What you need for a woodworking workshop

Use this shopping list to prepare a hands-on woodworking workshop without last-minute trips to the hardware store. It covers shared tools, materials for each project, protective equipment, cleanup supplies and basic refreshments. Buy or reserve enough materials for every registered participant, then add a small spare quantity for damaged parts, misplaced screws or measuring mistakes. Check tool batteries, extension cords and drill bits before the workshop, because replacements are harder to arrange once people are at their workstations.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Work tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 24
Reception desk
Waste binsqty 3

Tools

Hand sawsqty 12
Hammerqty 12
Screwdriversqty 12
Cordless drill driversqty 6
Drill and bit setsqty 6
Measuring tapesqty 12
Pencilsqty 24
Set squaresqty 12
Clampsqty 24
Sanding blocksqty 24

Safety

Safety gogglesqty 24
Hearing protectionqty 24
Dust masksqty 30
Work glovesqty 24
First aid kit

Equipment

Vacuum cleanerqty 2
Power stripsqty 6
Extension cordsqty 6

Materials

Wooden planksqty 30
Wooden slatsqty 24
Wood screwsqty 300
Nailsqty 300
Wood glueqty 6
Coarse sandpaperqty 30
Fine sandpaperqty 30
Wood stainqty 6
Brushesqty 24
Mixing cupsqty 12
Stir sticksqty 24

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 30
Platesqty 30
Cutlery setsqty 30
Coffee cupsqty 24
Coffee potsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea bags - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Spa Blauw - 6 bottles
- Sparkling water - 4 bottles
- Cola - 3 bottles
- Cola Zero - 3 bottles
- Sinas - 2 bottles
- Apple juice - 2 cartons
- Long-life cream - 2 packs
- Sandwiches - 60 pieces
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilogram
- Back ham - 1 kilogram
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Peanut butter - 1 jar
- Jam - 2 jars
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 1 kilogram
- Lettuce - 3 heads
- Paprika chips - 3 bags
- Plain chips - 3 bags
- Snacks - 3 bags
- Cookies - 4 packs
- Muesli bars - 30 pieces
- Bananas - 24 pieces
- Grapes - 2 kilogram
- Pizza bases - 12 pieces
- Tomato sauce - 6 jars
- Grated cheese - 2 kilogram
- Mushrooms - 1 kilogram
- Bell peppers - 12
- Onions - 1 kilogram
- Oregano - 1 jar
- Basil - 4 bunches
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Napkins - 3 packs
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 12 pieces
- Toilet paper - 2 packs
- Hand soap - 2 bottles

Tips

Plan materials per participant, then add at least 10% extra wood, screws, nails, glue and sandpaper. A spare set prevents one wrong cut or split plank from stopping the session.
Prepare one complete sample project before shopping for final quantities. It shows how many wooden planks, slats, fasteners and finishing materials each participant will actually use.
Count safety equipment by workstation, not just by attendee. Provide one pair of safety goggles and work gloves per person, plus hearing protection and dust masks where cutting or sanding takes place.
Check every cordless drill driver, drill bit set, saw and clamp at least 24 hours beforehand. Charge batteries, test power strips and extension cords, and replace damaged leads before setup.
Buy coffee, tea and drinking water for the confirmed headcount, with enough cups and a clear reception table. Keep refreshments away from sawdust, glue and wood stain, especially during sanding and finishing.

Frequently asked questions

How much wood do I need per person for a woodworking workshop?: Use the finished sample project to calculate the required length and number of wooden planks and slats per participant. Add at least 10% extra material, or one complete spare project for every 10 participants, to cover cutting errors and damaged wood.
How many tools are needed for a woodworking workshop?: Aim for one active workstation per participant or shared station, with the tools needed for that project at each station. For drills, saws and measuring tools, provide enough for pairs at most; waiting more than 5 minutes slows the workshop considerably.
How much sandpaper should I buy for a woodworking workshop?: Provide coarse and fine sandpaper for every participant, with at least two sheets of each grade per person. Add 10% extra because sanding sheets wear out quickly, especially on rough or uneven timber.
When should I prepare the tools and materials?: Cut wood to size, sand any required parts and test all tools at least 24 hours before the workshop. Distribute materials and lay out workstations 30 to 60 minutes before participants arrive.

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