Simple Workbench

Make a simple workbench with sawhorses and flat surfaces like plywood or old closet doors. Substitute large garbage cans or large storage bins for sawhorses. Other alternative supports for workbench surfaces are old filing cabinets and stacked plastic milk crates.

Workbench from Used Cabinetry

Salvage used cabinetry from remodeling or salvage companies to make an easy and practical workbench. Cover with a used countertop, cut plywood to size or even use old doors for the work surface. Stack cabinets for extra storage and paint or finish to match the workbench cabinetry.

Fold-down Workbench

If space is at a premium, a fold-down workbench is a good solution. Wall-mounted workbenches fold down for use, and fold up for out-of-the-way storage. A fold-down workbench built can be built to fold down either parallel or perpendicular to the wall.

Portable Workbench

A portable workbench with legs that fold in and handles to carry is easy to use anywhere. Work in the garage, at a friend’s or relative’s house or any location where a raised, flat surface is needed. Or keep the workbench folded up and out of the way until it’s needed.

Mini-Workbench

If there is not space for a large workbench but a work surface is still needed , a mini-workbench provides a flat, sturdy place for projects. A 4-by-4-foot piece of 1 inch plywood and 4 pieces of 4-by-4-inch lumber are the main materials for a smaller version of a full size garage workbench.

Add Pull-Out Supports for Extra Space

For experienced and novice carpenters and wood workers alike, it’s easy to make pull-out supports on a garage workbench to create extra space and more flexibility. Use a tray-slide kit to install an additional work surface that pulls out as needed.

Workbench Accessories

An attached vise, a pegboard or slat-wall backdrop, a couple of drawers, a bottom shelf, and storage bins all make a workbench more useful. Add one or two or many accessories to make a plain workbench a more productive space.