Free accountWorkbench Plans
These workbench plans are built entirely from sheet goods: a cabinet base with a full back panel, dividers and shelves, under a top made of two layers of board. Type the length, depth and height of your bench and every panel is recalculated.
Workbench Plans
A sheet-goods bench is flat, heavy and quick to build with a circular saw and a drill. The top overhangs the base at the front and ends so you can clamp work and fit a vise.
The same shop furniture includes a router table cabinet with a closed router bay, and a miter saw station whose side cabinets hold long boards level with the saw table.
Workbench sizes
| Dimension | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 850–950 mm | 34–37 in |
| Depth | 600–750 mm | 24–30 in |
| Length | 1200–2400 mm | 4–8 ft |
| Top thickness | 36 mm (2 × 18) | 1 1/2 in |
Guides
How to Build a WorkbenchHow to build a workbench for the garage or shop: the right height and size, a 2x4 frame or a plywood cabinet base, a double top, and no racking.How to Cut Plywood With a Circular SawCut plywood straight and without splinters using a circular saw: blade choice, support, a straightedge guide, good face down, and planning your cuts first.How to Use a RouterHow to use a wood router: choosing bits, setting the depth, which way to feed, routing edges, dadoes and grooves with a guide, and using a router table safely.MDF vs PlywoodMDF vs plywood for cabinets, shelves and doors: strength, sag, screw holding, paint finish, moisture, weight and cost compared, with the right use for each.Types of SawsThe main types of saws for wood: power saws (circular, table, miter, track, jigsaw, band) and hand saws, what each one cuts best, and which saws to buy first.Workbench HeightThe perfect workbench height is about the height of your wrist when you stand: 34–38 in (86–97 cm) for most people. See a chart by your height and type of work.
Frequently asked questions
How high should a workbench be?
About wrist height when you stand with your arms down: 850–950 mm (34–37 in) for most people.
Plywood or MDF for a workbench top?
A layer of MDF on top for a flat, smooth, replaceable surface, over a layer of plywood or MDF underneath.