Hello Saskatchewan Woodworkers!
My name is Brant Rumpel. I recently purchased a home with backyard alley access in Saskatoon, and I am in the very early planning stages for a new freestanding back shop! Construction will likely start this fall, and I will have a contractor build the structure.
I am a local maker and a member of the Saskatoon Glass Workers Guild. Because a contractor is handling the build, I want to make sure I get the "broad strokes" and big infrastructure decisions nailed down before finalizing the blueprints. I am hoping to tap into the collective expertise of the woodworking community to help guide these choices. My current woodworking space as seen in this photo is a corner of my garage and I’ve made do with a space that was not designed to be a shop.
Image 1: Current Shop
Here is a satellite photo of the property with a mockup of the potential shop footprint and location. I'm thinking the size is equivalent to a 2-to-3 car garage (36' x 20', as marked on the image).
Image 2: Potential Location of New Shop
This is my first time getting a workshop built and I could use your groups experience, I am specifically looking for advice on these major structural decisions:
- Wall Height: What wall ceiling/height do you recommend for a shop of this size?
- Doors and Access: Since no cars will actually be parking in this space, should I install a large 2-car garage door, or just a single garage door off the alley? Additionally, does it make sense to have a single garage door opening into the backyard for moving materials or creating a cross-breeze?
- Soundproofing (High Priority): Because the shop is in a residential backyard, keeping the noise down for the neighbors is extremely important to me. What framing, wall-assembly, or insulation methods should I consider?
- Plywood Flooring: I am considering having a plywood floor installed over the concrete slab. I am curious about long-term durability, underfoot comfort, and the best subfloor techniques to investigate.
- Dust-Free Art Studio: I am planning to section off about 200 square feet of the building to use as a dedicated stained glass studio. I need to ensure this room remains completely free of shop dust. Does anyone have recommendations for partitioning, sealing, and ventilating a multi-use space like this?
- Heating Options: Given our harsh winters, what is the safest and most efficient way to heat a freestanding, insulated shop of this size? Ideas for hearing the sectioned off glass studio?
- What big things am I missing? I’m sure there are a few key considerations that I’ve missed.
If anyone has tackled similar projects or has lessons learned regarding these big infrastructure choices, I would be incredibly grateful to hear from you.
Thank you for your time, and I look forward to connecting with some of you!
Best regards,
Brant