Garage Table Workbenches

Table workbench - for the serious craftsman

A table workbench is somewhat like a table, hence it's name. This is in contrast to other types of workbenches such as potting or gardening workbenches, lightweight portable or knockdown workbenches, or one that's just an integral part of floor mount storage cabinet tops.

The options your workbench will need depends on your uses, of course, and things like power strips or vice clamps are often standard features built into any DIY garage workbench. If you are ready to build a wood table workbench yourself, make sure to consider local codes when it comes to installing a power strip - a regular strip with power cord plugged into a wall socket might not be up to snuff, and Romax or even conduit might need to be professionally run from a power box to your workbench.

One big advantage of a table style workbench is that it can sit or be moved to an area best suited to your needs. There is no need for the floor to be completely clear as is needed for a cabinet workbench, and you will have space underneath for storage of all sorts of garage like items - paint cans, camping gear, that "magazine collection" - all size and shaped things that wont fit well within the constraints of a garage cabinet. Storage of bulky items tends to benefit from this the most.

Before installing or building-in-place any type of workbench, it's best to clear things out. If you've lived in the home for any length of time before this, then there will not doubt be plenty of stuff accumulated. Clear it all out and start a-new. As a good rule of thumb, if you haven't used something in the last year - toss it out. Get rid of the excess.

Next, take inventory of the items that you will want to store underneath the workbench. Consider the height of these items so you can make sure there is ample clearance for items to fit. A workbench built to the appropriate height will leave room underneath for one shelf - floor storage and one shelf storage.

Wether you purchase, or build your workbench from plans, patterns, or kit, consider what you will do with the wall space above the workbench. Walls can be covered in pegboard for easy access to tool storage. Simple shelves are another option here, and depending on your needs, closed door cabinets might be the best option. Just make sure to leave shelves or cabinets high enough off the workbench so's not to limit the material size and shapes you can work with on the bench top.

So far as materials go, a table workbench benefits most from solid hardwoods but expense can be prohibitive. Simple knotted pine 2x4s suffice for most of the framing, and even 4x4 leg post pieces can be fabricated from 2 2x4s attached together at regular intervals with sufficient wood screws. Consider the cost of both options.

Pre-made workbench kits are a good option. They are generally very reliable, and low cost. They are available in a number of materials, and a lot depends on what you need it for. Kits made using interlocking metal channel and thin particle board will work fine for lightweight hobby work. If you do a lot of woodworking with power tools, then a heavy wooden top is best, with legs made from either wood 4x4s or heavy metal stock.

With a table workbench installed in the garage, the inner craftsman in you can come out. To build your own workbench is not a difficult project, and some of the tips presented here should get you started. If you prefer a little more formal planning, then consider some of the many books on building a workbench available.