Do you fancy yourself a bit of a DIY whiz? Are you handy with tools around the house? Maybe you’re an office worker by day, but on the weekends you love to tinker in your own makeshift workshop. Or perhaps you’re on the tools already, and like to do your own repairs and maintenance at home.
Whatever the case, having a workshop at home is a great idea for anyone who’s keen on DIY activities. But how exactly do you go about creating a workshop at home that works for you and your space?
In this article, we’re going to share the secret to crafting the perfect saw spot and explore six essential tips you can use to help put together your very own at-home workshop.
Invest in Tools
The first step is to invest in saws, drills, shifters, wrenches, screwdrivers, and all the tools that you’ll need for those odd jobs around the house.
If you’re in a trade, chances are high that you probably already have a full set of tools.
If you’re not, however, it can be a bit bewildering to choose from so many options. There is a range of different brands of tools on the market, each with their own unique benefits.
As a rule of thumb, it’s best to avoid the cheapest tools on the market when putting together any home workshop, but that doesn’t mean you need to invest in the most expensive, professional level tools either. Aim for something middle of the range. This way, you can feel pretty confident that your tools are designed to last.
In terms of what you need - it really depends on the type of projects you want to take on at home. That being said, no workshop is complete without a saw, a drill, an impact driver, a spirit level, a sander, a grinder, and a sturdy, reliable hammer. You can even go for a nail gun if you feel like splurging a little.
Create The Space
The next step is to create the perfect space for your at-home workshop. If you already have a garage or a shed, you’re in luck! These structures are perfect for converting into a workshop.
As you may imagine, converting your garage into a workshop is relatively easy to achieve. If you don’t have a garage or existing shed, then constructing a separate shed is the best way to go. Workshops are dusty and can generate a lot of dirt, sawdust, and other byproducts of DIY jobs, so using a spare room that’s attached to your home is usually out of the question.
You can find fit for purpose sheds at major hardware stores, or even online.
Upgrade The Workshop
Now that you’ve got the space set out, it’s time to deck it out.
The first step is to find some decent, solid trestle tables. One or two should do. You’ll want a surface that you can work on that is stable, won’t shift under any weight, and can easily hold your tools and other materials.
Then you’ll want a stool or a seat that you can sit on while you tinker. although you won’t always work whilst sitting down, it can be nice to rest your legs as you perform smaller, fiddly tasks.
Speaking of fiddly tasks, you’ll need some decent lighting in your workshop so that you’re never at risk of straining your eyes. If you’re using your garage, check if the overhead lighting provides enough illumination for your tasks. If not, consider having some additional lights installed, or invest in some sturdy lamps.
If you’re going the shed route, invest in some work lights on stands. These are generally powered by mains power, so you may need an extension cord.
Once you’ve addressed your lighting, you’ll be happy to hear that you’ve nearly finished upgrading your space. There are just a few more steps to go.
The next stage is to add some decorations, to truly make your workshop your very own. You may want to put up posters, a calendar, or some other simple touches, much as you would in an office space. Feel free to really express yourself!
Tool Organization Systems
Now that you’ve got your tools and set up your space, the next thing you should turn your eye to is organizing your tools. There are a few different ways you can go about this step.
A toolbox is usually handy for your smaller, handheld tools. You can put all your spanners, wrenches, shifters, screwdrivers, hammers and the like into your toolbox. Tool boxes tend to be available in an array of different makes and styles, ranging from traditional tool boxes with handles, to portable larger boxes on wheels.
Another option is to mount some pegboard on a wall and install some hangers for your tools to hang on. This is a great path of action because with a pegboard, every tool will have its own spot, so you’ll minimize the amount of time you’ll spend searching for specific tools.
Heating and Cooling
This is particularly important, as we’re assuming you’re following the above advice and making your workshop in a garage or a shed. These structures are nowhere near as well-insulated as a house, so you’ll need to pay mind to heating and cooling to ensure your workshop is comfortable year-round.
A small radiant heater is a good addition to any small workspace, and a pedestal fan will work to keep you cool in summer.
DIY work can make you hot and bothered, so always ensure you stay adequately hydrated while you work in addition to utilising your heating and cooling appliances.
The Finishing Touch - A Sound Source
Who likes to work in silence? Well, maybe some people. Most of us prefer having the radio on as background noise or working to the sound of their favorite albums or playlists.
A small, portable bluetooth speaker is the perfect final touch to your home DIY workshop. If you like the music cranked, you can opt for a larger portable speaker. Don’t forget to keep it charged though! It would be seriously annoying to get all pumped up to do some DIY to your preferred tunes just to have your speaker die on you.A Crafty Conclusion
Now that we’ve covered everything from the essential tools you’ll need, to putting the finishing touches on your space, you’re now fully prepared and equipped with all the knowledge required to pull together a fresh and functional workshop. Don’t forget the trestle tables, a light source or two, tool storage, and your heating and cooling sources.
Now you’re all ready to embark on your DIY journey!
