The heart of any DIY building project is the workbench. Every builder has unique needs, and sometimes a premade workbench just doesn’t cut it. For some, tool storage space is of utmost importance. For others, mobility is necessary. Are you focusing on woodworking projects, gardening, or metalworking? Or are you more of a jack-of-all-trades who needs a multipurpose workbench?
Height is another primary factor when choosing your workbench. If you’re shorter or taller than the average person, a standard workbench designed for a person of average height might cause back pain down the road.
Lastly, premade workbenches get pricey! If you’re looking to save money by building a workbench, there are many free Workbench plans available online.
Here’s the list of workbench plans we covered:
- How to Build a Workbench by Lowe’s
- Building a Real Woodworker’s Workbench
- The Ultimate Roll Away Workbench
- Easy DIY Portable Workbench
- DIY Makers’ Workbench
- Workbench for Mere Mortals
- Simple Mobile Workbench
- DIY Workshop Bench
How to Choose the Best DIY Workbench Plan for You
There are countless DIY blogs out there, many of which offer free plans for various things, including work bench plans. The first thing to figure out is what kind of workbench you’re looking for. Here are a few questions to ask yourself.
- What type of DIY do you like to do?
- How advanced are your skills?
- How much do you want to spend?
- How important is storage?
- How important is mobility?
- Where do you want to use the workbench?
- What tools and materials are required?
Once you’ve decided what kind of DIY projects you want to focus on, it’s time to pick your favorite free DIY plan. Different sites use different formats: some have YouTube videos, some have PDF plans, and some have a how-to guide. Some even have all three! Here are 8 great DIY work bench free plans for woodworkers of all skill levels.
Check out more DIY woodworking projects here: Simple Woodworking Projects
01. How to Build a Workbench by Lowe’s
This simple workbench plan from Lowes is the perfect free workbench plan for the less experienced woodworker. The instructions are easy to follow. There’s even a how-to about customizing the height of the workbench.
To follow this plan, you’ll need several woodworking accessories and tools, including a circular saw, a drill, and a belt sander. The materials list isn’t too complicated and includes standard lumber sizes. If you’re new to DIY, check out our article on the best circular saws to help you get started.
This DIY plan from Lowes breaks down the construction into two sections: how to assemble the top and how to cut and assemble the legs. And don’t worry about using the workbench intensively; if the top is damaged, this plan includes instructions on how to easily replace it with a new sheet of plywood.
Find the full plan here: Lowe’s
02. Building a Real Woodworker’s Workbench
Jdege’s Real Woodworker’s Workbench is an in-depth free plan for a complicated workbench. Complete with photos for every step of the way, starting with pictures of the necessary tools and materials, this 32-step workbench plan is easy to read. The plan also discusses any problems or mistakes made along the way and the solutions used.
Jdege also gives tips about the best type of lumber, how to store it safely, and tips on helpful tools (like using a drill guide instead of risking it free-hand).
Although this plan isn’t for absolute beginners, the resulting workbench is sturdy and looks great. It’s ideal for someone looking to upgrade from a basic workbench to one specifically designed for woodworking.
Find the full plan here: Instructables
03. The Ultimate Roll Away Workbench Plan
Ana White’s two-in-one Roll Away Workbench is perfect for woodworkers who need mobile storage. It not only has space for a miter saw, but also comes with plans for two rolling storage units that fit neatly under each side of the workbench. The Ultimate Roll Away Workbench is classed as “Difficulty level: Intermediate” because you’ll essentially be building three separate structures. It’s also going to be pricier than a more basic workbench.
The tools list includes a miter saw, brad nailer, circular saw, and a drill, and is distinctly defined along with lumber and cut requirements. She even suggests plywood layouts for the cuts, so you get the most wood from each plywood sheet.
Ana’s free DIY plan has clear instructions accompanied by useful images both in blog form and as a print-friendly PDF. This workbench will require some elbow grease, but you’ll get a fantastic end product. Just make sure that you’ve got enough space in your garage – at 128.5 inches long, the Ultimate Roll Away Workbench is big.
Find the full plan here: Ana White
Related : Free DIY Picnic Table Plans for Every Level of DIY Experience
04. Easy DIY Portable Workbench Plan
Rogue Engineer’s Portable Workbench is one of the easiest and cheapest options on our list. He claims it cost him around $75 and only took about 30 minutes. It’s great for beginners or someone who needs a workbench quickly. The plan only uses half of the MDF sheet, so with just a bit more lumber, you can quickly and cheaply build a second workbench.
This free DIY plan is easy to follow with clear instructions. The tool and material lists are right at the top, and the requirements aren’t excessive. A drill, a table saw, and a brad nailer are the main tools you’ll need to build the portable workbench.
Whether you prefer your instructions online or in PDF form, Rogue Engineer has you covered. The Easy DIY Portable Workbench is useful not only for woodworking projects but is also great for projects around the house. It’s mobile, easy and cheap to build.
Find the full plan here: Rogue Engineer
05. DIY Makers’ Workbench
If you’re a multi-talented DIYer, take a look at the Makers’ Workbench from Homemade Modern. Designed for metalwork and woodwork, the workbench is versatile and includes a removable steel top. It’s also got a sleek and modern look.
Homemade Modern provides a PDF of their workbench plan as well as a YouTube tutorial. The PDF is a little sparse on information, but the video fills in the gaps. Beginners might find this workbench too complicated, but it’s an excellent option for intermediate and advanced woodworkers if their current workbenches are limited to woodworking.
To build the Makers’ Workbench, you’ll need a pretty extensive list of tools. In addition to the standard drill and jigsaw, you’ll need to use a welding machine.
Find the full plan here: Homemade Modern
06. Workbench for Mere Mortals
Woodworking for Mere Mortals has updated their free DIY plan. The new Workbench for Mere Mortals is taller, sturdier, and has more storage space than the first version. Unlike some other woodworking workbenches, this one is not an outfeed work table, and therefore can be made taller.
If you find yourself hunched over or feeling cramped in your garage or shop, consider breaking down your current workbench and remaking it into the Workbench for Mere Mortal.
Woodworking for Mere Mortals includes DIY simple workbench free plans in both feet and meters, which are accompanied by a YouTube tutorial. The downloadable PDF plans are clear and easy to follow, with detailed instructions.
The Workbench for Mere Mortals is a great way to repurpose your old workbench and spruce up your garage.
Find the full plan here: Woodworking for Mere Mortals
Related: DIY Router Table Plans Available for Free
07. Simple Mobile Workbench
Jen Woodhouse’s Super Simple Movable Workbench is made from scrap wood and is simple to build and easier to move. The downloadable PDF plan has instructions for a 32-inch workbench, but she also provides customization instructions.
The great thing about the Simple Workbench is that you can use whatever scrap wood you’ve got on hand. If you don’t have plywood lying around, just use some 1x3s, 1x4s, or 1x6s. Without spending much, if any money, you’ll end up with a sturdy, portable workbench in no time.
The free workbench plan is straightforward to find and follow. The lists of materials, tools, and cuts are clearly stated at the beginning of the plan, followed by detailed pictures. Whether you’re a beginner, an old hand wanting to use up scrap wood, or are looking for a project to do with the kids, the Simple Workbench is a solid choice.
Find the full plan here: Jen Woodhouse
08. DIY Workshop Bench
Shanty2Chic’s Homemade Workbench is a wonderful option for a beginner because of the step-by-step instructions both on the blog and in the downloadable PDF plan. It’s also one of the cheaper options on our list, costing around $100. Included in the supply list are descriptions of the supplies, with warnings about lumber weight or tips on what type of wood to use.
Unlike other movable workbenches, Shanty2Chic’s is quite long. If you’re planning on working outside when the sun is out and moving back into the garage in the winter, it can be great to have a full-sized portable workbench nearby.
The materials list is short and easy to source. Like the other workbenches, you’ll need a brad nailer to build this workbench.
Find the full plan here: Shanty2Chic
Explore DIY projects you can do right in your backyard: Backyard Woodworking Projects
Conclusion: Free DIY Workbench Plans
Whether you’re an expert woodworker or just getting started with DIY, you will always need a solid workbench. We’ve listed 8 great DIY workbench free plans for a wide range of experience and interests. We hope you have fun building.
