What's a good size for a workshop?

I decided on the weekend, with the blessing of my other half, that I'm going to build myself a workshop.

Having measured out some space in the back yard, I decided that a 3.5m x 5m (or perhaps 6) shed would be a reasonable compromise between too small and too big (I don't want to take up too much of the yard).

The plan is to have a bench along one long wall, with a space for the dropsaw. Main items will be a table saw, drill press, router table, possibly a band saw, and a small joiner.

Does that size sound reasonable for a workshop? I'll be using it for cabinet/furniture making, and as a general workshop for our renovations.

That sounds like a decent size, though I wouldn't recommend dropping the width any. cheers
Wendy

Obviously the bigger the better but you can only do with what you are given. 3.5m X 5m is manageable but it will be hard. It will be tricky if you are doing a big project or dressing long boards.

Have a look at the workshop planner on the grizzly website. It will give you an idea.
http://www.grizzly.com/workshopplanner.aspx

I'll be installing a roller door along one of the short walls, so if I do need to work with long boards, I can open it up and spread myself out into the driveway.

Thanks for the link Wongo, I'll sus it out when I get home tonight (there seems to be some issue with it here in the office).

Now for the fun part, dealing with the council...

Think of a big size and then double it.:D

Most peoples shed's (like mine) are always too narrow.
If you think of 900mm wide as a typical size for most machines/benches alley ways etc. Then a 2.7 m wide gives you two sides and middle alley way.

3.6 m wide is a pig of a size - most people like me with a shed that wide try to squeeze something down the middle but it never really works.

4.5 wide is excellent - it give you two working sides and a working middle with nice wide alley either side of the middle.

Once you get bigger that that then alleys become less important.

I was planning on only having a bench on one side, and the machines on mobile bases, so I can move them over to one side when they're not being used. I could go wider than 3.5, but then I'd be taking up too much of the back yard (yes, I want to have my cake and eat it too!). 3.5 will also fit neatly into the line of the house, so when we extend, it won't be in the way.

While I'm waiting for someone from the counsel to get back to me, does anyone know what's involved from a permit point of view?

No matter how big they are always too small. Go as big as you possibly can. :)

I am using one half of a big double garage, and I am strapped for room. Go for the biggest that you can get approval for and afford.

Some thoughts for dealing with council:

1. it helps if you have talked to your neighbours and have got them to signed on (best to get it in writing)
2. it helps if you can show how no-one's views will be impaired
3. it helps if you can show that it won't be a sound issue (wall insulation and all power tools firmly on a concrete slab)
4. it helps if you seek approval for a bigger shed than you need and then can offer up some redduction in size.

Excellent points to consider. Given the size and shape of it, and that it will be at the end of the driveway, and have a roller door, should I just tell the council that I want to build a single car garage?

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Originally Posted by atregent

Excellent points to consider. Given the size and shape of it, and that it will be at the end of the driveway, and have a roller door, should I just tell the council that I want to build a single car garage?

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So long as you can get the stuff out later, why not. Esp if that is what you are really putting on the land (Imagine how a real estate agent will describe it later)

So I guess the next question is, how big is a standard single car garage?

12m x 8m:2tsup:(size of the shed not single car garage)

Small enough so that when swmbo brings out morning tea and lunch its not cold by the time she gets it to you and bigg enough to hide in when swmbo is looking for you :2tsup::2tsup:

Thanks Pheonix, you tryin' to give me shed envy or something?

Sage words of advice, Wheelin!

I suppose if I tell the council that I just want a small garage for a trailer and a couple of bikes, it doesn't matter if it's smaller than a car.