Weekend Workbench
Make a heavy-duty weekend workbench with 2x4s and a solid-core door. Customize it with drawers, a shelf, and a vise—all with easy-to-follow, step-by-step plans.
Build a rugged, customizable weekend workbench using basic construction lumber and just a couple of days of work. Designed for simplicity, affordability, and long-term durability, this project is ideal for anyone looking to add a solid work surface to their shop or garage without spending a fortune. The base is constructed from Douglas fir 2x4s, joined with laminated half-lap joints for extra strength, while the top is made from a solid-core door — a clever, cost-effective choice you can often find discounted at building centers. You can also substitute two layers of 3/4" plywood for a strong, flat alternative.
While the basic version can be completed in a weekend, this DIY workbench is highly adaptable. Add drawers with dovetail joinery, sliding trays for tool organization, a lower plywood shelf for bulk storage, or even bolt on a woodworking vise to increase functionality. The modular construction uses a knock-down draw-bolt system, making it easy to move or disassemble if needed. A protective oil/urethane finish helps preserve the surface and prevent glue from sticking. Whether you keep it simple or add all the upgrades, this garage workbench project offers professional-grade utility on a DIY budget.
OVERALL DIMENSIONS: 80"W x 34 ¼"H x 30"D (without the vise hardware)
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What You Get:
- 6 printable (digital) pages of step-by-step instructions
- 30 full-color photos and illustrations
- Shop-tested guarantee from the editors of Woodsmith magazine
Product Recommendations
We don't have any links to project supplies and hardware for this particular project yet, but here are some other products that might be of interest to you. (We may receive commission when you use our affiliate links. However, this does not impact our recommendations.)

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Imperial Plans
The United States Customary System of Units (USCS or USC), more commonly referred to as the English or Imperial system, is the standard set of units for our plans. It uses inches and feet for measurement. This is the one you probably want if you are in the United States, and it is the one we have traditionally offered on this website.

Metric Plans
The International System of Units (SI), more commonly referred to as the metric system, is the alternative set of units that we have available for some of our plans. It uses millimeters, centimeters, and meters for measurement. This is the one you probably want if you are outside the United States. These plans are provided by our business partner, Australian Woodsmith, and are based on the original Woodsmith plan. However, dimensions and other elements of the plan may vary between the metric and standard versions. Be sure to double-check the plan before building.


Premium Plans
All of the information that you need to build our plans can be found in the standard plan. However, if you want even more granular detail to make your job easier, you should consider our premium plans. These come with additional shop diagrams that we drew when creating the prototypes. Shop drawings are not available for every plan.

Gift Plans
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