How to Build a Wood Workbench

A sturdy workbench has many practical uses, but it can also serve as the focal point for your work area. Having a proper workspace almost requires one, and with a few supplies and tools you can create your own sturdy and practical workbench. Dust off your tools, head down to the lumber yard, and get ready to make a functional wood workbench of your own.

Things You'll Need

• 6 2-by-4 inch wood beams
• Sheet of plywood
• Nails
• Hammer
• Wood glue
• Chalk
• Handsaw
• Sandpaper

Instructions

1. 

   Measure and mark with chalk where to cut the 2-by-4s. For each leg, measure up to 3 feet and make a mark with the chalk. Do the same for each support beam.

2. Measure and mark out a table top pattern that is 3 feet and 2 inches square in the plywood. This means that each side of the table will be 3 feet and 2 inches.

3. 

   Trim each leg at the chalk mark with a handsaw. Do the same for the support beams. On the plywood, which will act as the surface, begin cutting at the edge and continue sawing all the way through the wood to the other side. This will make the next cut much less awkward.

4. 

   Lay the plywood surface sideways and place a leg in the desired position, 2 inches from the edges. Apply a small bead of glue to the top of the leg. Hold it steady and hammer a nail in place from the plywood side. Once this is secure, hammer another nail in beside it. Repeat this process for all four legs.

5. Turn the table over so that the legs are sticking up. Place a support beam half way up the right side, between the two legs, and hammer this in place with diagonally placed nails. Do the same for the left leg. Place the middle support beam in between the two side supports and hammer in place with two nails on each side.

6. Flip the table over and sand the surface. Sand the edges of the table, legs and supports to prevent splinters. You may paint or stain the table if you wish or leave the wood workbench natural. Now you have your own workbench for all your do it yourself home projects.

Tips & Warnings

• It always helps to have an extra set of hands. Invite friends over and they can help steady the table while you hammer legs and supports in place. Remember the carpenter's golden rule: "Measure twice, cut once."

Resources

• A woodworking store with some additional ideas for workbenches.