To build a workshop for a garden you will need building plans, a budget, building materials (such as wood or plasic), and a defined space. Building a workshop is no easy task, and doing it yourself will take time, and effort.
How to Build a Workshop for a Garden
Start at the Base
Start with a sturdy foundation. Clear the space you want to use for your workshop and use flags to mark the corners. If working on a slope, you will need to level the work area by raising the sloped side.
Make sure the soil is compacted well. Lay out some gravel for drainage or a sandy base.
Either lay a concrete base or use things like cinderblocks to lift the structure off the ground. Take into consideration any flooding or water that may pool around the base of your structure.
Fun Tip: use pressure treated lumber for outer studs to better withstand rot
Move to the walls
Frame the walls with 2×4’s and secure them to the base. Make sure that the walls reach a “square” this will mean that when measuring from corner to diagonal corner they will reach the same length.
Add plywood on the outside lining up with the studs to prevent nails from showing up on the inside. Make sure to waterproof it with the drip edge flashing and use other tape flashing to seal the corners. Make sure to mark areas that will be used for electricity or plumbing.
Using siding can help prolong the life of your workshop and help waterproof it. Using PVC siding is a great way to improve on your investment.
Fun Tip: for windows and doors, opt for a double stud layout
This Video by BYOT is a great visual of getting started.
Add the roof
Notch the rafters to fit the frame and use hurricane ties to secure the roof to the frame.
Add the plywood and secure to the rafters. Use roofing felt to cover the roof and seal the edges with a flashing membrane
Then move on to your shingles or metal roofing and secure according to building instructions.
Fun Tip: cover your nails with flashing membrane to further seal the roof.
Finish with the interior
Add in your insulation, then your plywood.
You can have fun with what you want to put in the workshop, from work benches to paint, to lighting.
Check out this video by Ruth Amos in the UK who built out her workbench very well.
Common Questions When Deciding to Build a Workshop
What are the most common materials I will need to build a workshop?
| Framing and Floor | Walls | Roof and Trim | Inside |
| Concrete or cinderblocks Wood stakes Rebar 2”x4” Studs 4”x6” header 4”x6” roof rafters ½” wedge anchors Hurricane Ties 1.5” galvanized nails Weed block | ½” plywood ¾” plywood ½” plywood sheathing clips ¾” plywood sheathing clips Exterior sheathing screws Drip edge flashing G-Tape or other flashing tape 6” membrane flashing 3’ House Wrap Window Door Roofing Felt 1.5” Galvanized Nails ¾” Galvanized Nails | Trim and Siding Paint Primer Paint of choice Metal Roof or Shingles Z Flashing G-Tape | Paint 2”x4” studs for bench ¾” plywood for bench Lights Electrical Outlets Peg Board |
What Tools do I need to build a workshop?
- Framing hammer
- Wheel barrel
- Shovel
- Bull float
- Drills
- Circular saw
- Jig saw
- Palm nailer
- Air compressor
- Framing nailer
- Tape measure
- Circular saw
- Speed square
- Contractor square
- 6’level
- 2’level
- Hammer drill
- ½” hammer drill bit
- Utility Knife
- Metal Clipping Shears
- Staple Gun
- Coil Nailer
- Finishing Nailer
- Chalk Line
- Paint sprayer or brushes
Check with your local hardware store about renting tools!
Do I need a planning permit to build a workshop in my backyard?
You do not need a planning permit to build a workshop in your backyard, if the building is less than 200 square feet, and a single story. Anything larger than 200 square feet you will need to get a permit. However, be sure to check with your local area.
To find where to get a permit, check your local city hall.
Is a plastic or wood workshop better?
Plastic workshops are typically cheaper to build and are rot resistant. However, they don’t hold the same weight as wood buildings as they are lighter materials. Plastic materials also are not as easy unless your tools are specialized.
Wood workshops are more expensive to build, but they better withstand against harsh weather, and are more durable in the long run. Finding the materials to build a wood workshop may also be easier than finding the plastic materials.
Using a mixture of both plastic and wood to build your workshop is a great option. Having the framing and overall structure made from wood will make the workshop structurally durable. When finished with the main build, add plastic siding and trim to waterproof the outside!
Is it more cost efficient to build your own workshop or purchase a set from your local hardware store?
In short, it is more cost efficient to go with a kit from your local hardware store. However, the quality will be much better if building it from scratch.
Take into consideration where you want your workshop, size, and how much time you have to work on it. The cost of building materials will also be different, you may be able to build a workshop for as low as $500 or it may cost up to $10,000.
Flat Packs or shed packs from your local store will be the basic structure, walls, floor, and roof. When building your workshop from scratch, the shape, size, and customizations are endless.
What are the different styles of workshops?
A-frame or Gable
The most common style of workshops or sheds is the A-Frame. The roof peaks at the center allowing the gentle slope on both sides.
Gambrel (barn style)
Like an A-frame, the Gambrel or barn style has a peak at the center of the roof, however there is a slope to another peak, which then goes down in a sharp slope. The two ridges allow for more headroom in this type of workshop.
Lean-to
Lean-to workshops or sheds refer to the roof rafters “leaning” against the existing structure. The roof has a high point on one side, and then a slope for the remaining sides.
Saltbox
A Saltbox workshop is similar to a gable style roof, in which the entry is high, and then slopes down low at the back. This allows for a high entry way.
How big should my workshop be?
Your workshop should be big enough to have room for storage, projects, and large tools. If you are planning to make it the biggest possible without a permit, opt for a 10’x20’ space. However, keep in mind, that the bigger you plan to make the workshop, the more money and time will go into it.
In my opinion, always go bigger. You will wish you had the space later. Typically, a two-car garage is 20’x24’ so consider what all you will be storing and using your workshop for.
For a simple tool storage go for something smaller. For woodworking, go big. We will be using our workshop for storing, working, gardening, and even more.
What is the best location and orientation for my workshop?
When choosing a location for your workshop, make sure it is within walking distance of where you will frequent the most. You want to pick a spot in your property that is relatively flat and easy to work on. Take into consideration the trees or other landscaping that may be in the way.
Another key factor when planning out your workshop is the direction or orientation it will face. The sun rises in the east and sets in the west. Depending on how much natural light your workshop will have, consider the heat the sun will have on it in the morning and evenings. Also consider the direction of the wind. Here in Texas, the west sun is BRUTAL in the summertime and the wind blows east to west, therefore we will have the workshop face North to allow the sun to hit the sides, and the wind will not impact the main door.
What kind of lighting do I need?
Consider lighting that looks like daylight for your workshop. Inside, having lights that are along the ceilings will allow for all around light, but also consider having light over the workbenches when you need to see something very small.
Other lighting that would be beneficial to any workshop is outdoor lighting. Using options like flood lights or utility lights will help when the days get shorter in the winter months.
Should I contract out any of my build for the workshop?
When doing a DIY build, contacting a contractor may not be your first choice. However, using a contractor for electrical wiring, plumbing, HVAC, or other services may be beneficial when building your workshop.
Electricity, and plumbing can be very hazardous if not done correctly. Think of flooded workshop or electrocuting yourself with a light switch.
Framing, and the overall physical build with wood can be done yourself with the help of some friends. For safety, you may request an inspector to look over your workshop to make sure it is safe to use. But, by following all the steps and using good quality materials, you should not have any issues.
Should I install solar panels during the build of my workshop?
The use of solar panels on a workshop is very beneficial and should be installed during the build of your workshop.
Installing solar panels are a great idea if your workshop cannot be hooked up to electricity. Using solar generated power is a complete off-grid option that will allow you to have FREE electricity.
This youtube video about building a solar powered workshop is fantastic and goes over all of the details you may want to know about building solar panels into your workshop.
If installing solar panels on a finished build, you will likely have the wiring showing on the inside.
How do I get temperature control in my workshop?
The best form of temperature control in a workshop is insulation. There are two main types of insulation, rigid foam, and fiberglass.
Rigid foam is pricier, but it is waterproof, and will do better with thermal resistance. Fiberglass is more readily available, cheaper, and can be layered to achieve the same thermal resistance.
Other forms of temperature control are air conditioners and heaters. Consider the space you need in the workshop, if it is small enough for a window AC unit or a space heater, those are much cheaper than installing a heating and cooling duct system.
How do I add plumbing to my workshop?
In general, to add plumbing to your workshop you will need to connect the existing supply lines to the workshop or investigate alternative methods of having water close by. Alternative methods may include a rainwater catch system, or a pump to your local water source nearby.
Adding plumbing can get very expensive, so truly consider if having a utility sink, bathroom, or other water amenities is worth the cost and time.
How do I add electricity to my workshop?
In short, to add electricity to your workshop use solar panels, underground conduit, generators, or large batteries. You will need to list out of all the items you want that have electricity. You will also need electrical wiring, and blueprints for where the wiring will lay out.
Common items you may want to have electricity for: Electrical outlets for hand tools, lighting for indoor and outdoor, bench mounted equipment, refrigerator, air conditioner, air compressor, battery charging stations, speaker system for music, and welding or soldering tools. The list can be endless but consider what is best for your workshop.
Should I add windows to my workshop, and where do I place them?
Adding windows to your workshop is a great option for letting in natural light and allowing venting.
When deciding where to place windows in your workshop, consider wall space, and direct sunlight. If you want a large wall to hang tools up onto, then don’t place a window there. If you have large windows facing the west sun, prepare for a lot of direct sunlight in the afternoon. Sunlight can be beneficial for lighting the space but can cause damage to projects or equipment inside.
How do I add security to my workshop?
Security in workshops is added by a variety of methods. Cameras, motion detecting lights, alarms, and locks are the more common security methods.
When deciding on a camera security system, consider Wi-Fi, night vision, and sound capturing. Having motion detecting cameras and lights may deter most humans, and possibly animals as well.
There are other alarm devices that can be set up but will be more costly than the standard bolt and lock system.
How many doors should I have on my workshop?
In general, one door will suffice for small workshops. For larger workshops, consider French doors for a larger opening, or even adding a garage style door if working on larger equipment.
Keep in mind, with garage style doors, you will lose one wall of space to store other items. You may also want to have a front door and a back door in case of emergencies.
Should I install a metal roof, or a shingle roof for my workshop?
Metal roofs are much more durable than shingles and reflect the heat from the sun. Shingles are cheaper than metal roofing and can absorb heat from the sun.
When deciding to use metal or shingles, consider if you live in a colder or hotter environment. Since metal reflects the sun, it will help keep your workshop cooler in the summer. Shingles absorb the sun; therefore, it will keep the workshop warmer in the winter.
Both shingles, and metal roofing can come in a variety of colors and textures. If you are placing your workshop under heave trees, opt for metal as the leaves and branches will slide off better than if they were to fall on shingles.
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