Planning and Design
Making my workshop my own
The thrill of finally owning land has given way to an equally exciting phase: designing my dream workshop. A 30 x 60 foot metal pole barn that can house all sorts of hobbies and creative goodies! It’s a space that needs to be versatile, functional, and inspiring - a place where creativity, practicality, and relaxation converge.
Covered open outdoor space to create
The cornerstone of this design is flexibility. With a clear span ceiling in the main 30 x 40 foot area, I'm creating a vast, open space that will accommodate a multitude of uses. The 20-foot peak will provide ample clearance for my RV, tractor, and potentially even an outdoor mezzanine in the future. This open area will also serve as a buffer zone for my woodworking and other messy projects, keeping the enclosed workshop cleaner.
I'm considering a few options for my outdoor lumber storage for the farm’s woodworking projects. A lumber rack is a practical choice. It elevates the wood off the ground, allowing for better airflow and reducing the risk of moisture damage. I purchased some collapsible metal shelves to hold lumber and other materials and when I don’t need to hold materials, they can double as saddle racks! I just need a 16ft wide space to hold any long boards I may need to store.
I also want to add an easily transportable Suncast lean-to shelter against the side of my workshop. This will provide additional protection for tools like shovels, rakes etc and just keeps the area looking nice and neat. Suncast makes this large cabana bar style cabana which might be a nice dual purpose solution.
Compact, yet functional enclosed workshop
The enclosed 12 x 30 foot section will offer a climate controlled area to work. A 10-foot tall door will allow for easy access for my car or small farm vehicles if I need to wrench on them a bit. This space will be a multi-functional hub. I envision one side dedicated to woodworking, with sturdy workbenches equipped with casters for easy rearrangement. The other half will be a corner tack area for my equestrian hobby, complete with essential grooming supplies and tack storage. I will have some wall space in that area though to allow for plenty of places to hang items like bridles, helmets, and other things.
I’ve always been drawn to compact, optimized spaces. I like the idea of having everything within easy reach. The less clutter, the better. My workshop is perfect for my needs. It has everything I need to work on my projects, but it’s not so big that I feel overwhelmed by it.
Tool Storage: A Matter of Order
Organization is paramount in a workspace, especially one as compact as mine. Tool storage is no exception. My preference leans heavily towards cabinets. They offer a dual benefit: protection from dust and they hide any visual clutter.
To complement the cabinet storage, I'll be incorporating a couple of rolling toolboxes equipped with butcher block work surfaces. These will provide mobile workstations for quick tasks, while also offering additional storage for frequently used tools.
A unique element of the workshop will be a temperature-controlled cabinet. This is crucial for housing my husband’s 3D printers and filament. Consistent temperature and humidity levels are essential for optimal printer performance and filament integrity. I'm excited about the possibilities this controlled environment will open up for our 3D printing endeavors.
Loft office and hang out spot
Taking advantage of the workshop’s high ceilings, I’m going to install a 18 x 12 foot loft office. Accessible by a sturdy, yet compact foldable staircase, it will be my personal retreat. A cozy space to unwind after a long day of work or hobbies, it will also double as a home office. The natural light pouring in through the loft windows will make it an inspiring place to brainstorm or simply relax with a good book.
AI generated concept of my loft. It will have simple white walls
Flexibility is key in a compact space
AI generated concept I made with Adobe Firefly. My workshop will look something like this when it's done.
The entire workshop will be fitted with a concrete floor, making it easy to clean and maintain. To maximize flexibility, all tools and work surfaces will be on casters. This will allow me to effortlessly transform the space based on evolving needs. Whether it’s a woodworking marathon, vehicle maintenance, or simply enjoying a quiet moment in the loft.
As I dive deeper into the design process, I'm constantly making adjustments and refinements. Every decision is a step closer to realizing my dream workspace. It’s a journey filled with excitement and anticipation, and I can't wait to share the transformation as it unfolds.
