April Wilkerson has designed a straightforward and efficient workbench that is perfect for any garage. This workbench features a main work area suitable for a full sheet of pegboard, a lower shelf for storage, and even space for roll-out drawers. If you’re ready to tackle this project, keep reading for a detailed step-by-step guide to building your own.
Materials:
- (8) 2×4 boards
- (2) sheets of plywood
- (1) pegboard sheet
- Wood glue
- Wood screws
Tools:
- Miter saw
- Nail gun (or drill for screws)
- Clamps
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Triton multi-tool (optional for pegboard cutting)
Step 1: Cut Your Materials
The first step is to cut all the materials to the required lengths. April emphasizes the importance of making a set of plans, which helps streamline the process. By doing this, you can set up your miter saw and cut all the boards before getting started. If you’re interested, free plans for this project are available through the link provided in the video description.
Step 2: Build the Shelves
Next, start building the two matching platforms that will serve as the lower shelf and the workbench shelf. Lay all four 2x4s next to each other with the ends flush. Mark the location of the cross members on each board, ensuring uniformity.
Attach the cross members, starting with both ends to keep the unit square, then fill in the center members. A nail gun makes this process quick, but a drill and screws work just as well.
Step 3: Attach the Legs
With the shelves completed, flip them upright and add the legs. Pre-mark the positions for the shelves on the legs. Use wood glue on all joints to increase rigidity, and clamp each joint before nailing to keep the boards flush.
Step 4: Deck the Shelves
Stand the unit up and begin decking the shelves with plywood. The main work surface is designed to allow clamps to be used on the front lip. To make screwing down the plywood easier, use a 2×4 scrap as a spacer to ensure the plywood is flush to the frame underneath.
Step 5: Add the Pegboard
Next, it’s time to attach the pegboard. Measure the distance between the uprights, and cut the pegboard accordingly. Simply mark the locations of any outlets on the pegboard and cut them out using a jigsaw or a Triton multi-tool for a cleaner finish.
To hang the pegboard, attach battens made from plywood scraps to create a gap for the hooks.
Step 6: Finish with Adjustable Feet and Cord Reel
For the finishing touches, add adjustable feet using lag screws to level the workbench as needed. April also recommends adding a retractable cord reel to provide power anywhere in the garage.
Step 7: Add Roll-Out Drawers
Lastly, if you have old drawers available, like those from an IKEA bed, you can attach casters to them and utilize the bottom area of the workbench effectively. This keeps everything organized and easily accessible.
With your new workbench complete, you now have a dedicated space for all your tinkering and projects. The pegboard allows for efficient organization, keeping your tools in sight and easy to reach.