For the enthusiastic hobbyist, setting up a new timber workshop in the garden is a really exciting project; a dedicated wooden workshop can transform your hobby, whether it’s woodworking, crafting, or DIY repairs.
Once you have made the decision to buy a new workshop, the next big decision is choosing what size it should be. Here, we outline some easy to follow steps that will help you to choose what size you need, not just for your requirements now but for what you might need further down the road.
What are you using your workshop for?
Carefully consider how you’re going to use your workshop. Does your hobby involve light crafting or something more involved like handcrafting pieces of furniture or restoring car engines?
• For light hobby use (model-making, painting, gardening), our compact 10x8 wooden workshop is ideal.
• For medium projects such as woodworking or small project repairs, consider a 12x8 workshop which will provide ample room for work benches and tools.
• For heavy-duty projects or multi-purpose use such as furniture making/restoration or where you need to combine your storage and workspace aim for a 16x12 workshop or larger, to ensure comfort and efficient movement.
If you consider your primary activities now, your frustration will be much less further down the road when space becomes a problem.
What tools and equipment does your hobby involve?
The tools that you use for your hobby will have a massive bearing on the size of workshop you will need. If you will be using power tools in the workshop or large work benches, you will obviously need a workshop with a more generous floor area and clearance.
Sketching a simple floor plan will help. Remember to include:
• Workbench placement
• Areas for storing tools
• Walking paths for easy movement and access
• Shelving or wall-mounted storage
Also remember to take into account the space you’ll need for handling large materials (think long pieces of timber or sheets of plywood) and to allow for safety clearance. Remember, when choosing a size for your workshop, it’s always better to overestimate space rather than underestimate.
Prioritise comfort and practicality
For the hobbyist who will disappear for hours on end into their workshop, comfort and practicality are a priority. You’ll need enough room to move around freely, while good lighting and ventilation will make your space even more comfortable. Remember to leave yourself enough head room too - an internal height of 2.1m is ideal.
Wherever possible, include windows for natural light, insulation for year-round use, and wiring for heaters or dehumidifiers. A well-designed timber garden structure will balance aesthetics with functionality, blending naturally with your garden surroundings.
Where will your workshop go and how will you access it?
Where you position your workshop in the garden matters just as much as its size.
Place it:
• Close enough to the house for convenience and mains power connection, but not so close that noise becomes a nuisance.
• On level ground with good drainage.
• With easy access for bringing in timber, equipment, or large materials.
• With a minimum clearance of 2 feet all around the structure.
• Where it will fit visually into your garden layout.
Think ahead and plan for the future
Always allow yourself room to expand – hobbies grow, projects get bigger and the need for more or bigger equipment increases over time. Wherever possible, invest in the largest workshop your space will accommodate.
Check regulations and permissions
Before finalising your workshop size, check local planning permission rules. The majority of workshops will not require planning permission but it’s always better to check before making the commitment. Read Does my shed need planning permission? for more on this.
Wooden workshops from Sutton Sheds
From our base in Lincolnshire, Sutton Sheds have been manufacturing quality timber workshops for over 30 years. With 10 standard sizes available all our workshops are made to order. However, where you need a different size or configuration for your workshop, our craftsmen offer a bespoke, custom build service. We will work with you to create your dream workshop, creating the perfect size and layout for your needs, present and future.
To find out more, contact us by email, or telephone on 01526 342777.
