How to Build a Workbench for a Shop

A good wooden workbench can be a life-long investment if you take the time to plan it out properly and you use the best materials possible. You can make an elaborate workbench with ornate patterns or build a utilitarian workbench that supports function over form. The process is straightforward and easy to complete. Workbenches made from metal are less expensive, but a solid wooden bench will last forever.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Table saw
• 1/2-inch construction-grade plywood
• 1/2-inch furniture-grade plywood
• Construction adhesive
• Screwdriver
• 1 1/4-inch drywall nails
• 2-by-4-inch lumber
• Miter saw
• 3-inch drywall screws
• Sanding block
• Paint or stain

Instructions

1. Measure the length of space you have for your workbench with a tape measure. If your workbench will extend the length of a wall, make sure you account for any doors that might swing open. For example, the usable wall might measure 72 inches, or 6 feet.

2. Cut two pieces of 1/2-inch construction-grade plywood and one piece of 1/2-inch furniture-grade plywood 72 inches in length and 36 inches in width with a table saw. This gives you a 3-foot-wide, 6-foot-long bench.

3. Apply construction adhesive to the top of one piece of construction plywood and then place the second piece on top of the first. Apply construction adhesive to the top of the second piece of construction plywood and then place the furniture grade plywood on top of the second piece of construction plywood. Gluing the pieces together will add rigidity to the structure.

4. Flip the plywood top over, so you can see the construction plywood. Drive a 1 1/4-inch drywall screw into the plywood every 12 inches in each direction. Again, this adds additional rigidity. You can leave the plywood top upside down at this time.

5. Scribe a line with a marker inward 4 inches around each of the four edges of the plywood top.

6. Cut pieces of 2-by-4-inch lumber to create a frame inside the line you scribed with a miter saw. For example, if your table is 72 inches in length, cut two 64-inch pieces of 2-by-4-inch boards. Line the boards up against the lines you scribed and secure them using 3-inch drywall screws. Cut two pieces of 2-by-4-inch wood 20 inches in length. Place them against the lines you scribed and secure them with 3-inch drywall screws.

7. Cut four pieces of 2-by-4-inch wooden boards to 46 1/2-inch lengths. These posts act as the legs.

8. Place one leg on the outside corner of the frame you attached to the bottom of the tabletop and secure the leg to the frame with 3-inch drywall screws. Duplicate this with the other three legs.

9. Cut additional 2-by-4-inch lumber boards to build lower leg supports. Attach the lumber to the legs approximately halfway down the leg.

10. Sand the wood with a block sander and apply a coat of paint or stain to the surface of the wood. This will add a touch of beauty and protect the wood.