Building a Workshop: Part III Workbench and Shelves

Ok, we've talked about some basics for planning a shop so it’s time to have some fun.  To a woodworker there is nothing more satisfying than building or creating things. A workbench is the perfect place to start as it’s simple and essential!

The workbench is a must to our shop but it also needs to be personalized. I’m 6’2” so I want a bench that fits my height so I made mine 40” high.  This left me plenty of space underneath to put a full size, stable shelf and further room under the shelf for more storage.

My benchtop is 3’ X 5’ as I wanted a large enough work area that fit the space I had available. The last thing to consider is whether you want your bench stationary or mobile.  Since I have 2 primary work areas, I made one long workbench at the back of my shop stationary, but my primary work bench is mobile (placed on locking caster wheels).

1. Benchtop:  made of plywood, I use ¾” for it’s stability.
2. Upright corner supports:  I had some extra 4 x 4’s so I used them for my 4 vertical corner supports. 2 x 4’s would work fine.
3. Rectangle frame:  2 are needed, one to support your bench top, the other to support your shelf (2 x 4 studs work well - see photo).
   

Here’s a few tips to keep in mind:

Begin with the end in mind. I wanted a 40” bench so I started with that figure then subtracted ¾” for my plywood top and 2 ¼” for my caster wheels.  Simple math tells me I needed 37” upright supports for my 4 corners.

Also, my 3’ x 5’ bench top leaves enough plywood left over to make my bottom shelf. Zero waste makes for a happy carpenter!

TIP OF THE DAY:  Your local Big Box stores have "MacDaddy" saws so if you don’t want to cut your own plywood have them cut it for you. My BB stores offer 2 free cuts with your purchase so this not only guarantees accuracy it also makes transporting your wood home much easier.