How to Build a 2x4 Workbench

If you enjoy working in your shop and need a strong table for your tools and projects, consider building this easy 2x4 workbench. Workbenches take a lot of beating, and you need something that is durable and able to withstand a lot of weight and abuse. Whether you are creating your favorite woodworking project or dismantling engine parts, this design will give you more than enough stability to take care of your needs.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 4 studs, 2 by 4 inches by 8 feet 18 studs, 2 by 4 inches by 6 feet Measuring tape Saw 2½-inch galvanized nails Hammer Pencil

1. Cut four 2x4-by-8-foot studs in half with the saw, so that you have eight 4-foot pieces. Place two pieces on top of each other so that you create a 4-by-4-inch piece, and nail the pieces together with galvanized nails. Do the same with the remaining 4-foot pieces until you have four 4-by-4-inch-by-4-foot posts. These will be the legs for your workbench.

2. Lay one of your 4-by-4 posts on the ground and lay another one parallel to it about 6 feet away. Take a piece of 2-by-4-inch-by-6-foot stud and lay it on the top edge of one of the 4-by-4-inch posts so the corner of the 6-foot stud is square with the post and lying at a 90-degree angle. Make sure all sides of the stud are exactly flush with the edge of the post so there is no overlap. Do the same to the opposite side of the stud, nailing it to the other 4-by-4-inch post you have lying on the ground. On the opposite end of the post, measure 12 inches from the end and mark that point with a pencil. Make the same measurement and mark on the opposite post. Lay another 2-by-4-inch-by-6-foot stud across the posts so the top side of the stud is on the line you just marked on the post. Make sure the end of the stud is flush with the edge of the post, and nail it to the post. Repeat this on the other side of the stud. You have one side of your workbench completed.

3. Repeat Step 2 using the two remaining 4-by-4 inch posts and two of the 2-by-4-inch-by-6-foot studs. Make sure all the sides are flush and even, with no overlap. Take two more 2-by-4-inch-6-foot studs and cut them in half so you have four 3-foot stud pieces. Lay one of the 3-foot studs across the top end of the stud and post you just created. The 3-foot stud should overlap the 6-foot stud and be flush with the corners to create a 90-degree angle. Secure it to the framework with nails. Go to the other side of the 3-foot stud and nail the stud to the second post and 6-foot stud. Move to the opposite end of the 6 foot studs and post and nail another 3-foot stud to both sides of the top. Your framework should be standing upright, giving you a better idea of what you are building.

4. Take another 3-foot stud and nail it to the side of the framework at the 1-foot-high mark where you nailed the 6-foot studs. Make sure it is overlapping and lying flush with the stud. Do the same to the opposite end of the framework with the remaining 3-foot stud. Take two more 2-by-4 inch-by-6-foot studs and cut them in two so you have four 3-foot studs. Lay your 3-foot stud pieces across the bottom 6-foot studs to act as stabilizers. Spread all four 3-foot studs out evenly across the frame, approximately 16 inches apart, and nail to the framework.

5. Lay a 2-by-4-inch-by-6-foot-stud on the far edge of your workbench, placing it across the top of the 4-by-4 posts and exactly flush with the posts and 6-foot stud framework. This is the start of your workbench top. Nail the 6-foot stud to framework and continue nailing 6-foot studs across the top, laying one parallel to the last one until you have covered the entire workbench. You are now finished and ready to start a project.