How to Build a Closet Workbench

Turning a closet into a workbench is a great option for someone without a garage or basement. The project consists of constructing a table that folds compactly into the closet when not is use. This design only works for a closet with a door that swings outward. Anyone with some basic hand tools and carpentry knowledge can tackle this project.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tape measure
• Carpenters square
• Pencil
• 1/2-inch wood screws
• Drill
• Latch with eye hook

Making the Table

1. Choose a closet that is not used very often and only stores some junk you can move or do without.

2. Remove everything from the closet so that you can begin work.

3. Make the top of the table with a ½-inch piece of plywood. Cut the width of the plywood so it is 6 inches narrower than the closet opening. The table should be 3 feet long.

4. Cut 2 3-foot legs for the table using a 2-by-4 inch board.

5. Get 3 heavy duty hinges from your local hardware store. 2 must be 3 inches wide for attaching the legs and the other must be as wide as your table top.

6. Affix the 2 smaller hinges on the end of each leg.

7. Attach the long hinge to the piece of plywood using ½-inch wood screws through every hole that is pre-drilled in the hinge.

Installing the Table

8. Make a mark on the inside of the closet door 3 feet from the floor. Use a carpenters square to make a straight line across the door with a pencil at this 3-foot mark.

9. Center the table against the 3-foot mark with the hinge on the top side. Attach the hinge to the door at this mark, again using 1/2-inch wood screws.

10. Fold the shelf upwards so that it is flush against the door to attach the 2 legs.

11. Hold the first leg so that the hinge is in the air and is facing the door. Attach the hinge to the table 2 inches from the top of the table and on the left side of it. Repeat this step with the other leg on the right side of the table.

12. Install a small hook at the top of the door that will connect to an eye hook on the table.

13. Put the eye hook on the table so that when you fold it up, you can place the hook on the door through this eye hook and the table will stay in place out of the way.

Tips & Warnings

• Construct a higher workbench by lengthening the legs and attaching it higher up on the door. Create it at a comfortable height for you.
• Build a few sturdy shelves on the back wall of the closet to put heavier tools and items on. It is also a good idea to make a shelf where you can keep jars of nails, screws, staple and the like.
• Hang pegboard from the walls in the closet to hang your tools on.
• Use heavy duty hinges so that the workbench does not collapse. Also use a heavy duty latch so that the shelf does not come crashing down on your head when it is folded up.