Garage Workbenches
Buy the best garage workbenches selected and recommended by interior designers. By Tara Gosselin.
Everyone can use more space, but it can be very hard to come by sometimes; adding a new set of workbenches to your garage will, not only add space, but also will help get and keep you more organized. This collection is designed to show you many of the possibilities available to you.
Heavy Duty Garage Work Bench
$176.27 $183.13
What We Like: Folding, telescoping legs
What We Don’t Like: Limited weight capacity
Not So Good For: Permanent use with heavy tools
Perfect For: Portable use at job sites
This versatile table is ideal for use in a garage or outside the workshop. It’s compactable and adjustable with robust telescoping steel legs that can quickly fold away. The legs lock for a stable, solid work surface, holding up to 330 lbs. The work table can also be wheeled when extended using rotating castors and two large locking wheels.
The table features a detachable countertop with different coatings on either side: one anti-skid allowing you to use it as a step ladder, and the other has a protractor and a scale with a range of up to 31.5”. The table also has a stand for a miter saw and three 3-head output sockets, a 3-head input socket, and a safety input switch, making it a highly versatile, functional addition to your home.
Heavy Duty Garage Work Bench
WORKPRO
$176.27 $183.13
Description
What We Like: Folding, telescoping legs
What We Don’t Like: Limited weight capacity
Not So Good For: Permanent use with heavy tools
Perfect For: Portable use at job sites
This versatile table is ideal for use in a garage or outside the workshop. It’s compactable and adjustable with robust telescoping steel legs that can quickly fold away. The legs lock for a stable, solid work surface, holding up to 330 lbs. The work table can also be wheeled when extended using rotating castors and two large locking wheels.
The table features a detachable countertop with different coatings on either side: one anti-skid allowing you to use it as a step ladder, and the other has a protractor and a scale with a range of up to 31.5”. The table also has a stand for a miter saw and three 3-head output sockets, a 3-head input socket, and a safety input switch, making it a highly versatile, functional addition to your home.
Garage Workbench With Storage
$149.99 $179.98
What We Like: Ample organized storage
What We Don’t Like: No natural hardwood
Not So Good For: Working while seated
Perfect For: A home garage or workshop
Thanks to its innovative design, this garage workbench has plenty of room to work and store all your tools. It features a durable, heavy-duty 2’’ thick MDF worktop panel that will stand up to years of heavy use. The steel frame is made with fine craftsmanship and is subject to strict quality control to ensure that the table is sturdy for use with power tools.
The real standout of this table is the storage space. It features a backsplash with peg holes to hang tools or create shelves. It also has a two-handle pull-out drawer for storing smaller items and a large under-table shelf for storing larger equipment and materials. This table is a perfect addition to a small home garage, offering everything you need for your projects in a compact package.
Garage Workbench With Storage
Red Barrel Studio®
$149.99 $179.98
Description
What We Like: Ample organized storage
What We Don’t Like: No natural hardwood
Not So Good For: Working while seated
Perfect For: A home garage or workshop
Thanks to its innovative design, this garage workbench has plenty of room to work and store all your tools. It features a durable, heavy-duty 2’’ thick MDF worktop panel that will stand up to years of heavy use. The steel frame is made with fine craftsmanship and is subject to strict quality control to ensure that the table is sturdy for use with power tools.
The real standout of this table is the storage space. It features a backsplash with peg holes to hang tools or create shelves. It also has a two-handle pull-out drawer for storing smaller items and a large under-table shelf for storing larger equipment and materials. This table is a perfect addition to a small home garage, offering everything you need for your projects in a compact package.
Stainless Steel Top Workbench
$134.19
This versatile stainless steel workbench is perfect for both commercial and residential use. Made from sturdy T-430 18 gauge stainless steel, it can be used for food prep in kitchens, workstations, exam tables, and utility tables. Homeowners love using it as a kitchen island, counter extension, garage workbench, or laundry folding table. The table comes with a galvanized undershelf for added storage space. Stylish and practical, this workbench is a must-have for any home or business. Add functionality and style to your space with this durable stainless steel workbench.
Stainless Steel Top Workbench
Amgood
$134.19
Description
This versatile stainless steel workbench is perfect for both commercial and residential use. Made from sturdy T-430 18 gauge stainless steel, it can be used for food prep in kitchens, workstations, exam tables, and utility tables. Homeowners love using it as a kitchen island, counter extension, garage workbench, or laundry folding table. The table comes with a galvanized undershelf for added storage space. Stylish and practical, this workbench is a must-have for any home or business. Add functionality and style to your space with this durable stainless steel workbench.
47'' W Steel Top Workbench
$147.99
Introducing the Multifunctional Workbench with Pegboard, designed to make your workspace organized and efficient. This sturdy workbench can hold up to 220 LBS and features ample storage, including drawers and extra storage space. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a professional, this workbench is perfect for a wide range of projects. The convenient pegboard allows for easy access to tools, keeping everything within reach. Upgrade your workspace with this versatile Workbench with Pegboard and make every project a breeze.
47'' W Steel Top Workbench
WFX Utility™
$147.99
Description
Introducing the Multifunctional Workbench with Pegboard, designed to make your workspace organized and efficient. This sturdy workbench can hold up to 220 LBS and features ample storage, including drawers and extra storage space. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a professional, this workbench is perfect for a wide range of projects. The convenient pegboard allows for easy access to tools, keeping everything within reach. Upgrade your workspace with this versatile Workbench with Pegboard and make every project a breeze.
Stainless Steel Prep Table with 1.5" Backsplash and 2 Undershelves
$199.95
This stainless steel workbench from Good Supply is perfect for a variety of applications, including food prep tables, commercial kitchen islands, and shop utility benches. The 18 gauge 430 stainless steel top with curved edges ensures safety and comfort, while the heavy-duty adjustable galvanized under-shelf and leveling feet provide stability. NSF certified and easy to set up, this workbench is 35" in height and offers ample storage space with an adjustable under-shelf. Good Supply is your go-to for premium quality and affordable restaurant supplies, making this workbench a reliable and durable choice for any workspace.
Stainless Steel Prep Table with 1.5" Backsplash and 2 Undershelves
Amgood
$199.95
Description
This stainless steel workbench from Good Supply is perfect for a variety of applications, including food prep tables, commercial kitchen islands, and shop utility benches. The 18 gauge 430 stainless steel top with curved edges ensures safety and comfort, while the heavy-duty adjustable galvanized under-shelf and leveling feet provide stability. NSF certified and easy to set up, this workbench is 35" in height and offers ample storage space with an adjustable under-shelf. Good Supply is your go-to for premium quality and affordable restaurant supplies, making this workbench a reliable and durable choice for any workspace.
Seville Classics UltraHD Rolling Workstation, Graphite
$215
The Seville Classics UltraHD Mobile Heavy-Duty Workstation is a versatile addition to any home or workshop. With a 36" x 24" solid hardwood top, this table is sturdy enough to hold tools and equipment. The heavy-duty steel frame can support up to 500 lbs, making it perfect for commercial use. Easily move this workstation from room to room on 5-inch wheels with steel casters. The ribbed steel bottom shelf is ideal for storing larger items. Whether you're working in a workshop, garage, school, laboratory, manufacturing, or industrial environment, this workstation is a durable and reliable option. Get yours today and take your work anywhere!
Seville Classics UltraHD Rolling Workstation, Graphite
UltraHD®
$215
Description
The Seville Classics UltraHD Mobile Heavy-Duty Workstation is a versatile addition to any home or workshop. With a 36" x 24" solid hardwood top, this table is sturdy enough to hold tools and equipment. The heavy-duty steel frame can support up to 500 lbs, making it perfect for commercial use. Easily move this workstation from room to room on 5-inch wheels with steel casters. The ribbed steel bottom shelf is ideal for storing larger items. Whether you're working in a workshop, garage, school, laboratory, manufacturing, or industrial environment, this workstation is a durable and reliable option. Get yours today and take your work anywhere!
60in Stainless Steel Workbench. Metal Table
$269.95
This NSF certified stainless steel work table from A Good Supply is a versatile addition to any space. Ideal for use in commercial kitchens, garages, laundry rooms, or even as a brewing setup, this heavy-duty table features a 18-gauge stainless steel top with curved edges for safety. The adjustable galvanized under-shelf provides additional storage space, while the leveling feet ensure stability even on uneven floors. Easy to assemble and set up, this work table is both sturdy and practical. Trust A Good Supply for premium quality at an affordable price.
60in Stainless Steel Workbench. Metal Table
Amgood
$269.95
Description
This NSF certified stainless steel work table from A Good Supply is a versatile addition to any space. Ideal for use in commercial kitchens, garages, laundry rooms, or even as a brewing setup, this heavy-duty table features a 18-gauge stainless steel top with curved edges for safety. The adjustable galvanized under-shelf provides additional storage space, while the leveling feet ensure stability even on uneven floors. Easy to assemble and set up, this work table is both sturdy and practical. Trust A Good Supply for premium quality at an affordable price.
Stainless Steel Top Workbench With 2 Tier Shelf
$299.9
Upgrade your kitchen with this versatile Combo Set, featuring a stainless steel work table with a galvanized undershelf and a double tier stainless steel shelf. Perfect for food prep, storage, or as an extension to your kitchen island. The work table surface has curved edges for safety and comfort, while the double tier shelf provides valuable storage space. Heavy-duty and sturdy construction makes this set perfect for commercial kitchens, garages, shops, or even laundry rooms. Adjustable lower shelf adds customization options. Elevate your workspace with this professional-grade Combo Set.
Stainless Steel Top Workbench With 2 Tier Shelf
Amgood
$299.9
Description
Upgrade your kitchen with this versatile Combo Set, featuring a stainless steel work table with a galvanized undershelf and a double tier stainless steel shelf. Perfect for food prep, storage, or as an extension to your kitchen island. The work table surface has curved edges for safety and comfort, while the double tier shelf provides valuable storage space. Heavy-duty and sturdy construction makes this set perfect for commercial kitchens, garages, shops, or even laundry rooms. Adjustable lower shelf adds customization options. Elevate your workspace with this professional-grade Combo Set.
64'' W Wood Top Workbench
$2679.99 $5078.4
The maple open style workbench is a versatile and practical addition to any classroom or studio. With a spacious work surface and plenty of storage on the lower shelf, this workbench is perfect for organizing tools and supplies. The durable maple plywood construction ensures long-lasting use. Stay organized and productive with this functional workbench.
64'' W Wood Top Workbench
Shain
$2679.99 $5078.4
Description
The maple open style workbench is a versatile and practical addition to any classroom or studio. With a spacious work surface and plenty of storage on the lower shelf, this workbench is perfect for organizing tools and supplies. The durable maple plywood construction ensures long-lasting use. Stay organized and productive with this functional workbench.
Keter Folding Table Work Bench for Miter Saw Stand with Included 12 Inch Wood Clamps
$131.99
The Keter Folding Table Workbench is a practical and reliable solution for hobby projects and professional assignments. Made from durable resin with aluminum legs, this workbench has a 1,000-pound weight capacity but only weighs 30 lbs. It features a broad work space, 2 included 12-inch clamps, and can be easily folded down to a 4.4" width with a carrying handle. Set up in just 30 seconds, this workbench is perfect for garage use and is built to last for years. Create amazing spaces with Keter's high-quality, innovative products for your home and garden. Let your creativity flow and make your yard a personalized oasis.
Keter Folding Table Work Bench for Miter Saw Stand with Included 12 Inch Wood Clamps
Keter
$131.99
Description
The Keter Folding Table Workbench is a practical and reliable solution for hobby projects and professional assignments. Made from durable resin with aluminum legs, this workbench has a 1,000-pound weight capacity but only weighs 30 lbs. It features a broad work space, 2 included 12-inch clamps, and can be easily folded down to a 4.4" width with a carrying handle. Set up in just 30 seconds, this workbench is perfect for garage use and is built to last for years. Create amazing spaces with Keter's high-quality, innovative products for your home and garden. Let your creativity flow and make your yard a personalized oasis.
Sweeny Steel Top Height-Adjustable Workbench
$93.99
This stainless steel table is a versatile addition to any kitchen. It is perfect for food prep, storage, or display. The adjustable rubber feet ensure stability on any surface. The heavy-duty construction ensures durability. Installation is a breeze with pre-installed screws in the lock locations of the tabletop and undershelf. Elevate your workspace with this functional and easy-to-assemble table. Add convenience and durability to your kitchen with this versatile stainless steel table.
Sweeny Steel Top Height-Adjustable Workbench
The Twillery Co.®
$93.99
Description
This stainless steel table is a versatile addition to any kitchen. It is perfect for food prep, storage, or display. The adjustable rubber feet ensure stability on any surface. The heavy-duty construction ensures durability. Installation is a breeze with pre-installed screws in the lock locations of the tabletop and undershelf. Elevate your workspace with this functional and easy-to-assemble table. Add convenience and durability to your kitchen with this versatile stainless steel table.
48'' W Manufactured Wood Top Height-Adjustable Workbench with Wheels
$286.99
Elevate your workspace with our Adjustable Height Workbench. This stable structure is ETL certified and comes with a convenient power strip for easy access to power. With simple installation, this heavy-duty workbench is also portable for ultimate versatility. Transform your workspace today!
48'' W Manufactured Wood Top Height-Adjustable Workbench with Wheels
WFX Utility™
$286.99
Description
Elevate your workspace with our Adjustable Height Workbench. This stable structure is ETL certified and comes with a convenient power strip for easy access to power. With simple installation, this heavy-duty workbench is also portable for ultimate versatility. Transform your workspace today!
Carevelle Manufactured Wood Top Workbench
$163.99 $164.99
The Steel Workbench is a durable and versatile storage solution for any garage or shop. Made of solid MDF board and a sturdy metal frame, it features a powder-coated finish for extra protection. The water-resistant wood table surface is perfect for any project, while two drawers and exterior pegboards offer ample storage for tools and materials. Stay organized and efficient with this heavy-duty workbench.
Carevelle Manufactured Wood Top Workbench
WFX Utility™
$163.99 $164.99
Description
The Steel Workbench is a durable and versatile storage solution for any garage or shop. Made of solid MDF board and a sturdy metal frame, it features a powder-coated finish for extra protection. The water-resistant wood table surface is perfect for any project, while two drawers and exterior pegboards offer ample storage for tools and materials. Stay organized and efficient with this heavy-duty workbench.
62'' W Wood Top Workbench with Wheels
$487.44
Enhance your living space with the Rove workbench, a versatile and contemporary piece perfect for any home, garage, or workshop. Its industrial design adds a trendy edge to any room with its robust build, highlighting wood grains, knots, and distress marks. The durable wood top and metal frame are coated for longevity, while 3 spacious drawers provide ample storage. Easy-to-grasp metal handles add a sleek touch, and a multi-purpose metal rack helps keep your space organized. Bring style and functionality to your space with the Rove workbench.
62'' W Wood Top Workbench with Wheels
Duramax Building Products
$487.44
Description
Enhance your living space with the Rove workbench, a versatile and contemporary piece perfect for any home, garage, or workshop. Its industrial design adds a trendy edge to any room with its robust build, highlighting wood grains, knots, and distress marks. The durable wood top and metal frame are coated for longevity, while 3 spacious drawers provide ample storage. Easy-to-grasp metal handles add a sleek touch, and a multi-purpose metal rack helps keep your space organized. Bring style and functionality to your space with the Rove workbench.
Manufactured Wood Top Height-Adjustable Workbench with Wheels
$199.99
Enhance your workspace with our Adjustable Height Workbench, featuring a stable structure for sturdy support. This workbench comes with an ETL certification power strip for extra convenience. Its heavy-duty design ensures durability, while its portable nature makes it easy to move around. Simple installation allows for quick setup. Ideal for anyone looking for a versatile and practical work surface. Upgrade your productivity with this reliable workbench today.
Manufactured Wood Top Height-Adjustable Workbench with Wheels
WFX Utility™
$199.99
Description
Enhance your workspace with our Adjustable Height Workbench, featuring a stable structure for sturdy support. This workbench comes with an ETL certification power strip for extra convenience. Its heavy-duty design ensures durability, while its portable nature makes it easy to move around. Simple installation allows for quick setup. Ideal for anyone looking for a versatile and practical work surface. Upgrade your productivity with this reliable workbench today.
72.4'' W Manufactured Wood Top Workbench with Wheels
$759.99
Expand your workspace with our 72" wide workbench, perfect for the garage. Easily move with removable rolling casters, lock in place when needed. Butcher block top of engineered wood and steel frame in gray and black finish. Six textured drawers for tools and supplies. Assembly required. Make your work easier and more efficient with this versatile and durable workbench.
72.4'' W Manufactured Wood Top Workbench with Wheels
The Twillery Co.®
$759.99
Description
Expand your workspace with our 72" wide workbench, perfect for the garage. Easily move with removable rolling casters, lock in place when needed. Butcher block top of engineered wood and steel frame in gray and black finish. Six textured drawers for tools and supplies. Assembly required. Make your work easier and more efficient with this versatile and durable workbench.
72.4'' W Manufactured Wood Top Workbench with Wheels
$679.99
Transform your garage with our 72" wide workbench, perfect for expanding your workspace and storage. Featuring removable rolling casters with a locking feature, this workbench is built to move and stay in place as needed. The top is crafted from engineered wood with a sleek two-toned steel frame. With four textured doors revealing four spacious shelves, this workbench is ideal for organizing tools, gloves, and paint cans. Complete with full assembly instructions, this versatile workbench is a must-have for any garage or workshop.
72.4'' W Manufactured Wood Top Workbench with Wheels
The Twillery Co.®
$679.99
Description
Transform your garage with our 72" wide workbench, perfect for expanding your workspace and storage. Featuring removable rolling casters with a locking feature, this workbench is built to move and stay in place as needed. The top is crafted from engineered wood with a sleek two-toned steel frame. With four textured doors revealing four spacious shelves, this workbench is ideal for organizing tools, gloves, and paint cans. Complete with full assembly instructions, this versatile workbench is a must-have for any garage or workshop.
Adelynne Wood Top Workbench
$149.99
The Height-Adjustable Workbench offers a comfortable height for seated or standing work. With a spacious MDF worktop, a pegboard for small tools, and a drawer for additional storage, it provides ample space for various operations. Crafted with a solid steel frame and heavy-duty MDF panel, this workbench is built to withstand tough workshop conditions. Quality craftsmanship ensures durability and stability, making it ideal for heavy tool storage. Elevate your workspace with this sturdy and reliable workbench that can handle any task with ease. Shop now for the perfect addition to your workshop!
Adelynne Wood Top Workbench
Red Barrel Studio®
$149.99
Description
The Height-Adjustable Workbench offers a comfortable height for seated or standing work. With a spacious MDF worktop, a pegboard for small tools, and a drawer for additional storage, it provides ample space for various operations. Crafted with a solid steel frame and heavy-duty MDF panel, this workbench is built to withstand tough workshop conditions. Quality craftsmanship ensures durability and stability, making it ideal for heavy tool storage. Elevate your workspace with this sturdy and reliable workbench that can handle any task with ease. Shop now for the perfect addition to your workshop!
Duramax New Workbench 72" Wood Workbench
$699
This industrial-style workbench is a sturdy and versatile addition to any home. With smooth-gliding wheels and two locking wheels for stability, this workbench is easy to move and secure when needed. Measuring 72" wide, 24" deep, and 37" high, it offers ample surface area for tools and decor. Crafted from solid Acacia and powder-coated steel mesh, this workbench is built to last and can hold up to 1000 pounds on the top and 200 pounds on the lower shelf. Easy to assemble with clear instructions, this workbench is a durable and practical choice for any workspace.
Duramax New Workbench 72" Wood Workbench
Duramax Building Products
$699
Description
This industrial-style workbench is a sturdy and versatile addition to any home. With smooth-gliding wheels and two locking wheels for stability, this workbench is easy to move and secure when needed. Measuring 72" wide, 24" deep, and 37" high, it offers ample surface area for tools and decor. Crafted from solid Acacia and powder-coated steel mesh, this workbench is built to last and can hold up to 1000 pounds on the top and 200 pounds on the lower shelf. Easy to assemble with clear instructions, this workbench is a durable and practical choice for any workspace.
Height Adjustable Garage Workbench
What We Like: Hard, rubberized work surface
What We Don’t Like: No storage shelves
Not So Good For: Extra storage
Perfect For: Professionals and hobbyists
This table’s simple yet sturdy design can hold up to 2,000 lbs. of weight on its metal and rubberwood surfaces. The work surface is ideal for various tools and has a special coating that prevents mold growth, protecting the surface for years of use. The table is also equipped with four ETC-certified AC power outlets and two USB sockets, making it ideal for use with electronics and power tools.
This versatile, adjustable workbench for sale is not only ideal for a garage but can also work well in a home office or craft room.
Height Adjustable Garage Workbench
WORKPRO
Description
What We Like: Hard, rubberized work surface
What We Don’t Like: No storage shelves
Not So Good For: Extra storage
Perfect For: Professionals and hobbyists
This table’s simple yet sturdy design can hold up to 2,000 lbs. of weight on its metal and rubberwood surfaces. The work surface is ideal for various tools and has a special coating that prevents mold growth, protecting the surface for years of use. The table is also equipped with four ETC-certified AC power outlets and two USB sockets, making it ideal for use with electronics and power tools.
This versatile, adjustable workbench for sale is not only ideal for a garage but can also work well in a home office or craft room.
Wooden Garage Work Table
What We Like: Beautiful rustic design
What We Don’t Like: No power outlets
Not So Good For: Use with several power tools
Perfect For: Woodworkers and hobbyists
This solid Acacia wood table is functional and versatile and is one of the most beautiful garage workbenches for sale. The table top has a built-in drawer for storing small accessories, an open bottom shelf to keep tools, and a cord management system. It comes with pre-drilled dog holes and pegs for fitting bench dogs while woodworking, and the tabletop also features a built-in vice grip.
This heavy-duty table has a varnished finish that looks good and will protect the table for years of use. This table can hold up to 330 lbs. on its 5.5’’ thick tabletop and is ideal for professional carpenters and weekend hobbyists.
Wooden Garage Work Table
Olympia
Description
What We Like: Beautiful rustic design
What We Don’t Like: No power outlets
Not So Good For: Use with several power tools
Perfect For: Woodworkers and hobbyists
This solid Acacia wood table is functional and versatile and is one of the most beautiful garage workbenches for sale. The table top has a built-in drawer for storing small accessories, an open bottom shelf to keep tools, and a cord management system. It comes with pre-drilled dog holes and pegs for fitting bench dogs while woodworking, and the tabletop also features a built-in vice grip.
This heavy-duty table has a varnished finish that looks good and will protect the table for years of use. This table can hold up to 330 lbs. on its 5.5’’ thick tabletop and is ideal for professional carpenters and weekend hobbyists.
Seville Classics UltraHD Lighted Workcenter w/ Wood Top and Pegboard, Graphite
Upgrade your workshop with the Seville Classics UltraHD Lighted Work Center in Granite Gray. The sturdy beech wood top sits on a steel frame, with a steel pegboard for tool storage. A pull-out drawer with adjustable dividers keeps supplies organized. Work late with the convenient LED light. Assembly is a breeze with included tools. The total size with pegboard is 48" W x 24" D x 65.5" H, while the table alone is 48" W x 24" D x 41.5" H. Enhance your workspace with this durable and functional work center.
Seville Classics UltraHD Lighted Workcenter w/ Wood Top and Pegboard, Graphite
UltraHD®
Description
Upgrade your workshop with the Seville Classics UltraHD Lighted Work Center in Granite Gray. The sturdy beech wood top sits on a steel frame, with a steel pegboard for tool storage. A pull-out drawer with adjustable dividers keeps supplies organized. Work late with the convenient LED light. Assembly is a breeze with included tools. The total size with pegboard is 48" W x 24" D x 65.5" H, while the table alone is 48" W x 24" D x 41.5" H. Enhance your workspace with this durable and functional work center.
Garage Workbenches
Buying Guide
Tara Gosselin
Interior Design Expert
Tara is a San Antonio-based award-winning landscape architect, writer and educator, passionate about eco-friendly solutions and growing her own food. She knows all it takes to help you create a sustainable backyard retreat that combines blissful charm with a modern take on landscaping.
Garage work benches are perfect work surfaces suited for people who are building from basements or garages. A garage work bench includes a stable and sturdy surface for repair or hobby projects, a shop light, a pegboard for storage, and a recessed shelving which allows for seating.
A garage work bench is a fundamental, yet important tool in any traditional woodworking workshop. It is difficult to create furniture by hand, especially when you lack a sturdy work bench to build on. Before you purchase a new garage work bench, there are a few considerations you have to take into account first to select a good product like the following:
A work bench top that's 3 or 4 inches thick can provide you mass, which will ensure the entire bench is sturdy. There are also special work benches that offer sturdiness through their designs like mortise and tenons, and splayed legs. They are the ones that let you have a workspace that doesn't have a massive slab top.
There's no other way to go about it; your garage work bench must be able to deliver stability and sturdiness. Sawing and hand planing on cheap, flimsy workbenches can easily become frustrating, not to mention dangerous, as they'll be moving and shaking across the room. A sturdy garage work bench should have a solid construction and good joinery.
Vises are used in clamping your work to the work bench so you'll be able to saw, plane, or shape the piece in a number of ways. You'll need at least two wooden vises or metal ones with wood in order to protect your piece. Traditional vises fit into two categories, namely Face Vises and Tail Vises. Tail Vises are attached to a workbench's end part, while Face Vises point toward you, the furniture maker. Choosing between vises will depend on your preferences. Try out both types of vises so you'll be able to identify which helps you most.
The dimensions of your traditional garage work bench will depend on your preference. Typically, a top that's more than 24 inches is rather too wide as it makes reaching across difficult. What you'd love is having a long garage work bench of about 8 feet in length. It will enable you to work on a long piece, but 6 ft long benches should work fine as well. Regardless of the length and width you choose, just make sure that you have enough room in your garage to accommodate the bench.
Bonus tip: Cheaper commercial garage work benches have worktops that overhang the legs. We don't recommend such units as they'll quickly frustrate you as you're rid of the capability to clamp a door or longboard in a left vise. You'll also find that you can't clamp the piece's other end against the legs. Make sure you only choose the unit that has a flush leg design, and you'll be able to have more flexibility in terms of usage.
Let us first ask you a question: What is it going to be used for? Clearly you need a large, flat surface to do a project. If your answer is handyman or contractor work, then a portable workbench is the obvious choice. If the answer is you want a space for woodworking or a hobby involving building things, then you aren't going far from home except to get supplies, and having your workbench stationary, or on lockable casters, is perfect for you.
Portable benches
Portable workbenches aren't typically as large as the models for fixed purpose use, but they are quite versatile. With telescoping legs, folding table tops, and weighing very little because of their aluminum and plastic construction (wood tops also available), they go anywhere you go. The top affords the option to add a clamp if needed. The legs are set at an angle to increase stability. And taking your own workbench is the best way to guarantee you have your most important tool on hand. These are also rarely taller than 36".
Shop benches
In your workspace, your two choices for a workbench is stationary, or rolling on wheels, also known as casters.
- Depending on the tasks, where you put your stationary workbench is largely a matter of choice. Some people like to have theirs on a wall, affixed to a peg board. Some people like to have one or more strewn about the shop floor, the possibilities of multiple projects happening at once. But the common thread is once it is put in place, it is fixed in place. These models are often heavy, constructed solidly. Some have drawers, some have shelves, but they are large and bulky, so moving them isn't logical. Choose their home wisely. They can be a multitude of different dimensions, so knowing how much space you need, versus how much space you have, is important.
- Rolling benches void the need to deem one spot the bench's home forever. While still heavy, constructed solidly, the wheels or casters, set at the corners of the base, allow it to roll freely around the work space. Most casters have locks on them to keep your workbench from drifting away from you if you lean on it or bump into it. Rolling benches also come in various dimensions, but none so large as to be unwieldy, or so heavy as to compromise the casters.
Metal frame
A metal (steel) workbench has one detail that its wood counterpart lacks. While there is still some weight to it, because metal is often stronger, it requires less of it to make the framework for the bench, and thus less overall weight. That makes it easier to relocate to another part of the shop if need be. It is still just as sturdy, but has a skeletonized look, more function than form. Only a single or double shelf on the base or back is available. Adding to a steel framed unit can only be done if the addition in question is mounted to the frame itself, or the table top. And steel vibrates, made very noticeable when power tools are used.
Wood frame
A wood frame however has equal parts form and function, allowing many custom possibilities. Wood is soft and therefore drilling into it to mount a new piece of hardware is relatively simple. The benches are heavier, which can make them more sturdy. And unlike steel, wood absorbs vibrations, so your projects don't dance on the table while you are working with power tools. They often have an overhang on the perimeter, which makes adding a clamp very easy. Wood frames are more squared off than their steel counterparts and adding drawers or shelves is less of a hassle.
There are three kinds of table tops for your home or shop workbench, each with some specific functions for use.
Metal
These table tops typically only go with metal frame workbench set-ups. They are welded or bolted on and made of stainless steel. They are rarely the go-to option for anyone who works with wood. However if you need something that won't stain and is a snap to clean, this is perfect for you.
Laminate
Table tops with a laminate coating, also known as Formica, are terrific if you want to choose what color the table top will be. Formica comes in a whole host of styles and a wheel of colors. It is smooth, easy to clean, but will stain if a caustic substance is left on the surface too long. The laminate is a thin piece of plastic, surrounding most often a particle board interior. It is hardened and can take a beating.
Wood
Wood table tops, usually maple, are great for many projects, but have the flaw that it will tell all of your abuses. If you are rough on it, stab it, saw it, stain it, or otherwise damage it, everything that has been done to it will show. No one wants to ding up their work space, but accidents happen, things get spilled, and the consequence is a large wooden record of the trials and successes, or failures, of your many undertakings.
If you intend to be rough on your workbench table top, a removable particle board top is a great idea. Particle board is basically compressed sawdust, held in place with glue. You can dig it, dent it, drill into it, spill glue on it, drip paint on it, and, when you've decided it is beyond saving, throw it out and replace it. Cheap and easy.
Having somewhere to store your tools is key to maintaining the workspace.
Shelves
A good sturdy shelf, installed on the appropriate brackets, can handle quite a bit of weight, and give your tools a home when not in use. They can be metal or wood, of many different lengths, and can be installed under the table top with an all wood workbench. Metal workbenches have arms that extend above the table surface, and can accommodate shelves there as well.
Drawers
For any and all storage and organizational needs, drawers are invaluable. Deep or shallow, custom designed for specific items or a catch-all, adding one or more drawers to your workbench will put tools, and things like screws and nuts, at your fingertips. They install easily under the table top, ready for storing your things.
Once you pick out your perfect workbench, now it's time to choose whether or not your job or hobby would be benefited by a few additional attachments. Some accessories can improve efficiency, productivity and be an extra hand if you're working alone. And they can be either permanently installed or easily removable.
- Vise: A vise can be bolted to the table top surface, or pre-installed on the side of the workbench. A vise is great for holding items when you need two hands free for work.
- Power strip: For ease with using power tools, having a handy, close-by electrical outlet is a great asset. Most power strips have half a dozen outlets, perfect for using several tools without plugging and unplugging for each tool.
- Drop cloth: A roller can be added to the end of your workbench for a roll of cloth or paper, that can be used to protect the bench when painting or staining a project.
- Grinding wheel: Adding a grinder to your workbench, near an end so you don't block the workspace, is great if you do a lot of crafting with metal.
- Clamp: To keep two or more items held together, a pipe clamp is a good go-to choice. It can be added to the side or the top, and is designed for easy removal.
- Tilting table surface: A thin, hard piece of wood on hinges can make some projects a little easier if seeing them at an angle is important. Great for looking at blueprints.
- Peg boards: A terrific addition to any workshop, the peg board, with corresponding tool hooks, allows you to see all your small tools and easily access them at will. They are simple to cut to fit your bench size and can be mounted to the back of the unit or a wall.
- Press: A press is a godsend in woodworking. Like a clamp, a press holds items together. The difference is, a press places greater pressure on the items between its plates, marrying them more securely.
- Lighted magnifier: A magnifying glass with a built-in light is crucial if your hobby or craft involves intricate detail. Bolted to the frame, it has a long, hinged arm that can move across the whole work area.
- Secure cage: If you have kids, this is strongly recommended. Placing your power tools under the workbench on a shelf is fine, but if you have curious children, installing a steel security cage that can be padlocked under the bench top for the more dangerous items is a wise plan.
Keeping your workbench tidy and maintained is a snap, regardless of which table top you choose.
- Metal: A clean, wet cloth and some stainless steel cleaning spray will do nicely.
- Wood: It is recommended you treat the wood with a water-blocking agent like Thompson's water seal. This will allow liquids to bead and not be absorbed by the wood. Use a dry towel with liquids, and a hand brush for other debris like wood chips or sawdust.
- Laminate: A clean, wet cloth and an anti-bacterial multi-purpose cleaner spray works well.