The shop layout

I met with a builder recently about my new shop. He seemed interested in building it and has time to start on it soon. I wished I had an exterior sketch to include with this post, but I did include some layouts. I tried to describe the shop well enough for you to get a mental image.

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My building will have just over 300 square feet of heated space. I’ll use a mini split to heat and cool the building. Gable ends of the wood shop will each have four windows. The shop’s roof ridge will run perpendicular to our house.

The ridge of the office/bath “bump out” will run perpendicular to the wood shop’s roof, creating an overall L-shaped structure. The siding will match the fiber cement board on our house. Margaret would like for the shop’s exterior color to match or compliment the house color.

The building will be nestled beneath the trees at the back of our property. Since a lot of leaves and limbs will fall on the roof, it’ll have a metal roof.

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When people hear the shop will be 12’ x 16’, they say it’ll be too small. But, I won’t be building cabinets and big pieces of furniture. This will be a hobby woodshop. I’ll build things to be assembled on a table or workbench.

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The office will be just big enough for its main purpose . . . a place for me to write. A cabinet row with a small sink, mini fridge and microwave will be included. (Writing well makes you hungry.) Windows above the desk will look into the forest behind our house. I’ll add a couple of chairs and at least one bookcase. LVP flooring will cover the entire floor because it’s durable, easily cleaned and cost effective.

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Margaret requested a shower stall in the half bath since “we can make the building an Airbnb when you’re tired of woodworking.”

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Tentative plans for the shop layout:

• The workbench under the back windows will extend from wall to wall and have deep drawers beneath the countertop. The sliding compound miter saw will be in the center.
• The table saw will be built into a combination cabinet/extension table which can also be used as an assembly table.
• I will leave an open area in a corner where I can set up and take down a spray booth.
• The bigger tools – a drill press and band saw – will be benchtop tools on portable cabinets. I know I want a portable stand-alone router table. I’m still considering a jointer and a planer.
• I will decide later about dust collection. I’ll rely on shop vacs to start. If I decide I need a system, there’ll be room for a closet and I’ll run PVC pipe in the space beneath the floor since at least half the building will be built on piers.

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I wish I had pictures. I hope the attached diagrams help you understand:

View Barn Diagram

View Shop Layout

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