What wood to use for a workbench?

For a sturdy and durable bench, use hardwoods like beech, ash, or oak. Professional woodworking benches use steamed beech, ideal for long-term stability. Pine and softwoods are only suitable for light or temporary projects.

How high should a workbench be?

The ideal height depends on your height and the type of work. Generally, it varies between 85 cm and 95 cm. For precision work (fine woodworking), it's better to be higher; for heavy work (planing), it's better to be lower.

Can I build a bench without wheels?

Yes, wheels are optional. Without wheels, the bench is more stable for heavy-duty work. You can always add them later if your needs change.

Come costruire un banco da lavoro fai da te

How to build a DIY workbench

Q: What should a good workbench be like?

A good workbench must be stable, robust, and have a durable surface. It should have enough space for tools and an ergonomic height between 85 and 95 cm to work without straining your back.

Q: How much does it cost to build a workbench?

With this guide, the total cost is about €240 for materials. A professional ready-made bench starts from €168 for basic models up to over €1,000 for woodworking benches with integrated vises. Evaluate your time and needs.

Written by: Sandra Gaspar

Published on September 18, 2025

Time to read 5 min

A DIY workbench is an accessible project that transforms any garage or workshop into a functional and organized space. With approximately €240 worth of materials and 3 hours of work, you can build a robust structure with a load capacity of over 200 kg, customizable to your needs.

This guide takes you step-by-step from material preparation to final assembly. It doesn't matter if you are a beginner or an experienced craftsman: by following these instructions, you will get a solid and durable workbench.

Prefer a ready-made solution? Consult our selection of professional wooden workbenches with capacities up to 400 kg, certified beech tops, and warranty included.

Construction time: 3 hours
Total cost: Approximately €240
Skill level: Beginner – Intermediate
Final dimensions: 244 cm x 122 cm

Table of contents

Recommended tools for the project

Saw (preferably a miter saw for precise cuts)
Drill
Impact driver with screw bits
Orbital or belt sander
Ratchet straps
Countersink drill bit for wood

All these tools are available in the woodworking machinery section of Krollit, with technical assistance and shipping throughout Italy.

Cut list and materials

To build the workbench, you will need:

(22) 50 mm x 100 mm x 2.4 m wooden boards
(1) 100 mm x 100 mm x 2.4 m wooden piece
(2) 122 cm x 244 cm plywood panels (minimum 19 mm thickness, at least one side well finished)

Cut details

(12) 50 mm x 100 mm x 96.5 cm pieces
(8) 50 mm x 100 mm x 104 cm pieces
(12) 50 mm x 100 mm x 226 cm pieces
(4) 100 mm x 100 mm x 61 cm pieces

Additional materials

Approximately 2.5 – 3.5 kg of 90 mm screws (T25 star drive screws recommended)
Wood glue
Sandpaper (80 and 220 grit)
10 cm swivel casters
Sixteen 15 cm screws

Material summary

Material Quantity Dimensions

Wooden boards	22	50 × 100 × 2400 mm
Uprights	1	100 × 100 × 2400 mm
Plywood panels	2	1220 × 2440 mm (19 mm thick)
T25 screws	2.5-3.5 kg	90 mm
Long screws	16	150 mm
Swivel casters	4	Ø 100 mm

Build the workbench in 6 steps

Step 1: Cutting the materials

Start by cutting the wooden boards to the dimensions indicated above. Use a miter saw for precise and safe cuts.

Cutting the plywood panel

Take one of the two plywood panels and make 10 cm x 10 cm notches at the corners. This allows the panel to fit the 100x100 mm uprights. The second panel remains whole for the lower shelf.

Step 2: Assembling the frames

Take six 96.5 cm pieces and two 226 cm pieces. Arrange them as shown in the image, drill pilot holes to prevent splitting, add glue, and insert screws. Immediately wipe away excess glue with a damp cloth.

Add two 104 cm pieces and two 226 cm pieces to the ends of the frame. Apply glue to all contact areas, pre-drill, and screw.

Repeat to create two identical frames.

Step 3: Attaching the Legs

Cut the spacers: eight 5 cm high pieces from scrap wood.
Position the spacers: arrange the spacers and the four 100x100x61 cm pieces as shown.
Position the frame: place the frame on the spacers (raised 5 cm from the ground). Insert the 100x100 uprights into the grooves and glue.
Use ratchet straps: wrap the entire structure and tighten. Use a hammer to align the parts.
Insert the 90 mm screws: screw diagonally as shown in the image. Always pre-drill.
Flip and repeat: with help, turn the structure over and add screws from the other side as well.

Step 4: Attaching the Lower Shelf

Add the 122x244 cm plywood panel with indented corners to the frame:

Apply glue: spread wood glue on all contact surfaces between the frame and the panel.
Pre-drill and screw: drill pilot holes and insert screws to firmly attach the panel.

Step 5: Assemble the second frame and top

Turn the workbench over and add the second frame. Apply glue to the contact areas, place the 100x100 uprights in the grooves and use straps to hold everything in place. Pre-drill and screw.

Secure the top with the second 122x244 cm plywood sheet. Do not use glue on the top: you might need to replace it in the future due to wear. Only use screws.

Step 6: Wheels and final sanding

Flip the workbench over to install the wheels. Place a wheel on each leg, mark the points, pre-drill, and screw.

Sand the entire surface of the workbench. For this step, we recommend an orbital or belt sander to speed up the work. Start with 80-grit sandpaper to remove imperfections, then switch to 220-grit for a smooth finish ready for paint or stain.

DIY workbench or professional workbench?

Feature DIY Workbench Güde GW Workbench Bernardo WB Workbench

Cost	~€240	From €168	From €415
Time	3 hours	Ready to use	Ready to use
Load Capacity	~200 kg	300-400 kg	200+ kg
Top	19 mm Plywood	Rubberwood / Beech 38 mm	Solid Beech
Drawers	No (to be added)	Yes, with lock	No (integrated vices)
Warranty	None	12-24 months	24 months
Ideal for	Hobbyists, custom projects	Workshop, garage	Carpentry

Conclusion

You have completed your DIY workbench: a solid and functional surface ready for your projects. The wheels allow easy movement, and the sanding ensures a professional finish. The satisfaction of having built it with your own hands is priceless.

If DIY is not for you or you are looking for a more robust solution for professional use, Bernardo carpenter's workbenches offer integrated vises, solid beech tops, and load capacities up to 400 kg. Complete your workstation with workbench accessories: vises, pegboards, and modular supports.

Frequently Asked Questions

What wood should be used for a workbench?

For a sturdy and durable workbench, use hardwoods like beech, ash, or oak. Professional carpenter's workbenches use steamed beech, ideal for long-term stability. Pine and softwoods are only suitable for light or temporary projects.

What should a good workbench be like?

A good workbench should be stable, robust, and have a resistant surface. It should have enough space for tools and an ergonomic height between 85 and 95 cm to work without straining your back.

How tall should a workbench be?

The ideal height depends on your stature and the type of work. Generally, it varies between 85 cm and 95 cm. For precision work (fine carpentry), higher is better; for heavy work (planing), lower is better.

How much does it cost to build a workbench?

With this guide, the total cost for materials is about €240. A ready-made professional workbench starts from €168 for basic models up to over €1,000 for carpenter's workbenches with integrated vices. Evaluate your time and needs.