The backyard shed shop is, arguably, the ideal small shop format: a dedicated space, physically separated from the house, with its own electrical service and its own rules. The separation from the house means less conflict with family members about noise, smell, and mess. The dedicated nature means tools and setups can stay in place between sessions. And the small size means the investment to build it is manageable for most homeowners. Here are six reader shed shops that demonstrate what’s possible in a purpose-built backyard structure.
The Japanese-inspired workshop (Seattle) – A 12×16-foot shed finished in clear-coated cedar siding, with shoji-screen interior wall panels that slide to reveal tool storage. Inside: a hand-tool-only shop with a Japanese workbench (low to the ground, wide, with a leg vise on the left end), three shoji panels of tool storage, and a polished concrete floor with radiant heat. The builder spent 18 months and approximately $12,000 on the structure itself, not counting tools. The result is the most beautiful small shop we’ve featured to date. Photography not optional – the space deserves a full gallery.
The recycled material shop (Vermont) – A 10×20-foot shed built almost entirely from reclaimed and salvaged materials: barn board siding, reclaimed brick floor, salvaged windows, and structural lumber from a demolished building on the property. Electrical was the only element purchased new. Total cash outlay: about $800. The shop looks like it’s been there for a hundred years. It has been there for four.
The loft shop (Oregon) – A 16×20 structure with an 8-foot main floor and a 4-foot loft above the back third of the building. The main floor is machines. The loft (accessible by a fixed ladder) is finishing and small hand-tool work – the height produces natural separation of dust-generating and dust-sensitive processes. Share your backyard shed shop – we’re building a comprehensive gallery of the world’s best small workshop structures.