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The 7 Best Workbenches of 2024

Keep tools and materials at hand for your DIY projects

In This Article

In This Article

A workbench we recommend on a blue background

The Spruce / Amelia Manley

Whether you use your workbench on rare occasions to repair household items, you spend your weekends happily puttering on it with your newest power tool, or it's an integral part of your regular hobbies or profession, no workshop is complete without one. The right workbench is big enough to hold and organize your tools and the materials you're working on, solid enough to avoid any rocking or wiggles, and built with the features you most need, whether that be extra storage or an LED work light.

When shopping for a workbench, your first consideration should be the size; you need a workbench large enough for your typical projects, but not too big for your available space. You'll also want to check the workbench's weight capacity, as it needs to be strong enough to support the tools you'll be using, the materials you are working on, and the impact of hammering or other vibrations.

Deane Biermeier, a carpenter and former contractor, as well as a member of The Spruce's Home Improvement Review Board, says, "A common myth is that a versatile workbench can be built from scratch with just a board set on sawhorses. But real versatility comes from a workbench with drawers, wheels, lights, or pegboards; you want a bench that makes your work easier, not one that’s simply adequate."

We evaluated dozens of the top workbenches available today, considering each for its size, weight capacity, features such as drawers or shelves, sturdiness, ease of assembly, and overall value.

What We Like
  • Very sturdy and stable

  • Height adjustment suits use while sitting or standing

  • Two drawers

  • 2 crossbar installation options

What We Don't Like
  • No drawer liners

  • No locks on drawers

  • Total weight capacity is somewhat low

The Husky Height-Adjustable Workbench is our top choice, thanks to its sturdy build, useful features, and versatility. This powder-coated steel table is topped with a 1.2-inch thick solid wood top that has a clear protective coating to help it resist stains and scratches. The workbench measures 52 inches in length and 24 inches in depth, and it adjusts in height from 26 to 42 inches. That means you could use this table while sitting down if desired, or raise it up to whatever comfortable height you need.

There are two drawers mounted under the table top, each with a 35-pound weight capacity and measuring 40 inches wide by 16 inches deep by 2.25 inches high. While the drawers do not come with liners, you could easily add your own, as liners help keep tools from rolling around when the drawers are opened or closed. The drawers pull out smoothly and easily but do not lock. The crossbar at the base of the table can be installed in the center or towards the back, which gives you flexibility in terms of open space for standing or sitting while working.

The table comes with 3-inch tall, 1-inch thick casters, so you can maneuver it easily into position, and then lock the wheels to keep it in place. You can remove the casters if desired, and install the leveling feet instead if you want a workbench that is completely stationary.

The weight capacity of the workbench is 300 pounds. The bench itself weighs just over 120 pounds, and while not difficult to assemble, it's best to have an assistant due to the weight. If you prefer a different size, Husky also offers this same workbench in 46-inch, 62-inch, or 72-inch lengths. It's also available with black paint instead of white.

Dimensions: 52 x 24 x 26-42 inches | Material: Steel, wood | Shelves: None | Drawers: 2 | Total Weight Capacity: 300 pounds

What We Like
  • Doubles as worktable or sawhorse

  • Includes clamps and clamp dogs

  • Very stable and sturdy

What We Don't Like
  • Included clamps are not heavy-duty

  • Not easy to attach clamps from other brands to the table

The extremely versatile Pegasus Multi-Function Work Table from WORX will be your favorite assistant when taking on projects that require you to get up and go. This handy little workbench incorporates quite a few features that you'll love: Use it as a worktable that can support up to 300 pounds, or fold it into a sawhorse that can support up to 1,000 pounds.

Either way, you can lock the legs, so there's no need to worry about wobble or sway while you work. The Pegasus is made of very strong ABS plastic reinforced with steel, so this is no flimsy workbench that will tip over when the work gets tough. Nonslip feet also help keep it in position.

The table comes with two integrated quick clamps so you can easily keep materials in place while you work, or clamp pieces together while glue dries. The table also includes four clamp dogs to assist with positioning materials or holding objects in place on the table. There's a small shelf beneath the table to hold your extra tools and supplies, as well.

The Pegasus weighs a mere 25 pounds and measures 32 inches high, 25 inches wide and 31 inches deep. When folded, it's only 5 inches deep. If that's not big enough for your project, you can easily link three or more of these tables together.

Dimensions: 25 x 31 x 32 inches | Material: Plastic, steel | Shelves: 1 | Drawers: None | Total Weight Capacity: 300 pounds, 1,000 as sawhorse

What We Like
  • Lockable wheels

  • Coated wood top resists damage

  • Supports up to 500 pounds

What We Don't Like
  • No drawer

If all you want is a small workbench for occasional projects repairing appliances, making crafts, or carrying out other basic DIY projects that don't call for a lot of tools or space, then this rolling workbench from Seville Classics is a great choice. At a mere 36 inches wide by 24 inches deep by 37.5 inches high, it's not going to crowd your garage or workshop, and thanks to its four 5-inch lockable wheels, you can easily roll it out of the way when you aren't using it, and then roll it to wherever it's most convenient when you want to get to work.

Despite its compact size, the workbench can hold up to 500 pounds, so go ahead and set heavy items on it without concern. It has a heavy-duty steel frame that comes in either graphite gray or black, and is topped with a 1.5-inch-thick wooden work table that's coated with polyurethane to ward off stains, scratches, and other damage. A full-length shelf stretches across the bottom, so you'll have a spot to set your tools or other supplies.

Of course, you can also use this handy rolling workstation in the kitchen to serve as an at-need island or for serving drinks and other beverages. It would also be a perfect addition to a crafts or sewing room, or even to use as a side table or nightstand. While basic in design, the workstation is attractive and sturdy. It does require assembly, but that's not a difficult or lengthy task.

Dimensions: 36 x 24 x 37.5 inches | Material: Steel, wood | Shelves: 1 | Drawers: None | Total Weight Capacity: 500 pounds

3-Piece Ready-to-Assemble Steel Garage Storage System in Black (72 in. W x 42 in. H x 24 in. D )
PHOTO:

The Home Depot

What We Like
  • Wheeled cabinets store underneath the workbench

  • Adjustable shelves inside both cabinets

  • Pegboard inside one cabinet's doors for hanging tools

What We Don't Like
  • Assembly tricky due to weight

It's a common problem: You want to use your garage as a workshop, but you don't have a lot of room for both a workbench and tool storage. The solution is the Husky Garage Storage System, a set of three pieces that includes a workbench and two-wheeled cabinets that fit snuggly underneath or roll out for easy access when needed. All are made from powder-coated steel with wooden worktops.

The workbench is 72 inches long, 24 inches deep, and 42 inches high. Its weight capacity is a whopping 3,000 pounds, so it can handle just about anything you dish out. Both of the wheeled cabinets have double doors that open to reveal an interior with one adjustable shelf.

One cabinet also has a small drawer. The other has a pegboard installed on the inside of the doors. The doors and the drawer have magnetic latch closures to keep them from swinging open. Both cabinets lock, as well. The total weight capacity of the cabinet with drawer is 350 pounds, and the total weight capacity of the other cabinet is 322 pounds.

The cabinets' casters are 5 inches tall and lock so they won't roll away from you. This system is a great way to maximize the storage space in your garage workshop while providing a very sturdy table for your various projects. Be aware that you'll need to assemble the set, which is not overly difficult but is best done with an assistant due to the weight of the included components.

Dimensions: 72 x 24 x 42 inches | Material: Steel, wood | Shelves: 2 | Drawers: 1 | Total Weight Capacity: 3,000 pounds for workbench

What We Like
  • Built-in light and power strip

  • Large pegboard for extra storage

  • Bottom shelf for larger tools

What We Don't Like
  • No included pegs for pegboard

  • No lock on drawers

Turn even a dark garage into the ideal workshop with this 48-inch workbench from WEN that comes with a 22-inch fluorescent bulb (although you can replace it with an LED bulb) to cast plenty of light over your work area. But that's not the only great feature of this steel workbench.

There's also a large pegboard so you can hang tools right at hand with any peg board accessories you want to add on, two drawers for stashing other tools, a bottom shelf to hold your larger or heavier items, and a built-in power strip with three 120-volt outlets for charging your power tools. (You'll need to plug the table's 6.7-foot power cord into an outlet in your garage or workshop.)

The bench itself measures 47.5 inches in length, 25 inches in depth, and 35 inches in height. Including the pegboard, the full height is 61.75 inches. The benchtop can hold up to 220 pounds of weight, and the shelf can support an additional 200 pounds. The two drawers measure 20 inches long by 17 3/4 inches deep by 2 1/2 inches high. Each drawer can hold up to 25 pounds.

Keep in mind that you will need to assemble the workbench, which weighs 88.5 pounds, but once put together, this is a comprehensive and sturdy workstation that is great for both experienced DIYers with a lot of projects on their to-do list, as well as those who just like having a convenient spot to handle repairs and other projects that crop up now and then.

Dimensions: 47.38 x 25 x 61.75 inches | Material: Steel | Shelves: 1 | Drawers: 2 | Total Weight Capacity: 220 pounds

What We Like
  • Very sturdy construction

  • Wide range for adjustable height

  • Very high weight capacity

What We Don't Like
  • Not easy to adjust the height once assembled

If you need an extra-large workbench and have enough room for it, then our recommendation is the 8-foot model from Gladiator. This heavy-duty, welded-steel work table is topped with an attractive and strong slab of 1-3/4-inch thick hardwood that's been treated with a UV-cured protective coating to ward off damage from chemicals, moisture, or scratches.

This workbench is 96 inches long and 25 inches deep. Its height adjusts in 1.25-inch increments from 27.5 inches to 40.8 inches, so you can use it while seated or standing. However, once the table is standing upright, it's not easy to adjust the height, so it's best to decide on your desired work height while the table is on its side being assembled and then stick with it.

The weight capacity of the workbench is a whopping 3,000 pounds, so no need to worry about overloading it with any typical DIY project or hobby, and with so much space, you can leave out your most-used power tools, such as miter saws, track saws, grinders, and other large power tools.

While this workbench does not have casters, it does have leveler feet that let you fine-tune placement on floors that aren't quite even. The workbench requires simple assembly. As it weighs 179 pounds, you'll want an assistant or two on assembly day. While basic in design, this sturdy workbench is a great addition to any serious workshop.

Dimensions: 96 x 25 x 27.5-40.8 inches | Material: Steel, wood | Shelves: None | Drawers: None | Total Weight Capacity: 3,000 pounds

What We Like
  • Easy to fold open and close

  • Doesn't require a lot of space

  • Pegboard back

What We Don't Like
  • Lower weight capacity

Workbenches can be quite large, and not every garage or workshop has enough open floor space to spare precious feet to fit one. If that's your situation, then you'll love this handy wall-mounted workbench from Lifetime, which folds up and out of the way when not needed. Thanks to the spring-loaded hinges, it opens and closes smoothly and easily without a lot of effort on your part. A latch keeps it securely closed when in the upright position, and it even has a loop where you can add your own padlock if you need extra security.

The frame of the workbench is made from heavy-duty steel with a powder finish to resist rust or corrosion, and the worktable is made from water-resistant, durable wood. It can handle up to 150 pounds, so this isn't the right choice for the most rugged DIY projects that require very heavy tools or a lot of pounding, but it's perfect for the typical repair jobs, puttering, or projects tackled by the average DIYer. To ensure its ability to hold the full weight capacity, be sure it is securely screwed into the wall studs, not drywall alone.

When folded open, the back of the workbench has a handy pegboard where you can stash small hand tools like hammers, screwdriver sets, and pliers. It even comes with a bag of hooks to get you started. The work table portion is 47 inches by 23 inches, and depending on how high you choose to hang the entire workstation, can be any fixed height between 34 and 42 inches. In the open position, the entire workbench is 47 inches long and 31 inches deep. When folded up, it only has a depth of 10 inches.

Dimensions: 47 x 31 x 60.5 - 71.5 inches | Material: Wood, steel | Shelves: None | Drawers: None | Total Weight Capacity: 150 pounds

Final Verdict

If you want a feature-filled, very sturdy workbench with adjustable height, two drawers, a crossbar that can be installed in the center or towards the rear, depending on your needs, and a weight capacity of 300 pounds, our best overall recommendation is the Husky 52-Inch Height-Adjustable Wood-Top Workbench, However, if you need a small workbench that can be toted to jobsites or wherever else you need it, then our best portable recommendation is the WORX Pegasus Multi-Function Work Table, which can also be used as a sawhorse.

What to Look for In a Workbench

Material

Most workbenches have a steel frame, which provides the strength and stability required to support the weight of heavy tools and materials. A good steel frame should be welded together, not just bolted, for extra security. There are workbenches with wooden frames, as well. While these can also be very strong, they aren't as tough as steel-framed workbenches for the most part.

The top of the workbench is usually either steel or wood. Along with strength, the benefits of a steel worktop, like the one on our best with pegboard option WEN WB4723T 48-Inch Workbench, include resistance to spills of chemicals or oils, as well as immunity to scrapes and gouges. Downsides of a steel top include a slipperier surface, no drilled holes for placing wood "bench dog" clamps, more difficulty in installing a vise on the side of the tabletop, and more transmission of vibrations.

Many workbenches have solid wood tops, including our best overall choice, the Husky 52-Inch Height-Adjustable Workbench, often maple or oak. Typically, these workbenches are treated with protective coatings to help ward off damage from solvents and other chemicals.

While a wooden tabletop might splinter or crack under severe use, generally, the wood is thick enough to resist all but the heaviest abuse. Benefits of a wood top include muffling of vibrations, the ability to drill holes for clamps and bench dogs, and usually easy installation of a vise.

There are also plastic workbenches, usually reinforced with steel or aluminum in the frame. These are usually small, portable benches designed for toting to a work site. A plastic workbench's benefit is its lighter weight, which makes it much easier to transport. But if you need a large table to hold heavy tools and materials, plastic isn't the best choice.

Size

To a great extent, the ideal size of your workbench depends on the amount of space you can devote to it. There's no point in purchasing a 6-foot workbench if you only have five available feet of floor space. So before making any decisions, measure the area where you'll keep the workbench. Remember to include not just the length of the spot, but also the depth.

As a general rule, workbenches designed for standing are between 32 and 36 inches tall, which is comfortable for an average-height person. Most have a fixed height. However, there are workbenches that allow you to adjust the height within a range of several inches up or down, such as our best wall-mounted pick, the Lifetime Wall-Mounted Folding Work Table.

While adjustable tables are excellent options for anyone who is shorter or taller than average or for a person who wants or needs to sit, rather than stand, while working, keep in mind that workbenches are generally very heavy, and it's typically not easy on most to adjust the height without turning the table onto its side first.

When it comes to table length and depth, there are workbenches as small as two feet long, and there are workbenches stretching out eight feet or more, such as the best large pick, Gladiator 8-Foot Adjustable Height Workbench. The most common lengths, though, are between four and six feet. Most people will find that a workbench within that average range will serve their purposes well. In terms of workbench depth, most are between 20 and 25 inches, although there are workbenches more shallow and deeper as well. Generally, it's best not to skimp on table depth unless your space only permits a shallow table.

Portability

Most workbenches are very strong and heavy and are designed to be kept in one spot within a garage or workshop. Some have casters that let you move the table a bit within that space, but these aren't designed for moving the table much distance. Workbenches with casters typically have weight capacities considerably lower than the weight capacities of workbenches that are stationary, due to the stress on the casters.

If you need a portable workbench to tote to various worksites, look for a model that unfolds and folds up easily and has a secure mechanism to lock the legs in place when stationary, such as our top portable option, the WORX Pegasus Multi-Function Work Table. Keep in mind that a multi-functional portable workbench has more moving parts than a stationary table, which can affect the stability of the structure.

And while lightweight workbenches might be easier on your back when carrying them, most cannot support as much weight as larger, heavier tables, so keep a watchful eye on weight limits. Of course, portable workbenches tend to be much smaller than the average stationary workbench as well.

Storage Options

The simplest workbenches are basically tables with strong legs and a sturdy top. But if you need more storage space in your garage or workshop—and who doesn't?—then you'll appreciate the versatility of a workbench that offers built-in storage. Many of these tables have a shelf running along the bottom of the legs, which is a good spot to stash power tools or heavy materials. Our best small pick, the Seville Classics UltraHD Rolling Workstation, is one such option.

Others have one or more drawers, generally positioned right below the tabletop. Usually, these drawers are fairly shallow, but they are a good spot to store small hand tools, like an adjustable wrench.

There are also workbenches that have a tabletop perched above a cabinet with doors that open to reveal interior shelves, or workbenches that sit over a cabinet with multiple drawers. Our favorite workbench with cabinets, the Husky Steel Garage Cabinet Set, is a workbench that comes with two rolling cabinets that fit underneath for storage, or roll out when you need them. These comprehensive workbenches offer much more storage, but they are also generally more expensive than a simpler workbench.

FAQ
  • How tall should a workbench be?

    Workbench heights range between approximately 28 and 42 inches, with most landing somewhere around 34 inches. The correct height for your workbench depends on a number of factors, including the tools you are using, the nature of the work you are doing, and your own height.

    It’s important to get these measurements right to prevent neck and back strain, so consider all of these factors before choosing a table. Of course, there are workbenches with adjustable heights, which allow you to move the table a few inches up or down, depending on your needs that day.

  • When should you use a workbench?

    Not every DIY project calls for a workbench. Some projects, such as assembling furniture, are best carried out at the spot where the furniture will be used. Other tasks are so small and simple that they are easily handled at your kitchen table.

    But when you are taking on a project that requires the use of large power tools, including table saws, circular saws, or bench grinders; using solvents or strong chemicals; handling large materials; or doing something that creates a mess, such as sanding, sawing, or grinding, then a workbench in the garage or designated workshop is the right option.

  • What are the different types of workbenches?

    There are a few different types of workbench to choose from.

    • Basic workbenches have a four-leg frame made of steel or wood and a flat top that also can be either steel or wood. These workbenches might have a shelf at the base or one or two drawers near the top, although many have no storage options.
    • Workbench cabinets are wood or steel tabletops that sit on a steel cabinet base. These workbenches provide you with storage. Most have drawers, but some have doors that open to reveal interior shelves.
    • Portable workbenches are generally made of plastic and fold so you can easily tote them to a worksite. These are small benches designed for temporary use.
    • Pegboard workbenches have a large pegboard attached above the tabletop. These are very useful for holding small hand tools.
    • Wall-mounted workbenches are generally shelves that pull down flat for use and then folds up flat against the wall when not needed. These are very useful if you don't have floor space for a regular table or if you only occasionally need a workbench.


Why Trust The Spruce?

Michelle Ullman is a commerce writer for The Spruce who specializes in home improvement, tools, landscaping, and outdoor products. She has extensive experience not only in writing about all things related to the home, but also in carrying out various DIY projects, including landscaping, painting, flooring, wallpapering, furniture makeovers, and simple repairs around the house and yard.

For this roundup, she considered dozens of workbenches, evaluating each for construction strength, weight capacity, size, ease of assembly, and overall value. She also considered feedback from customers, both positive and negative.

Our Experts:

  • Deane Biermeier, a carpenter and former contractor, as well as a member of The Spruce’s Home Review Board, provided further input.