How to Make a Workbench for Your Garage
Make your garage work smarter with a simple-to-build solution that is a clever combo of tool storage and a place to use those tools.. Learn how to make a workbench for your garage in this Lowe’s video:
You will need a carpenter’s square, clamps, cordless drill and driver bits, circular saw, miter saw, orbital sander with 120- and 160-grit abrasive discs, 1/8″ and 1″ drill bits, tape measure and wood glue for this DIY project. Get the materials list and project diagram here.
1. Start by building the frame, making sure the pieces for the face fit flush, because this whole project relies solely on screws to join the pieces. You’ll want to countersink them, so create the countersink first, then drill a pilot hole deep enough to accommodate the screw, then drive the screw.
2. Once the four frame pieces are joined, flip it to work on the backside. Attach two cleats to the back of the frame to add support; they will also be used to hang the project on the wall.
Use the same countersink process as above.
3. Cut a series of vertical braces for the inside face of the cleats. When cutting multiple pieces that need to be the exact same length, tape them together; it’s faster and more precise. Use spacers to lay out the braces on the cleats. Drill pilot holes and drive the screws on both ends of the braces. Two more braces help frame out the adjustable shelving area. You can use the actual shelf supports as spacers.
4. With the braces attached, sandwich the shelf supports between the braces and set the long shelf in place, driving two screws into each support and through the frame. A couple of scraps under the shelf will support it while your work. For a little extra security, flip the frame and drive a couple more screws through the cleats into the shelf supports.
5. Flip the frame again to add horizontal slats that will hold the adjustable shelving. Tape the slats together and drill all the pilot holes at once, then drill the countersinks and drive the screws individually. Attach the pegboard pieces that are cut to fit the space.
6. For some vertical storage, drill holes into a 2×4 and add it to the end of the unit. Position it in the middle or at the very end – your choice. Add dowels to the holes to act as pegs to hang things from.
7. Add the bifold door at the bottom using three evenly spaced hinges. Make sure the edge of the door is offset from the frame to accommodate the hinges. The door can then fold up flat against the unit or unfold into a work surface supported by saw horses.
