Public Makerspace
You don't need permission to start building.
The Backyard Shop is a nonprofit public makerspace built for people who want to learn by doing. We provide training, access to real manufacturing tools, and a supportive shop environment where questions are expected and progress is shared.
Every membership helps fund student training, equipment, and public access to tools. If you want to build something, you belong here.
Woodworking, joinery, and finishing tools
Metalworking bays with welding, cutting, and grinding
Digital fabrication: laser, CNC router, and 3D printing
Electronics benches with soldering and test equipment
Small batch prototyping support with staff guidance
Training and safety onboarding
Safety orientation
A 90-minute walk-through of our safety standards, PPE, and shop access rules.
Tool-specific badges
Hands-on sign-off sessions for high-risk tools like CNC, welding, and laser.
Open lab readiness
Once you hold your badges, you can reserve time and build independently.
Membership tiers
Community
$75/mo
Open lab access and member nights with entry-level tool badges.
- • 20 hours of open lab time
- • Member events and project critiques
- • Discounted classes
Builder
$165/mo
Expanded tool access for serious makers and working professionals.
- • 60 hours of open lab time
- • CNC router badge
- • Storage locker
Studio
$325/mo
Dedicated bench space, priority training, and project support.
- • Unlimited lab time
- • Priority equipment reservations
- • Quarterly project review
What this is
A shared, safety-first makerspace designed for learning and small-scale production.
What this is not
A 24/7 facility or a production factory. We prioritize training, supervision, and a calm, focused environment.
Classes and events
See upcoming training sessions and open labs.
FAQ
Ready to build?
Tour the shop and pick the membership that fits your schedule.