Introduction: Work Table on Wheels

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My garage is a nightmare. I have projects piling up, and no usable workspace to get anything done. I decided to build a work table that I could roll out of the garage, and do some clean up in the meantime. I needed a table that would have enough surface space, but also some underneath storage for lumber. The deck of the table is 3/4" plywood, and there is a border of red oak that goes around the perimeter. I left a 4" overhang on the table so that it would be easy to clamp things down.

Step 1: Supplies

  • 1 - 4'x8' - 3/4" plywood
  • 7 - 2"x4" x 8' Pine Board
  • 6 - 2"x6" x 8' Pine Board
  • 2 - 1"x2" x 8' Oak Trim
  • 2 - 1"x2" x 6' Oak Trim
  • 4 - 3" Caster Wheels (2 are rotating & locking) plus mounting screws
  • 2" Construction Screws
  • 3" Construction Screws
  • Polyurethane
  • 8 x 5" x 1/2" Carriage Bolts, washers, and nuts

Tools needed:

  • Circular saw
  • Power Drill
  • Belt Sander
  • Palm Sander
  • Paint Brush

Step 2: Build It Upside Down!

I started by building the framework for the table laying on the ground. Since I wanted to have a 4" overhang on each edge, the length of the frame is 88" x 40". I used a combination of pocket holes and driling screws from the outside in to strength. the box. These are the 2"x6" boards that make up the frame.

The legs are 2"x4" boards attached with 1/2" Carriage Bolts to the frame. Like a jig saw, I used shorter board on the inside part of the leg to create a joint for the cross beam, which ties the entire thing together. The goal was to make the table site 35" off the ground. Once the legs were installed and the cross beams mounted, I used a few extra boards to create a shelf that would facilitate lumber storage underneath. Once the casters were installed, I flipped the table over.

Step 3: Add the Table Top and Trim

I centered the plywood on the table, marked 4" from each edge, and used construction screws countersunk to attach the plywood. I then added the red oak trim strips to the outside edge. This hardwood will not only protect the plywood from getting damaged, but the hardwood will be a nice surface to clamp too. I sanded the entire top with a belt, then palm sander. I didn't spend a ton of time making it perfect, as it's a workshop table. I stained the top with Polyurethane and let it dry. I piled some of my scrap lumber on the bottom shelf, and I'm ready for my next project!