How to Properly Light Your Workshop

Lighting is important, very import to be more exact. There are several areas where proper lighting is critical and one such area is the home workshop. Working with sharp electrical tools, that can rob you of a finger or two, is no place to skimp on lighting. If you are dealing with an existing structure or have plans in the works for a brand new workshop, here are 10 lighting tips to help you properly light your workshop.

How to Properly Light Your Workshop - Tip #1

Windows - This is an obvious first choice as natural light in a workshop is very helpful. If your workshop has windows, you are ahead of the game. If you are building your workshop from scratch, then be sure to add sufficient windows to your plans. The more natural light you have the better for most situations, including workshops. In my husband's previous workshop he had 6 windows. Those windows were an excellent source of light without the necessity of turning on a lot of lights during the day.

How to Properly Light Your Workshop - Tip #2

Skylights - Another way to bring natural light to your workshop is through skylights. They can be added to an existing structure or built in to your plans if you are building a new workshop. Click here for information on skylights by Lowe's.

How to Properly Light Your Workshop - Tip #3

General lighting - Overhead lighting is necessary in order to have consistent light over the entire workshop. Fluorescent overhead fixtures are inexpensive and are very common in workshops and garages. You can purchase them through most home improvement centers or lighting centers. They come in a variety of lengths and usually hold either 2 or 4 fluorescent bulbs. Spread out around the room these lights will give a nice coverage to the whole area.

Buy the size that is appropriate for your particular application. You don't need a 10 foot long overhead light above a 6 foot work bench, but you do need more than a 4 foot long light over a 10 foot bench. This is a situation where size does matter. Click here for a selection of overhead fixtures at Lowe's.

How to Properly Light Your Workshop - Tip #4

Specialized lighting - A lathe, which is a large stand alone piece of equipment, would need specialized lighting in place for safety and ease of operation. The best lighting for that would be to hang an 8 foot overhead fixture above that piece of equipment.

How to Properly Light Your Workshop - Tip #5

My husband's current workshop is in our basement, which has no natural light at all. He has to rely on electric lights totally. He recently stated that the light above his workbench isn't big enough and he needs to get a new one. You will notice in the photo that the existing fixture is not long enough to light most of the workbench. Try to determine your needs as you set up your workshop. However, new or additional lighting can be added as you go along.

How to Properly Light Your Workshop - Tip #6

Spot or Can lights - If you are lucky enough to have a finished ceiling in your workshop you still have the perfect opportunity to add can lights or spotlights. You can place these directly over specific pieces of equipment such as your table saw. Again, if you are just in the planning stages, be sure to include can or spot lights. Click here for information on can lights at Lowe's.

How to Properly Light Your Workshop - Tip #7

Track lighting - This is another option for above your workbench where you can focus individual beams where they are needed the most. Track lighting can be installed on a finished or un-finished ceiling and you can buy them in various lengths.

How to Properly Light Your Workshop - Tip #8

Under cabinet lighting - If you have wall cabinets above your workbench you have the perfect place for more lighting, under cabinet lighting. Normally found in the kitchen, under cabinet lighting is a good light source for a workshop. There are usually shadows on a workbench from the wall mounted cabinets. Under cabinet lighting will eliminate those shadows and give you excellent localized lighting. Click here for information on under cabinet lighting at Lowe's.

How to Properly Light Your Workshop - Tip #9

Portable Lights - These are helpful inside when you need a little extra light in a specific area of the workshop or you can take them outside when the need arises. Click here to see some of the portable lights available at Lowe's.

How to Properly Light Your Workshop - Tip #10

Safety Lights - If your power goes out you don't want to be left in the dark in your workshop. Battery back-up lighting would be a useful item to have. At least you would be able to find your way to the door without tripping over, or bumping into, something. Safety first!

A bonus tip: Paint your workshop with white semi-gloss paint if possible. The light colored paint will help reflect light and give you more bang for your buck.

There you have 10 tips for how to properly light your workshop. Now we are off to the home center to purchase a 10 foot long overhead light for my husband's workshop.

Sources:

Personal Experience

DIYnetwork.com

Lowe's.com