How to Customize Your Steel Quonset Workshop

Dennis B., a construction professional from Orchard Park, New York, successfully customized his standard Quonset hut into a versatile workshop that looks as good as it is strong.

Here’s a step-by-step guide of steel workshop ideas based on Dennis’s approach to help you achieve the same for your Quonset hut workshop.

1. Choose the Right Quonset Hut Model

For Dennis, his main consideration was which model could stand up to the many feet of snow Buffalo, New York gets every year. Quonsets in snowier climates will typically feature a 4:12 pitched roof like that of the S and X-models. Dennis also wanted a workshop with a higher ceiling to accommodate larger items and more storage so he chose the S-model.

All SteelMaster models are coated with Galvalume Plus and use nothing less than 22′ gauge steel, so no matter which model you choose you can expect the same quality and durability.  Here’s a quick guide to help you choose:

2. Get The Right Size Of Workshop

Not too big and not too small – Dennis wanted a workshop that had the room he needed without taking up too much space on his property. The open floor plan of the Quonset workshop was ideal for maximizing the building space so he went with a medium-sized option of a 25’x34’x12′ workshop. Consider the following as you’re trying to determine the ideal size for your workshop:

• Check Local Regulations: Ensure that the size of your Quonset hut complies with local zoning laws and building codes. Buildings of certain sizes may have different regulations or local ordinances to understand.
• Leave Space For Growth & Storage: Think about potential future needs or storage needs. It’s often better to choose a slightly larger size than you currently need giving yourself room to expand or store things.
• Assess Your Budget: Bigger workshops cost more money to build, so assess your needs based on your available budget. Be sure to include things like additional or custom features for your workshop.

3. Customize Your Endwalls

With the Quonset arches providing the walls and roofing (ensuring you’ll never have to replace your roof), your endwalls can be designed to enhance the functionality and looks of your workshop.

Dennis opted to build his endwalls out of wood and materials he got locally. Both endwalls of his workshop are identical, including a rustic wood exterior, a five-foot sliding glass door and trapezoidal windows on each gable end.

You can make your endwalls out of any material you want to match the look of your property or make your workshop stand out. Common custom endwall materials include:

• Wood: Frame and build wooden endwalls for a traditional look.
• Brick: Install masonry walls for a striking contrast to the steel structure.
• Vinyl Siding: Cover with vinyl siding to achieve a classic home appearance.

 4. Optimize Your Workshop’s Interior Layout

Understandably, Dennis was more excited about the workshop’s interior than its exterior. So when he learned that Quonset huts offer a clearspan design, meaning the interior is completely useable he immediately began planning how to layout his shop.

For Dennis, his key interior customizations included:

• Cabinets & Shelves: Install cabinets or shelving along the walls to keep tools, equipment, and supplies organized and easily accessible. Consider modular storage options that can be adjusted or expanded as your needs change.
• Dedicated Storage Area: Include space in your workshop just for storage, this gives you room to grow in the future and a place to stash your supplies or finished products in the meantime.
• Workspaces: Create dedicated work areas for various tasks by setting up workbenches, equipment, and tools in your workshop. Incorporate planning for things like ample lighting, power outlets and related storage.
• Lofts: Utilize vertical space by installing lofts or elevated storage areas. This can help you maximize floor space and keep seldom-used items out of the way.

By focusing on these aspects, you can create a well-organized and functional interior that enhances the usability of your Quonset hut workshop.

5. Add the Creature Comforts for a Complete Workshop

These additional comforts are optional for workshops, but Dennis knew he’d be spending a good portion of his retirement in his shop so he opted to include these.

• Insulation: Dennis used a foamed ceiling to improve energy efficiency and comfort.
• Windows and Skylights: Improve lighting and airflow with well-placed windows and skylights. Dennis used large windows in his endwalls to maximize daylight.
• Vents and Lighting: Use vents and lighting solutions to create a functional and well-lit workspace.
• Front Porch: Dennis built a wooden deck with an overhang giving him a porch to sit and enjoy when the weather is nice.

Dennis purchased his Quonset hut from SteelMaster, who says, “Everything came off perfect.” He added, “The quality of my SteelMaster Building is excellent. Two thumbs up for SteelMaster and to everyone who works there!”