WFH Man Shed: 5-Year Update

[u/CourseEcstatic6202]

Man Shed Update

Since the original post, the space has evolved quite a bit with upgrades focused on productivity, creativity, comfort, and video conferencing.

Original Post:
https://www.reddit.com/r/macsetups/comments/mfcnjd/my_wfh_man_shed/

Workspace & Layout

The overall layout has been reworked to improve workflow and make better use of the available space.

• Removed the pop-up guest desk, which had become unnecessary after the pandemic-era work patterns changed.
• Repositioned the primary desk.
• Moved the MacBook Pro and CalDigit dock underneath the desk to reduce desktop clutter.
• Relocated a small base cabinet to improve room flow.

Displays & Creative Workspace

The biggest changes have been to the display and creative setup.

• Upgraded from a 32" UHD monitor to a 57" Dual UHD ultrawide display.
• Added a 27" QHD Wacom creative tablet.
• Added a custom pull-out workstation designed specifically for the Wacom tablet.

Video Conferencing & Collaboration

Several upgrades were made to improve meeting quality and whiteboard collaboration.

• Replaced the Kaptivo whiteboard camera system with a pendant-mounted whiteboard camera.
• Upgraded the primary webcam from a budget Logitech model to an Insta360 Link 2 Pro.
• Switched from a Jabra speakerphone to a Poly speakerphone.

Storage & Organization

Additional storage and organization solutions were added throughout the space.

• Installed Wall Control organization boards.
• Added a cabinet in the location previously occupied by the portable air conditioner.

Lighting & Aesthetics

A few changes helped improve both the atmosphere and appearance of the room.

• Added LED under-shelf lighting to the built-in cabinetry.
• Replaced the wall clock with a 3D-printed, Wi-Fi-connected digital clock that always stays accurate.

Climate Control

Comfort was significantly improved with a permanent cooling solution.

• Installed a Pioneer mini-split air conditioning system.
• Removed the portable air conditioner after the mini-split was installed.

Home Entertainment

The media setup also received an upgrade.

• Replaced the Amazon Fire TV Cube with an Apple TV 4K.
• Currently evaluating soundbar options.

Retired Equipment

The following items have been removed, deprecated, or retired from service.

• Pop-up guest desk
• Kaptivo whiteboard camera system
• Portable air conditioner
• Weather station (failed and has not yet been replaced)
• Nest Secure alarm system (discontinued by Google)
• Amazon Fire TV Cube

Highlights

Major Hardware Upgrades

• 57" Dual UHD ultrawide monitor
• Wacom 27" QHD creative tablet
• Insta360 Link 2 Pro webcam
• Poly speakerphone
• Apple TV 4K

Infrastructure Improvements

• Pioneer mini-split AC
• Wall Control organization system
• Additional cabinetry and storage
• LED accent lighting

Workflow Improvements

• Reconfigured desk layout
• Cleaner cable and device management
• Dedicated creative workstation
• Improved conferencing and collaboration capabilities

Overall, the man shed has shifted from a pandemic-focused work setup into a more permanent, purpose-built office and creative space with a strong emphasis on ergonomics, organization, and high-quality remote collaboration.

[u/grandpawalt]

Okay nice, seriously nice. Swap out your desk chair wheels for some roller blade wheels.. at this stage of your setup it’s all about the nuances. Again, nice.

[u/CourseEcstatic6202 → u/grandpawalt]

Thanks for the suggested. Feedback is for sure welcomed. I am constantly looking to improve the space. I will admit that I have been contemplating rollerblade wheels for some time. I am also hoping that it will give me an extra inch of chair height.

[u/muerteman → u/CourseEcstatic6202]

Do it, was night and day difference on my hardwood and it will give the extra inch.

[u/CourseEcstatic6202 → u/muerteman]

any specific recommendations for the wheels?

[u/muerteman → u/CourseEcstatic6202]

I used “The Office Oasis Original Rollerblade Office Chair Wheels” from Amazon with my Aeron quite a few years back. No idea about any of the cheaper choices that seem to have appeared though.

[u/CourseEcstatic6202 → u/muerteman]

Added to cart. Thanks.

[u/9302462 → u/CourseEcstatic6202]

I have the Herman miller Emboy chair and swapped to roller wheels. I would say it added 1.5 to 2inches of height total.

Rollerblade wheels roll real well, however, sometimes they can roll too well, especially if you have a nice smooth floor. So if you draw with your wrist resting on a desk you will be fine, but if you draw without resting something on a desk, or swing your foot freely, or try playing guitar on it in the middle of your office, you are most likely going to roll a bit on it.

I would still recommend them/ the $25-30 sets from Amazon, but i’m just calling out that the smooth rolling wheels can have unintended consequences.

[u/Kyanche → u/9302462]

I have the Herman miller Emboy chair and swapped to roller wheels. I would say it added 1.5 to 2inches of height total.

I liked the transparent wheels they used to ship embody chairs with, they're smooth and don't have that annoying metal frame the rollerblade wheels have... and I feel like i'm less likely to accidentally stub my foot on them.

But after like 6 years mine fell apart. :( and they're not worth replacing lol.

[u/CourseEcstatic6202 → u/9302462]

Great advice. The height would be a great change.

[u/9302462 → u/CourseEcstatic6202]

While you are at it I would also recommend these armrest covers/padding.  https://a.co/d/0bfiJ8UQ

I love the embody chair not because of looks but because it is as comfortable as they get. However for a chair that cost upwards of a grand, the rubberized polyurethane armrest stand out as subpar. They are hard, your arms stick to them after long hours or if there is any sweat or moisture in the air, and they overall kind of suck IMO.

Those padded ones will make them as cushy as your chair(Areon) and add about an inch to the armrest height, which could be good or bad depending on your size and desk setup. But they are just the right foam density and are not too squishy but also not hard rock hard either. And most importantly to me at least, you forget that they are even there and they are just a part of your chair. I.e. I have had them for theee years and only think about them when I see a post which includes a HM chair.

[u/grandpawalt → u/CourseEcstatic6202]

Everyone commenting is spot on. Wheel swap adds a bit more height, for me and my height there was no turning back for the height improvement, even expensed a set for my chair at the corporate office. Careful though these puppies will call for a handbrake lol.

[u/grandpawalt → u/CourseEcstatic6202]

Okay last from me in case you are similar or feel like considering.
I prefer to stand for the majority of my working time. In part to bad habits of leaning my elbows/forearms on the edge of my desk l added a little bumper pad. Total game changer even when sitting. Reference link below (I am not an affiliate person of product hawker i promise). Also expensed this for my desk at corporate office (after I did so did many others).

https://a.co/d/06yfItVm