Woodworking Storage Ideas

A tidy, well-organised workshop is far more conducive to good work than a cluttered and unkempt space. Being able to find the right tool when you need it, and knowing which drawer the right size screw is in makes the overall process smoother and more efficient.

So, how do you achieve such a space? In this blog post we’ll explore multiple options for wood tool storage, to help you find the solution best suited to your own toolkit and needs.

Here’s what we’re going to cover:

• Why we need woodworking storage ideas
• The best woodworking storage ideas
• What to consider when choosing woodworking storage

Why We Need Woodworking Storage Ideas

If you’ve ever stood in a messy workshop you’ll know there’s a big gap between “I should really tidy up in here…” and an actually tidy space. The reason being, it’s hard to envision and implement effective storage ideas. Sometimes you need a bit of inspiration: seeing the solutions that exist and what they look like can be really helpful in transforming your space.

So, the short answer: we need woodworking storage ideas to show us what our workshops could look like.

The benefits of a workshop that uses effective woodworking storage are many, too. For example:

• You’ll work more efficiently, with less time spent rummaging for tools
• Your tools will last longer, thanks to less exposure to moisture and dirt
• It’ll be a more pleasant space to be in: tidy room, tidy mind!

If you want to tap into these benefits and transform your workshop, read on.

The Best Woodworking Storage Ideas

Here are some of our favourite woodworking storage ideas, along with the benefits of each.

Tool Chests

If you've got a large tool collection that you'd like to keep organised, tool chests are the way to go. They're large and not particularly portable, and boast a larger amount of storage than other solutions. Depending on the tool chest you choose you'll find different sizes and combinations of drawers and shelves, all of which can be used to safely and securely store your woodworking tools.

Benefits of tool chests:

• Large: plenty of storage space!
• Variety of layouts: can cater for a wide array of tools
• Mobility: some tool chests have wheels, so you can easily move them around your workshop as required
• Lockable: some chests can be locked, giving you an extra layer of security

Tool Cabinets

For a versatile and accommodating storage solution, consider tool cabinets. These storage solutions are generally taller than tool chests, putting your woodworking tools within arm's reach while you work. Tool cabinets lend themselves particularly well to storing large tools, such as planes, saws, and similar. They also have plenty of smaller storage areas for chisels, bits, squares, and so on.

Benefits of tool cabinets:

• Large: plenty of storage space, especially for larger tools
• Tall: no need to bend down to access your tools while you work
• Versatile: with wall-mounted or freestanding options available, choose the cabinet that fits best with your space
• Mobility: wheels and gas struts enhance manoeuvrability for even the largest cabinets

Toolboxes

The gold standard of tool storage, toolboxes are versatile, portable, and available in a range of sizes and styles. If you want your woodworking toolkit to be portable, then a toolbox is well worth considering: you’ll be able to store an impressive number of your most used tools, and take them with you whenever and wherever required - whether it’s between different work sites, or just around your workshop.

Benefits of toolboxes:

• Portable: pick up your tools and go with minimal fuss
• Modular: some toolboxes are modular, meaning they can stack with other solutions to create larger storage
• Versatile: with different sizes and materials available, it’s easy to find the toolbox that fits with your needs
• Convenient: toolboxes are the height of convenience when it comes to efficient tool storage

Trollies and Workstations

If your woodworking demands a mobile workspace, trollies and workstations offer the perfect blend of storage and mobility. A combination of drawers, shelves and a flat work surface let you move your tools and your workspace as your work demands. If you’ve got a small workshop and need something flexible, this tool storage solution is ideal.

In addition, some trollies and workstations come with holders for tools like clamps and saws, aligning well with the needs of a woodworker.

Benefits of trollies and workstations:

• Practical: your tools and your workspace are part of the same, easily moveable unit
• Lots of storage space: plenty of drawers and shelves to accommodate many tools
• Manoeuvrable: wheels ensure you can easily move your trolley or workstation around your workshop

Storage Boxes

Storage boxes are the secret for a truly well-organised workshop. These small boxes can be stacked, labelled and stored on shelves to create a simple and effective solution for the storage of smaller tools and components. When you’re working with nails, screws, drill bits and similar, this type of storage is indispensable.

Combining storage boxes with larger storage solutions for your tools lets you create a workspace that’s tidy, organised and aligned to your needs.

Benefits of storage boxes:

• Durable: built with sturdy materials to keep your tools and components safe
• Flexible: store on shelves, in cabinets, or anywhere else in your workshop
• Convenient: some boxes have clear lids, letting you easily see what’s inside without needing to open them

What to Consider When Choosing Woodwork Storage

Now we’ve seen a few of the most popular woodworking storage ideas, how do you decide which is best for you? Here are a few pointers.

Accessibility

The goal of effective tool storage is to put the tools you need within hands reach, wherever you are. Think about whether you’re likely to work in one place, or multiple places. If the latter, a mobile storage solution or one with an inbuilt workspace is probably better.

Space

If you’re working in a snug workshop, a tall cabinet with lots of vertical space and a smaller profile might be preferable to a low, wide chest. If you’ve got a big workshop with plenty of space, a large trolley with wheels that you can easily move to the required spot could work well.

Additionally, if you’ve got lots of wall space available you could look at wall-mounted storage as a way to minimise the amount of floor space your tool storage takes up.

What Tools You Need To Store

For a beginner woodworker with only a few tools, a small toolbox will probably do the trick. You’ll have all your tools in one convenient, portable place. For an established tradesperson with an array of tools for every situation, a larger storage solution like a trolley or cabinet will be a better fit; possibly one with a lock, to keep your livelihood secure.

As your toolkit expands you’ll likely find tool storage with multiple drawers and sections more appealing, as these are ideal for keeping everything organised and within easy reach.

Durability

What sort of environment are you working in? Exposure to dust, dirt and moisture can shorten the lifespan of your tools and mean you’ll need to learn how to stop tools from rusting. Workspaces with these environmental factors are therefore better suited to tool storage solutions that can be closed. This keeps your tools in an environment that will be more conducive to a longer life, rather than exposing them to damage. In a rigorous environment, tool storage made from metal or sturdy plastic is a good choice, as it protects your tools from damage.

The Right Woodworking Storage: Worth It In the Long Run!

Finding the right storage for your woodworking tools will streamline your work and make the whole process more enjoyable. In this blog post we’ve looked at some of the most popular storage ideas for woodworking tools, namely: tool chests, tool cabinets, toolboxes, trollies, workstations and storage boxes. We hope our analysis of each has given you the information you need to make an informed decision.

If you’ve got questions about tool storage, whether for woodworking or anything else, get in touch with our team today. We’re happy to connect you with the right storage solution for your needs.