What you need for a woodworking workshop

Use this shopping list to prepare a hands-on woodworking workshop without running short on tools or materials. Plan the quantities around the number of participants and the project they will build. Timber should be ordered early enough to cut it to size, while safety equipment and shared tools need checking before the workshop day. Drinks, tableware and first aid supplies are easy to overlook when most of the planning focuses on the workstations.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Work tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 24
Bar stoolsqty 4
Coat racksqty 2

Tools

Hand sawsqty 8
Jigsawsqty 4
Cordless drill driversqty 6
Drill setqty 4
Screwdriver setsqty 6
Hammerqty 8
Clampsqty 12
Measuring tapesqty 8
Set squaresqty 8
Pencilsqty 30
Sanding blocksqty 12

Materials

Pine planksqty 30
Wooden slatsqty 24
Wood screwsqty 500
Nailsqty 250
Wood glueqty 6
Coarse sandpaperqty 40
Fine sandpaperqty 40
Water-based varnishqty 4
Paintbrushesqty 24
Mixing bowlsqty 12

Safety

Safety gogglesqty 24
Ear defendersqty 12
Dust masksqty 40
Work glovesqty 24
First aid kit

Equipment

Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Vacuum cleanerqty 2
Work lightsqty 4

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 30
Glassesqty 30
Platesqty 30
Cutlery setsqty 30

Kitchen

Coffee makerqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Knivesqty 3
Serving spoonsqty 4
Serving bowlsqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Mineral water - 24 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Lemonade syrup - 2 bottles
- Sandwiches - 36 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 4 loaves
- Herb butter - 4 tubs
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilo
- Back ham - 1 kilo
- Smoked chicken breast - 1 kilo
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Lettuce - 4 heads
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Grapes - 2 kilos
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Bananas - 24 pieces
- Yogurt - 3 kilos
- Muesli - 1 kilo
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Snacks - 3 bags
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Brownies - 30 pieces
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Balsamic vinegar - 1 bottle
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 can
- Napkins - 100 pieces
- Paper cups - 50 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 1 roll
- Cling film - 1 roll
- Parchment paper - 1 roll
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 12 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Paper towels - 6 packs
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs

Tips

Plan one complete work kit per participant or pair, including measuring tools, pencils, sanding blocks and the fixings needed for the sample project. Add at least 10% extra screws, nails and small consumables for mistakes or lost pieces.
Order pine planks and wooden slats at least 7–10 days before the workshop if they need cutting, sorting or delivery. Base the order on the confirmed participant list, then add one spare project’s worth of timber.
Provide one pair of safety goggles and one dust mask per participant, plus at least two spare sets. Keep ear defenders, work gloves and a first aid kit at the tool station where people can reach them before demonstrations begin.
For shared tools, aim for one hand tool per two participants and one cordless drill driver for every two to three people. Check batteries, drill bits, saw blades and extension arrangements at least one day before the workshop.
Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one drink per person per additional hour. Chill them before doors open and buy enough cups, plates and napkins for the full group rather than only the people who registered first.

Frequently asked questions

What tools do I need for a woodworking workshop?: For a basic workshop, provide hand saws, jigsaws, cordless drill drivers, drill bits, screwdrivers, hammers, clamps, measuring tapes, set squares, pencils and sanding blocks. For shared equipment, one tool for every two participants is a practical starting point.
How much wood do I need per person for a woodworking workshop?: Use the dimensions of the chosen project to calculate the timber, then add around 10% for cutting errors and damaged pieces. If every participant builds the same project, order enough for the confirmed group plus one complete spare project.
How many safety goggles and dust masks should I buy?: Buy one pair of safety goggles and one dust mask per participant, with at least two spare sets for replacements or helpers. Have all safety equipment laid out before the safety briefing, not in unopened packaging.
When should I buy supplies for a woodworking workshop?: Order wood and other materials 7–10 days beforehand if they require delivery or cutting. Check tools, batteries and safety equipment at least one day before the workshop, and buy drinks and other fresh catering supplies within 24 hours of the event.

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