Turn Your Workshop Dreams Into Reality with Steel Workshop Building Kits
Aaron Williams
March 18, 2025
We've all been there—hunched over a project in a cramped garage, tools scattered across every available surface, extension cords snaking across the floor, and barely enough room to move. Wouldn't it be amazing to have a dedicated space perfectly tailored to your needs, where everything has its place and you have room to breathe?
Whether you're dreaming of an automotive repair shop for restoring that classic car, a metalworking haven filled with welding equipment, a woodworker's paradise, an artist's studio, or even a multipurpose space that includes a home gym and entertainment area—a custom metal shop building can transform your passion into reality. At Indaco Metals, we've helped thousands of Oklahomans with diverse interests turn their workshop dreams into reality, and we're ready to help you do the same.
"If You Could Build Your Dream Shop, What Would You Buy?"
This popular question from online forums and subreddits reveals fascinating priorities across different hobbies. Our team recently took a deep dive into these threads to learn more about what makers value most in their dream shops. While specific tools varied widely, the most common responses across all disciplines focused on:
Climate control and insulation (work comfortably year-round)
Proper electrical infrastructure (enough power for any tool)
Abundant natural light (good for projects and mental health)
Appropriate ventilation systems (for everything from dust to welding fumes)
And yes, a shop fridge for cold beverages (some priorities are universal!)
What would you include in your dream shop? The beauty of creating a custom space is that you can design it around your specific needs and wants, whether that's a vehicle lift for your automotive passion, pottery kilns for your ceramic art, a blacksmithing forge, or a combination of different activity zones.
Why Steel Shop Building Kits Make Your Dream Possible
Metal building kits have revolutionized the way people approach custom workshop construction, making dream shops more accessible than ever:
Freedom to Design Your Perfect Space
With a metal building kit, you're starting with a blank canvas:
Open floor plans without support columns getting in your way
Customizable door and window placements for optimal workflow
High ceilings for overhead storage, dust collection, or handling large projects
Flexible interior layouts that can evolve with your needs
Durability That Matches Your Passion
Oklahoma's weather demands resilient buildings, and steel delivers:
Engineered to withstand winds up to 90 mph
Superior protection against hail, fire, and storm damage
Resistance to pests, rot, and mold that can damage traditional structures
Low maintenance requirements so you can focus on your projects, not upkeep
Cost-Effective Construction
Your dream shop doesn't have to break the bank:
More affordable than traditional construction methods
DIY-friendly assembly reduces labor costs
Lower insurance premiums due to fire resistance
Energy efficiency when properly insulated reduces ongoing costs
Dream Shop Must-Haves: Planning Your Perfect Space
The Power Foundation
Every great shop starts with robust electrical infrastructure:
Plan for expansion: Install a 100-amp subpanel at minimum, but consider 200-amp if budget allows
Outlet abundance: Place outlets every 4-6 feet along walls at 48" height (above workbench level)
220V access: Essential for larger tools like table saws, dust collectors, and air compressors
Ceiling drops: Install outlets in the ceiling for flexible power access without trip hazards
Dedicated circuits: Separate circuits for dust collection, air compressors, and major tools
As one veteran woodworker from Reddit noted, "I initially thought 50 outlets was excessive. Two months in, I was wishing for more."
Climate Control: Work Comfortably Year-Round
Oklahoma's temperature extremes make climate control essential:
Mini-split systems: Efficient heating and cooling without ductwork
Insulation package: Opt for spray foam in walls and ceiling for maximum efficiency
Ceiling fans: Improve air circulation and comfort while reducing energy costs
Radiant barriers: Reflect heat away from your building during hot Oklahoma summers
Infrastructure for future expansion: Even if budget constraints limit initial installation
One welder on Reddit shared: "I initially skipped A/C to save money. Three months of sweating through Oklahoma summer convinced me to add it—my only regret was not installing it from day one."
Dream Shop Layout Considerations
The most functional shops are thoughtfully organized around your specific interests:
Activity zones: Create dedicated areas for different pursuits (vehicle work, fabrication, creative work, relaxation)
Mobile equipment: Put everything possible on wheels for maximum flexibility
Central open space: Leave enough room in the center for handling large projects or vehicles
Future-proof planning: Allow extra space for the equipment you aspire to own
Strategic placement: Position noisy, dusty, or hazardous activities away from clean or precision work areas
A tip from an Indaco customer: "I used blue painter's tape to outline equipment footprints on my concrete floor before setting up. This allowed me to experiment with different layouts before committing."
Environmental Management: Safety and Comfort
Different activities require different environmental controls:
Automotive shops: Floor drains, oil separators, and exhaust extraction systems
Woodworking areas: Dust collection systems positioned outside for noise reduction
Metalworking zones: Proper ventilation for welding fumes and spark containment
Art studios: Enhanced natural lighting and specialized ventilation for paints/chemicals
Universal needs: Easy-clean surfaces, strategic air flow, and filtration systems
As one multi-disciplinary maker told us: "I set up separate zones with appropriate environmental controls for each activity. My welding area has spark-resistant surfaces and ventilation, while my electronics workbench is in a clean, dust-free corner. It's like having multiple specialized shops in one building."
Beyond the Basics: Dream Shop Luxuries
Once your fundamental needs are addressed, consider these enhancements that take your shop from functional to extraordinary:
The Man Cave
Bathroom: Avoid trips to the house that interrupt your workflow
Lounge area: A comfortable space with seating for friends, family, or clients
Mini kitchenette: That essential shop fridge, a microwave, and coffee station
Entertainment system: Music or TV to enjoy during long projects or when friends gather
Fast internet: Connect to online resources, stream tutorials, or manage your online business
Social space: Add a bar area with stools where friends can hang out while you work
Specialized Spaces for Any Passion
Automotive: Vehicle lift, fluid collection system, parts cleaning station, dyno room
Metalworking: Welding booth with proper ventilation, quenching tanks, material racks
Woodworking: Dust-free finishing room, lumber conditioning area, wood storage
Artist studio: North-facing windows for consistent light, display area, ventilated area for chemicals
Home business: Customer reception area, product photography space, shipping station
Outdoor connection: Covered porch/patio that extends your workspace for messy projects
Functional Luxury Features
In-floor utility access: Ports for dust collection, compressed air, or electrical
Utility distribution: Compressed air, water, and power lines throughout the shop
Heavy equipment handling: Overhead crane, engine hoist, or material handling system
Premium flooring: Epoxy coating, modular tiles, or sport court sections for comfort
Natural light: Strategically placed windows, skylights, or light tubes
Mezzanine level: Upper storage, office space, or relaxation area with views of your kingdom
Metal Building Permitting in Oklahoma
Even the most amazing shop building starts with paperwork. Understanding permit requirements in your area is crucial to ensuring your dream shop is built legally and safely. These requirements can vary significantly between Oklahoma jurisdictions, affecting everything from how close your building can be to property lines to what types of utilities you can install.
Don't let this administrative step dampen your excitement—think of it as the foundation for a worry-free building project. Having proper permits means:
Protection from potential fines or required modifications later
Assurance that your building meets safety standards
Smoother process when selling your property in the future
Peace of mind knowing your dream shop is built to code
At Indaco Metals, we help our customers navigate the permitting process every day. While we've compiled this reference table of common requirements in major Oklahoma jurisdictions, we always recommend contacting your local building department for the most current information specific to your property.
City | Permit Requirements | Application Process | Permitting Page |
Oklahoma County | Permits required for new constructions in unincorporated areas. | Apply through the Oklahoma County Planning Department. | |
Tulsa County | Permits required for new structures in unincorporated areas. | Apply through the Tulsa County Inspections Department. | |
Oklahoma City | Permits required for all new structures, including metal shop buildings. | Apply through the Planning Department. | |
Tulsa | Permits required for new constructions, including metal shop buildings. | Submit applications to the Development Services Department. | |
Shawnee | Building permits required for new constructions. | Submit applications to the Engineering and Streets Department. | |
Norman | Permits required for new constructions. | Submit applications to Development Services. | |
Broken Arrow | Permits required for all new structures. | Apply through Community Permitting and Licensing. | |
Edmond | Permit required for structures over 200 sq ft. | Submit application to Building & Safety Department. | |
Lawton | Permits required for new constructions. | Obtain forms from Planning and Development. | |
Moore | Permits required for most new constructions. | Submit application to Inspections Department. | |
Midwest City | Permits required for new structures or alterations. | Submit applications to Engineering & Construction. | |
Enid | Permits required for new constructions. | Contact Code Department for guidelines. | |
Bartlesville | Permits required for structural constructions. | Apply to Building and Construction Services. | |
Muskogee | Permits required for all new structures. | Provide project details to Planning Department. | |
Bixby | Permits required for new constructions. | Submit required documents to Development Services. | |
Jenks | Permits required for new constructions. | Submit application with necessary documents. | |
Yukon | Permits required for new constructions. | Contact Community Development for guidelines. |
Remember that additional permits may be required for specific utilities like water, sewer connections, or specialized electrical work. Our team can help connect you with resources to navigate these requirements as part of your project planning.
Your Dream Shop Journey Starts Here
Whether you're planning a small hobby space or a large commercial workshop, Indaco Metals is your trusted partner for shop building kits in Oklahoma. With nearly three decades of experience, we understand what makes a great workshop and can help you navigate every step of the process.
Visit our showrooms in Shawnee or Sand Springs to see our materials firsthand and discuss your project with our experts. We're available Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm to answer your questions and help you plan your dream shop.
Contact Us:
Shawnee: 3 American Way, Shawnee, OK 74804 | (405) 273-9200
Sand Springs: 17427 W 9th St, Sand Springs, OK 74063 | (918) 419-6053
Online: Request a quote or try our 3D Builder tool to visualize your project
What would you include in your dream shop? Share your ideas when you call or stop by—we love hearing about unique workshop plans and helping make them a reality!