How to add ventilation to an 8x12 shed I use to work wood?

Joe Jones
by Joe Jones

Would the best thing be to add a small window on the opposite wall as the door? Or should I put a window in one of the side walls or both? I have ridge vents but would a strong roof vent be better.

  6 answers
  • Ray Porter Ray Porter on Oct 30, 2018

    Why not install a small air conditioner.

    • Joe Jones Joe Jones on Oct 30, 2018

      Ray porter install a small air conditioner in which window? It’s only 48sq ft. It just needs the humidity to be drafted out and air to circulate

  • Oliva Oliva on Oct 30, 2018

    Most wood shops install large exhaust fans to control dust levels.

    Your idea of cross ventilation would be good for adding fresh air into the space. Sometimes, two windows on adjacent walls (one on each wall) are adequate for cross ventilation. You'll gain better air control with casements than with typical "over/under"windows. You can always supplement with a larger stand fan.

    • See 1 previous
    • Oliva Oliva on Nov 01, 2018

      See www.moffittcorporation.com.

  • Kc Kc on Oct 30, 2018

    If you have a power source you can get a portable air conditioner/dehumidifier. These units are on rollers and don't install into a window (but you will need to stick the vent/drainage hoses out the door).

    If there isn't power then your best bet is to create passive cross ventilation.

    What direction do your prevailing winds move? Add windows to opposite sides of the shed to take advantage of those breezes.

  • Joe Jones Joe Jones on Oct 30, 2018

    I live in Florida winds come from everywhere but an air conditioner is the obvious answer. I have power it’s hard to work on wood with out it. I’m not looking to work climate controlled just cool it off so it’s not so humid in it. I was asking for the people that know how cross ventilation works best and can advise me before I cut holes in my shed side to build a window stool.

  • Setsukograb Setsukograb on Sep 04, 2021

    If you originally built your shed, it will not be difficult for you to come up with pipes or air conditioning there to not breathe wood dust. My friend works in a carpentry shop. They have no air ducts, and he complains of a strong cough. They ventilate the room by creating drafts from the door and windows, which does not very effectively remove dusty air. I would rebuild the shed in another place or set up an air duct system if I were you. When we were building our workshop, we turned to AJ Mechanical. They build not only new buildings but also sheds workshops and studios.

  • Dee Dee on Sep 04, 2021

    Get an exhaust fan and put it in the window.