The 9 Best Workbenches of 2023

The Husky Height-Adjustable Wood-Top Workbench is our top pick

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Best Workbenches

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 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 a work light.

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 for less money than buying a pre-fabricated one. While that might be true if all you need is a board perched atop a couple of sawhorses, for anything beyond that, including tables with drawers, wheels, lights, or pegboards, competition between brands for your business means that you can likely purchase a workbench that’s far more versatile than the one you can build for the same cost. You’ll save a day or two of labor as well."

Read on for all of the best workbenches for your garage or workshop.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

Husky 52-Inch Height-Adjustable Wood-Top Workbench

4.8
52 in. W x 24 in. D Steel 2-Drawer Adjustable Height Solid Wood Top Workbench Table in White

The Home Depot

What We Like
  • Very sturdy and stable

  • Height adjustment is wide enough for use while sitting or standing

  • Two drawers

  • Crossbar can be installed in the middle or towards the back

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 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. 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.

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 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.

Price at time of publish: $299

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

Best Portable

WORX Pegasus Multi-Function Work Table

4.9
WORX WX051 Pegasus Folding Work Table & Sawhorse

Amazon

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.

Price at time of publish: $150

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

Best Budget

BenchPro Height Adjustable Bench

Table & Workbench: 1" Thick Particle Board Top, Height Adjustable Bench - 24" D x 48" L x 30" - 36" H - by BenchPro

Amazon

What We Like
  • Reasonable price

  • Good weight capacity

  • Adjustable height

What We Don't Like
  • No drawers or shelves

  • Assembly instructions not the best, but very easy to assemble

Workbenches can be expensive, but they don't have to be. This offering from BenchPro is very reasonably priced and sturdy enough to play a starring role in your workshop. It measures 48 inches in length and 24 inches in depth. You can adjust the height between 30 and 36 inches, making it easy to get the bench just right for comfortable use. The frame of the table is powder-coated steel and it's topped with a 1-inch-thick slab of particle board, which provides a very stable surface for your projects. The weight capacity of the table is 1,000 pounds. The weight of the table itself is 78 pounds.

While admittedly nothing fancy, this reasonably priced workbench is more than adequate to hold your tools and materials while you repair, hammer, saw, cut, grind, drill, or carry out any other common workshop task. The top is strong enough to attach a vise clamp or other type of clamp, making it suitable for woodworking projects, as well. This workbench does require very simple assembly.

Price at time of publish: $155

Dimensions: 48 x 24 x 30-36 inches | Material: Steel with wooden top | Shelves: None | Drawers: None | Total Weight Capacity: 1,000 pounds

Best with Cabinets

Husky Steel Garage Cabinet Set With Workbench

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

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 somewhat difficult

  • Few complaints it was tough to get cabinet drawers straight

It's a common problem: You want to use your garage as a workshop, but you don't have a lot of room for 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. 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 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 sturdy workbench has a weight capacity of 3,000 pounds. The adjustable shelves inside the two cabinets each have a weight capacity of 100 pounds. 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 entire garage storage system weighs 279 pounds. The casters for the cabinets are 5 inches tall and have locks so the cabinets 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.

Price at time of publish: $1,050

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

Best With Light

WEN WB4723T 48-Inch Workbench

WEN WB4723T 48-Inch Workbench with Power Outlets and Light

Amazon

What We Like
  • Very reasonable price

  • Built-in light and power strip

  • Large pegboard for extra storage

  • Bottom shelf for larger tools

What We Don't Like
  • Somewhat difficult to assemble

  • 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 (pegs not included), 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.

Price at time of publish: $151

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

Best Small

Husky 3-Foot Wood-Top Workbench

Ready-To-Assemble 3 ft. Portable Solid Wood Top Workbench with Casters in Black

The Home Depot

What We Like
  • Compact and sturdy

  • Shelf with lip to keep items contained

  • Locking casters for portability and storage

What We Don't Like
  • Relatively expensive

Not everyone has the space or the need for a large workbench. If you only tackle projects that involve small materials or occasional repairs on small appliances, then you might not want a workbench that's five or six feet in length, as many are. But the Husky 3-Foot Wood-Top Workbench will fit in just about any workshop, and it even has locking casters so you can push it out of the way or into a storage spot if desired. This small but sturdy workbench is made of steel with a solid wood top that can support up to 600 pounds of tools and materials.

The workbench has a handy bottom shelf that's surrounded by a lip to keep things from sliding off when the bench is being moved. The shelf has an 80-pound weight capacity, so you can store fairly heavy tools there to keep them out of the way. The table's full measurements are 37 inches wide, 24 inches deep, and 34 inches high. It weighs 64 pounds and requires simple assembly.

Price at time of publish: $300

Dimensions: 36.6 x 24 x 34 inches | Material: Steel with wooden top | Shelves: 1 | Drawers: None | Total Weight Capacity: 600 pounds

Best Large

Gladiator 8-Foot Adjustable Height Workbench

8 ft. Adjustable Height Birch Top Workbench

The Home Depot

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 workbench is assembled and standing upright

If you need an extra-large workbench and have room for it, then our recommendation is the 8-foot model from Gladiator. This heavy-duty, welded-steel worktable 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. The full measurements of this workbench are 96 inches long and 25 inches deep. The height adjusts in 1.25-inch increments from 27.5 inches to 40.8 inches, so you could use this table while seated or standing.

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. While it 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.

Price at time of publish: $600

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

Best with Drawers

Yukon 46-Inch 9-Drawer Rolling Workbench

46 in. 9 Drawer Mobile Storage Cabinet with Solid Wood Top, Black

Harbor Freight

What We Like
  • Includes drawer liners

  • Sturdy drawers

  • Side handle

What We Don't Like
  • Some complaints that the drawer lock isn't sturdy

  • Somewhat shallow depth

If storage space—or its lack—is an issue in your garage workshop, then our recommendation is the Yukon Rolling Workbench, which has a total of nine drawers, each with smooth-gliding ball-bearing slides. The two larger drawers at the bottom can each support up to 200 pounds, while the seven smaller drawers each have a weight capacity of 100 pounds. The total weight capacity of the entire workbench is 1,200 pounds, so you'll be able to stash plenty of tools and supplies while still having a 46 inch long by 18-1/4-inch deep worktop for your projects. The height of this workbench is 37 1/8 inches.

This workbench is made of steel with a solid wood top. Four 5-inch by 2-inch casters let you maneuver it where you need it and then lock it in place. A large side handle makes it easier to move the workbench, as well. Unlike many other workbenches with drawers, this one includes drawer liners, which help keep your tools from sliding or rolling around and reduce the chance of damage. The workbench requires minimal assembly and weighs 186.5 pounds, so you'll definitely need an assistant.

Price at time of publish: $420

Dimensions: 46 x 18.25 x 37.13 inches | Material: Steel with wooden top | Shelves: None | Drawers: 9 | Total Weight Capacity: 1,200 pounds

Best Wall-Mounted

Sparrow Peak The Quick Bench

Sparrow Peak The Quick Bench 48-in W x 20-in H Hardwood Butcher Block with White Steel Brackets Wood Adjustable Height

Lowe's

What We Like
  • Great solution for workshops with little floor space

  • High weight capacity

  • Springs make it easy to fold the bench upright

What We Don't Like
  • Some complaints that included hardware for installation isn't sturdy enough

  • Installation requires care and attention to achieve a level bench

If you only need a workbench occasionally and don't want to take up floor space in the garage, then the solution is the Quick Bench from Sparrow Peak. This wall-mounted bench is a 1.18-inch-thick butcher-block board that measures 48 inches in length and 20 inches deep and is finished with a coating of polyurethane for protection. The Quick Bench includes two steel brackets that support up to 500 pounds if properly installed by screwing them into wall studs.

The brackets have heavy-duty springs that help you fold the workbench into its upright position. Once upright, the bench is held securely in place so it won't accidentally drop down. When you want to use the workbench, just depress the easy-to-push finger triggers to release the lock, and it gently lowers into position. While this isn't the right workbench for heavy-duty hammering and other vibration-intense tasks, it's more than adequate for simple DIY jobs like sanding, cutting, or drilling various materials. The shelf weighs 36 pounds, and you'll need a stud finder, level, and drill to install it, as well as an assistant.

Price at time of publish: $144

Dimensions: 48 x 20 x varies inches | Material: Wood | Shelves: None | Drawers: None | Total Weight Capacity: 500 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 top recommendation is the Husky 52-Inch Height-Adjustable Wood-Top Workbench, However, if budget is a major concern, and you don’t need a workbench with a lot of frills, then we recommend the BenchPro Height Adjustable Bench, which is a 48-inch workbench with a weight capacity of 1,000 pounds.

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 the 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, including our top choice the Husky 52-Inch Height-Adjustable Workbench, have solid wood tops, 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 with some steel or aluminum in the frame for reinforcement. These are usually small, portable benches designed for toting to a worksite. The benefit of a plastic workbench 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 the BenchPro 48-Inch Bench. 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 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 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. 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.

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, like the Yukon 46-Inch 9-Drawer Rolling Workbench. These offer much more storage, but they are also generally more expensive than a simpler workbench. Plus, their solid design means that you cannot stand as close to the workbench as you could with a table-shaped bench.

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 the home improvement/tool expert for The Spruce. 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. Deane Biermeier, a carpenter and former contractor, as well as a member of The Spruce’s Home Review Board, provided further input.

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