A Basic Bench You Can Build On!

After countless hours standing at a workbench, I’ve found some features I really like. The three properties I’ve got to have are rigidity, flatness and mass.

I hate working at a bench that wiggles or slides around because it’s not heavy enough. A workbench built with construction lumber like 2x4s will be solid, heavy and durable, but it won’t be flat. If you ever plan to build cabinets or furniture, which require accuracy, a flat bench gives you a leg up.

This bench is constructed from plywood (Baltic birch) and MDF (medium-density fiberboard). Both are inexpensive, flat and stable. The design is simple, with rigidity in mind, and the double-layer top adds necessary mass. Build the basic bench and call it good, or add all the extras.

Build the platforms

Assemble the braces (A – C), then build the platform frames (D – G) and attach the braces using glue and screws. Glue and screw the corner braces (H) in place. Attach the lower platform top (J) by driving screws through the brace flanges and corner braces. (See Figure A.)