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How To Build a Workbench – DIY Workbench Plan

This workbench is an easy build, but makes for a super sturdy and sleek styled basic workbench!

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Difficulty
Intermediate
Time
3.5–6.8 hours
Cost
$$

About this build

This workbench is an easy build, but makes for a super sturdy and sleek styled basic workbench! Build more than one for a modular system of benches that can be customized to fit your needs, and rolled wherever needed!

Tools

Essential

  • Drill / Driver
  • Miter Saw
  • Pocket Hole Jig
  • Random Orbit Sander
  • Table Saw

Optional / nice to have

  • Bar / Pipe Clamps

Materials

ItemQty
Birch, 4x8 Full Sheet1 board
Board, 2x6 96"2 board
Board, 2x4 96"4 board
2 1/2" Kreg Screws48 each
Casters (with screws)4 each
2" Finishing Nails16 each

Overall cost: $$. Lumber prices vary by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure we would only be pretending to know.

Cut list

PartQtyT × W × L
Birch plywood11/2" × 32" × 48"
Birch plywood11/2" × 29" × 48"
Tabletop frame42" × 4" × 48"
Tabletop Frame42" × 4" × 26"
Legs42" × 6" × 25 1/2"

What to buy

Buy 8 boards at 8 ft.

2" × 6"

2 boards

2" × 4"

4 boards

1/2" × 32"

1 board

1/2" × 29"

1 board

Assumes 8 ft stock, a 1/8" saw kerf, and buying each part at its own width. Change the board size or kerf on the full board plan →

Start building →

Instructions

  1. 1Step 1. Drill Pocket Holes

    After making all your cuts (or having it done at the hardware store), drill two pocket holes into each end of the 2"x4"x26" boards.

    How To Build a Workbench – DIY Workbench Plan — step photo 3
  2. 2Step 2. Assemble 2 Tabletop Frames

    Assemble two tabletop (shelf) frames by screwing in the 2"x4"x26" boards via pocket holes into your 2"x4"x48" boards. Be sure to do this on a flat even surface and use a carpenter square to ensure a proper 90 degree angle.

    How To Build a Workbench – DIY Workbench Plan — step photo 4
  3. 3Step 3. Nail Birch Plywood Atop Frame

    Using 2" finishing nails, center and nail down your two birch plywood pieces atop the two tabletop frames you just built. The 32" piece of birch must be centered so that there is a 2" overhang on either side.

    How To Build a Workbench – DIY Workbench Plan — step photo 5
  4. 4Step 4. Lay Out 2"x6" Legs

    Lay out two of your 2"x6"x25.5" legs, approximately 40" apart.

    How To Build a Workbench – DIY Workbench Plan — step photo 6
  5. 5Step 5. Place 1st Tabletop

    Carefully lay the 48"x32" tabletop (without the overhang) flush with the bottom and sides of the 2"x6" legs. The birch plywood should face upward toward the extended legs.

    How To Build a Workbench – DIY Workbench Plan — step photo 7
  6. 6Step 6. Place 2nd Tabletop

    Next carefully balance the tabletop WITH the overhang just over the 2"x6" legs. The legs should be flush with the sides of the tabletops, and the top and bottom.

    How To Build a Workbench – DIY Workbench Plan — step photo 8
  7. 7Step 7. Screw Tabletops To Legs

    After both tabletop pieces are flush with the legs, attach them from the top inside with screws. Just screw directly through the 2"x4" tabletop frame into the 2"x6" wooden legs beneath.

    How To Build a Workbench – DIY Workbench Plan — step photo 9
  8. 8Step 8. Add Next Set of Legs

    • Finally add the last two 2"x6" legs to the top open side. Again, make sure the tabletop is flush with the legs on the bottom and sides.
    • Screw into place from the top this time.
    • Flip it over, so you can secure with screws from the inside and outside of both leg pieces.
    How To Build a Workbench – DIY Workbench Plan — step photo 10
  9. 9Step 9. Add Casters

    Add casters to the four bottom corners. Sand any rough edges, and it is ready for use!

    How To Build a Workbench – DIY Workbench Plan — step photo 11

Tags

  • Workbenches
  • Intermediate

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