Garden workshops: power, floor, dust and planning

Building it for a workshop

A 5 × 3 m workshop, drawn to scale:

• Floor: a concrete slab for heavy machines, or a reinforced timber floor designed for the load. See foundations.
• Insulation keeps it usable in winter and protects tools from damp and rust. See insulation.
• Wide doors for getting sheet materials and machines in.
• Lining: plywood or OSB walls take screws for shelving and tool storage.

Power

Table saws, compressors and dust extractors draw a lot of current, sometimes at the same time. Tell the electrician exactly what you'll run so the cable from the house, the circuits and the protection are sized for it. All work must be done and certified by a registered electrician. See electrics.

Dust, noise and air

• A dust extractor connected to the main machines, plus an air filter for fine dust.
• Opening windows or an extractor fan for fumes from finishes.
• Insulation and a solid door cut noise. Avoid loud machines late in the evening.

Security

• Solid, lockable doors with good hinges; fewer and smaller windows.
• Lockable cabinets for power tools, and an alarm or camera.
• Check your home insurance covers tools in an outbuilding.

Planning

A hobby workshop is a use connected with your home, so it's covered by the garden building exemption if it meets the size, position and height rules. A trade workshop, with customers, staff or regular deliveries, isn't. See business use and the planning rules.