Are you looking to build a new shop? Maybe you already have one in place, but it is a little outdated and doesn’t serve your current needs. Either way, it’s time to start planning for a new one.
While you can go for a standard shell and move your operations inside, having the ability to design exactly what you want will make a better working environment and more efficient workspace.
With that in mind, here are some metal shop ideas for your build.
Idea #1: Ditch The Open Concept
An open-concept shop lets you see everything you have, from one end of the building to the other. While this may be a popular idea, separating areas into specific working zones is advantageous.
This can be with closed-off rooms or partition walls to allow for specific tasks to be performed. In your metal shop, you might be:
- Spray painting
- Welding
- Grinding
- Sandblasting
You need dedicated rooms for these work activities, and having an office that is clear of clutter and clean from shop mess is a good business practice. You may need to employ staff that don’t wear work clothes or have meetings with clients and customers. These all require a separate professional space, away from the work done in a shop setting.
Idea #2: Add a Loft
A loft is an area for equipment and supplies, and it effectively adds to your square footage without increasing your footprint. It can also serve as an office or lunchroom with a viewing area to the work floor. This makes monitoring work easier and gives you a bird’s eye view of the entire operation. By elevating non-shop workspace, you also increase floor space for industrial expansion.
A loft can be included in new metal shop construction plans or added later if you have the building height.
Idea #3: Put in a Car Lift
If your shop is for automotive services, you can upgrade existing meals buildings with advanced equipment like a car lift. This means no more jacks or stands, which enables mechanics and other staff to work under vehicles comfortably.
You need a solid concrete base; depending on the lift, you may tie it into overhead steel structural components. This is the benefit of a metal building in general; it can accommodate large, heavy-duty equipment like a car lift or even overhead cranes.
Idea #4: Heating and AC
Most metal buildings are stand-alone structures that are firmly connected to the ground. While they may be part of a larger compound that includes office buildings or a house, they may not have the same services connected. If you work in your metal shop throughout the year, it will be advantageous to control the temperature.
Heating and ADC units can be installed on the side of a building or the roof. They will immediately give you better air quality and the ability to regulate temperature. In-floor heat can even be placed into the concrete slab during construction to raise the ambient temperature. These are efficient ways to keep shops warm or cool depending on your ongoing needs.
Overhead fans and extractors can also be installed to expel dangerous fumes from work inside the shop, allowing for a healthy environment for workers. Fans can be switched to provide a rapid air intake for other venting and quick cooling.
Idea #5: Exterior Additions
If you already have a metal building, adding on with other structural and nonstructural building members is easy. This can provide added shop space for outdoor duties and overhead weather coverage for additional storage.
Even an awning adds instant coverage and an outdoor space for employees to take breaks, regardless of the weather. You always need additional storage; this is the perfect solution with a covered outdoor space.
You may want to pour a slab and add steel columns to tie into your existing building or simply connect a lean-to roof or awning off the side for a more affordable option.
Idea #6: Interior Finishing
Many steel buildings are built for bare function and not fashion. Finishings are often neglected because the shop’s main purpose is a dedicated workspace for your needs. While it serves its purpose, you can make great finishings like any other building has. This includes:
- Insulation
- Drywall
- 8′ ceilings
- Built-in wood pieces
- Multiple flooring options
Many of these finishings will go into offices and entrances, but they are also easily obtainable if you want your shop floor to be done.
These are some metal shop ideas to incorporate into your structure, and really, there are many more you can add depending on your needs and desires. Metal is among the most fabricated materials, and it can be shaped and constructed to accommodate any design you require.