Tips to Save Space in Your Wood Shop

Imagine a workshop where you can find every tool without having to hit your head on long wood scraps. Or, being able to work without having to worry about one of the sharp tools injuring you. Sounds like a dream? Well, it can be a reality if you’re smart about organizing your woodshop.

Most people start small and don’t have a big place to work on projects. If you’re one of them, don’t fret. We’ve got you covered with some excellent tips that’ll help you save space in your shop and really feel at ease when working.

Paint Your Space

Nothing says small rooms like dark walls. When you pair things up with wood scraps, tons of tools, cupboards, racks, workstations, table saws, and whatnot — it’s no less than a nightmare. So if you’ve got a space already, your plan of action should start with bright paint, followed by the installation of bright lights.

In case you’re yet to build your space up from scratch, start with a nice, space-saving design, followed by paint and lights.

Mobilize Everything

A fool-proof trick, the good ol’ way to save space in any room, be it your living room, workshop, or dining room — mobilize everything. If you’ve got a router table, jointer, or any large pieces of equipment, give them a mobile base so you can put them to a side when you’re done with them.

Even if it’s cabinets or heavy workstations, give them a heavy-duty coaster so they aren’t always cluttering your space.

Use the Wall Space and Ceilings Whenever Possible

Tools take up the most space in any workshop. If you can find a nice home for them while keeping the arrangement compact, it’ll be a win. You may start by getting your hands on tool racks. They’re usually minimal, are mounted on the wall, and let you hang dozens of your tools at an arm’s reach. The best part? They don’t take any space on the floor, giving you ample room to work.

You can get yourself a warehouse tool rack or even a supermarket shelf depending on your needs. You can also install tool racks on a wooden ceiling, if you’re up to being creative about it.

Organize Your Workshop

The next step would be to keep items of the same category under the same cabinet or in the same corner. Make it a habit to put all the tools you use back at the place you took them from. Do it for a few weeks — it’ll become a lifelong habit and won’t feel like a chore anymore. Being disciplined in this regard will be a big step forward in keeping your woodshop organized for years to come.

Deal With Your Scrap Wood

It’s normal for us craftsmen to drop off scrap wood here and there. The maximum we do is pick up the scraps at the end of the day and throw them in a corner. Days go by and there’s a collection that feels impossible to get rid of.

Never go down this road. Instead, have a storage plan for these scraps and another one to dispose of them, and you’ll be doing your future self a huge favor.

Summing It up With Some Workshop Rules

• Always make a plan for your workspace before you move in. It’ll save you the head-scratching and frustration.
• When it comes to tools, go with the ‘Don’t use them? Lose them’’ approach.
• If you’re building cabinets for storage, build at least 3-4 levels.
• If you’re an individual, forget multitasking. You’re only going to work on one project at a time, so there’s no use in letting your table clutter.
• If you don’t want to see a mess when entering your woodshop, don’t leave one when you get off at the end of the day.