Workshop options

[Rickshaw]

I would like ideas for a workshop. Maybe built in canvas garage structure from Cosco. Can't build a shop on my property. Thanks.. Rich

[Jon]

Hi Rickshaw - welcome to HomemadeTools.net

What kind of structure would you be able to build?

[MeJasonT]

Hi Rich,
I'm always playing with ideas for building more workshop space.
The best option is always build onto something existing like a lean-to or cover an area between two existing buildings. failing that building a frame similar to drywall and bolting frames together to make up the building you want, fix some battens on the top cover with marine ply and then felt the roof. The walls can then be covered with marine ply or boards. An alternative could be to use scaffold poles and like you suggested stretch plastic sheeting over it or drill and bolt corrugated iron sheets to it.
a concrete base is always a good start however paving slabs make for a good solid floor if laid properly. A wood floor can be constructed by suspending heavy battens or ideally old railway sleepers across flag pavers and then a boarded floor on top. you have the added advantage of having cheap lumber and materials in the US than we have in the UK big companies have swallowed up the small independents and set prices which don't reflect the average income over here. Don't get me started on European legislation - I voted out. You have 4th July and we have now got the 23rd June.
Best of luck, if you like any of my ideas then give me a shout and i may be able to help further. you might want to check with your neighbours if firstly they mind and secondly what the local regs are with regards building a non permanent building (that is basically a garden shed in the UK which does not require planning consent provided it is away from the boundary less than 300 square feet area and less than 12 feet in height - something like that anyways. Not a solid brick structure etc.

Shipping containers are cheap and ready built, old trailer van bodies are another. I personally want a 20ft container which i would clad the outside in larch lats to make it look natural and blend in to the garden - Big problem i have is 5ft 2" tall, pink, yellow on top and shrikes, repeating the same message over and over - your not having that in my garden, oh and female.

Two things you will need to consider, the local building regulations and does it require to be storm proof. I have heard you get monster storms and whirly winds in the US.

[C-Bag]

Problem with the Costco tarp sheds is they don't last very long. And the cover to re cover them is almost as much as the original cost. I don't know what you are wanting to do but the other concern is security. Those tents are very easy to get into. They also sweat like crazy so anything stored in them needs to be sealed to the weather. Anything cast iron like a table saw or lathe or mill is going to need ongoing care not to turn into a ball of rust.

I have a small tent shed that 8x10 and the cover only lasted 3yrs and it was going to be $200 for a new cover. I ended up skinning the bare frame with corrugated metal from Home Dump for less than the cover costs and it will last who knows how long? I don't try to work out of mine because it's too much of a headache because of the very silly tent doors besides the previous reasons. By far the best solution is a container like MeJasonT mentioned. Most places you don't need any permits because it's temporary. And because of the slowdown of trade w/China there is a glut of containers and prices keep slipping. They are not perfect and more than you probably want to spend but they are sturdy, secure, already have a floor, pretty bulletproof and you can take them with you.

[Ed Weldon]

Rick - more information needed. So you can't build a shop on your property. That's all we know so far. Is a nice shed for garden tools allowed?
Or can you park a utility trailer or RV? Are temporary garden structures like pergolas or gazebos allowed? How about an arbor for vines? Can you add a small concrete patio adjacent to the home? Can you erect a temporary or permanent lean to or shed to the side of the house?
What do you want to build in your shop? The requirements for a model builder are vastly different from those for furniture construction or building race cars.
Are you physically able to move your power tools and tool boxes from a temporary storage location (at your home) to a suitable work area? Are you willing to work that way?
I've had home workshops of one type or another for building both little and big stuff through 68 years of my life. Most of the time they required more or less creativity to fit everything into less than perfect space. I should write a book on the subject to sit alongside all the "dream" workshop books that have been written. But at age 78 I don't have enough time for finishing most of my projects let alone writing books. So give us some more hints about your situation so we don't have to write a book nobody will read.
Ed Weldon, Los Gatos, CA