How to build a workbench for your garage

Home improvement expert Danny Lipford demonstrates how to build this useful addition to your garage. See how to build a workbench for your garage in this video tutorial.

While the garage often doubles as a home workshop, it’s hard to get much done without a sturdy workbench. This simple built-in bench runs the entire length of the garage wall and attaches directly to the exposed studs. It’s easy to build and can be completed in just a few hours. Here’s how it’s done:

Mark the height for the bench, minus ¾” for the top, and pop a chalk line along the wall. Most workbenches are about 34” high, but you can adjust yours to whatever height is most comfortable.

Count the number of studs along the wall that will be used to support the bench, and cut pieces of 2” x 4” lumber 20” long to serve as horizontal supports for the bench. You’ll need one for each support plus an extra one at each end of the wall.

Braces for the supports are cut from ¾” plywood and shaped like a right triangle with 16” legs on each side. Cut one for each support on the wall.

Glue and screw the supports and braces together, with the plywood brace extending 3 ½” past the support to allow it to be attached to the stud.

Attach the 2” x 4” supports at each end of the wall, checking to be sure they are level.

Nail or screw the support braces to the side of the wall studs, checking for level.

Nail a 2” x 4” the length of the wall along the front of the support braces.

Cut a 2’ wide top from ¾” plywood, and nail it on top of the supports.

Nail a 1” x 4” board along the back of the workbench to keep items from rolling off the bench and falling behind it.

Our garage workbench is now ready to tackle some serious home improvement projects.