How to Create a Custom All-In-One Wooden Workshop and Garage

Do you have a detailed vision for an all-in-one wooden workshop and garage? It’s not easy to find a prefabricated timber building that matches it.

In this article, we offer you some tips to create the combined wooden workshop and garage of your dreams. And you won’t have to build it from scratch yourself.

Choose An Affordable Custom-Built Timber Building

When you look up British timber garage and workshop manufacturers online, you’ll notice that most offer standard-size, off-the-shelf buildings.

It’s easy to see why. These businesses can offer off-the-peg prices and fast deliveries by reproducing a few standardised designs. This option works great if your garden or driveway can fit one of these structures perfectly or if you don’t have specific needs.

But when a standard design doesn’t suit your property or requirements, you’re stuck. You have three options: choose a smaller standard design, attempt a DIY build, or employ a builder - which seriously increases the cost of the build.

If you’re facing this issue, we have good news. A few companies, like Olson Timber Buildings, offer custom-built timber buildings at affordable prices in the UK.

Below, we share tips on creating the all-in-one wooden workshop and garage you envision.

Check Local Planning Rules

Before you place your order, check the Planning Portal to find out whether your wooden workshop and garage can be built under Permitted Development or if you'll need planning permission.

Many timber garages and workshops don't require planning permission, but this depends on factors such as:

• The height of the building
• Its location on your property
• How much of your garden has already been developed
• Whether you live in a conservation area, National Landscape or other designated area
• Whether your home is a listed building.

As a general guide, if you live outside designated land and your outbuilding covers less than 50% of the land around your original house, there's a good chance it may fall under Permitted Development. However, it's always worth checking with your Local Planning Authority before work begins.

If you're building close to a neighbouring property, our article about building a garage near a boundary explains what to consider before work starts.

For a more detailed explanation of the rules, read our guide to planning permission for garages.

Choose The Custom Timber Building Manufacturer

Once you know what restrictions apply to your area, you can start researching custom wooden garage makers. Consider build sturdiness, materials quality, design options and upgrades, and cost.

At Olson Timber Buildings, we build bespoke all-in-one wooden workshops and garages at off-the-peg prices. As a family business with decades of experience, we have built and installed straight and L-shaped timber buildings of all sizes.

When you get in touch for a quote, we design your outbuilding based on an existing plan or your requirements so you can transform one or more bays into a workshop, gym, hobby room, or storage. If you’re on a budget, we create a DIY kit so you can do the installation yourself.

Confirm The Design

Next, you can submit an existing plan to the custom timber building manufacturer or ask them to design the structure based on your needs.

When deciding on the size and design of the building, consider how you plan to use it. How many rooms do you need? How many workstations will it have? Where will the workshop be? What layout will this have?

Also, think about how much space you need to work around the cars and whether you will be working on large items, like long lengths of wood. And don’t forget to dedicate some space to store your tools and equipment. You might like to store extra items in the garage, like a lawn mower and camping equipment.

Finally, consider whether you would like to access the workshop via the garage or a dedicated door and if you need insulation.

If you plan to use your workshop throughout the year, our guide to workshop insulation explains how to create a warmer, more comfortable building.

What size should a garage workshop be?‍

The right size depends on how you plan to use it. As a general guide, 3 × 6 metres (10 × 20 feet) provides enough space for one vehicle and a small workshop area. If you have the room, 6 × 6 metres (20 × 20 feet) gives you much more space for workbenches, tool storage and moving around comfortably.

Apply For Planning Permission

If your area is subject to planning restrictions, you will need to submit a planning application to Local Planning Authority. You can do this on your own or hire an architect to do it for you.

It usually takes around 8 weeks to receive feedback.

Depending on the work you're carrying out, Building Regulations may also apply.

Lay The Foundations

A properly prepared base is one of the most important parts of any timber building because it helps keep the structure level and protects it from moisture over the long term.

Before choosing a foundation, think about:

• The size and weight of the building
• Ground conditions and drainage
• Whether you'll be parking vehicles inside
• Whether heavy workshop machinery will be installed.

Most timber garages and workshops are built on a reinforced concrete base because it provides a strong, level surface that can support both vehicles and equipment.

At Olson Timber Buildings, we normally recommend a concrete pad with a single course of bricks, although the exact foundation specification depends on the design and the site.

It's also worth making sure rainwater drains away from the building rather than collecting around the base, as standing water can shorten the lifespan of any timber structure.

Book the groundwork well in advance, as concrete usually needs around a week to cure before installation can begin.

A properly prepared base is one of the most important parts of any timber building because it helps keep the structure level and protects it from moisture over the long term.

Install The Building

Now, you’re ready to erect your wooden garage and workshop. If you chose a DIY installation, you will likely need a few days to complete the build, depending on the size and structure of the building. Otherwise, you can relax while the manufacturer installs the building.

Install Water And Electricity Systems

While the building is empty, it’s worth fitting it with electricity and water. Before you get started, check if you need to ask for permission on the Planning Portal.

We recommend hiring a Part P-certified electrician for the electrical installation and asking a qualified plumber to connect it to the water mains.

Build The Workshop

Finally, you can build the workshop. You can do this fully DIY, buy some flat-pack furniture to assemble, get some pre-made fittings, or use reclaimed shelving and cabinets.

Once the workshop is up and running, you’re ready to move in your tools.

Design a Timber Workshop and Garage That Fits Your Needs

A standard garage isn't always the right fit, especially if you need space for a workshop, storage or other hobbies alongside your vehicle.

At Olson Timber Buildings, we design bespoke timber garages and workshops to suit your property and the way you plan to use them. Whether you're looking for a simple single-bay garage with a workshop or a larger multi-purpose building, we'll help you create a practical design that's built to last.

Explore our range of timber garages and workshops, or get in touch with our team to discuss your ideas and request a no-obligation quote.