Build A Workbench In A Weekend With These Free Plans!

Build this workbench first! Build this DIY super simple, yet sturdy workbench from 2x4's and MDF panels in less than 1 hour. I call it the 1 Hour Workbench. This is a beginner DIY project using limited tools and I have free PDF plans linked below. All you need is a drill and a circular saw to build this simple, DIY 1 hour workbench for around $50.

Husky Tools:

**Use code JBUILDS for 15% off your order**

Tools/Materials:

[hooliator]

This is by far the best "cheap fast workbench" video I have seen. Thanks for not running every board through a planer and jointer.

[voltronmccloud]

I have little to no wood working experience. 2 hours ish for me and a 2 trips to home depot. Thanks for the video and plans. Sunday afternoon well spent.

[rickhayhoe]

The legs assembled in that L configuration make for a rigid structure without the need to make notches at the tops of the legs to accept the rails, as one would have to do if the 2x4s were simply lapped together. Funny to call such an extremely simple -- even rude -- little workbench elegant, but the thinking that went into it and the use of so little material and so few subassemblies that actually aid each other in the assembly process? Well that's elegant, and a work of genius. Lots of people needing their first workbench are going to be beholding to you, Johnny. Well done, guy!

[setyawanlatif]

This is a great video. Making a simple workbench using basic tool only. No table saw, no miter saw and no pocket hole jig. Thanks for sharing this video.

[xda_yang]

Out of dozens of videos, I finally find this one really practical. All others are good but require too many tools. This one is SUPER useful. Thank you, Jonny.

[tylerrathbone]

Great video! As a beginner this was super helpful. I found out that if you forego the casters and use the 33 1/4" measurements for the legs in your plan you end up needing one more 2x4x8. I just got started building things and was able to build this with ease following your plans. Now I feel like I've gained a skill and a great workbench!

[vincentbianco]

Try using zinser shellac and have them add paint tint at Home Depot. They say it won’t work but it does and can really spruce up a workbench easily

[darinjohnson]

clear directions, not complicated. a most effective video. thanks JB!

[pj]

Thank you for this video which is super clear and does not involve loads of expensive tools to complete.

[AncoraImparoPiper]

Definitely the easiest and quickest out there. Thank you!

[boobletownbobby]

Same design from the original Family Handyman workbench which has been around for years. I built all my workbenches like this and changed the plans for larger and smaller ones, both in height and width. I did use 1/4-20 bolts for ALL the leg connections to frame however, not screws. Also use 3/4 ply for the top, not mdf. They are built like a tank and can hold anything.

[Festivejelly]

I like this design. Was looking for something just like this. I think maybe even I could build it.

[saophaixoan]

*Hello there, I have requested your DVDs, for simpler and quicker approach to manufacture a shed **Allmy.Tips** I trust the substance are as you guaranteed it will be. Just I'm worried with the substance, it won't be anything but difficult to settle on a decision from the various plans.*

[gratefulrambler]

I built this today and is truly a quick and sturdy solution for a workbench. Thank you for the video and clear plans/layout. I did not use casters so set the bottom shelf about 6 inches up from the floor.

[myksyk]

Thank you ... Built it this weekend, modified for my small shed. Worked a treat.

[jpalmi]

Love this design for an easy and quick build.
Wish I would've seen this before I started my build.

Details of my not so great workbench.
I am just finishing up building a workbench using a kit / design from Menards. Kit is by "Heavyweight" and includes basically the thick plastic corner pieces that you cut 2x4's and plywood to dimensions as detailed in their plans.
Low and behold, the one job their person has for providing proper dimensions was a fail.
it's a 5' x 2' workbench that instructs you to buy/cut two sheets of plywood/mdf, etc to the same dimensions, though the top overhangs the edges of the frame/legs, while the shelf fits inside the legs.. this already shows that their design is missing some steps (cutting the shelf to a shorter length to fit inside the legs),
However this is not the only thing, the short 2x4's of the frame that are supposed to make the Width 24" although the design has you cut the top to the same 24" yet supposedly have overhang?? again.. see a problem here? And top it off, when you put the short pieces into the corner pieces and screw it all together, it comes out to about 1/4" more than the planned 24"
So, in the end, the top surface not only will NOT overhang all 4 sides with the dimensions given in the instructions, but it will actually not even sit flush with the edges of the of the legs from front to back.. :(
Time to pull it apart and shorten some of the 2x4s to still be able to utilize what I've already cut .
Research until you find GOOD step by steps or designs, such as this video above and skip the "easy build" crap from a store.

[jiujitsuforall]

Hey brother, I truly appreciate you including the PDF plans! Gonna build this as soon as I finish our raised beds. thanks!

[wakeupgeoff]

Perfect! Going to build this with an MFT top.

[TheTalonts]

You should have epoxied the floor before you started moving in.

I did it on my garage 15 years ago just days before moving in, KNOWING I'd never have the time and clear space to do it from wall to wall again. I was right, and I'm REALLY glad I took the time out of the move to get it done. And the epoxies these days are MUCH better than the cheaper stuff I used back then, which is still holding up pretty well except for a couple of spots where leaking containers let it soak in before I noticed it.

[MattSchuessler]

Thanks for sharing. By my calculation, you need 6 2x5x8, not 5.