DIY Folding Workbench
Build a folding workbench with these free plans! This sturdy, foldable workbench is easy to make with simple tools. Perfect for a workshop, garage or shed.
DIY Folding Workbench
This folding workbench is perfect for DIYers with a small workshop, shed, or garage or even those DIYers without a dedicated workspace. The foldable space-saving design makes it 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, such as a miter saw, circular saw, pocket hole jig, and these step-by-step plans.
Originally published March 16, 2016 updated August 13, 2019
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Table of Contents
- What is a Folding Workbench?
- Why Build a Foldable Workbench?
- The Collapsible Workbench is Portable
- Is a Folding Workbench Sturdy?
- What Can You Do With a Collapsible Workbench?
- Where Can You Use a Folding Workbench?
- How to Build a DIY Folding Workbench Tutorial
- Get the Free Folding Workbench Printed Plan
- More Projects Like This
What is a Folding Workbench?
A folding workbench can be set up when you need a work surface or work table and then folds up when you’re done working. Think of a foldable workbench like a heavy-duty folding card table for your workshop.
Related: Folding DIY Miter Saw Station
Why Build a Foldable Workbench?
If you’re tight on workspace, a foldable workbench is a smart and practical solution for any DIY enthusiast.
Instead of taking up valuable floor space with a traditional bench, a fold-down workbench is an excellent alternative that can easily be stored away when not in use.
With its compact design and convenient folding mechanism, you can enjoy the benefits of a traditional workbench without sacrificing precious square footage.
Related: 9 Clever Ways to Make Your Small Workshop Feel Bigger
It’s also ideal for weekend warriors without a dedicated workshop tackling DIY projects in the driveway.
Related: 9 Ways to Get Into Woodworking Without a Garage
The Collapsible Workbench is Portable
Another reason to build a collapsible workbench is that it’s compact and easy to transport. The legs of this DIY collapsible workbench tuck neatly inside the tabletop when it’s in the folded position. And it should fit in the trunk of most cars. Plus, the area inside the legs provides extra storage space while the workbench is being transported.
Is a Fold-Up Workbench Sturdy?
When it comes to stability, this folding workbench has you covered. The outside and inside legs contact the floor and provide multiple contact points for the top, ensuring that this piece is as sturdy as can be.
For added security, I recommend clamping the top to the legs, preventing them from creeping inward while you’re working, giving you a stable workspace for all your DIY projects.
Or, if you prefer, you can drill holes through the sides of the top and legs and secure them with carriage bolts.
Related: DIY Power Tool Stand (Simple and Sturdy)
What Can You Do With a Mobile Workbench?
A mobile workbench can perform many of the same functions as a traditional workbench. You can use it as a miter saw stand or as a work table to build and assemble woodworking projects. The collapsible workbench is also the perfect place to use a benchtop router table.
Related: DIY Flip Top Workbench Cart
I often use it as a finishing station. First, I cover it with a drop cloth and then apply a coat of paint or stain. I even use it outside of my workshop as a grooming table for my dog and as an extra serving table at parties!
Where Can You Use a Folding Workbench?
As I mentioned earlier, a folding workbench is perfect for DIYers with a small workshop, shed, garage or even those DIYers without a dedicated workshop. I often use my folding workbench for outdoor projects in my backyard.
Related: My 12×13 Small Woodshop Layout
How to Build a DIY Folding Workbench
Printed Plan
- Get the FREE plan here (includes detailed instructions, measurements, and bonus tips).
Supplies
- Lumber (per printed plan)
- (6) 2″ Hinges
- 1-1/4″ Pocket Screws
- 1-1/4″ #8 Wood Screws
- Wood Glue
Tools
- Tape Measure
- Miter Saw
- Circular Saw
- Drill
- Kreg Jig
- Countersink Drill Bit Set
Step 1. Cut the Legs
Cut eight pieces of wood to length for the legs.
Step 2. Cut the Rails
Cut eight pieces of wood to length for the rails. Drill pocket holes in the ends of each rail.
Related: How to Use a Kreg Jig
Step 3. Assemble the Legs
I clamped scrap pieces of wood to the bottom of each leg to help position the bottom rail. Apply wood glue to the ends of the rails, clamp to the legs and attach using pocket screws. Repeat for the remaining three legs assemblies.
Step 4. Attach the Hardware
Place two legs assemblies on the workbench and attach two hinges. Next, rotate the legs so the hinges face away from you.
Then, insert one leg assembly below and one leg assembly above the set of legs that were rotated. Attach four hinges to these legs. The legs will form a “W” when complete.
Step 5. Cut the Plywood Top
Cut a piece of plywood to size for the top.
Related: 4 Ways to Make Straight Cuts with a Circular Saw
Step 6. Cut the Side Aprons
Cut two pieces of wood to length for the side aprons and drill pocket holes in each end.
Step 7. Cut the Front and Back Aprons
Cut two pieces of wood to length for the front and back aprons.
Step 8. Assemble the Table Top
Apply wood glue to the ends of the side aprons (be sure to position the aprons so you have access to all of the pocket holes), clamp to the front and back aprons, insert the plywood top and attach using pocket screws.
Flip the top assembly and make sure the top is flush with the tops of the aprons. Drill countersink holes and attach the top to the aprons using wood screws.
Related: How to Use a Countersink Bit
Final Thoughts
Build your own folding workbench with these free plans! This sturdy, foldable workbench is perfect for a workshop, garage or shed. It’s also handy to use as a serving table at parties or a grooming table for your dog!
Get the free workbench plans (including the detailed instructions, diagrams, and dimensions) now!
Thank you for stopping by. If you found this information helpful, would you please pin it to Pinterest? Other DIYers would appreciate it and I would too! Thank you – Scott
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Scott, I want to make the legs 5 inches longer and the table top 5 inches longer. Also, I want to add a third style to the legs. Can you foresee any problems with increasing the size of these items?
Hi Louis – Thank you for stopping by. I would have to sketch this out to be certain, but off the top of my head I don’t see why it wouldn’t work. Good luck and let me know how it goes!
I built this table a year ago using scrap wood. I have used it as a table for my miter saw, an assembly table, the legs as a sanding station for longer boards. I love it!
Hi Al – I’m so happy to hear this! I’m glad that you’re enjoying the folding workbench!
thanks ,i have been looking for these type of plans
I’ve been planning to make doggy gates similar to these legs. I’ll add a couple of smaller pieces inside the frames. That will of course add some extra weight, but I think it will still be manageable. Now this table can do double duty!