Build a Garage Workstation

If you find yourself undertaking major projects at the kitchen table, it’s time you had your own workbench. Here’s how to construct a workstation complete with shelves, tool organizers and a shop light:

Materials and Tools:

tape measure
pencil
paper
sawhorses
circular saw
framing square
2-by-4-inch boards
2-by-6-inch boards
¼-inch plywood
safety glasses
dust mask
wood glue
level
torpedo level
pneumatic stapler
2-inch screws
2½-inch screws
1¼-inch drywall screws
drill with screwdriver attachment
jigsaw (or keyhole saw)
finishing nails
shelf cleats
hinge hardware for cabinet doors
pegboard
water-based stain
polyurethane sealant
paintbrushes
paint roller
clean towels
wire shelf kit
adjustable tool bracket
shop light

Steps:

1. To begin your layout, measure from the sidewall out 6 feet and make a mark on the floor. Then make the same 6-foot measurement from the back wall. Transfer these measurements to your plan.

2. Measure 2 feet from the side and back walls to determine the depth of the bench.

3. Using a circular saw and a framing square as a guide, cut two 6-foot-long bottom shelves. Then cut the sides out for the cabinet. To make the toe kicks, make a 4-by-4-inch mark in the front corner of the side pieces and cut them out. Next, cut the 2-by-4 supports for the countertop. Be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust mask when operating a circular saw.

4. Begin the assembly with the bottom shelving. Apply wood glue for a strong bond, and then put the 2-by-6 supports in place and temporarily hold them with staples using a pneumatic stapler. Use four 2-by-6 supports on the bottom of each shelf. This will make for good support for the workbench and a strong bottom shelf.

5. Turn the bottom shelving over and use 2-inch screws to permanently attach the supports to the shelves. Don’t forget to wear safety glasses.

6. Start the side assembly. Again, use staples to temporarily attach the sides to the bottom shelving and screws to permanently secure the sides to the bottom.

7. Attach the 2-by-4 supports for the countertop. Make sure the 2-by-4’s are flush with the top of the plywood before securing them so that you have a level surface for the countertop.

8. Attach the ¼-inch plywood back to the cabinet, making sure the cabinet is square. Use a pneumatic stapler to secure the back. Make sure the plywood is flush with the top and sides of the cabinet. Remember to put safety first and keep your hands away from the end of the pneumatic stapler.

9. Move the cabinet into position against the side wall and secure the cabinets to the studs with 2½-inch screws.

10. After attaching a backsplash, attach the tabletop and secure it with finishing nails.

11. Attach the face frame to the front and sides of the cabinet with finishing nails. Make sure the trim is flush with the countertop before attaching permanently. Attach shelf cleats to the side walls of the cabinet. Then slide the assembled shelf into place.

12. After cutting the doors to size, attach the hinges to the doors with the supplied screws. Attach doors to the cabinet, leaving a bit of space between them. And be sure the doors are level. Finally, drill a hole for the pull knobs and screw them into place.

13. If necessary, measure the pegboard and make cutouts for any electrical outlets. Be sure to turn the power off to any outlets while you’re working around them. Make cutouts with a jigsaw, and be sure to wear your safety glasses and dust mask. If you don’t have a jigsaw, you could use a handsaw and a keyhole saw to make the cuts.

14. Lift the pegboard above the bench and check its position against the wall. After positioning the panel, drive 1¼-inch drywall screws through the flush surface of the pegboard and into a stud. Don’t put the screws through the holes in the pegboard, because then the screw head will go through the board. Drive the screws in at 12-inch intervals vertically and at every stud along the top and bottom of the panels. Replace the faceplates on the outlets.

15. Dust the surface and begin staining the bench. Use a water-based stain for quick drying and easy cleanup. Dip a brush into the stain and apply it to the wood surface. Follow the grain direction until you end up with a uniform color. Be sure to work in a well-ventilated area when applying stain.

16. After the stain soaks in, wipe off excess with a clean towel. Allow the stain to dry for an hour or so (check directions on the package for exact drying time). Apply a coat of polyurethane with a brush and roller. The polyurethane protects the stain and gives the bench a finished look.

17. To hang the wire shelves, determine the height of the top shelf and make a level line. This line will determine where the shelf clips go. Then attach the clips to the studs and put the shelf in the clips and secure it.

18. Use supplied brackets to support the front of the shelves. Use a torpedo level to make sure they’re level. Hang remaining shelves in the same manner.

19. Hang the tool organizer, using supplied screws driven into the studs.