How To Build Workbench in Pole Barn

[monteu]

I have my new pole barn up now. I need to build a workbench, but I have so much going on I want it to be simple. How have some of you built them in pole barns? I was thinking attached to the wall, but not sure. I would love to hear how you did yours and see some pictures as well. Thanks for your ideas

 

[SPIKER]

DANG had the post almost done and hit something that deleted everything in it....

OK I like construction adhesive and screws but last few used nail gun for speed...
10ea 2x4s and a 3/4" solid core plywood (coated MDF works well too.)
split plywood 26"x8' and 22"x92" the 22" gets cut down shorter to 91-3/4"

build top frame using 5 ea 19"2x4s and 2 ea 2x4x95" put the 19" in between the 95" so you have a frame that is 95"X22" the Front Legs (I like 34" for my height) go so they skinny side to front and wide side to sides. they slip inside the frame at the front and reinforce the joint. the back legs go other way (wide side to back of bench).

I build a middle frame almost same only it slips in between the legs. so it is 3" shorter than the top x the 22" plywood size. Ive also braced under the center shelf at the legs so the shelf sets on extra wood for strength. I use one full sized 2x4 to diagonal brace the back legs & middle shelf. It takes a couple hrs to put together but is cheap and very sturdy.

Mark

 

[Ron JD670]

I have my new pole barn up now. I need to build a workbench, but I have so much going on I want it to be simple. How have some of you built them in pole barns? I was thinking attached to the wall, but not sure. I would love to hear how you did yours and see some pictures as well. Thanks for your ideas

For my garage work bench I used some old kitchen cabinets removed for a remodel. Let the local contractors know your looking and check out The Restore run by Habitat For Humanity.

I reinforced the back with 3/8 ply and the ends with ABS inside on both ends. I used adhesive and screws. For the top I owed 3/4 ply covered with pressure board. I used L brackets to hold the top to the cabinets. Bolted the unit to the wall. And finished with 3inch base board.
RoN

 

[Freakingstang]

A couple 2x4's between the poles, a couple more shorter 2x4's protruding out from the poles, some 2x12's for the top and a couple 3-4' 4x4's for the legs and you will have a stout work bench that won't move around if you plan on having a vise on it

 

[SandburRanch]

I've worked at against the wall stationary work benches most all my life and one portable that could be accessed from all sides. After working at the portable (that wasn't mine) I'd never build one against ( attached ) to the wall. And for clamping work down, the top needs to be at least 3" larger than the frame on every side.

Something I do have, kind of by accident, is a hitching rail style work station outdoors that I use a lot.

 

[timswi]

I have my new pole barn up now. I need to build a workbench, but I have so much going on I want it to be simple. How have some of you built them in pole barns? I was thinking attached to the wall, but not sure. I would love to hear how you did yours and see some pictures as well. Thanks for your ideas

I put 2x4's off off the poles and double 2x4's to the ground front and back...16" OC 2x4's between perlin nailers and a face plate and covered it in a 3/4" Melomine (sp?)...Works fantastic..7 years and counting. With a big vise...

You have tons of flexibility in this one.

 

[rsewill]

I've worked at against the wall stationary work benches most all my life and one portable that could be accessed from all sides. After working at the portable (that wasn't mine) I'd never build one against ( attached ) to the wall. And for clamping work down, the top needs to be at least 3" larger than the frame on every side.

Something I do have, kind of by accident, is a hitching rail style work station outdoors that I use a lot.

Yes, go portable. Big castors, 1/2" thick top, 4' x 8'.

 

[monteu]

thanks everyone

 

[KennyG]

I could go on all day about all the benches I've built, but I will second not attaching it to the walls. Make it heavy and solid, but be able to move it when you need to. Also, in an unfinished pole barn, make sure you put a back ledge at least 3 or 4 inches high. Otherwise, you will be crawling under it to retrieve things constantly.

 

[Cox89XJ]

A good picture of portable work bench would be worth more than a thousand words. I've got to build a work bench also.
Thanks

 

[bigtiller]

I like them free standing, 4x8 feet and just over 35 inches tall. That way I can work on all four sides of it and I can use it as a run-off table for the table-saw.

 

[srs]

A good picture of portable work bench would be worth more than a thousand words. I've got to build a work bench also.
Thanks

Here are a few pictures of my workbench. Also shown are the cabinets that I fell into. I was driving through Quarryville PA and noticed some cabinets on the side of the road for sale. I stopped and they were $.50 each for the 18 inch cabinets and $1.00 for the 36 inch cabinets. Are you kidding me? In one picture you can see that they are stained and have a coating of varnish/shellac whatever. The guy selling them said they came out of a section 8 housing project and they were renovating the place but weren't allowed to throw the cabinets in the dumpster but had to "resell" them according to the government contract. So I bought me a bunch of cabinets. The cabinets were absolutely filthy, covered in dried food, infested with roaches, etc. It took me longer to clean the cabinets then it did to measure and hang them. After sanding the face I then threw a coat of cheap brown paint that was left over from Home Depot. In the pictures I also used an old gutter to store miscellaneous junk. Of course when I took the pictures the workbench is a total mess. Good luck on your project!

 

[KennyG]

I like the gutter as a long bin! I've got to think about that one.

I've always built freestanding units, 6 to 8 feet long. I like going a little larger than 2x4 for the legs if I don't have used cabinets. I've used 2x6 and 4x4, with lots of cross bracing. For tops, I've used surplus countertop, thick particle board, and plywood. Right now I've got some old kitchen cabinets and I'm going to top them with OSB and then salvaged oak hardwood flooring. One of my favorite bench top is a salvaged flat metal door. There's no end to the possibilities.