10 Things No One Tells You About Starting a Makerspace (Until It's Too Late)
Starting a makerspace is exciting, but there are plenty of hidden pitfalls that can cost you time, money, and engagement. Before you dive in, here are 10 things you need to know that most people only learn the hard way.
1. Your Budget Will Disappear Faster Than You Think
Makerspaces require more than just flashy tools and cool tech. You’ll need to budget for storage, safety equipment, consumable materials, staffing, and ongoing maintenance. Things break, supplies run out faster than expected, and unexpected costs always pop up. Without a plan, you’ll either overspend or find yourself cutting corners. A good rule of thumb: set aside at least 20% of your budget for the unexpected—it’ll save you a lot of stress down the road.
2. Technology Alone Won’t Teach Students
A room full of 3D printers and robots doesn’t guarantee engaged learning. The real magic happens when students take on meaningful challenges, work through hands-on projects, and connect what they’re doing to their own interests. But even the best-designed activities can fall flat without an engaging instructor who knows how to facilitate learning in a makerspace. A well-trained teacher can bring creativity to life, encourage problem-solving, and guide students through the learning process—making the difference between a room full of unused tech and a thriving hub of innovation.
3. If You Don’t Plan for Storage, You’ll Regret It
A makerspace can go from beautifully organized to absolute chaos in no time. Without a solid storage system, tools will go missing, projects will get lost, and students will struggle to find what they need. Labeled bins, pegboards, and clearly designated storage areas can help keep everything accessible while preventing clutter. It’s also important to set clear boundaries—some materials should be freely available, while others should require permission or supervision. A well-organized space keeps the focus on making, not on searching for supplies.
4. Consumables Will Be Your Biggest Expense
3D printers and laser cutters might seem like the biggest investment, but the real budget-drainer is consumable materials. Paper, glue, tape, cardboard, batteries, and other supplies get used up fast, and without a replenishment plan, you’ll constantly be scrambling for materials. Bulk buying can help stretch your budget, and creating a materials wishlist for donations can keep your makerspace stocked. Being intentional about materials also encourages sustainability—teaching students to repurpose and reuse can be just as valuable as the projects themselves.
5. Most Teachers Are Intimidated by Makerspaces
Even tech-savvy educators can feel overwhelmed when stepping into a makerspace for the first time. With so many tools, materials, and possibilities, it’s easy to feel like you have to be an expert before you can start teaching. The key is to start simple—low-tech projects, easy wins, and hands-on professional development go a long way in building teacher confidence. A makerspace is about creativity and problem-solving, not perfection—and once teachers experience it for themselves, they’re more likely to embrace it in their classrooms.
6. Student Buy-In Matters More Than You Think
If students aren’t excited about what they’re making, engagement will drop fast. The best way to keep them invested? Give them a say. Let them choose their projects, explore materials that interest them, and solve problems they actually care about. Personalization is key—whether it’s designing custom keychains, creating inventions to help their community, or making something that ties into their hobbies. When students feel ownership over their work, they bring curiosity, creativity, and persistence—all the things a great makerspace needs.
7. You’ll Need a Clear System for Project Storage
Not every project can be finished in a single class, which means you’ll need a solid plan for storing in-progress work. Without one, projects will get damaged, lost, or forgotten. Stackable bins, labeled folders, or digital documentation (like taking photos of progress) can help keep things organized. If you have limited space, consider rotating storage solutions or having students take responsibility for keeping their work safe. A little planning upfront will save you a lot of frustration later.
8. Not Every Project Needs High-Tech Tools
It’s easy to think that a makerspace needs to be filled with 3D printers, laser cutters, and robots—but some of the best learning experiences come from simple materials and hands-on creativity. Cardboard, duct tape, straws, LED lights, and motors can be just as powerful for problem-solving and innovation. High-tech tools should support creativity, not replace it—starting with accessible materials ensures that all students can participate and keeps the focus on design thinking, not just button-pressing.
9. Makerspaces Must Connect to Real Learning Goals
A makerspace without clear learning objectives can feel like a free-for-all—fun, but not necessarily meaningful. The most successful makerspaces tie projects into STEM concepts, design thinking, and real-world problem-solving. When students see why they’re building something, their engagement and critical thinking skills deepen. Whether it’s designing solutions for environmental issues, prototyping assistive devices, or creating inventions that improve daily life, connecting making to purposeful learning goals ensures that the makerspace is a place for both play and impact.
10. You’ll Wish You Had a Makerspace Curriculum From the Start
Planning projects from scratch is time-consuming, overwhelming, and often unsustainable. Without a structured curriculum, you’ll spend more time scrambling for ideas than actually running your makerspace. A solid curriculum saves time, builds real skills, and helps teachers feel confident leading makerspace activities. It also ensures that students get a well-rounded experience—progressing from simple skills to more advanced challenges. Whether you’re designing your own or using a ready-made program, having a roadmap from the beginning will make everything smoother in the long run.