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DIY Work Bench Plans
Most garage and table-saw work benches range from 28 inches to 36 inches deep, 48 inches to 96 inches wide and 28 inches to 38 inches tall. The amount of space you have usually dictates a bench’s depth and width. Size your bench so you can move material and equipment past it freely.
Find a good working height. Since you’ll probably spend a good deal of time at the bench, it’s important to be comfortable there. Everyone’s measurements will vary. For clarity, we provide instructions on how to build a work bench that’s 30 inches deep, 60 inches wide and 34 inches tall. You can use our measurements or read below about how to calculate your own woodworking bench dimensions.
Cut List*
*For finished dimensions of 34 inches high, 30 inches deep and 60 inches wide
Assemble the DIY Work Bench Top
Instructions
Cut and Assemble the Work Bench Legs
Instructions
Formulas to Size the Wood Work Bench Parts
Below are the formulas we used to determine the size of our work bench parts. Use them to customize the bench to your own needs. We’ve included our dimensions as examples.
- Plywood Cover for the Top
The dimensions of the plywood cover for the top are equal to the overall width by the overall depth.
Example: 60 in by 30 in by 1/2 in - Length of 2-by-4 Boards for the Top Substrate
Overall Width: 3 in
Example: 60 in - 3 in = 57 in - Number of 4-by-4 Boards for the Top Substrate
(Overall depth - 3) ÷ 1.5
Example: (30 - 3) ÷ 1.5 = number of 2-by-4 boards for the top
27 ÷ 1.5 = 18 - Length of Long 2-by-8 Top Rails
Overall width
Example: 60 = 60 in
Regardless of other dimensions, the bench will require two long 2-by-8 top rails. - Length of Short 2-by-8 Top Rails
Overall depth - 3
Example: 30 - 3 = 27 in
Regardless of other dimensions, the bench will require two short 2-by-8 top rails. - Length of 2-by-4 Rail Stretchers
Overall depth - 3
Example: 30 - 3 = 27 in
The bench should have at least two rail stretchers positioned 1/3 of the way in from each edge of the bench. - Length of 2-by-4 Legs
Overall height - 4
Example: 34 - 4 = 30 in
Regardless of other dimensions, the bench will require eight 2-by-4 leg pieces. - Length of Long 2-by-4 Bottom Rails
Overall width - 6
Example: 60 - 6 = 54 in
Regardless of other dimensions, the bench will require two long 2-by-4 bottom rails. - Length of Short 2-by-4 Bottom Rail
Overall depth - 9
Example: 30 - 9 = 21 in
Regardless of other dimensions, the DIY work bench will require two short 2-by-4 bottom rails.
Additional Work Bench Ideas
There are many ways to use a work bench in addition to using it for DIY projects. Here are some of the most popular alternative uses.
Storage Work Bench: If your garage or work area is tight on space, consider building or purchasing a work bench with integrated storage shelves, cabinetry or drawers. Having a place to stow frequently used tools, fasteners, paints and more can help eliminate clutter and keep the things you need for the job always within reach.
Work Bench Desk: Work benches provide a roomy, flat surface that’s good for more than DIY projects and crafts. They also make great work desks, particularly for a multi-function room that doubles as a home office.
Folding Work Benches: If you don’t have extra space for a permanent work bench, luckily there are many portable work benches available that fold up and stow away in a corner, in a storage area or on a tool storage rack when not in use. Folding work benches also come in handy for using on location for outdoor projects, such as building a deck or painting your home’s exterior.
Kid’s Work Area: A work bench built to a lower height also makes a great surface for kids to use for crafts, homework or playing board games.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions related to work benches.
What Should I Use for a Work Bench Top?
The best materials for a work bench top are steel or wood. Steel provides strength and is more resistant to scratches and dents than wood, but it can be costly. Using multiple layers of wood as a work bench surface is a more economical option and is usually sufficient if you plan to use your work bench for typical woodworking projects.
Is It Cheaper to Build a Work Bench?
The answer as to whether it’s cheaper to build or buy a work bench depends on several factors. If you have the woodworking skills and only need a standard work bench for occasional projects, it is usually less expensive to build your own, provided you already own all or most of the required tools. If you’ll need to purchase power tools such as a power saw, drill or sander, this will significantly increase the cost of a project. However, the tools required to build a bench are the common workhorses needed for most projects, so they’re a good long-term investment.
How Do You Make a Work Bench with Storage?
Building a work bench with storage space can be as simple as creating a shelf underneath for boards or tools, or as complex as including built-in drawers or cabinetry.