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Build a Basic Workbench

The easiest way to build a basic workbench for your garage or shop.

How to Build a Workbench

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A few weeks ago I gave my garage/shop area a much-needed makeover. I cleared everything out, gave it a good cleaning, added pegboard storage to one of the walls, and built myself a mobile workbench and a miter saw stand. When I cleared everything out, I moved one of the old “workbenches” (aka: an old door on some table legs) over to my husband’s shop area.

Guess what happened the minute he saw my new workbenches …

He requested a new one for himself, of course!

So today I have plans for his new workbench! It’s very simple and quick to build and you can adjust the dimensions to fit any space.

Enjoy the plans!

How to Build a Workbench

Tools & Supplies:

Lumber:

  • 7 | 2 x 4 @ 8′
  • 1 | 3/4″ Full Sheet of Particleboard (or plywood of your choice)

Cuts:

  • 4 | 2 x 4 @ 36″ (legs)
  • 4 | 2 x 4 @ 21″ (frame sides)
  • 4 | 2 x 4 @ 68″ (frame front & back)
  • 1 | Particleboard @ 25″ x 72″ (tabletop)
  • 1 | Particleboard @ 21″ x 71″ (bottom shelf)

Step 1.

Build the top and bottom frames as shown in the diagram below.

How to Build a Workbench step 1

Attach the 21″ sides of the frame to the 68″ front & back of the frame with 2 1/2″ self-tapping wood screws. I used four screws through each side (two on both ends of each of the 21″ pieces – one on the top, one on the bottom).

See the video if you need clarification … I’m not sure if that explanation made any sense.

Build two frames (top & bottom).

How to Build a Workbench step 2

Step 2.

Attach the top frame to the legs.

How to Build a Workbench step 3

It’s easiest to build this part upside down. Simply lay the frame on the ground and match the legs up on the outside ends of the frame. Attach with 2 1/2″ self-tapping screws.

I drove four screws through each leg (two into the front & back frames, two into the side frames).

Step 3.

Mark 6″ up from the bottom of the legs and attach the bottom frame with 2 1/2″ self-tapping screws.

How to Build a Workbench step 4

I set the bench on its side, marked 6″ up on each leg, moved the bottom frame into position, clamped it, and then attached it. Again, I used four screws through each leg ( two into the front & back frames, two into the side frames).

Step 4.

Place the bottom shelf on the bottom frame and attach to the frame with 1 1/4″ self-tapping screws.

How to Build a Workbench step 5

I just drilled directly down through the particleboard into the frame and countersunk the screws so they’re out of the way.

Step 5.

Center the tabletop on the top frame – there should be a 1/2″ overhang on all sides of the legs.

How to Build a Workbench step 6

Attach with 1 1/4″ self-tapping screws. Again, I drilled directly through the particleboard into the frame and countersunk the screws.

I placed a screw in each corner and two in the middle (make sure you hit the frame in the middle since it’s back further than the legs).

How to Build a Workbench

And there you have it – an easy, sturdy DIY workbench.

Please let me know if you have any questions and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

| Tylynn |

Thanks for stopping by!

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How to Build a Workbench
How to Build a Workbench
How to Build a Workbench

Rich Brown

Monday 2nd of November 2020

This is a rock solid simple no frills workbench! Thank you for sharing. I was able do all the cuts with six 2x4x8's and had enough scrap to add an 18" cross member for the top shelf. This thing will have no problem holding a napping baby elephant after a long day in the Savannah desert. Perfect!

tylynn_sattler

Tuesday 3rd of November 2020

Haha glad you like it! I use mine all the time.

Gatewood

Friday 2nd of October 2020

I completed my table today. The directions were easy to follow. Thank you for sharing your skill and knowledge.

tylynn_sattler

Monday 5th of October 2020

Wonderful! Thanks for using my plans!

Sergio Cortez

Wednesday 5th of August 2020

Just built this today and it came out awesome!! I literally used this guide the entire way through and it came out exactly like in the picture! Perfect size for a 2 car garage and very solid! Great job! Thank you!

tylynn_sattler

Friday 7th of August 2020

Perfect! I'm glad it worked out well for you. Thanks for using my plans!

Augie

Tuesday 16th of June 2020

I might sound really dumb but I am new to woodworking and was looking into making this workbench. I wanted to add casters as well to make it mobile but when looking it up everyone is saying I need another piece of wood on the end of the 2x4 to secure it. Is there any video you have of how to easily add casters for a beginner

tylynn_sattler

Tuesday 16th of June 2020

I do not have a video of that, but I've added casters on a lot of my other workbenches. All I usually do is put an extra piece of wood on the bottom of the legs and screw the casters to that. Here's a link to the casters I like: https://amzn.to/2YH5zaR

Karen

Monday 27th of April 2020

Could an 8’ top sit on this?

tylynn_sattler

Monday 27th of April 2020

Yeah you could do an overhang on the sides. I'd probably extend the whole base so you only have like a 3" overhang on each side if you're just using the 3/4" particleboard for the top so it doesn't sag.

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