Build Your 1st Workbench in 1 Hour!

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by The Home Depot. I am excited to announce that I have partnered with The Home Depot & Husky to show off their amazing tools and storage solutions as I build the Husky Dream Shop. I received tools for free, and I am paid for these posts, but these opinions are my own. 

Husky Tools: Extendable Square - homedepot.sjv.io/knLnv

Husky Workbench - homedepot.sjv.io/E5jkQ

Husky Tool Cabinet - homedepot.sjv.io/6BK0b

Workbench Plans: Click Here

Garage Storage Plans: Click Here

So you’ve decided you want to start making something or fixing something up around  your house? One of the first things you need is a workbench (or 3), and this is one of the easiest projects you can make to get you started while reaping the most benefits. A workbench can be super complicated or exceptionally simple. We’re going with the exceptionally simple route. 

A quick note, my Husky 9 drawer workbench, Husky 52 inch tool cabinet, and Husky 72x36 inch tall cabinet are the perfect storage solutions to round out a simple garage shop. I’ll have links for these above as well as all the free plans for this 1 Hour Workbench and the Garage Storage Shelves linked above. 

First up you’ll need 5 2x4’s and a couple project panels of MDF. Also, for those of you that have never heard of a project panel; these are typically 2 foot by 4 foot panels of various materials including MDF, plywood, hardboard, etc. You’ll usually find them all together at the end of the plywood aisle or somewhere close by. I used 3/4 MDF panels for this workbench. It’s cheaper to buy full sheets of MDF verses buying 4 project panels which would equal a whole sheet, but the price difference is about $5, and the convenience of maneuvering smaller panels is worth he extra costs in my opinion. This is especially true if you don’t have a truck. 

Now when you’re picking out your 2x4’s stay away from pressure treated wood. Those are for outdoor projects, and not an enclosed garage workspace. I like Prime KD Pine 2x4’s and this is usually where you’ll find the straightest boards. KD equals Kiln Dried. Sometimes you have to settle for some curvy boards, but luckily this project doesn’t  require a frame made with absolute precision. Just do the best you can. 

The build is pretty straight forward. Again reference the plans I’ve linked above for each step. I used a battery powered circular saw and a cordless impact driver. These are great tools to have in the shop, but if you’re on a budget a cheap corded circular saw, and a corded drill you pick up at a garage sale for $5 will get the job done. There’s alway a way!

One good tool to have is a nice speed square. None are cooler than the Husky 6 inch extendable square. I know this is a shameless plug, but seriously this is one of the coolest little tools in my shop. I love this thing. Its made from machined aluminum that has a solid build quality. The extendable bar friction locks when folded, but pushes out and extends with ease when you need to mark wider material. Also there is zero deflection on the extended bar when open, and it’s sturdy enough that I use it as a straight edge to ride my circular saw along while making cuts. I talked about it in my shop build blog, but its worth mentioning here. While I was building these projects my friend Nate was over at the house doing some contractor work I hired him for. This guy knows his way around tools, and is truly a jack of all trades. He saw my Husky square and said, “Dude, that’s cool”. I told him how nice and inexpensive they are and I’m guessing there is one in his tool bag now. 

Back to the workbench I should mention I added a set of casters to my bench. The casters I used are super smooth and have a double locking feature that locks not only the wheel from rolling, but also the pivoting motion. This helps make for a very study platform when locked, and I recommend double locking casters if you build you workbench with casters. If not add 5 inches to the height of the 2x4’s you cut for the legs, and you’ll have a sturdy stationary bench. Again check out the free plans, and check out the links to the awesome Husky products I’ve built out my dream shop with. Husky makes great tools that last a lifetime, and you can find them exclusively at Home Depot. Happy building, and send me pics of your workbench!

Jonny