I find this to be one of the more annoying things in the game, too. I'm not sure if there is a mod or setting that can simply make the range of the work stations larger without ruining spawns, but it would be nice if a continuous base could utilize / detect a single workstation for building.

Currently, I use a mod that has work stations on wheels that helps in some situations. But what I would really love is a workbench backpack or something.

That or like other games.... pre-build furniture at the specific workstation if we can't transport metal through a portal (without mods). That would make a crafting area feel like even more of a crafting area.