Workbench Ideas: Pictures and Instructions to Build

Nothing like working in comfortable spaces when it comes to building new things. You can have a blast with the comfiest of work areas.

Our workbench ideas will help you with that.

Whether it is a new pool cabana, a table-saw fence, or flower bed edging – having enough space to cut, attach, finish, paint, sand, or whatever is always productive.

But, do you know how to build a workbench?

Don’t worry; we’re going to teach you that as well.

Check our ideas and instructions below – you won’t regret it.

5 Workbench Ideas for Your Garden

#1. Mini Garden Workbench

Look at it. Isn’t it cute?

It gets the job done in places where larger workbenches wouldn’t fit like the small and convenient workbench it is. You can store it in your garden shed with little effort.

Best of all? It is sturdy enough for small and big projects alike.

A rigid top and sturdy legs make it possible to do practically anything. Whether to cut pieces larger than the workbench or do any kind of hammering – it withstands everything.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 5-feet Pine or Oak boards (at least two 2×4 pieces for the top)
• Small poles or scrap wooden pieces for the legs (at least of the same size)
• A saw
• A drill
• Wood glue
• A few screws
• Sander

Once you have all these easy-to-find pieces, you can proceed with the building. Luckily, it’s as easy as it seems. Even a beginner can build it.

For that, put the following guide on how to build a workbench into work:

• Cut the pine/oak boards to your desired length. 5-feet would be the best so you can have enough space to work on without making the bench too large.
• Proceed to attach the different boards together. Use woods and screws to hook them. In case you want to go light, glue alone may get the job done. A dovetail connection is never a choice either.
• Then you can cut the legs. These wooden parts need to be inserted at an angle for a cute look. You can decide whether you want them straight, but that may reduce the stability of the bench.
• Cut out the holes for the legs as needed. Use a Kreg jig with a drill for that. Remember to open the holes precisely at the same width/diameter of the scrap you’re using as a leg (you’ll need the ideal drill bit for that).
• Piece everything up using wood glue. You can now have an entirely usable workbench. For the extra touch, you can sand and paint to add a better finish.

This is one of the easiest yet one of the cutest and most practical workbenches you can build.

For people on a budget who don’t need large benches – there’s no better choice.

#2. The Cart Workbench

Your garden workbench doesn’t have to be the typical boring piece that takes two humans to move.

Instead, you can build a cart design, add a pulling handle, and install the top surface. You’ll have a fully workable system ready to make any job a lot easier.

PLUS, you get the chance to move it ANYWHERE in your garden. That extra mobility is undoubtedly worth a ton.

Here’s what you will need to make it happen:

• Several 2×4 wood pieces (at least 20 pieces of no less than 5 feet each)
• 2 wheelies or casters (at least 5-inch diameter and 150 pounds of weight capacity )
• Tons of screws
• A pulling handle
• A saw
• A drill
• Wood glue

You won’t need a single fancy tool. And the workbench will still surprise you with its quality.

The best of all: you won’t have to suffer to make it happen. Despite its mobility, it’s a no-brainer to build.

Here’s what to do:

• Create a layout for the type of workbench you want. As a general rule, you’ll need at least 4 wood boards of about 3-4 feet on top. They will be hooked together. Then you need to add 4 more panels to the sides (2 large for right/left and 2 for top/bottom).
• Start cutting the boards. Ensure the pieces that will form the work area are all the same length, so you don’t have any problems later on. As for the legs, you will need at least four of them. Cut them at the same length as well. Finish cutting support for the legs (on each side) so they don’t break apart.
• You can now start piecing up the top. Here, consider building the straightest top you can. Also, the purpose is to hide the connections with the legs, so you need to install bordering boards on all sides (cut hem accordingly).
• As the top starts to take shape, you can start looking for a way to attach the legs. Here, we recommend using a Kreg jig to drill the holes. This will let you hook up the legs, regardless of their size, much more sturdily and easily. Screw them in as needed. Use wood glue for extra strength.
• Once you have the top and legs attached, proceed with the casters. As you probably have the workbench upside down, drill a hole on the center of the legs – preferably only one side. Then glue them in as needed. Use screws if necessary.
• Finish by adding the support for the legs and the pulling handle. Use the drill and screws to make the connections. Attach the pulling handle to the same side of the wheelies so you can pull the workbench more easily across the grass and other terrains.

Your workbench will be perfect for large gardens and other places. More importantly, you’ll have a sufficiently large yet practical piece that travels around.

And you didn’t have to spend a fortune.

#3. Space-Saving Workbench with Drawers

A workbench for your garden doesn’t have to be pure mobility. You can also build something that gets your storage to another level.

This is where a space-saving workbench with drawers enters into action. You can build one of these cheap using wood as well – so it doesn’t empty your bank account.

And as a last advantage: it’s not as hard to build as it seems.

To start, gather the following items:

• 3/4-inch Plywood sheeting for the top and bottom
• MDF or plywood boards for the cabinets
• At least five 2×4 wood boards
• At least five 1×4 wood boards
• Runner for the drawers
• A bag of 2-inch screws

These should be enough to get you up and to run. Once you have these, you can proceed with the building:

• Make a plan or layout. Figure out how many cabinets you will want. Generally, one drawer per side is perfect for making the whole workbench more functional (storage on each side). Then make a plant for the frame.
• With the plan ready, start with the base. Here, we recommend building it off the 2×4 wood boards, using the plywood sheeting as the base (the 2×4 will work as the feet touching the ground). Connect everything with screws.
• Bring extra MDF/plywood pieces. These should be large and sturdy for the frame. Install them vertically on top of the bottom frame. Tighten everything so the frame stays sturdily from the base. Use the screws for the job.
• Proceed to build the cabinets (apart first). Use the MDF or plywood. Start with the sides and bottom. They will be directly attached to the base. The drawers will follow a similar strategy. But they will have a center part that connects with the runners, adding the sliding mechanism.
• Now, you can attach the cabinets and drawers to the base. Use the screws for that. Use as many as you can to hook everything up. Everything should fit nicely into the frame.
• Finish with the top. This should be either several 2×4 boards or a thick plywood piece. The top should fit directly with the drawers/cabinets (working as the top portion).

This should give you a finished workbench ready to tackle any job. Plus, you’ll have tons of space to work with regardless of your demands.

Want a more detailed explanation? Check this guide by FamilyHandyman.

#4. Movable Workbench with Casters

A simple workbench that still moves around – especially on patios and garages. That’s what you get with this one.

The idea behind it is nothing more than using the cheapest pieces of wood (2×4 boards) and casters. It is one of the easiest to build despite being possibly the most long-lasting on the list.

There’s a catch, though. You can build it like the one in the picture (fully wooden). Or you can go for adjustable metal legs instead. Either way works.

For the job, you’ll need these:

• A bunch of 2×4 boards (preferably 10 or more)
• Set of bench legs (optional)
• 5-feet square plywood sheeting (optional for the shelf)
• Locking casters
• Drill
• 2-inch wood screws
• Sandpaper / sander (optional)
• Wax / finish paint (optional)

These items are often affordable. More importantly, you can pretty much find them anywhere (you may even already have them at home).

Once you’ve gathered them, proceed with the building:

• Prepare the layout of the project. For the best results, lay all the boards on the floor. Plan where you’re installing the casters and mark where you’re opening the holes.
• Drill the pilot holes, including the ones for the top portion. Remember to measure the legs at the right height. Cut them as needed as well.
• Fasten the legs to the top portion. Then add the support to the legs so they don’t break apart. Screw the plywood in on the supports (if you want shelves). You can also make the shelf at the bottom using 2×4 wood boards.
• Hook the casters to the legs in the bottom. Make sure to put the workbench upside down for this. Installing the casters while the piece is flat on the ground may be impossible. You may just need to thread them in.
• Finish by sanding and adding the finish you prefer.

This should get the entire workbench ready for any project you want to build. The sturdy yet mobile workbench will make your work a lot easier in many ways.

Want more detailed instructions for the job? Take a look at this Instructables guide.

#5. Sturdy Budget Workbench

Simplicity breeds quality – that’s a given.

This simple workbench is not an exception.

Built using 2×4 boards, it will cost you almost nothing. You probably already have the boards at home, some screws, and probably even the tools (drill and saw).

If that’s so, you will have an accessible time building (less than 10 hours).

This is the complete item list:

• As many 2×4 boards as you can (at least 20 pieces)
• At least 6 4×4 boards for the legs/supports
• A bunch of 1×4 boards for the shelves (10 or more)
• A Drill
• A Saw
• Tape measure
• 2-inch screws
• Wood glue

Have you gathered all these tools/items? Then you’re ready for the building.

Follow these steps:

• Plan the workbench first. As a recommendation, build a simple 4-leg bench with some leg support (using the 4×4 boards). The top will be made with the 2x4s and the rest using the 1×4 panels.
• Start by building the top. Piece up 2×4 boards so it forms the top you want. We recommend making something 5-feet long and 2 or 3-feet wide. This should give you enough space to work comfortably.
• With the base ready, you can now plan where you’re installing the legs. Here, try to turn the top looking down. Then connect the 4×4 boards using the screws. You may want to use a Kreg jig. This could help you attach the piece firmly.
• Adapt the legs some support as well. This will add sturdiness to the whole piece and extra strength to the workbench so you can do heavier work.
• Finish by checking connections and reinforcing wherever needed.

You should probably already have a fully-built workbench ready for some heavy work.

If this little guide didn’t feel like enough, check this step-by-step and detailed rundown by FamilyHandyman.

Build Your Own Garden Workbench Today!

So, are you more familiar with how to build a workbench now?

There’s a lot to put into work. But there’s no excuse to let yourself work on any other place apart from a workbench you built alone.

With our workbench ideas above (alongside their instructions), you should have no excuse.

BUILD THAT WORKBENCH NOW!