Portable Workbench “Woodshop in a Box”

portable workbench
Difficulty
Beginner Projects
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This portable workbench stores the tools with it!  It can be stored under the bed, and easily pops up to become a sturdy workbench.  We love it for builders in apartments, small spaces, or on the go.  

You can build this portable workbench for about $40 with basic tools.  This is a quick and easy project with free step by step diagrams, shopping and cut list and video tutorial.  

Portable Workbench Features

  • Sturdy workbench sized to accommodate small to medium sized projects.  Can be paired with a second portable workbench to tackle almost any sized project.
  • Easily folds down to a compact size
  • Flips over for storage
  • Portable - can be easily transported - and it carries all the tools!
  • Fits on most standard 24" garage shelving
  • Fits under most standard height beds (less than 7" tall)
  • Just enough storage for all essential DIY project tools
  • Quick and easy to build
  • About $40 in materials

I've been wanting to build a "loaner" workbench with all the tools for a bit, and just hadn't come up with the right design. We were putting the bean bag toss games away this fall and it hit me.  Why not build a workbench like the bean bag toss game, with fold out legs?  And what if we could use the space to hold and store the tools?

Folded flat, it is just big enough to hold all the essential tools for most DIY projects.  It can be carried (although most likely a two person task) outside on a balcony, put in the car, or up or down stairs.

portable workbench folded flat

Its compact enough to fit under most beds -

portable workbench storage

Pull the tools out and flip it over, and it becomes a great workbench.

portable workbench folded out

It is VERY sturdy and with the 2x legs, will hold up for a long time.

There are not hinges - the legs simply rotate on a bolt and hold in place at an angle.

 

Video Tutorial

This project is very quick and easy to build.  We filmed the process so you can watch and see!

 

What Tools do I Need?

For this project, you only need a drill and a saw (and some hand tools like tape measure and safety glasses).  You can build alot of projects with just these tools.  But I wanted to give you the essential list, the basics that you can use to build almost any project out there.

  • Cordless Drill
  • Circular Saw (recommend the 5-1/2" diameter blade size)
  • 18 Gauge Brad Nailer
  • Random Orbital Sander
  • Tape Measure
  • Speed Square
  • Safety Glasses
  • Speed Square
  • Pencil
  •  

 

Dimensions
portable workbench dimensions
Portable workbench dimensions shown in diagram

Preparation

Shopping List
  • 2 - 1x6 @ 6 feet long
  • 2 - 2x3 @ 8 feet long or stud length
  • 1 - 1/2" or 3/4" thick plywood panel, 24" x 48"
  • 4 - 3" bolts
  • 4 - matching locking nuts
  • 12 - matching washers (three per bolt, one on each end and one in between wood)
  • 16 - 2" self tapping wood screws
  • 16 - 1-1/4" self tapping wood screws
  • wood glue
  • 2 - handles (optional)
Cut List
  • 2 - 1x6 @ 48" or length of plywood
  • 2 - 1x6 @ 22-1/2" or width of plywood minus 1-1/2"
  • 1 - 1/2" or  3/4" thick plywood project panel measuring 24" by 48"
  • 2 - 2x3 @ 28-1/4" - longest point measurement, one end cut at 15 degrees off square
  • 2 - 2x3 @ 31" - longest point measurement, one end cut at 15 degrees off square
  • 2 - 2x3 @ 19-1/4"
Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Drill
Circular Saw

Instructions

Step 1

Measure the length and width of your plywood.  Adjust measurements in cut list if your plywood does NOT measure 24" x 48"

Attach sides to ends with three 2" self tapping screws and glue.

Optional handles can be cut on ends.

Step 2

Apply glue to bottom edge of 1x6 box.

Attach plywood to bottom with 1-1/4" screws, the screw heads should be slightly below the surface of the plywood. 

Screw at least every 12" and on all ends/corners.

Step 3

Cut 2x3 legs with bottoms at 15 degree angle off square.

Mark out square cut end 1-1/4" down and 1-1/4" in and drill holes sized for your bolts.

Nip off corners as done in video to allow the leg to rotate and not catch on the corners.

Drill holes in side 1x6 as shown, the same on both sides, with a drill bit sized for your bolt.

Insert the bolt with a washer at the front, in between the 1x6 side and the leg, and then just before the nut.  Tighten nut to secure.

Step 4

Position the leg supports on top of each other, centered on the storage compartment, as shown in diagram.  Mark with pencil.

Attach legs to center divider with 2" or longer screws.

Comments

ladybug'13

Sun, 11/24/2019 - 19:27

I'm amazed by your never-ending ingenuity and love seeing your solutions to issues like this. Until I have a dedicated workshop I need to keep my things together in small spaces. Definitely adding this to the build list. Thank you! 

dmoomey

Fri, 01/31/2020 - 04:20

I struggled with the placement of the legs, but I finally figured it out.  You mark the non-angled end of the legs at 1 1/4" in and 1 1/4" down on all four legs.  Then you drill your holes.  For the 28 1/4 " legs, you place the legs 2 1/4" in and 1 1/2" down.  For the 31" legs you place the legs 4 1/4" down and 3" in.  Hopefully this helps.

rcgonz

Tue, 05/05/2020 - 06:35

I’m tall. Could the bench be made longer to fit longer let to make it taller?

In reply to by rcgonz

chennessy13

Mon, 06/15/2020 - 15:38

Hey, I just asked about making an even smaller, more compact version of the table for myself! I found a little bit of irony in our completely different dilemmas that made me chuckle! Hope you’re able to modify the measurements to fit you height?(so jealous! I’m 5’2”). Happy building!

chennessy13

Mon, 06/15/2020 - 15:32

I love this idea but I have a question about redesigning it to fit what I would like to have. I’d love to make a smaller, more compact version of this so I can use & storage it on my small balcony. Obviously, I would need to tweak the measurements but as a brand new DIYer who hasn’t built anything yet, I would like to know if anyone has any suggested measurements that would result in a functional workbench? The table wouldn’t be used standing up, more or less sitting down on a paint can or on my knees—gotta love being vertically challenged and petite! ;-)
To realistically work every time with the size of the area available, the table can’t be more than 3 1/2 feet but I’d prefer it to be closer to just 2.5 ft–3 ft. I know that’s tiny but I’m only making small simple projects, nothing big. I’ve been getting my boards precut to size or no more than a 8” long board. I guess I’m looking to build something like a table top work table but without the table to put it on, just the tile floor on my balcony.
I currently only have a Ryobi jigsaw (bought before I saw this video & I do like Ryobi tools so far except their hand vacuum), a Dremel & Dremel work station (going to try building the drill press cart I saw), an Bosch orbital sander, Dewalt drill and impact drill, and most hand tools but I do need clamps. Is there a way to add a clamp gadget/area like you have on your shop table to this table as is and to a possible mini version of this table?
I won’t be storing tools in the table like you’ve done but I’m going to see if I can add a small compartment/pocket closure to store small items like hand tools/screws/nails/measuring tape, most likely not made of wood though. Thanks for your suggestions/advice! All us welcomed!!

nestico

Tue, 06/16/2020 - 17:58

I just finished making this work table. I really enjoyed making it. The plans are are very easy to follow and very clear. I added a handle on the side of the table to carry around like a suitcase. My work table stays in the garage and is tucked away ready to be used at the drop of a hat. It's sturdy but very lightweight. Thank you so much for sharing your plans

nestico

Tue, 06/16/2020 - 17:58

I just finished making this work table. I really enjoyed making it. The plans are are very easy to follow and very clear. I added a handle on the side of the table to carry around like a suitcase. My work table stays in the garage and is tucked away ready to be used at the drop of a hat. It's sturdy but very lightweight. Thank you so much for sharing your plans

nestico

Tue, 06/16/2020 - 17:58

I just finished making this work table. I really enjoyed making it. The plans are are very easy to follow and very clear. I added a handle on the side of the table to carry around like a suitcase. My work table stays in the garage and is tucked away ready to be used at the drop of a hat. It's sturdy but very lightweight. Thank you so much for sharing your plans

Velisus

Thu, 06/25/2020 - 14:26

Just finished this myself. I slightly changed the height of the table to about 3-4in taller just by cutting the legs those extra inches. Had to move the holes for the legs too but other than that no problem building this. Thank you for the plans :)

Tangamanga

Thu, 08/20/2020 - 14:20

I'm making this workbench for my sons (10 & 6) and I'm having a problem measuring the 15° cut for the legs. I don't have a miter saw and this is what's holding me back. Do you have a video or instructions on how to do it correctly?

Frequently Asked Questions

Wood Questions

What kind of wood should I use?
Most of our plans use standard construction lumber like pine or fir. It's affordable, easy to work with, and easy to find. It's also rapidly renewing and biodegradable, so a great eco friendly choice!

Can I use hardwoods instead?
Yes—just keep in mind they're heavier, cost more, and can be tougher on tools and harder to join together and finish. I recommend not tackling a hardwood project until after you have built several softwood projects.

What if my boards are warped?
Choose the straightest boards at the store. You can often work around slight warps by cutting them into shorter pieces.

What wood should I use for outdoor furniture?
Use red-toned or pressure-treated 2x lumber for framing, and cedar or cedar fence pickets for the decking. Outdoor furniture should be built like a deck—your local home center can help recommend the right wood for your climate.

Will my wood move or warp after I build?
Potentially, especially in humid climates. Let your wood acclimate indoors before building. Once acclimated and kept in a stable environment, movement should be minimal. Remember, most houses are built using framing lumber - it's all about keeping moisture down indoors.

Cutting Questions

Do I need a miter saw?
A miter saw is great, creating fast, safe, and precise cuts, even for beginners. But most plans can be built with a circular saw and a straight edge. If using a circular saw to cut, take time to practice, and get good at making cuts, before cutting your project boards.

How do I get clean cuts with a circular saw?
Clamp your board, measure twice, cut slow, and use a sharp blade. This takes practice, so spend some time making cuts. I go through becoming proficient at freehand cutting in my course, it is worth taking if you want to master this skill.

Will the store cut my wood?
Yes—most stores will do rough cuts to help you transport your materials home. But from store to store, the quality of cuts could greatly vary.

Joinery Questions

What screws should I use?
We recommend star-head self tapping screws for framing, most common sizes are 2-1/2", 1-3/4". Pre-drill if close to the edge or you find your wood is splitting.

Do I have to use pocket holes?
Pocket holes are the cheapest, easiest and fastest way to do some joints - like edge to edge or a hidden fastener joint. There are other methods, but these can be time consuming and expensive. We recommend using pocket holes as indicated in plans for best results.

How do I keep things square?
Use a speed square and measure diagonals after each step. Always clamp joints before screwing to keep them tight and flush.

Finishing Questions

Stain or paint before or after building?
A quick sand before and a full finish after gives the best results. Pre-finish if you're doing two-tone or detailed finishes.

What type of finish?
Use oil-based or water-based stain. For paint, cabinet-grade latex or enamel works great. High use surfaces on indoor projects should get a coat of polyurethane, I recommend a Helsman or Spar or other flexible poly that won't crack or peel with wood movement. For exterior projects, use a finish suitable for exterior fences.

How to get a smooth finish?
Start with a well sanded project. Sand between coats (220 grit), wipe clean, and apply light coats with a foam brush or roller.

Plan Questions

Can I change the size?
Many people do, and that's the great thing about building your own furniture! But do keep in mind going bigger might mean more supports are required, and often plans are optimized for minimal material waste.

Are these beginner-friendly?
Yes—plans are written with simple tools and clear steps in mind, with every effort to make plans as simple as possible.

Can I sell what I build?
Absolutely! Just don’t resell or repost the plans themselves.

General Questions

What tools do I really need?
A drill, circular saw, tape measure, square, and a few clamps will get you through most projects.

Do I need a workshop?
Nope! A driveway or small patio is plenty to get started, just make sure you have a level place to work. If you find you are building several projects a year, creating a small workbench is a great way to store tools and have a dedicated workspace.

What if I mess up?
Wood filler, sanding, or flipping boards goes a long way. Mistakes are part of the process!

What can I do to make my projects look more professional?
Start with straight boards, make accurate cuts, clamp all joints, and line up everything neatly. Sand thoroughly, use a neutral finish, and apply it in light coats for a clean look.

I've never built anything before. Where should I start?
Start with a few smaller softwood projects to get hands-on experience. Or if you're tackling a big project, buy a little extra lumber and practice your cuts and joints first. If possible, work with someone who has a bit of experience.

Care & Maintenance

How long will my furniture last?
With good joinery and regular care, your DIY furniture can last for decades. I have pieces in my own home that are over 20 years old and still going strong! One of the best parts about DIY furniture is that it’s easy to repaint, refinish, or repair—so your projects can grow and adapt with you.

How should I care for outdoor furniture?
Lightly pressure wash or hose it down once or twice a year. Tighten screws and reapply finish as needed to protect it—just like a deck or fence. A little upkeep goes a long way in extending the life of your furniture.

How about indoor furniture?
Regularly dust or wipe with a damp cloth. If it starts to look worn, a light sanding and touch-up paint or stain can refresh it in no time. DIY pieces are meant to be durable and fixable—so don’t be afraid to give them some love now and then.

Want to Build with Confidence?

Check out my ebook: 12 Skills to Build Your Own Furniture
It walks you through the core skills every builder needs—measuring, cutting, joinery, and finishing—so you can build beautiful furniture that lasts.

Still Have Questions?

Email us anytime at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help!