Introduction: Garage Workbench

By Jon Luisi Photography
About: I am a biomedical engineering who works on computational neurobiology software. Kayaking Jeeping

I scaled down my grandfathers plans for a workbench, the first ones he made lasted 50+ years and counting. Mine is a single section 2'x8' workbench for a 1 car garage. Designed to fit a rolling tool chest underneath one side, and to fit crates on the shelves on the other side. 2' deep workbench is plenty for many projects. If i have time I will clean up my drafts and sketches into proper blueprints.

Step 1: Cut List and Dimensions

The work surface is 2'x8'

  • covered by 2'x8' OSB or plywood (two layers)
  • 2x 2'x4' hardboard for a smooth work surface (a 4'x8' could be cut lengthwise)

The frame is 2"x4" so 1.5" by 3" dimension lumber

  • 3x 8" long sections (2x top, 1x back)
  • 6x 21" inner cross pieces
  • 6x 37" legs
  • 1x 46.5" front face

hardware

  • 2.5" decking screws
  • 1" screws for top
  • .5" brads to nail down hardboard

Step 2: Legs and Rear Crossbar

Adding the legs, tacked on with one screw each until everything is square. the rear cross bar is set at 14" from the bottom. this allows for milk crates to be stored underneath. To make it easier, I rotated it on the side and then finished each joint.

Step 3: Set Up

Put the bench upright and test to see if it is level. Middle legs after adjustments (if needed) and the shelf will be added last

Step 4: Table Top

Adding the top, the two layers of OSB are screwed down every 12" and alternated for the layers. The hardboard is tacked onto.

Step 5: Almost Done

Top is complete, the shelf is about to be added. Only a single layer of plywood as it should not take the abuse of the workbench top.