How to Build a Workbench

by Ann Hayward 11/27/2022

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

Ann Hayward

Born in Philadelphia and raised in the suburbs, Ann Hayward got her Pennsylvania real estate license at age 18 even before going to college. This second-generation real estate professional followed in the footsteps of her father and two uncles, inheriting their passion for the business. Licensed in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Ann is accomplished in her career, with numerous designations including SFR, SRES, PSA, WHC, and multiunit Housing Development Finance Professional (HDFP) from the National Development Council. She specializes in Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties, Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, all jurisdictions where Ann has lived and knows very well. In addition to her professional expertise, she owns and manages personal investment property, understands and has been involved in the renovation/remodeling process, and has great resources which she shares with clients. When you hire Ann to represent you, she will make your buying or selling experience an enjoyable, rewarding one. Her compassion, sensitivity to her clients’ needs, eye for detail, and ability to see the big picture when guiding you through a purchase or sale are unique assets that will ensure your success. A diverse and relevant background also gives Ann a distinct edge. For 30 years, she worked in fast-paced, high-pressure television and theatrical production, attaining the highest achievement – DGA membership as a Director, and as an award-winning staff and freelance writer. Her keen audio visual skills and design sense benefit sellers in marketing their properties, and are invaluable in helping buyers see the potential of space. A true renaissance woman, Ann was also an income tax professional and office manager for H&R Block, so she thoroughly understands the tax and financial implications of acquiring and selling real estate. Her superior organizational skills are further evidenced as owner of a downsizing/professional organizing business, Managed For You, which allows her to connect with everyone from millennials to boomers and seniors, whether for small space planning or assisting with major decluttering and transitioning. Ann holds an AB in American History from Simmons College, Boston, plus attended Robert Wagner Graduate School of Public Administration where she was a candidate for Doctorate. She additionally studied Film Direction at the American Film Institute in LA, and was a Stanford University post-graduate Professional Journalism Fellow. Personally, Ann is an avid if not very good golfer, and the co-founder of a nonprofit 501c3 organization offering educational guidance, tutoring and counseling for youngsters from elementary school through college admission. She sits on the board of trustees of a nonprofit educational film production corporation as well. (202) 494-6252 [email protected]