Workshop Design - 5 Keys to a Small Shop Layout | Evening Woodworker

This is my workshop design tutorial on how to layout a small shop or any shop. My garage shop design works well for a variety of different types of projects of various sizes and shapes. If you follow this guide, you can layout your workshop or garage shop with confidence and maximizing your shop efficiency and flow.
I've found that my favorite ways to organize things in my shop is by designing my own shop furniture! Check out my plans here:
www.eveningwoodworker.com/buy...
00:00 Workshop Design Summary
00:35 Shop Layout with Graph paper
02:53 Design around your material flow
04:37 Keep things mobile
05:55 Plan for future growth
07:20 Utilize dead space
08:05 Store hand tools where they will be used
09:04 Bonus Tip!!
10:30 Woodworking wisdom!
Tools used in my shop:
Ridgid Spindle Sander: homedepot.sjv.io/vd1Ej
Ridgid Router 2.5hp homedepot.sjv.io/MeoRo
Husky 30gal Air Compressor: homedepot.sjv.io/mdro1
Dewalt 13in Thickness Planer: homedepot.sjv.io/LkoRY
Worksharp 3000: amzn.to/2UM88qs
Dewalt 12" Sliding Compound Miter Saw: amzn.to/2UWVRiR
Jet Jointer JJ-6CSX: amzn.to/2UwVywd
Jet Mortiser: amzn.to/2QXtFLA
Dewalt 20V Drill Driver Combo: amzn.to/2JBEwXy
Dewalt Random Orbital Sander: amzn.to/2R5qP7t
Hegner Multi Max 18 Scroll Saw: amzn.to/34hF5iV
Portable Belt Sander: homedepot.sjv.io/XBEK3
2hp Dust Collector: amzn.to/2VbkKHV
Workshop Vac: amzn.to/3bF7ul6
Polyurethane mallet: amzn.to/3bVgl2z
Ridgid 12V Drill Driver Combo: homedepot.sjv.io/7gKK5
Hudson Shop Apron: amzn.to/2R5oSIb
Also check out my social media pages:
/ eveningwoodworker
/ eveningwoodworker
Website: www.eveningwoodworker.com/
My name is Jared. I am an engineer by day and a woodworker by night... usually after the kids are in bed and before the neighbors call the cops!
This channel is about all things woodworking. I do project build videos, how-to videos, shop setup and shop layout videos, tip & tricks, and tool reviews of the stuff I'm using. I will also show you how I organize and work in my small shop in 1 bay of my garage. If you want to improve your woodworking and get inspired with some creative projects and innovative designs, come join me as a fellow evening woodworker and let's go make some sawdust!
Now go build something!
#shoptour #woodworking #workshopdesign

[@EveningWoodworker]

Check out more of my woodworking tips & tricks right here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKGYop-GesSerJo

[@MrGspring]

"Improve a little bit each day." Sage advice from a young man. Very infomative and enjoyable. Keep up the good work!

[@EveningWoodworker]

Thanks! I have to credit my wise father with giving me that advice.

[@konnan442]

Great video for efficiency. It is the key to productivity, regardless of the space available to you!

[@pavlos12]

Never wear gloves when operating planer. Thanks for the video, good luck.😉

[@istoetudoumapalhacada4718]

Why is that?

[@brettcoon4067]

@@istoetudoumapalhacada4718 the blades can grab the glove and pull your hand in

[@msk3905]

@@istoetudoumapalhacada4718 one of the first thing that they teach you during woodworking safety 101

[@adamcramm]

Gloves with power tools is generally a bad idea.

[@luminousfractal420]

shouldnt we have decent bladeproof gloves by now?

[@JessyRenae]

Thanks so much for the suggestion to use the little pieces for figuring out how you want your shop6set up. That's genius!

[@chuckchapdelaine6110]

Love the analogy of the shop is like a person, no one's perfect and we (and the shop) are constantly improving!

[@Aspenlogic]

The boom arm is the bomb. So smart to bring dust collection from the ceiling. Then he adds an outlet!

[@EveningWoodworker]

I need to add a boom arm too

[@nickbest2810]

Perfect, as a new woodworker just starting out, this information is just what I need. It's a little overwhelming trying to decide which way to go. I love the cardboard cutout method of planning, I've done that myself over the years and found it a very relaxing method of planning. Thanks for this video, very helpful. I have to go now and make something :)

[@David-hm9ic]

The tip about anti-fatigue mats is probably one of the more underrated ones. Not only do they help endurance while standing; they also help prevent the transmission of cold in the slab into the shoes and feet. My feet have been cold for as long as I can remember and the mats, even the cheap Harbor Freight ones, make a world of difference when the slab gets cold in the winter. Even with a heated and cooled shop, I don't care to keep it warm when I'm not in it so that concrete can get very cold. I like your creativity and forethought!

[@EveningWoodworker]

Yeah I can't work long without mine!

[@luminousfractal420]

they do make a difference, i had spine surgery a few years back and washing dishes still gives me back pain (im tall so i have to lean over to wash in the sink), i got one of those mats to help with the recovery, it totally took the pain away from just standing there. not sure of the physics involved with that other than using more small muscle groups to stabilize you, sharing the load. but they absolutely work.

[@randysonnicksen9475]

I keep my corded hand tools plugged in and in a drawer right below my workbench surface. Circular saw, jig saw, portable band saw, orbital sander, 1/2” Milwaukee hole shooter drill. Saves SOOO much time. Grab, cut, n-go

[@bobcarter6483]

I’ve been looking at a heap of KZbin content for ideas on setting up my new workshop. This video is without doubt the best video on organizing my workspace. Thank you so much!

[@EveningWoodworker]

Thanks! I really appreciate that. Good luck setting up your shop!

[@outerbanksproductions_videos]

Amazing video! Great job! I just made 4 wheel set ups for many of my larger tools.

[@chadkinney1103]

Fantastic video. I’m just getting into wood working and I’m building a shop from scratch so I’ve been obsessively watching best practice videos for shop layouts. This was the best one I’ve seen so far. Great thought put into it and well made video. Thank you for doing this! You’re making it easier for a noob like me to get started!

[@EveningWoodworker]

Great! I'm glad it helped! I'm always happy to hear when people are getting into woodworking. It's so satisfying and fulfilling. Welcome to the community!

[@onebad36ford]

Best video I have found….

[@markknight5836]

A fab guide. Clear and inspiring. Now to dig out my graph paper and plan

[@danielaggeler9263]

Thank you! This is a well thought-out and complete video on planning shop layout. I don't think anything has been missed. Good job! This is the video I was looking for.

[@mrclean146]

Second time around watching this video. Great tips especially for a small shop that I'm trying to get together.

[@EveningWoodworker]

Thanks! Good luck with your setup.

[@donaldswan1587]

SO helpful! Glad I watched your video, thank you!

[@aliciadonohue9001]

I used your mapping technique today and I am so thankful for you for sharing this information. What a lifesaver! I hope to pass it on. Thank you again!!

[@EveningWoodworker]

Thanks! I'm glad it helped. Show the video to all of your friends!

[@4149dwiley]

All good advice tips. One thing makes me more productive and want to stay longer in my shop is quality sound system in shop. Love music playing while I work on projects. Maybe not a layout tip but a productivity tip. Thanks for your insight.

[@TheJcdm327]

Watched this video a long time ago. Didn't do anything about it...until now I need to organize. I remembered the concept but not where I saw it. So, I made a schematic of my shop and tools. It's a lot easier moving paper cutouts around than the real tools and benches. It's interesting that this video just shows up while browsing KZbin. Thanks for the video.

[@EveningWoodworker]

You're welcome! I'm glad it helped

[@MrPete1x]

Great. Thank you for showing

[@95countach]

I love a well-organized video. Kudos to you for putting out a great video! 👏 I look forward to watching your other videos.👍

[@georgesyrimis6905]

Love the shop and all the tips, hope to arrange my space better soon too

[@billstoye3628]

Yep, many have said this, great video, very helpful and insightful!

[@shturmovik3033]

The mats are a super idea…great video, something for everyone here.

[@whiskeyrichards9973]

Can't thank you enough for these really insightful, and helpful tips. As a craftsman who works regularly in many different mediums (from woodwork, leather-work, and metal fabrication to sculpting, painting and even some candle and soap crafting) I find myself constantly struggling with the layout of my shop, and how things are organized, and stored. Over the past year I've been gathering the necessary materials to do a few major upgrades and this video has given me the inspiration to get started as well as relieved much of the apprehension of actually so!

[@EveningWoodworker]

Good luck! You can do it!

[@MrBubbajohnson1]

Looking good. Great ideas!

[@jdoane67]

Thanks! Just the right video to point me in the right direction for my limited space workshop.

[@EveningWoodworker]

Good luck! It's totally doable!

[@harveytherobot]

This was so helpful! Thanks.

[@gettingnoodletowalkagain891]

I have so many ideas and so little space...in my head... thanks for the video...it is going to be a great help...

[@MarkPrimavera]

Very good tips, probably the best videos I have seen so far.

[@EveningWoodworker]

Thanks I appreciate that!

[@davidroe4121]

I’ve done a lot of thinking and research on maximizing small shops. This might be the most useful video I’ve seen on this subject. Really well done, and 100% agree on all your points.

[@EveningWoodworker]

Thanks I really appreciate that! Good luck with your shop!

[@ecko827]

thank you for the ideas

[@guidomorandin7148]

Awesome explanation and thought put into this. Thank you.

[@jerrywilson1303]

A well thought-out presentation! I have used some of these ideas downsizing from a pole barn shop to a 2 car garage, but I will certainly incorporate some of your concepts soon. One thing I found to be essential in order to process sheet goods and pieces at or over 8 feet long is to get as many surfaces as possible at exactly the same level - except for my workbench, which is lower. Plywood sheets glide in with the help of my radial arm saw table, across the router table (that doubles as an outfeed for the saw), and onto a narrow table behind the table saw. The workbench being below this level avoids your having to clear off things you're working on and tools you have out. It was a challenge to get some tools on rollers to conform to this level concept, but it has been well worth it. Several of my tools are paired up on rolling cabinets - even a back-to-back 12" restored bandsaw with a 10" "baby bandsaw." Pairing up tools allows them to store against a wall, but you spin them out to use the tool of choice. There's a scroll saw with an orbital sander, etc. Again . . . great job on your video.

[@EveningWoodworker]

That's some great advice... keep the benches at the same height!

[@HDBoyWonder]

Excellent advice. Thank you.

[@IsaKocoglu]

This video is bucking frilliant! I *LOVE* the graph paper trick! I have been through two garages, and am at my third one, over the last five to six years, wondering how to setup my garage workshop! I am subscribing right now! Thank you so much!

[@EveningWoodworker]

Haha Frilliant! Glad it helped... Thanks for subscribing!

[@ThePapa41]

Great advise, thank you, Louis

[@verbimaarten]

That was very informative! Thanks!

[@marcelofonsecamonteirodese5148]

Thanks, It helped me a lot ! Regards from Brazil.

[@luigilino48]

Thank you for the video! Amazing video! Great job

[@user-it4wn1gt4q]

I think you did an excellant job explaing shop design. I too have a similiar sized shop and just bought my first piece, the table saw. I am going to need a bunch more stuff and was feeling intimidated by the manatude of the project but you helped keep it in perspective. Thank you!

[@vincentputhoff7570]

Just got a new house with a 2 car garage and an extra 3rd car single garage on the side. This helps me out a ton! Thank you for the video!

[@EveningWoodworker]

Sounds fun! Good luck with the new shop!

[@jamesfleming2181]

Great practical advice, thanks!

[@deldridg]

Great advice and thank you. I'm currently designing my new workshop, including a mezzanine work area above the bigger machinery. So exciting! New sub from Sydney. Cheers - Dave

[@debellsworth646]

Thank You!

[@JuliusHiiden]

Cool ideas, I have a similar size garage room . Your tips are really helpful

[@jasonnguyen6777]

thank you! I like your instruction style. This is so helpful. I am thinking of setting up shop in my garage and this already save me so much time planning to fit everything together.

[@EveningWoodworker]

Thanks and good luck!

[@joshbolton4916]

Awesome video,great tips. Appreciate your time.

[@rtgray7]

So encouraging for me. I was feeling sorry for myself but I think I have about the same space as you. Thanks!

[@EveningWoodworker]

Don't worry! You can make it work

[@CleverWoodworks]

Extremely great point about making the most with your dead space, good video

[@EveningWoodworker]

Thanks! I still have dead space I need to fix!

[@CleverWoodworks]

@@EveningWoodworker But I should confess, I am most jealous about all the space you have. I'm working out of a garage in the UK.

[@lalocruz7615]

As an amateur with woodworker, I typically feel overpowered with the entire arrangement. Be that as it may, this arrangements drove me through with much clarity and effortlessness [Link Here== *TopFineWoodworking. Com* . I now work like a genius. That is great!?

[@hitechfl]

Thank you for the video! I'm working on reorganizing my shop and this is going to be a huge help! I'm now a subscriber.

[@EveningWoodworker]

Awesome! Thanks for your support and good luck with your setup!

[@insanecomicdude]

This was hugely helpful. Thanks.

[@guyh.4553]

Great ideas, I just did a similar use of the layout. Something that I did was instead of using Imperial, I used metric instead at scale. Actually easier to cut out. I'm in process of rearranging my father's garage/shop & shop for thos specific purposes. And the thing about shops are they will never be perfect, we'll ALWAYS want to rearrange & reorganize them. Thank you very much The Family Handyman magazine, Pintrest, & KZbin! 😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂 Thanks for the good ideas

[@EveningWoodworker]

Yes it's always a work in progress! Keep improving and making it better

[@arlansloan5371]

Great video. One thing that helped me out and you touched on it lightly, think about the work area around each tool. For example, a miter box you the work area is to the right and left of the miter box. A jointer or planer you need more space in front and behind the tool. By keeping the flow of the tool in mind you can keep like flow items flowing together thus utilizing the same floor space

[@EveningWoodworker]

Exactly right! Well said... leave space in the areas where wood needs to go

[@Noname-bq4qc]

Hell yeah I love this. I built my first wood bench to carve stuff.

[@bbfoto7248]

@The Evening Woodworker Great video with excellent tips! For the blank white wall where you want to build cabinets above the benchtop, I would make at least part of it more of the adjustable "cubby hole" shelves with dados and divider inserts like you did in the base cabinet. Your tools and any other items are just immediately available, no drawers or doors to open, and the cubbies can obviously be sized to fit just about anything reasonable. To keep dust out of them, I simply attached some inexpensive roll-up/down vinyl window shades under a small lip or overhang along the top front of the cubby cabinet. It's really simple to "open and close" the cabinets with the window shades. And you can leave the window shades rolled up to keep them open for easy access while you're working at the bench without having cabinet doors sticking out. Saves on weight and plywood as well. In my shop I also have some of those generic 6ft tall by 36" & 48" wide metal erector-set type storage shelf units for general purpose storage. I use the same white roll-up vinyl window shades attached to the top front.of these utility shelves to keep dust off of them. I also attached some vinyl shelf liner (sold in various width rolls) to the sides where the ends of the shelves are exposed to "enclose" them and keep dust from entering the sides. The roll-up/down vinyl window shades are inexpensive and come in standard sizes or can be easily made to custom lengths and widths very inexpensively. A variety of colors and patterns are available as well. I just stick with the standard white ones as they are cheaper and keep the shop bright and open.

[@EveningWoodworker]

Those are some great ideas for my blank wall! Thanks for the insights

[@lalocruz7615]

Since I read *TopFineWoodworking. Com* , I think nothing will ever surpass it as an outstanding woodworking book. The book consists of attractive images as well as drawings and also reader-friendly text. I consider this book a "must have" since it supplies a broad range of information on just about everything working with woodworking and does it quite well.?

[@CatherineELevy]

Great job! Thanks! 👍🏼

[@davidcairns3203]

Good clear presentation and excellent thought-provoking content. Thank you!

[@EveningWoodworker]

Thanks!

[@steitos]

*The workshop looks great 🤗*

[@philipgreenwood841]

Great video thanks. Very to the point and no fluff. This will help planning my classic car workshop area.

[@EveningWoodworker]

Sounds fun! Good luck!

[@matthewzaiasmozaic7727]

Thanks a lot for this video! I am converting my old barn board garage into my workshop (very slowly),but I found that I'm not as organized as I should be. You just helped me out a ton in that respect. Keep up the excellent videos. Being a novice in the craft, I need all the help I can get! Cheers from Upstate New York!

[@EveningWoodworker]

Thanks! Best of luck with your shop!

[@thetoolwallchannel]

Awesome! Such great info. Thanks for sharing.

[@campbedn]

Thanks!

[@PowerToolsForBeginners]

Thanks for the great ideas and tips

[@jeffg1370]

Nice video.. thank you. Really liked the positive attitude and uplifting message at the end. Looking forward to more videos.

[@EveningWoodworker]

Thanks! We all need more positivity these days

[@SethWillis]

Thank you for the good ideas!

[@EveningWoodworker]

You're welcome!

[@ronk9625]

Thanks for the tips!

[@EveningWoodworker]

No problem!

[@cindyseger1751]

Such a great video!!!! Thank you.

[@christopherbrathwaite440]

Thanks for sharing really appreciate,trying to set up my shop. Great advice thanks from Barbados

[@ezra136]

Awesome! Thank you for the tips.

[@EveningWoodworker]

No problem!

[@kylergustafson2500]

Excellent principles around shop layout. The video was well done. Thanks.

[@EveningWoodworker]

Thanks! I hope it helps

[@danharvey61]

Great advice!

[@maryjocookson7156]

Thanks so much for this easy to understand full of common sense video, it is inspiring to watch!

[@EveningWoodworker]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ruffiun1881]

Really good tips on the layout. Thanks.

[@haroldlanglois8986]

Good tips, thanks

[@jerryclare312]

excellent video. I have been struggling with setting up my shop. i really like the cutting of of stationary tools and laying them on a draft drawing of the shop. Smart!

[@EveningWoodworker]

It works! ...and it's much easier than moving real tools and workbenches!

[@parthadatta6239]

Outstanding video. Practical, Crisp and very informative. Thank you!

[@EveningWoodworker]

Thank you!

[@woodsniffer]

Good information thanks for posting

[@williambuckley1185]

This is an extremely good video, you have done well with it. These are things I think about a lot and you have been most helpful, so thanks for taking the time to do this. Looking forward to your next video. Regards, (Bill from Australia).

[@EveningWoodworker]

Thank you! I'm glad it helped!

[@daniresanchez]

This is just superb, I have been researching "new woodworking projects" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Ever heard of - Yanathew Wood Waggler - (search on google )? It is a good one of a kind guide for building amazing sheds and your own wood work projects minus the headache. Ive heard some unbelievable things about it and my mate got cool success with it.

[@-babayounishouse8264]

Thank you so much that was really helpful 🌹

[@EveningWoodworker]

Great! Glad it helped

[@shaynesabala]

I forgot to mention this. Your suggestion about the floor mats is spot on. I threw a 5x8 rug down (temporary) for this very reason. If you are not doing this, you are abusing your body unnecessarily.

[@draztiqmeshaz6226]

Great, thanks!

[@EW-sr5bl]

Outstanding Video!!! At present, I am stuck with a small outdoor area in West Texas with barely an 6 ft AFF galvanized roof overhead. I am determined and will prevail. Your video was very informative and inspirational. Thanks

[@EveningWoodworker]

Good luck! Just try different things and see what works for you.

[@claytonholton2749]

Young buddy I love your advice!

[@EveningWoodworker]

Thanks!

[@syncdnlnkd]

Great tips- I have a mess of tools in my garage since we moved and I’ve been overwhelmed with trying to lay it out- these are great tips!

[@EveningWoodworker]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Nanauwood]

Thanks so much. This was a big help to me. I just got a medium size storage building that I am turning into my wood shop.

[@EveningWoodworker]

Glad I could help... Good luck!

[@limawhisky]

thanks for your vid, very smart way of use of space

[@EveningWoodworker]

Thanks!

[@normansidey5258]

Hi from England, thank you for the extremely good and common sense advice you impart in this video, it is probably more appreciated than you realise, nice shop and tools, but most important you seem to be a nice man with a natural gift for presentation. Have a very pleasant day.

[@EveningWoodworker]

Thank you sir! I appreciate the compliment. Good luck in your shop!

[@ekphrastic_poet5362]

I found this video to be really helpful. Thank you for sharing your experience. Good advice. Very useful.

[@EveningWoodworker]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tyrsafray4640]

This was an awesome and thoughtful video... great basic common sense principals and concepts... Great things to consider!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@EveningWoodworker]

Glad it helped! Good luck with your setup!

[@coachcashmoney]

Thanks! I like the cubbies for your power hand tools!

[@EveningWoodworker]

Thanks man!

[@atteljas]

Great! Im bound to do some changes in the shop

[@EveningWoodworker]

Awesome! Make it work for you!

[@bobclarke7054]

Great video, right time right place for me. Cardboard cutouts awesome idea :)

[@EveningWoodworker]

Thanks I'm glad it helped!

[@hazelcoate9203]

great video thanks

[@apotheticallyautistic73]

GREAT video, so helpful wxa try what I needed THANK YOU 🙏

[@donuszko1]

great tips

[@DrOckto]

Thank you....

[@georgemathew1155]

Thank you very much. I am trying to get into wood working. This video is very informative. I really liked the final positive message also. Very nice.

[@EveningWoodworker]

Thanks! I'm glad it has helped. Welcome to the fun side of the island!