How to Design a Work Bench

Create the Basic Components

• 1). Review work bench magazines to envision the type of work bench to build. Create a basic bench with storage units under the bench or mounted on the wall above the bench. Picture the basic shape of the bench, including shelves and doors to be added. Sketch a linear bench, L-shaped bench fitting into a corner or island bench in the middle of the floor.
  
  
• 2). Measure the allowable space for the bench, including overhead space for shelves or lighting. Review options for bringing electricity to the work bench area as well. Decide how outlets will be installed for power tools or other needs. Consider moving the bench closer to the breaker box in a basement area, if this will make routing electricity easier.
  
  
• 3). Draw a basic work bench top that is approximately 36 inches high. Design the bench top work surface to to be approximately 30 inches deep from front to back. Create a bench top no less than 48 inches wide. Sketch the framing for the work bench to be attached to the wall or as a stand-alone frame. Plan to build the skeleton framing from 6-inch square post material for the legs and 2-by-6-inch boards for all other framing.
  
  
• 4). Decide how the top work surface of the bench space will look. Design the top to be built of 2-by-6-inch boards laid in a deck fashion side-by-side, for example. Plan to cover a plywood top, made of recycled pieces of 3/4-inch plywood covered with vinyl flooring material as another option.
  
  
• 5). Create a list of items to be stored in the work bench. Sketch drawers, shelves with closeable doors over them and wall cabinetry to accommodate these items. Add drawers or doors under the bench, off to either side, overhead or as stand-alone units next to the work bench.
  
  

Fine Tune the Plan

• 1). Review building materials already on hand. Plan to use old drawers, leftover lumber, draw pulls or knobs and any materials that can be recycled. Use leftover paint on wall cabinets installed above the bench and leftover stain on the decking of the bench top work surface, for example.
  
  
• 2). Visit a home improvement store to look for metal shelving, pre-made doors or cabinets on sale that can be incorporated into the work bench design.
  
  
• 3). Sketch the final design to accommodate heavy items, such as drills or circular saws, in lower shelves of the work bench. Place less heavy items on a peg board over the work bench or in wall cabinets above the bench. Envision the design of the bench and stored items to accommodate how work will unfold at the bench area. Picture the work that will take place and how the work itself needs to be organized.