A workbench offers a handy way to store your tools in your garage or shed, as well as a place to work on tasks or hobbies. You don’t have to head to the store to buy a workbench for your home. Instead, put your woodworking skills to the test by building your own workbench. The following tips provide a rough idea of what it takes to make a DIY workbench.
Tools and Materials
For a simple workbench, you’ll need a circular saw, miter saw, cordless drill, straightedge and tape measure. You should also have safety glasses available to protect your eyes while building your workbench. You’ll also need drywall screws and plywood cut to the lengths you want your workbench to be.
Frames and Legs
Your DIY workbench starts with building the frames for the surface and the lower shelf. When the frames are done, you’ll then attach the legs to the surface frame. Once you’ve attached the legs, you can attach the lower frame. Set paint cans or similar items below the lower frame to help it stay in place while you attach it to the workbench legs.
Work Surfaces
The work surfaces for your workbench should provide a smooth and sturdy place for you to store items and work on tasks. Attach pieces of plywood to the surface frame and lower frame to create these work surfaces.
Top Shelf
The top shelf on your DIY workbench offers a place to hang or store tools to keep them off of your work surface. Keeping these items on the top shelf makes them easy to reach when you need them. After attaching your work surfaces, your next step is building the frame for your top shelf. Once the frame is done, you can attach a piece of plywood to the top shelf and connect the top shelf legs. When you have the top shelf legs attached, you can then attach the entire top shelf to the main part of your workbench.
Finishing Touch
The back of your workbench will be open, but you can attach pegboards or another type of backer board to it. These boards provide a good way to organize various tools you might need for your projects. Other finishing touches to consider include lighting, power strips and vises. Lighting provides the illumination needed for working on tasks at your workbench, especially if you’re handling smaller tools or items. Mounted power strips offer a convenient place to plug in power tools. A bench vise is an essential tool that allows you to do tasks such as sawing or sanding as safely as possible.
About the Author
Diana Hellman
Diana Hellman's passion for Larchmont inspires her more than 20 year real estate practice. As a certified buyer's representative, "The development of a solid and trusting relationship with my buyers and sellers is what I strive for." This success, primarily built on client referrals and repeat business, comes from her knowledge of what makes Larchmont unique: it's school system, recreational facilities, services and the special qualities that pervade this village's atmosphere. A former educator with a background in psychology, Diana knows that people don't want a sales pitch, but rather reliable, timely information. She and her husband have been residents of Larchmont for over 40 years. Her 3 children have attended the Mamaroneck Public Schools. She can give you expert advice with the sale or purchase of your home. Awards/Distinctions Multi-million dollar club- Westchester Board of Realtors International Diamond Society (8 million plus in sales), 5-Star agent in 2024. Gold Award- WBR (5-8 million dollars in sales) Silver Award – WBR (3-5 million dollars in sales) Memberships National Association of Realtors New York State Association of Realtors Westchester Board of Realtors Westchester Multiple Listing Service Community Former executive board member of the Central School Former selection school delegate for election of school board candidates Former executive board member of the Friends of the Emelin Theatre Former executive board member of the League of Women Voters