Your shed isn’t doing anyone any good sitting out back, underused and neglected. Sure, you have some odds and ends stored within those four walls, but think about the wasted potential. If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your shed into a fully functional carpentry workshop, now’s the time to seize the day and make it happen. You need a space to work with your hands; to unwind after a long day at work or on the weekends.
Here are four ways to turn your shed into a working carpentry station—a home away from home where you’ll want to spend your free time and enjoy the smell of fresh wood shavings as you create one-of-a-kind pieces.
Get on the Power Grid
As Backyard Buildings notes, there are a few ways to go about powering your carpenter’s cave. You can hire an electrician to run electricity out to your shed, install the wiring yourself (if you’re sure you can do it safely) or opt for a battery-operated power source. It depends on how much you plan on using the space as well as your budget.
Add a Sturdy Work Surface
A carpenter’s dream can quickly turn into a nightmare if the infrastructure of their workspace isn’t strong enough to support their needs. The last thing you want is a workbench or table that collapses just as you’re putting the finishing touches on a piece! If you plan on building your bench, you’ll want stiff wood, sturdy joints (like dovetail and through-tenon) and a benchtop that’s at least five feet long, according to Popular Woodworking.
You’ll also need to add your trusty tools to the space, positioning them so they’re highly functional and safe to use. You know better than anyone how quickly the cost of power tools can add up. This Old House prices a compact sidewinder around $100 dollars, a professional-grade sidewinder around $150 and a worm-drive saw at $200 minimum. Luckily, what you invest in your gear up front should last you for a long time to come. That is, if nothing major happens like a fire, theft, windstorm or leak. Establishing your workshop is the right time to compare homeowner’s insurance quotes to make sure your new, valuable carpentry structure is covered in the event of an accident or disaster at actual cash value or replacement cash value.
Maximize Storage Space
Clutter is antithetical to great carpentry. You don’t want to be tripping over cords and digging through piles of hand tools every time you take on a project, do you? It behooves you to optimize your shed’s storage. One DIY option is flipping an old file cabinet on its back, mounting it on wheels and using it as a storage for long-handled items or pieces of wood. You can also mount pegboard on the walls to give you a place to hang your tools, and build cubbies for various screws, nails, nuts, bolts and other small items.
Add Comfort Touches
After a long day of carpentry, your soul feels satisfied. But do your knees feel creaky from standing all day? Are your shoulders sore from hunching over all day? Sounds like you need some adequate seating and rubber flooring. You can choose your level of cushiness, ranging from one-fourth inch to one-half inch thick, to your liking.
With a few basics (electricity, homeowner’s insurance coverage and a work station) and a few add-ons (springy flooring and your tools of the trade), your plain shed will become your favorite place to tackle carpentry work in no time
