SMALL WORKSHOP IDEAS
My shop is 12×13, so I know the struggle of tripping over tools, not being able to find what you need, and never having enough room to work. But with the right layout, storage, and workbench setup, you can work smarter, not bigger.
FRENCH CLEAT STORAGE
A French cleat is a simple wall-mounted storage system that lets you adjust your tool layout without drilling holes every time. I installed mine in my garage, and I wonder how I ever worked without it.
See all French cleat plans →
WORKSHOP STORAGE
Once you’ve built a French cleat wall, the next step is finding a home for everything else. These are the storage solutions I reach for when I need to organize drills, router bits, scrap wood and more, whether they’re sitting on my workbench or tucked in a cabinet.
MY SMALL SHOP LAYOUT
Sometimes the best way to figure out your own shop is to see how someone else solved the problem. Here’s a look at how I set up my 12×13 shop: what’s working, what I’d do differently, and helpful ideas you might be able to use for your own space.
Learn more: My 12×13 Small Woodshop Layout →
WORKSTATIONS
Once you’ve organized your tools, you’ll need a place to use them. If you’re just getting started, my power tool stand is a great first build. My favorite is the portable miter saw station, but I’ll warn you, it’s a little more advanced.
See all workstation ideas →
SMALL SHOP TIPS
Not everything fits neatly into a category. These are the posts I recommend most to DIYers who are trying to figure out how to make their small shop work.
