this list can be placed: in cabinets, on racks and shelves, or hung on hooks mounted on the wall.

The second list should include:

  1. Crafting table. If the workshop is supposed to carry out both plumbing and carpentry work, then two workbenches. Metalworking and carpentry are different from each other.
  2. All necessary machines.
  3. Equipment that may need to be installed in the future.
  4. A vacuum cleaner, preferably a special construction one, for cleaning up debris.
  5. Heating appliances. It is better that these are ordinary batteries connected to the central or heating system of the house, especially if you plan to build a wooden workshop. Electrical appliances will consume a lot of electricity, and some types of them are fire hazards (electric fireplaces, for example). Various types of stoves, including long-burning ones, are also recommended for use only in stone buildings (concrete, brick, blocks, panels).
  6. A box of sand (in case of fire in wiring or equipment).
  7. Wash basin.
  8. Container with water.
  9. Hanger for workwear.
  10. Chair.

Equipment in the workshop

We add to this list the resulting additional equipment for the workshop: cabinets and shelving. Shelves and hooks can be ignored - there is always a suitable place for them on the wall.

Now we need to decide whether large and long materials will be used for the work (for example, boards, beams or corners, rods, etc.), workpieces and whether it is worth allocating space in the workshop for them. It is recommended to provide a separate rack for them or, at least to begin with, a separate zone 0.5–1 m wide and at least 6 m long. Otherwise, they will then get in the way during work, or they will have to be left on the street if there is no place else to put them for a while (in a barn, for example). In the open air, the metal will rust, the wood will first become saturated with moisture, and then sooner or later it will begin to rot.

We also add a rack or place for storing materials and workpieces to the second list of equipment and equipment. This detailed list will allow you to accurately determine the size of the workshop.

Now you can move directly to the design itself. Its result does not necessarily have to be a set of drawings made according to all the rules; it is enough to make a few sketches with your own hands without observing scale. The main thing is that they be as detailed as possible. On the sketches you need to draw all the elements of the building, including small and small details. And, of course, they must indicate all the dimensions - external and internal of the workshop, as well as its elements. Several sketches are necessary for the reason that on one or even two it is impossible to display the structure of the building, and even its elements, in all projections and details.

We begin the design by calculating the area required to accommodate all the equipment and equipment of the workshop listed in the second list (drawing rules in the previous chapter).

A simple, fast, but at the same time very inaccurate method of calculation is to multiply the sum of the areas of all objects placed in the workshop by an approximate factor of 1.5–2. It is believed that this method should provide the necessary free space for work and movement between the equipment placed in the already built workshop. However, in reality, this approach can cause many difficulties, especially if there are many objects being placed and their dimensions are very different or large. Most likely, when arranging the equipment, you will have to rearrange everything again several times, while taking something back outside, and then dragging it back into the workshop. And it’s not a fact that as a result of such long ordeals everything will turn out perfect - it will be convenient to move and work everywhere.

Calculation of the area of ​​​​the room for the workshop

In order to accurately determine not only the area, but also the internal dimensions of the workshop (length and width), you need to make your own diagram of the arrangement of all placed objects. Its preparation is best done using two sheets of graph paper. From one we cut out on a scale of 1:20 (or another, but so that it is a multiple of 10) rectangles and squares of the dimensions of the objects to be placed. We sign them in accordance with what equipment or equipment they relate to. On the second sheet of graph paper we lay it all out, trying to arrange it within the boundaries of a rectangular or square perimeter. We take into account the space and gaps between objects that are required for convenient and free performance of work, as well as our own and movement of tools, materials and other things.

Do not forget that this arrangement is carried out on the scale chosen for the equipment - it is necessary to periodically convert the distances on paper into real ones in order to prevent mistakes. The following order of design using this method is recommended. First, draw 2 perpendicular lines on paper. These will be 2 walls and a corner of the future workshop room. Mark the front door on one of the lines. We indicate its width. It must be no less than standard or equal to the width of the largest machine (equipment) or its largest part, if it has to be brought in parts disassembled. Now, relatively and starting from the existing corner and door, we arrange on paper all the equipment of the workshop. Each machine and workplace must be provided with unobstructed access from all sides, which are provided for by the operations performed on them. Finally, we finish painting the remaining 2 walls.

We indicate where the windows will be located. It is better to place them in the eastern and/or eastern walls. There is more light and it is warmer in winter. Then, if the arrangement diagram was drawn up on graph paper, we measure all dimensions on it (including the distances between equipment). We convert them according to the selected scale into real values, which we indicate in the appropriate places on the diagram. If the diagram was drawn up on plain paper, we indicate the desired dimensions during its development.

It is recommended to make 2 rooms in the workshop. One is the working one, where all the equipment and equipment will be located. The second is a small utility room that separates the first from the street. The presence of this room in winter will prevent the temperature from dropping when opening the front door when entering and exiting the workshop itself and will make it warmer. This will also allow you to save a little on heating.

In the utility room you should place a hanger for work clothes, a washbasin, one heating device and maybe even cabinets for workpieces, finished products, rarely used tools and something else like that. A small table with all the attributes for drinking tea and trestle beds would also be useful here, so as not to be distracted from work for a long time and not to carry dirt into the house while taking short snacks or smoke breaks.

The door from the street to the utility room should be located opposite the entrance to the workshop itself. Otherwise, it will be difficult or impossible to bring in long materials (boards, rods, etc.). The size of the utility room is determined by drawing up on paper a layout diagram of its furnishings. We make both diagrams - for the utility room and the workshop itself - on one sheet.

Schemes for the arrangement of furnishings in the workshop room

If it was decided to place a rack or a place for storing long workpieces and materials inside the workshop, then they should be located opposite its front door. Equipment intended for sawing and cutting should be located nearby. That is, next to the rack for materials, so that the workpieces do not have to be transferred to the other end of the workshop for initial processing.

After drawing up a diagram of the placement of equipment in the workshop and determining its area, we make a design (sketches) for the construction. To determine the external dimensions, we add the thickness of the proposed walls to the internal ones. We choose the height of the ceilings and the type of roof at our own discretion, so that it is affordable, convenient for work and can be done with your own hands.

The workshop must be equipped with ventilation. It is better if it is forced (rather than the usual supply and exhaust) and from each workplace, especially if work with wood is expected. You can make it the same as . We draw all the elements of this workshop equipment on sketches and indicate its dimensions and parameters.

In conclusion, we show on the project the placement of lighting devices (general and local for each workplace), electrical wiring and grounding. Each equipment must have a separate outlet. All machines and sockets must be grounded. Then we indicate on the sketches in what way and from which side all communications (electricity, heating and plumbing) are brought into the workshop.

In the chosen place we make markings along the perimeter of the future workshop. We dig a pit 60–80 cm deep for a slab foundation. We place formwork around its perimeter. We fill the bottom with a gravel-sand cushion. We compact it, after which the thickness of the bedding should be at least 15–20 cm. Then it is advisable to reinforce the future foundation. To do this, we use reinforcing mesh or rods, the first row of which we lay on the bottom, and the second row we attach 20–30 cm higher to the formwork. Then we pour the concrete. The foundation should protrude above the soil surface by at least 15–20 cm.

When it is intended to install bulky and/or heavy machines that require rigid fixation to the floor, then under them in the foundation immediately, before the concrete has yet hardened, install threaded studs or other steel fasteners in the appropriate places according to the equipment arrangement diagram. After the concrete has completely hardened, these machines can be installed and secured if there are concerns that it will be impossible or problematic to bring them into the constructed workshop. Then, until the end of construction, this equipment must be properly covered with a tarpaulin or plastic film.

If you decide to make a wooden workshop, then it is best for it to be framed from beams and boards. The building will be warm, and it will be quite simple to erect and carry out further equipment and finishing. But in this case, in the places where the frame posts are installed, it is necessary to insert threaded rods or reinforcing bars into the foundation concrete immediately after pouring it. After the concrete has completely hardened, we build a workshop according to the project in the same way as. If you decide to make a stone workshop with your own hands (from blocks or bricks), then we build it, just like.

Frame workshop made of beams and boards

Then we arrange the floor. It can be made multi-layered. We pour a layer of sand 3–5 cm thick on the foundation. Then we lay roofing felt, and on top - boardwalk. Another option is to use concrete instead of boards. Before pouring it, we lay the reinforcing mesh on the roofing felt, and then carefully level the floor surface. Such a foundation is not afraid of heavy objects falling on it and it will reliably protect the foundation from such destructive effects, especially in a metalworking workshop. True, in the latter it is still advisable to lay sheets of rubber or a conveyor belt on top of the floor. They will protect the base from oil and other active substances.

After this, if the workshop is wooden, it is advisable to carry out fire retardant treatment of all the wood inside it with special compounds. Then we bring communications into the workshop and do their internal wiring. We select all cables and wires with a cross-section corresponding to the current load on them. In a wooden workshop, we lay them in metal tubes or boxes to protect the structure from fire in the event of a short circuit. If necessary, we attach soundproofing materials to the ceiling and doors inside the building.

Then we bring it into the workshop and arrange and install all the equipment and equipment in their places. We connect what needs to be connected. Then we carry out the final events.

  1. How to choose the right place
  2. Necessary equipment
  3. Arrangement rules

A carpentry workshop for domestic work should be located as far as possible from residential premises. If you don’t have a garage, a summer cottage, or a private house, you can equip one of the rooms of a city apartment, a loggia, or a storage room. A workbench for home carpentry can fit into a built-in closet installed in the hallway. The article offers several ideas for arranging carpentry.

How to choose the right place

It is necessary to evaluate the capabilities of the available space. The smaller the dimensions of the room, the greater the limitation in the range of equipment. A room of 4 m2 can only accommodate a workbench and a small grinding machine. This should leave room for movement.

Garages and sheds with an area of ​​at least 6–8 m2 are most suitable. They can accommodate several lathes, drills and other types of machines. To comply with fire safety rules, a box of sand must be installed next to the foreman’s workplace.

Workspace organization

It is important to ensure good sound insulation. Especially when the premises are located in the yard.

The walls and the inside of the door must be covered with sound-absorbing material. If a window is provided, it is better to place it on the side opposite to the residential building. It is imperative that if the woodwork is not resistant to fire, it is necessary to treat the internal lining with fire retardants.

The workshop will require a multi-core power cable (VVGng 3x6) that can withstand heavy loads. In a wooden shed for carpentry, the wiring is laid in boxes or corrugated pipes. Sockets and equipment are grounded. The work area should be well lit; it is better to use fluorescent or LED lamps.

It is also necessary to take care of ventilation. During woodworking, a lot of dust is generated; an exhaust hood can improve the situation. It is important to remember that you need to ensure not only the exit of dust from the room, but also the flow of clean air inside.

When equipping the workshop technically, the priority of equipment placement is observed. Drilling and lathe machines are installed next to the workbench, grinding units are placed slightly away from the main workplace. For convenience, all tools are stored in cabinets and wall cabinets.

Compact home workshop

To prevent carpentry from disturbing other people, you can locate the workshop on the balcony. Glazing and supplying the room with a heat source will allow carpentry to be carried out throughout the year.

Care must be taken to install sockets for electrical equipment. The home electrical network is not designed for the operation of powerful units, so difficulties may arise.

Carpentry work using powerful machines is accompanied by noise. Conflicts with neighbors are possible. To avoid this, you will have to limit yourself to hand tools.

Ventilation on the balcony is carried out by opening the window. It is difficult to ensure air flow in the utility room. These rooms in city apartments are small; they are rarely equipped with workbenches and other larger devices. If you do not plan to regularly perform a large amount of work, you can build a cabinet with a folding table top. The simple design will allow you to neatly store tools and provide a working surface in the carpentry.

Necessary equipment

Tools, devices:

  • The workbench is factory-made or assembled yourself.
  • Woodworking Machine.
  • Clamping device: vice, clamps - for reliable fixation of the workpiece in a stationary position.

Hand tools:

  • plane, chisel;
  • drill with a set of drills and attachments of various diameters;
  • roulette;
  • hammer;
  • hacksaw;
  • pliers;
  • sandpaper and some other tools.

The photo shows how to equip a rack, saving space by installing additional cabinets and cabinets designed for storing working tools.

Arrangement rules

The main recommendation is to ensure unobstructed access to the working plane from several sides. The free space must be twice as large as the space occupied by the machines, otherwise movement will be difficult and the technical process may be disrupted.

Floors in the room must be smooth and hard.

Electrical equipment needs to be grounded. It is advisable to install a powder fire extinguisher near the workplace and place a bucket of sand in case electrical appliances catch fire.

The room allocated for home carpentry must be equipped with an exhaust hood. It is important to ensure that humidity levels do not exceed the permissible norm.

It is important to clean daily. Use a rag to remove oily dirt. Dust and small debris are removed with a construction vacuum cleaner after completion of work.

The home workshop is equipped with a first aid kit stocked with first aid supplies: dressings, hydrogen peroxide, brilliant green, medical plaster, painkillers.

The need for a small carpentry shop for people who are closely involved in housework almost always exists. And if you don’t know how to build or choose a room for this object, how to plan it, and what to place inside it first, read this article to the end.

How to choose a room for carpentry

When creating a carpentry workshop within your own suburban area, it is a good idea to make sure that it is as far away from living quarters as possible. This will preserve the peace of the rest of your family and will not prevent your guests from enjoying a relaxing holiday.

The ideal location for setting up a carpentry workshop would be a separate barn, garage or specially built room. You can consider an option in which the carpentry workshop will be located in a building block container (a used product is quite suitable for the workshop, since new block containers are quite expensive). The area of ​​the block container is a little more than 14 m². Therefore, its useful space can easily accommodate not only a workbench and a shelf with tools, but even several small carpentry machines. There will be enough space for storing wood and organizing a small painting area.

The option with a block container can be considered if you take a fairly serious approach to the arrangement of the workshop and if you have serious intentions related to the volume of work performed here. If your carpentry work is on a modest scale, then an alternative in the form of an empty garage or shed is quite capable of meeting your needs.

In order for a home workshop to meet the minimum requirements for comfort and safety, its area must be at least 6...10 m² (it all depends on the amount of equipment you plan to place in the workshop). This should be taken into account if you are going to build a special room for a workshop. If you plan to adapt an existing building of suitable size for a workshop, then use it. M a scarlet carpentry workshop can be quite convenient. N and six squares can accommodate not only the carpenter’s main tool – a carpenter’s workbench, but also a couple of the most popular machines: a sharpening machine for tools, as well as a drilling machine for wood processing, etc. And 40-50 sq.m. - this is practically a workshop.

This is what a regular FORUMHOUSE user writes about the size of the carpentry workshop.

AlekX member of FORUMHOUSE,
Moscow.

10 squares is enough... To arrange and work comfortably - from 25 squares, comfortably and impressively move with a cigar from machine to machine - from 40-50 sq.m.

And here is a photograph of the interior of his workshop, which measures 11 m².

Basic requirements for a carpenter's workshop

It is not enough to understand how to build a carpentry workshop or how to choose a suitable premises. When setting up a carpentry workshop, you need to remember five important factors, the presence of which guarantees convenience and safety while working inside the future premises:

  • fire safety;
  • effective sound insulation;
  • high-quality lighting;
  • proper ventilation;
  • ​efficient and safe heating.

Let's talk about all this in more detail.

Fire safety

To ensure fire safety, the workshop premises must have grounding. All machines and equipment should be connected to a common grounding circuit. A powder fire extinguisher, which is an essential element of a carpentry workshop, must be installed in a well-accessible place. The fire extinguisher must be rated ABC (for all flammable materials and electrical equipment) and have a capacity of 4.5 kg (10 lb). A container of sand, equipped with fire extinguishing equipment and installed near the entrance to the workshop, will give you an additional guarantee of safety.

Soundproofing

If the carpentry workshop is located near a living space, sound insulation in it is of great importance. To ensure this, you can use standard means, which include the use of special finishing materials, double-glazed windows and door structures.

Lighting

Good lighting is half the success of your carpentry workshop! This is not only comfort for your eyes, but also a necessary condition for work safety. Indeed, in conditions of insufficient visibility, injuries when working with electric and other woodworking tools occur much more often. And in order to avoid them, in addition to general lighting in the workshop, it is necessary to use additional lighting for the workplace (machine, workbench, etc.).

When working away from natural light, it is better to use a combination of lighting fixtures of different spectrums. Neon fluorescent lamps - for general lighting and incandescent lamps - for additional illumination of the workplace. According to doctors, the use of the same type of lighting devices does not always have a good effect on the condition of the visual organs.

Do-it-yourself carpentry in the garage.

The electrical cable that you run into the workshop to connect electrical equipment and lighting fixtures must have a suitable cross-section to withstand heavy loads. Wiring should be placed in metal conduits or pipes to help prevent fire in the event of a short circuit.

Ventilation

Even the simplest forced ventilation installed in a carpentry workshop will make your work much more comfortable and safer. Thanks to ventilation, you will not have to inhale wood dust, which can cause irritation of the respiratory tract and even diseases.

If you plan to install woodworking machines in the workshop, then installing a suitable chip ejector is an issue that requires a mandatory solution. Otherwise, the room will always be a mess, and all efforts aimed at ensuring fire safety will not have the desired effect. After all, wood dust, scattered in large quantities in the air, can ignite like gunpowder from the slightest spark.

Heating

If you plan to work in your future workshop all year round, then heating the room is an issue that should be taken very seriously. The warm air in the workshop will have a beneficial effect on your well-being, performance and the condition of the power tool. And only in such conditions is wood able to retain its best qualities.

It makes no sense to connect such a room to centralized heating (with rare exceptions). Therefore, installing an oil heater will be considered a completely worthy way out. Alternatively, you can use fan heaters or more modern infrared heaters. These devices will quickly heat a small room and, if the room is well insulated, will create a cozy microclimate inside the workshop.

Carpentry workshop layout

If, before creating a room for a carpentry workshop, you took into account the minimum requirements regarding the internal area of ​​the facility, then you will definitely have enough space to organize its main zones:

    space for machines;

    space for a workbench and assembly table;

    racks (shelves) for tools;

    space (corner) where equipment for cleaning the workshop is stored;

    container for waste and garbage (wooden box, etc.);

    attachments for storing hacksaws, tape measures and other tools;

    hanger (wardrobe) for workwear;

    wall cabinets for small tools, fasteners and other parts;

    storage space for wood and finished products.

An assembly table, like a workbench, is an essential element when planning a carpentry workshop. Here's what one of our forum participants thinks about it.

Yuzef member of FORUMHOUSE

An assembly table is a must. The simplest one is to cut one sheet of chipboard in half (according to the layout - lengthwise or crosswise) and fold two thicknesses (fasten with screws).

It is advisable to mount large items and equipment on walls or install them near them. This will free up some of the internal space for freer movement. In order to calculate the minimum area of ​​free space near a machine or workbench, it is necessary to multiply the area occupied by this device by 2. Tools and equipment used together must be located next to each other.

In order to save free space in workshops, some of their owners resort to little tricks: they build convenient folding workbenches. The working surface of such a device is mounted on the wall, and its unscrewing legs are stored in any convenient place. On the bottom surface of the workbench you can easily make mounts for storing a wide variety of tools.

This is the workshop layout suggested by user Sitnikoff.

I figured out the live arrangement in Visio, without the exact dimensions of the machines and equipment for the 5.6*6.2m option. Everything fits in and even more.

The room shown in the diagram has impressive dimensions, and not everyone can afford such dimensions. The general concept of arrangement of equipment and accessories shown in the figure will be clear to all interested.

Here is more detailed information about the proposed project. Everyone can find something useful in it. You will learn what to make a floor from in a carpentry workshop, what to build walls from, what the foundation will be like, etc.

Sitnikoff member FORUMHOUSE

For now, I’ll write about the design of the building for the carpentry workshop:

    The structure is a frame made of boards 150x50 mm. HSD 2.8m x 5.6 x 6.2. The height of the attic is 1.2 m.

    Build on a shallow strip foundation.

    Insulation - mineral wool or basalt 150 mm thick.

    Cover the outside and inside with OSB board.

    The outside of the slab is covered with clapboard.

    Floors - concrete, then EPS (50mm), warm water floor in a concrete screed.

    Floors – ceramic tiles.

    Heating is from a stove (I don’t know whether to buy a metal one or install a small Dutch oven), it is possible to connect a heated floor to the route running from the house to the bathhouse.

    The roof of the attic will be insulated in the same way as the walls, since there will be no ceiling (in case something will have to be hung or placed within reach), i.e. I am planning a dome in the workshop.

    The roof covering is metal tiles (especially since there is some reserve left after the house and bathhouse).

    The door is a metal double-leaf insulated door with a width of 120 cm (80 + 40).

    Windows – plastic double-glazed windows measuring 150 x 60 cm under the ceiling – 6 pcs.

    Window opposite the door 100x150 cm – 1 pc.

    I do not rule out the presence of skylights in the ceiling (I want light) - 4 pcs.

    Electrical equipment - 220 V in plastic boxes.

    Dust removal and ventilation system (you will probably have to place several boxes around the room to connect the tool to the dust removal system).

Basic rules for organizing space in the workshop

    Each machine, workbench and other equipment must have free access from three sides.

    The free space of the workshop should prevail in quantitative ratio over the space occupied by machines, cabinets and other items.

    The floor in the workshop must be smooth and dry, and under no circumstances should slippery materials be laid on its surface.

    The waste container must have 2 compartments (the first is for storing wood waste, the second is for storing other waste).

    A small supply of drinking water, as well as a fully stocked first aid kit, should be kept in a visible place.

Remember, when working in the workshop, you should not neglect personal protective equipment - overalls, safety glasses, respirators, and so on.

Those who want to watch a video on how to combine an ordinary garage with a carpentry workshop can familiarize themselves with the material prepared by a professional carpenter and a regular participant in our forum. A video about how to properly equip a cabinetmaker’s workplace is advisable for everyone who is planning to make a comfortable and multifunctional workbench with their own hands. You can get fresh ideas regarding arranging a carpenter’s home workshop in the “…” section. And you can participate in the discussion of issues related to the manufacture of wood products by visiting the forum section "".

A neat, well-organized workshop is the dream of many DIY enthusiasts and professionals. A corner in a room or garage is all you need to start setting up your workshop.

If you plan to spend your time in it often, then it’s worth putting in some effort now so that you can work comfortably and safely later. The functionality of the workshop is ensured by sufficient space for work and storage, the availability of electricity, lighting and ventilation.

The layout of your workshop will depend on its intended use. For some, allocating space for storing tools and simple repairs is enough, while others will need special equipment to practice their hobby.

Workshop space


If you're lucky, you may have a studio, shed or garage that you can use for your needs or hobbies. The space available will determine the content of your workshop, so it is necessary to plan very carefully how to make the workshop as efficient as possible.

If you're a car tinkerer, you'll need at least a one-car garage, but if you're a wood carver, four to six square meters in the corner of a spare room may be enough. In any case, it is important that the workshop is well organized, has good lighting, good ventilation, ensures safe work and easy cleaning.

Workshop lighting


The workspace should be well lit, as poor lighting can lead to poor results. Windows in the south wall will provide plenty of natural light without direct sunlight, which is ideal for working with wood.

If there is no window, then a skylight made from flexible pipes with a reflective coating is an excellent and easy-to-install alternative. In cases where artificial lighting is required, it is better to use 150-watt halogen flood lamps; Fluorescent lighting, although popular, is not very suitable for workshops because it distorts colors and creates a so-called stroboscopic effect, which makes a rapidly rotating object appear to be stationary. This is a serious work safety hazard when variable speed power tools such as routers, drills and lathes are used.

Linear halogen flood lamps

Place the lamps so that they are either directly above the workbench/work table or on one side. Do not place them so that they shine into the eyes or from behind, which creates shadows on the objects being processed.

Workshop ventilation

Cross-ventilation is best, so place your workbench between a door and a window if possible.

If the work is dusty or you will be using solvents or other volatile substances, cross-ventilation with air flowing from your back is preferable. This, together with an appropriate mask/respirator, will provide reasonable protection from airborne substances and particles.

Consider artificial ventilation using fans if adequate air circulation in the room is not possible. In cold climates, where windows and doors are kept closed and the room is heated, circulate air throughout the room using a fan air circulation system, preferably with a filter that is easy to clean. Adhesives and paints can produce fumes, so cross-ventilation is helpful in dispersing these fumes and also helps the adhesives and paints dry.

When working with wood, the air must be dry so that the wood does not warp or swell.

Workshop layout


First of all, you will need a sturdy, flat work surface in the form of a wooden workbench or table and enough space to assemble and move the items.

If your work area will be used for other purposes at the same time, consider a folding workbench and wall-mounted tool cabinet. In a limited space, a wall-mounted workbench or workbench with space underneath for storing various items will be more useful.

If you are the lucky owner of a large workshop, then a freestanding workbench will give you the greatest flexibility in its use. You'll likely need some sort of vise on your workbench, so consider where to make it and how much space you'll need to handle elements of your projects.

If you have machine tools, such as a cutting machine, drilling machine or lathe, try to place them so that it is easy to move between different work stations.

The floor surface needs to be given serious attention, especially if you will be standing on it for long periods; The floor should be such that it is easy to sweep and keep clean. Cover or eliminate low spaces under cabinets and shelving where dust can accumulate and where small parts can become difficult to remove.

Keep tools in close proximity to your work area, each in its place, so that you can always easily find the necessary tool.

The worst place to store tools is on a “big shelf,” that is, on the floor.


Most hand tools are usually stored on a wall panel. A low, open shelf under or nearby a workbench works well for storing hand-held power tools such as a drill or circular saw. The upper limit for tool storage is determined by where you can easily reach, and the most frequently used tools should be kept at or above the height of your workbench to avoid unnecessary bending.

Workshop layout example

The practical and user-friendly layout shown in the image above was originally designed for a cabinetmaker. Interesting points can be noted: a wall panel with its tools, a small cabinet and various shelves are located close and conveniently relative to the workbench. The band saw, as the most commonly used machine, is also nearby. The windows are very well placed and provide maximum natural light, which is complemented by several halogen floodlights (not shown). The machines are located so as not to be exposed to direct sunlight. The space between the roller doors and the workbench is sufficient for the assembly of large products.

Electrical supply in the workshop

Hanging universal electrical sockets are convenient and safe. Located above the workbench, they keep hand-held power tool cords off the bench and floor where they can be accidentally damaged or snagged, and also increase the tool's reach.

You may also need additional lighting, which should be placed above work areas and properly aimed to avoid annoying shadows and unlit areas. Ask your electrician to ensure there is sufficient wiring capacity to accommodate the possible installation of additional outlets that may be needed later, and inquire about special outlets and circuits that may be needed if you plan to use machine tools or welding equipment.


Make sure there are enough outlets, conveniently located around the work area and equipped with residual current devices (RCDs) to ensure safe work. Small power tools such as jigsaws and drills require standard 220-volt single-phase power, but machine tools such as bandsaws, drill presses and radial saws may require three-phase power.

All electrical installation work should only be carried out by a qualified electrician.

Work safety - how to ensure

Keeping your work area clean and tidy not only creates a pleasant work environment, but also ensures safety and health.

Always follow good work practices, such as wearing appropriate work clothing and protective equipment and using tools for the purpose for which they are intended. Be careful and protect yourself, your family, friends and anyone else who may have reason to enter your workshop.

Eye protection must be worn whenever necessary, such as when using a milling machine, drill, power saw, lathe or any tool with a fast moving part.


Noise-reducing headphones or earplugs are very important when working with loud equipment; Hearing damage often goes undetected for several years after it occurs.

Safe, comfortable footwear is a necessity, and protective work clothing such as overalls or overalls is essential when conditions are or will be contaminated with dust or other contaminants.

Close-fitting clothing and a hairnet will help prevent loose clothing or hair from getting caught in the machinery.

Machine tools and stationary machinery must have safety switches, such as circuit breakers and emergency switches. Automatic disconnectors automatically turn off the machine when the supply of electricity from the network stops, making it impossible for it to accidentally turn on when the power supply is suddenly restored.

Emergency stop button

The kill switch is usually a large red button that, when pressed, turns off the machine. As an added safety feature, many of these devices must be manually reset before the machine can be turned on again. Check these devices regularly to ensure they do not fail you in an emergency.


Disposable face shields/respirators provide adequate protection against normal dust, but if you work in environments with toxic fumes or very fine dust, respirators with replaceable cartridges should be used. When using a mask/respirator, carefully follow the manufacturer's recommendations and, if the work requires the use of toxic substances, carefully read the description of the substance to comply with the necessary precautions.

If your work produces a lot of dust, it would be wise to invest in a dust extraction system. All wood dust is potentially hazardous, especially from fiberboard (MDF, PSP) and chipboard. The simplest solution for a small workshop can be a household vacuum cleaner, but if there is a lot of dust or the work is carried out over a large area, then a system with dust removal pipes connected to each type of equipment would be best, or you can use a mobile dust collector that can be transported around the workshop to those places where where it is needed. For emergencies, keep a fire extinguisher and first aid kit on hand.

As a result, we can highlight several basic protective equipment that you need to have in your workshop:

  • Protective glasses. When working with power tools, you must protect your eyes.
  • Respirator with replaceable cartridges. More effective than disposable dust masks/respirators and suitable for working with toxic substances.
  • Gloves. They provide some protection against accidental injury, but should not be worn when operating machines with rotating implements.
  • Earplugs and headphones. Disposable earplugs provide good hearing protection. Some people find ear protection more comfortable and effective.
  • Shoes for work. Durable, hard boots with non-slip soles.
  • Jumpsuit/robe and hair net. Wearing close-fitting clothing helps prevent loose clothing and hair from getting caught in the machine.
  • Anti-dust respirator/mask. Disposable respirators effectively protect the respiratory system from wood dust.

Which workbench to choose


While an old table may be strong enough for small jobs, most carpentry projects will require a durable workbench.

The workbench should be approximately 850mm high and have spacers on the legs to ensure rigidity. The tabletop should be made of thick wood that can withstand impacts, especially at the front. Thinner wood can be used in the back or middle section to create a tray where tools can be safely placed.


If workshop space is limited, you can work with a portable folding workbench. When not needed, it can be folded and put away or transported to the construction site. Its tabletop is divided into two parts, which can be moved and extended, using as a vice.

Workbench accessories include adjustable bench pins for planing, bench stops for pepper cutting, a miter box for making bevels on parts, a pencil case for storing tools or hardware, and a carpenter's vice. The latter differ from a bench vice in that they fix the workpiece next to the workbench, and not from above, and also have wooden jaws to protect the products. Goats and various ladders will be useful.

Tool storage


Proper storage and care of your instruments will ensure they are in good condition. Shelves and shields for tools will protect them and help you always quickly find the right tool. A well-designed shield is a very useful thing in any workshop.

You can make your own toolbox to suit your tool kit and available space, and there are many special fasteners available for securing tools. Many tools are already sold in a storage container. Even if it's just a cardboard box, it will serve well for a while. If tools will not be used for some time, put them away, especially at the end of the working day.


Keep hardware and fasteners in their packaging until you need it - it is intended to protect and preserve the complexity of the products. Store screws and nails in a clearly labeled box.

Workshop tools

There are a huge variety of tools, but you can build your tool kit gradually, buying tools as needed. For best results, purchase only reputable brands. Here's a basic set of tools to get you started:

  • hammer with nail puller (570 g)
  • plane
  • surface planer
  • combined measuring square
  • steel tape measure (3 m)
  • three chisels/chisels (10, 18 and 32 mm)
  • Cross saw (650 mm long)
  • hacksaw with blade
  • nail puncher (3 mm)
  • set of twist drills set of screwdrivers (flat, Posidrive and Phillips)
  • whetstone (grindstone)
  • sanding block
  • variable speed electric drill
  • jigsaw

It is not enough just to have the necessary set of carpentry and improvised tools - you need to take care of their proper storage. It is for this purpose that it is worth thinking about creating a well-equipped home workshop, which will allow you to place each piece of equipment in its intended place. A workshop at the dacha will please the owner with complete order, because all the tools will be neatly laid out on the shelves. It is quite possible to equip it barn or garage.

A home workshop is a great place for those who like to create things with their own hands and carry out repair work. In order to work in a mini-workshop, you definitely need to think about the proper arrangement of its space. A do-it-yourself carpentry workshop is a workplace that every man will love.

In this article we will tell you how you can create and competently organize a carpentry workshop with your own hands. Follow the recommendations below - you will succeed.

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It’s one thing to find a suitable corner for a specific tool in a house or apartment, but it’s quite another to organize a workspace for a compact woodworking machine, plane, vice, workbench, anvil, electric saw and a whole range of other workshop utensils. If you don't have a very wide range of tools, you may be able to allocate a small amount of space for a mini — workshop even in the apartment. Of course, you can set up a full-fledged home carpentry workshop with your own hands it won’t work on a small square, because at a minimum you need to allocate a separate room for its organization. So in this case you will have to think about a different place for its equipment. A much more suitable place for organizing a workshop would be a garage or a country shed.


  • The fact that you have a family and neighbors who definitely won’t be delighted with the noisy work of the tools also speaks against organizing a home workshop in an apartment - it will be almost impossible to work for a long time;
  • Among other things, the amount of voltage required for the normal functioning of the tools can cause a sudden failure in the operation of the electrical network;
  • When dealing with wood, it is impossible to avoid the formation of a significant amount of sawdust, shavings, and wood dust, which are very dangerous when interacting with sparks from the operation of electric tools. In order to comply with fire safety measures, it is preferable to arrange the workshop area in a non-residential type premises.

How to choose the right place for construction or arrangement of a workshop

It often turns out that there is simply nowhere to put woodworking tools - as a rule, they bring in the majority of the income, requiring almost a separate room for their placement. This trend is especially noticeable with regard to machines and tools that require a significant amount of space.

The best ones for this purpose are:

  • summer dining room, not used for its intended purpose;
  • ordinary country veranda;
  • a barn or garage equipped with electricity (your own or rented);
  • semi-basement premises;
  • attic;
  • premises attached to the house;
  • a certain room in a large private house (a separate entrance is required).


The procedure for organizing a workspace in a home workshop

When allocating the necessary space, you should also remember the minimum size of the area, which allows you to equip a full-fledged workshop with your own hands. Try to ensure that your home workshop does not resemble an ordinary barn, but is divided into a number of functional departments:

  • machines located next to sockets;
  • shelves or cabinets for small-sized tools;
  • a corner reserved for placing tools for cleaning the workshop (boxes and buckets, brooms, mops, containers, garbage bags and buckets);
  • hanging structures;
  • a separate shelf, hanger or hooks for work uniforms;
  • a special department equipped for storing manufactured items;
  • mini — cabinets for storing small tools;
  • space allocated for storing materials involved in the work.

In the central part of the workshop, as well as next to the working area of ​​the equipment, it is necessary to provide free space for comfortable movement of the worker and his assistant (if necessary). The space occupied by the machine and workbench should be doubled - this is the coefficient of the minimum usable area for the workshop.


In addition, you need to allocate a certain space for free movement around the room, rearrangement of working tools and equipment, as well as for small tools (in total, about 3 sq. m.).

In what cases is it necessary to install heating and lighting in the workshop?

The project for a home workshop created with your own hands provides a solution to the issue of heating it in the winter - provided that you plan to work at any time of the year. Heating devices are necessary to establish the temperature required for a comfortable working process. If you have chosen a windswept barn as your workshop space , You simply cannot work all year round. During work, there is often a need to quickly warm your palms, which get cold even with thick gloves (most often this is required when working with metal).

It is necessary to heat the workshop if its location is:

  • garage or shed on a summer cottage, not supplied with heating;
  • attic space of a private house;
  • unoccupied house (auxiliary building);
  • glazed loggia;
  • attic room.

The country workshop project involves going through certain stages

  • Each electric tool or machine must be provided with a designated place for it and unobstructed access to the working surface from several angles;
  • The free area should be at least twice the space occupied by the devices;
  • Expensive electrical appliances that you do not intend to use in the near future should be placed in a special cabinet - especially if various clients and customers often appear in the workshop;
  • The workshop must be equipped with a flat, strong and very reliable floor that can withstand the fall of heavy tools and high temperatures. But it is better to place particularly toxic liquids in a separate shed or securely hide them from direct sunlight;
  • It is necessary to observe all fire safety measures provided by law: ground the machines, acquire a powder-type fire extinguisher;


  • The workshop requires ventilation equipment and also does not tolerate high humidity;
  • It is worth taking proper care of sufficient sound insulation;
  • Regular cleaning of your work area is essential for your safety. Therefore, it is best to purchase a high-quality vacuum cleaner for cleaning, suitable for cleaning the floor from sawdust and fine dust that appears during woodworking. Also, the workshop should always have rags to remove oil stains;
  • It is recommended to separate boxes for construction waste according to their purpose: some should be allocated for waste that appears after working on wood and metal, and others should be used for other waste;
  • Make sure that there is always a certain supply of water in the workshop (it should be stored in tightly closed containers in an easily accessible place);
  • Paints, various solvents, chemicals and toxic substances, and flammable liquids must be stored separately from other work utensils. Ensure that they are located remotely from heating devices, direct sunlight and flames;
  • You should get rid of garbage immediately: it is especially important to immediately dispose of empty containers of highly flammable liquids, toxic liquids, and technical lubricants. Deliver scrap metal on time;
  • Place a container of dry sand in the workshop (or auxiliary tool shed) - this is necessary in case of fire in electrical equipment or machines. For the same purpose, it is worth storing tarpaulins, dense fabrics, and worn outerwear - they will help block the path of oxygen to the flame;
  • After working with a machine or workbench, cleaning should be done immediately, since waste in the form of shavings, sawdust and oils greatly increases the risk of fire;

DIY workshop construction and its operation is a fairly high-risk process. Therefore, it is imperative to place a fully stocked first aid kit (at least a mini first aid kit) in it.


The kit includes:

  • bandages, plasters and cotton wool;
  • tourniquet;
  • analgesics;
  • brilliant green;
  • febrifuge;
  • medical alcohol;
  • medical glue for treating minor wounds.

Equipment needed to set up a workshop

1. Workbench – you can either purchase it or make it yourself. There are workbenches of metalworking and carpentry types;
2. A woodworking machine is a key element for any woodworking shop. You can also make it yourself, but getting a ready-made one is much less problematic;
3. An electric plane is also a fairly commonly used tool. Designed for woodworking, but also very useful in construction and repair work.
4. Vices and clamps are necessary to securely fasten and hold the material being processed in a comfortable position.


List of commonly used hand tools for working with wood:

  • manual plane;
  • drill (equipped with attachments);
  • feathers (drills) for wood;
  • set of hacksaws;
  • roulette;
  • hammer;
  • clamps, etc.


List of required power tools:

  • electric screwdriver;
  • corner grinding unit;
  • electric jigsaw;
  • electric saw;
  • electric milling machine, etc.