Let’s be real—most of us aren’t working out of a 5,000-square-foot industrial warehouse. We’re in garages, basements, or even small sheds. But here’s the secret: you don’t need a massive space to build massive projects. You just need a solid plan.
When I first started, I spent more time moving tools around just to find a square inch of floor space than I did actually cutting wood. It was frustrating. But over time, I learned a few tricks to make a small shop feel twice as big. Whether you’re working in a one-car garage or a tiny corner of the backyard, here is how you make the most of every square inch.
Workflow is Everything: The Shop ‘Triangle’
In a small shop, you can’t just throw tools wherever they fit. You have to think about how wood moves through the space. Ideally, you want a “triangle” between your lumber storage, your main cutting station (like your miter saw), and your assembly table.
If you have to move a mountain of scrap wood just to get to your table saw, you’re going to lose the itch to build. Keep your most-used tools in the “active zone” and tuck the specialty stuff away until you need it.
Mobile Bases: Put Everything on Wheels
This is the #1 rule of the small garage shop: If it stays on the floor, it needs wheels.
I put my workbench, my table saw, and even my scrap bin on heavy-duty locking casters. This lets me pull a tool into the center of the garage for a big cut and then tuck it right back against the wall when I’m done. It’s the only way to keep a multi-purpose garage actually functional.
The Dust Factor: Keeping a Small Space Clean
In a small shop, dust isn’t just a mess—it’s a safety hazard. It gets into your lungs, your finish, and your coffee. Since the air volume is smaller, that fine dust hangs around a lot longer.
This is why I’m such a big fan of dedicated extraction. I’ve written before about how the [Hercules Dust Extractor] changed the game for me. It’s compact enough for a small shop but powerful enough to actually keep the air clear while I’m working.
Vertical Storage: Use the Walls
If you can’t go out, go up. Most garages have high ceilings that go totally to waste. I use French cleats on the walls for my hand tools and overhead racks for my long lumber. Getting the “clutter” off the floor makes the shop feel ten times bigger instantly.
Don’t Forget the Business Side
Remember, we aren’t just making sawdust for fun—we’re building a business. When you’re setting up your layout, make sure you have a clean, well-lit corner for taking photos of your finished work. A good photo is the difference between a project that sits and a project that sells.
If you’re still figuring out what exactly you’re going to build in your new setup, check out my guide on [starting a profitable woodworking business]. It’ll give you a good idea of which projects are worth the floor space.
Want to skip the measuring and get straight to building? I’ve got 50 “done-for-you” plans that fit perfectly in a small shop setup.
[Get Your 50 FREE Woodworking Plans Here]
Just a heads up: I might earn a small commission if you grab these plans, which helps me keep this shop running and the tips coming!