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This step by step diy woodworking project is about 4×8 workbench plans. This article features detailed instructions for building a large assembly table, that is ideal for any workshop or garage. The work surface is 4’x8′, so you have plenty of space assembling projects. Take a look over the rest of our woodworking plans, if you want to get more building inspiration.
When buying the lumber, you should select the planks with great care, making sure they are straight and without any visible flaws (cracks, knots, twists, decay). Investing in cedar or other weather resistant lumber is a good idea, as it will pay off on the long run. Use a spirit level to plumb and align the components, before inserting the galvanized screws, otherwise the project won’t have a symmetrical look. If you have all the materials and tools required for the project, you could get the job done in about a day. See all my Premium Plans HERE.
Projects made from these plans
4×8 Workbench Plans
Cut List
- A – 4 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 31 1/2″ long LEGS
- B – 6 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 33″ long, 4 pieces – 81″ long FRAME
- C – 8 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 22″ long BRACES
- D – 2 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 48″x96″ long TOP
- E – 1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 40″x88″ long SHELF
Shopping List
- 8 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 8′
- 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8′
- 3 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 4’x8′
- 50 pieces of 6″ lag bolts
- 100 pieces of 2 1/2″ nails
- wood glue, stain/paint
Tools
Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level
Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander
Time
Time
Building a 4×8 work table
The first step of the project is to assemble the sides of the workbench. As you can easily notice in the diagram, use 4×4 lumber to build the components. Drill about 2 pilot holes for each joint. Use 6″ carriage bolts to lock the components together. Make sure the corners are square before inserting the screws.
Assembling the table frame
Next, you need to fit the aprons to the worktable. Cut the components from 4×4 lumber. Drill pilot holes and use 6″ carriage bolts to lock everything together tightly. Make sure the legs are plumb before inserting the screws.
Fit the middle supports to the top and to the shelf of the workbench. Use 6″ carriage bolts to lock the supports to the frame of the table.
In order to enhance the look of the workbench I recommend you to fit 2×4 braces to the tabletop frame, so you enhance the rigidity of the structure. Cut both ends of the braces at 45 degrees.
Fit the braces to the top of the workbench. Drill pilot holes through the braces and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock them into place tightly.
Fitting the tabletop
Use 3/4″ plywood to build the lower shelf. Make small notches to the plywood sheet, so it can fit around the legs. IF you have trouble fitting it to the lower shelf, just cut the sheet in half, so you get two 40″x44″ pieces.
Glue together two pieces of 3/4″ plywood (4’x8′) and clamp them together. This will create the work surface which will be much more durable in this way. Center the frame of the table to the worktop, as shown in the diagram. Drill pilot holes through the braces and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the tabletop.
The tabletop has overhangs on all sides of the table, so you can clamp different parts into place when assembling a project, for example.
You can also insert 2 1/2″ nails through the tabletop into the frame of the workbench.
Fill the holes with wood putty and let them dry out for a few hours. Smooth the surface with 100-220 grit sandpaper and remove the residues with a damp cloth.
Top Tip: Apply a few coats of paint or stain to the components, to enhance the look of the project. See all my Premium Plans HERE, for more building ideas.
This woodworking project was about 4×8 workbench plans free. If you want to see more outdoor plans, check out the rest of our step by step projects and follow the instructions to obtain a professional result.
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4 comments
Not sure how a carriage bolt works to lock components together. Did you mean to say screws? Or is my definition of a carriage bolt (and nut) different?
Thanks.
Sorry, I meant lag bolts. They are listed in the materials list, as well.
we used fencing nails and it worked prefectly
I’ve got a couple of comments. First off, you need 9 8′ 4x4s, not 8. However, that leads to a lot of waste. If you can get 4 10′ and 3 8′ that would be cheaper and waste less.
Also, you don’t need a 3/4″ sheet of plywood on the bottom shelf. A 1/2″ sheet would be plenty.