Quick and cheap workbench with storage shelves

A small tool purchase turned into a whole new workbench and storage shelves. I had a small refrigerator that was wasting space, as well and the workbench that was there, was built by my step-dad in ~1984. So, after doing some measuring, I headed to Home Depot for some my supplies and went for it.

I made each shelf and the workbench top as frames, that mounted to the wall, and then legs on the outside to level them out. It definitely strong enough for what I'll be using them for. My garage isn't drywalled at all so it was easy to use the studs to mount the frames to.

I made my cuts, Pre-drilled all of the holes and then used 3" screws to secure them. It took me about 5 hours by myself. Without really having woodworking knowledge or skills, I didn't think that was too bad. I'm really happy with how it came out.

I planned to take down the pegboard and use new pieces, but my plans worked out to use what was already there. Saved me a lot of time and a few bucks.

I got a small 2' LED light from amazon with a switch. I lengthened the wires, so I could mount it wherever I wanted it.

 

[RangerX]

Looks great, Colin. What was the small tool purchase that set this all in motion?

 

[FROADER]

Thanks Bill,

It was a set of craftsman t handle allen wrenches... You can see them hanging on the right side of the peg board under the round clock.

 

[BrooklynBay]

A nice addition to this is to buy plastic drawers to mount under the plywood to give you extra storage space. The drawers come with the mounting sleeve. You could find them for around $10 to $15 in Staples or a hardware store.

 

[Larryjb]

Looks nice and organized. If that were my shop, the bench would be covered with unfinished projects by the third day. I'd also need to find places for a set of SAE wrenches, metric wrenches, SAE ratchet wrenches, metric ratchet wrenches, 3 torque wrenches, ......

I have too much junk.

 

[toypaseo]

Maybe consider putting another layer of plywood on top of the actual work surface. That way, if it gets damaged or whatnot, you can easily unscrew it, and put a new one down

 

[FROADER]

A nice addition to this is to buy plastic drawers to mount under the plywood to give you extra storage space. The drawers come with the mounting sleeve. You could find them for around $10 to $15 in Staples or a hardware store.

That's a good idea, and if I need the space I'll probably go that route.

Looks nice and organized. If that were my shop, the bench would be covered with unfinished projects by the third day. I'd also need to find places for a set of SAE wrenches, metric wrenches, SAE ratchet wrenches, metric ratchet wrenches, 3 torque wrenches, ......

I have too much junk.

The projects I have don't usually fit on my bench, so the rest of the garage is the mess! I totally get it, though.

Maybe consider putting another layer of plywood on top of the actual work surface. That way, if it gets damaged or whatnot, you can easily unscrew it, and put a new one down

Another good idea, but I don't really do much heavy "work" on the bench to need that layer. If anything I can do the same with the current piece if it gets thrashed.

My old bench was a bench of 2x6 pieces that was built by my step-dad in ~1984 and it lasted until now without issues, and this one is 3/4 ply, so hopefully it will last a while.