How to Build a Wall Work Bench
A wall workbench provides several advantages over traditional four-legged workbench models. The lack of the two front facing workbench legs makes the wall workbench easier to move around, and creates a permanent fixture. Additionally, when the wall workbench is not in use, it can be utilized as a shelf surface and items can easily be stored on top of the workbench or underneath. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Stud finder
- Plywood or particle board
- 5 2-inch-by-4-inch wood pieces, 8 feet long
- Hammer
- 4-inch nails
- 5 metal support brackets
- Power screwdriver and screws
- Sandpaper or orbital sander
- Paint or wood stain
- Paintbrushes
Instructions
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1
Measure the area you wish to place the workbench. You may need to adjust the length of your workbench according to the available space in your garage, shed or location you are placing your workbench. This instructional deals with a work bench 3 feet deep or wide by 8 feet long; the 8-foot length is easily changed without causing problems with following directions.
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Measure the area by measuring the distance lengthwise between available wall studs. If the studs are not exposed, use a stud finder to locate them. The length between available wall studs determines the length of your workbench; since many wall studs are positioned 2 feet apart, our 8-foot-long bench spreads between approximately five wall studs.
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3
Measure and cut the plywood piece to measure 3 feet wide by 8 feet long, or the length you need to fit your space. Cut two of the 2-by-4 boards to measure 8 feet long or the length you require. While you are busy cutting, cut the remaining 2-by-4 pieces into five pieces that measure 2 feet, 6 inches long.
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Lay the two longest 2-by-4 pieces on the ground parallel to one another. Lay the shorter 2-feet, 6-inch pieces between the two longer pieces. Two of the shorter pieces should be at the end of the longer pieces, and the remaining short pieces should be positioned 2 feet apart throughout. If the wall stud measurement is not equal to 2 feet, the smaller pieces should be positioned to match the wall studs.
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5
Assemble all pieces as they are laid out to create the frame for the workbench. Attach the plywood or particle board piece to one side of the frame to create the workbench top.
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6
Hold the work bench top into place, with help from friends, as you attach it to the wall studs; if the studs are covered, mark them beforehand to make installation easier. Drive nails through the longest pieces of 2-by-4 pieces and into the wall studs, you may have to nail at an angle because of the short crossbars of the table frame.
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Attach triangular metal support brackets between wall studs and support studs placed perpendicular to the length of the workbench. The metal brackets are easily installed using a power screwdriver and screws approximately 2 inches long or less.
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Tips & Warnings
Sand and paint or stain your workbench after support brackets are installed, if desired.
