Uploaded December 2015 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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How to make a DIY Simple Workbench for your DIY projects. This project is simple, doesn't take that long, and is very affordable. My buddy George and I built this for his garage.

For more info, project photos, and downloadable plans check out:
diypete.com/Workbench
Download Plans: gumroad.com/l/Workbench

Looking for a little larger sized workbench? Want a lifeline to Pete while building the project?
Check out our Rolling Workbench Mini Course here! academy.diypete.com/products/workbench-mini-course-and-plans

*Note that these are affiliate links, meaning that when you buy something that is recommended below, it helps support the Channel. Thanks in advance!

*Tools Needed
Circular Saw - thd.co/1ObCjRj
OR Miter Saw - thd.co/1OLlUlZ
Drill - thd.co/1YlluYO
And/OR Impact Driver - amzn.to/1PbFM0U
Orbital Sander​ - amzn.to/1PbFN50
Tape Measure, Straight Edge, Pencil
Eye and Ear protection

*Supplies Needed
Lumber for the workbench – see wood list in the plans
Minwax Polyurethane - amzn.to/1ZeCNb2
Minwax Gunstock Stain - amzn.to/1ZeCNrq
4" Caster Wheels - amzn.to/1PbFPKi
Sandpaper, Wood Screws, and Washers

Need more tool recommendations or curious about the tools I trust and use in my builds? Visit my Storefronts to find everything I recommend for DIY projects big and small!
Amazon: amazon.com/shop/petesveen?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_2HRAJ4RJR0J89C2ST1F4
Lowes: shoplowes.me/4vODDAW
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Approximate Total Cost: $175 (at time of build)
The Simple Workbench can be made for about $175 in materials cost. You could reduce $35 right off the cost by only using one sheet of plywood and changing dimensions of the top to 24” or less in width.

Wood Costs
2 – 4x4s $10/piece
7 – 2x4s $2.50/piece
2- Plywood sheets $35/piece

Other Supplies
4 – 4” Caster wheels $8/piece
1 lb. – 2 ½” Screws $9/pound
1 lb. – 1 ¼” Screws $9/pound
Stain – $8/quart
Polyurethane – $12/quart
Washers – For Caster Wheels $1
This is the cost for the wood, wood finish, and other basic supplies. *Note: This doesn’t include smaller things you may already have around the shop, including: glue, sandpaper, etc.

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Cut All of the Wood Pieces
We’ll start this project by marking and making cuts for all of the different pieces for this simple workbench. We used a simple circular saw for this, you can use a miter saw or table saw as well. Once all of your cuts are made, we’ll give all of the boards a quick sanding and then start assembling it. Refer to the free, downloadable plans for the cut list.

Start Assembly, Making the Top First
Now we’ll start assembling our simple workbench. After you’ve cut all of the pieces according to the cut list in the plans, then grab the legs, the top lengthwise supports, and the top stretcher supports. Center one of the top stretcher supports and then space the others about 18” apart. Let’s put this all together with 2 ½” wood screws. Pre drill any holes before adding the wood screws and assemble it all together. With very similar assembly construction as the top portion, let’s attach the bottom support. Note that the back side lengthwise board of the bottom (bottom lengthwise board that will face the user) is attached inside the legs. This allows for more room for the user of the workbench.

Cut the Plywood and Attach
Now, we simply need to cut the plywood top and bottom pieces to size. Refer to the cut list for the dimensions and make your cuts. We’ll attach these with 1 1/4″ wood screws, always pre-drilling the holes. You can be generous with the amount of screws that you put into these boards.

Stain and Finish the Workbench
My friend George was a big fan of Minwax’s Gunstock Stain, so that is the color that we went with for his workbench. Always test the stain on a scrap piece of wood before applying to the whole project. Be sure to thoroughly cover all of the wood’s surface, working your way around, underneath, and in all of the nooks and crannies of your workbench. Let this stain dry and cure and then add a clear coat of polyurethane or lacquer to the workbench.

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Looking for woodworking, concrete working, and other DIY projects plans to follow? You can download plans for free at gumroad.com/DIYPETE and premium plans at diypete.com/diy-project-plans

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