6 DIY Workbench Ideas for a Small Workshop

These 6 DIY workbench ideas are perfect for a small workshop, garage shop, or shed. Each plan is easy to build with some simple tools.

These 6 DIY workbench ideas are perfect for a small workshop, garage, or shed. Each plan is easy to build with some simple tools.

6 DIY Workbench Ideas for a Small Workshop

One of the things I wanted to focus on when I started Saws on Skates, other than sharing free furniture plans, was to share ideas about DIYing in a small space. A while back a new follower pointed out that I haven’t provided much info on working in a small space. I’ve been so focused on creating and posting new plans that I totally overlooked one of the main topics I wanted to discuss, so today we are going to talk about DIY workbench ideas for a small workshop!

What size is your shop? I would consider my shop tiny. It’s about 12×13. I’m working in about 156 square feet or the size of a small bedroom. It’s taken me many years to figure out how to set up my shop, so that it’s functional.

Related: My 12×13 Woodshop Layout

One of the best things I ever did to maximize space was to put all of my tools on wheels. It’s the whole reason I named the blog “Saws on Skates”! I started with my workbench. Then my miter saw stand. Then I added wheels to my table saw. If I can’t put wheels on it, I don’t put it in my shop.

Related: 7 DIY Table Saw Stations for a Small Workshop 

In future posts we’ll look at DIY miter saw benches, but since I put wheels on my workbench first, that’s where I’m going to begin. Whether you’re trying to maximize space in your cramped shop or you have a giant work space, you know you NEED a workbench. Working on the floor is literally, back breaking work!

Related: 7 DIY Space-Saving Miter Saw Stand Plans for a Small Workshop

If you’re just setting up your first shop and you don’t know where to start, I recommend starting with a workbench. Sure you could buy one, but why not build one instead? No matter if you have a dedicated workshop or a space you can only use temporarily for DIY projects, I think one of these workbenches will work for you. They are all easy to make, on wheels or fold up to save space.

Related: 3 Reasons Why I Don’t Use a Woodworking Bench

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Before we look at the DIY workbench plans, be sure to click the subscribe button at the bottom of this page to sign up for my FREE weekly newsletter loaded with helpful pocket hole tricks, space-saving workshop ideas, clever DIY tips and more!


1. DIY Folding Workbench – Saws on Skates

This DIY folding workbench is perfect for DIYers with a small workshop, garage shop, or even those DIYers without a dedicated workshop. The space-saving design is easy to set up when you’re ready to work and fold down when you’re done. It’s collapsible, so you can move it from the shop to the yard, or to a buddy’s house to help with a project. It’s easy to make with just a few tools like a miter saw, circular saw, and Kreg Jig.

Learn how to build a portable DIY folding workbench with these free plans! This a sturdy, mobile wooden work table great for a workshop, garage or shed.


2. Collapsible Workbench – Instructables

This collapsible workbench found on Instructables is great for those DIYers who don’t have a permanent workshop or those who need an extra assembly table. The legs are made with 2x4s, and the top is a sheet of MDF. Setting up the DIY workbench is easy. The legs slide into slots into the top and rails with lap joints lock everything together. Set it up when you need it and fold it up when you don’t.

Looking for workbench ideas? Here are 5 DIY workbench plans perfect for a small workshop.

Looking for workbench ideas? Here are 5 DIY workbench plans perfect for a small workshop.


3. Fold Down Workbench – WilkerDos

This wall-mounted DIY fold-down workbench by Wilkerdos is a great option for a small workshop. It folds down to become a workbench when you’re ready to work and folds up when you need extra floor space.

It’s made with plywood, 2x4s, and joined with pocket holes. It’s an easy build for DIYers of any skill level.

Looking for workbench ideas? Here are 5 DIY workbench plans perfect for a small workshop.


4. DIY Workbench – Rogue Engineer

This easy DIY portable workbench by Rogue Engineer is perfect for a small workshop. It’s compact but has plenty of space to work on top and storage down below.

It’s simple to make. The base is made with 2x4s that are screwed together. The top and shelf are pieces of MDF. The DIY workbench is on wheels to make it mobile.

It’s the perfect place to assemble a project or apply a coat of finish. Download the free plans and build one today!

Looking for workbench ideas? Here are 5 DIY workbench plans perfect for a small workshop.


5. DIY Workbench – Shanty 2 Chic

This narrow DIY workbench by Shanty 2 Chic is the perfect addition to a shop with a little more space. The base is made with 2x4s and pocket hole joinery. The shelf and top are pieces of MDF. There’s plenty of storage on the shelf for power tools. The top has lots of room for assembling projects or applying a finish. Use the free plans to build your own!

Looking for workbench ideas? Here are 5 DIY workbench plans perfect for a small workshop.


6. Simple DIY Workbench – Shanty 2 Chic

This simple DIY workbench by Shanty 2 Chic is similar to the narrow Shanty 2 Chic workbench. The difference is this version nearly doubles the amount of workspace.

The base is made with 2x4s and pocket hole joinery. The shelf and top are pieces of MDF. The base sits on large casters to make it mobile.

There’s plenty of storage on the shelf for power tools. The top has lots of room for assembling projects or applying a finish.

Simple DIY Workbench Shanty 2 Chic


Where to Buy a Small Workbench

Store-bought workbenches are available if you don’t have the tools or time to make one. Here are a few options you can buy online and have sent to your workshop

2 Comments

  1. Hi Scott, love your blog! Found it via Woodworkers Workshop (was searching diy cupboard plans and I really like yours). I love the idea of the wheels on your workbench and tools but how do you keep them from rolling around when you’re making something? Do they have locks on them? Just curious, lol.
    Jan

    1. Hi Jan – Thank you for the note and for the compliments! That’s a good question about the tools/workbench. Yes, all of my tools are on locking casters. You can find them just about anywhere… Home Depot, Lowe’s, Harbor Freight, etc. Please let me know if you have any more questions – Scott

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