Think of your heavy-duty garage workbench as your ticket to trading in the suit and tie for the grease and grit of creating, tinkering, and upgrading. When you have the urge to get your hands dirty, you’ll be able to roll up your sleeves and spend some solid time at your multifunction workbench.
Eager to start tackling a new hobby? There’s no need to scroll the internet for the best workbench. You can earn some points on your DIY card by building your own. Check out our guide for a free, basic, mobile workbench plan that you can build over the weekend. Once you’re done, trick it out with a workbench wall organizer and you’ll be the envy of the neighborhood.
Choosing the right wood for your project will make all the difference
Basic Work Table Plan
This simple work table is perfect for any starter workshop. The plans include enough materials to build two tables. You can put them together for a longer bench or even sell one (or halve the plans to make just one).
Materials Needed
(1) | 3/4" x 4' x 8' plywood with sanded exterior |
(1) | 1/2" x 4' x 8' plywood |
(14) | 2" x 4" x 8' premium studs |
(4) | 1/4" x 3/4" x 8' pine flat screen moulding |
(80) | #10 x 3" screws for wood |
(50) | \#10 x 2-1/2" screws for wood |
(50) | #8 x 1-1/2" screws for construction |
(1) | Box of 3d finishing nails |
(1) | 16 oz bottle of wood glue |
Instructions
1. Buy all materials, opting for higher quality lumber to ensure the table lasts for years to come. The materials to build your tables should cost under $100 each.
2. Cut plywood according to the following cutting schedule.
2x4 Cutting Chart
2x4 # | Cut to dimensions | ||||
1 | 60" | 33" | |||
2 | 60" | 33" | |||
3 | 60" | 33" | |||
4 | 60" | 33" | |||
5 | 57" | 33" | |||
6 | 57" | 33" | |||
7 | 57" | 33" | |||
8 | 57" | 33" | |||
9 | 17.5" | 17.5" | 17.5" | 17.5" | 17.5" |
10 | 17.5" | 17.5" | 17.5" | 21" | 21" |
11 | 21" | 21" | 21" | 21" | 8.5"* |
12 | 21" | >21" | 21" | 21" | 8.5"* |
13 | 21" | 21" | 21" | 21" | 8.5"* |
14 | 8.5"* | 8.5"* | 8.5"* | 8.5"* | 8.5"* |
*Cut these pieces to match the lower legs
Build the top frame and cover one of the sides with ¾” plywood. Attach 2x4s together using the 3” #10 screws and wood glue. Then use 1 ½ “ long #8 screws and glue to attach the top of the plywood.
3. Rotate the top of the frame to the opposite side, using wood glue to attach all four legs with 3” wood screws. Use glue and 2 ½ “ screws to attach the 17.5” leg doublers to the exterior of the legs.
4. Keep the frame on the opposite side and construct the lower section of frame on top of the legs. Secure everything together using 3” #10 screws, and then add the 8.5” leg doublers.
5. Flip the table over to stand right-side up, attaching the plywood shelf with 1 ½” screws. Use glue and 3d finishing nails to add the edge moulding.
More Home Garage Workbench Plans
Looking for more home garage workbench plans? Or maybe you’re on fire, ready to churn out some workbenches for friends and family? We’re impressed.
Check out these other free workbench plans to find the perfect style to suit your needs. We’ve listed modular workbenches that are great for extensive projects, fold-down workbenches for tight spaces, and everything in between.
Simple Workbench Plan: This workbench is sturdy, simple, and looks great. What more could you ask for?
Modular Workbench: Ready to get fancy? Build this workbench with five foldout features. Yup—five!
Easy-to-Build Workbench: Take a shortcut by using an old door as the top of your workbench. Genius!
Sturdy Workbench: You’re doing manly-man stuff with this workbench. Make sure it holds up by following these free plans for a sturdy workbench.
Fold-Down Workbench: Have a small garage? (Or maybe it’s just packed to the brim?) This fold-down workbench delivers practicality for those short on space.
DIY Workbench: This bench by Popular Mechanics has detailed instructions that even a novice can follow with ease.
Budget Workbench: Need a bench built for less than $100? This simple plan is your best bet.
Optimize your garage space with a deluxe cabinet set where everything has a place
Customize Your Garage Workbench with Flow Wall
With your simple DIY workbench complete, it’s time to take things to the next level. Head to Flow Wall to find everything you need to get organized and enhance the functionality of your workbench. From wall panels to hooks and bins, we have everything you need to amp up your workspace.
