How to Make a Workbench Out of 2X4s

Cut your 2x4s into the sizes you need with your saw. Cut 20 inches off of each of the 8-foot 2x6s. Cut four pieces of 30-inch long 2x4s. Cut two pieces of 20-inch long 2x4s.

Make the side supports for the table. Clamp one 30-inch tall 2x4 to each end of one of the 20-inch long 2x6s. The 2x6 should be between the two 2x4s. The narrow, 6-inch long edges of the 2x6 should be perpendicular to the two 2x4s, with the long side of the 2x6 facing upward and flush with the top of each upright 2x4. The 2x4s should be facing one another so that the edges of the 2x6 are held in the center of the 4-inch sides.

Clamp a 20-inch long piece of 2x4 in the same position at the bottom of the two upright 2x4s. Clamp this piece approximately 3-inches from the ground.

Drill 3/4-inch holes with a large drill bit through the 2x4s where they meet the 2x6 at each end. You should have a hole, approximately 5 inches deep, that runs through both pieces of lumber at each end. Repeat this process with the 2x4 at the bottom of the upright 2x4s.

Cut four pieces of dowel, approximately 6 inches long each. Insert these pieces into the holes you just drilled so that each piece of dowel extends through both pieces of lumber. Trim the edges from the dowel so they are flush with the edges of the lumber.

Repeat steps 2 through 5 to make the other side of the frame for the table.

Assemble the entire frame by attaching the two 76-inch long pieces of 2x6 to the side frames at either end with the 2-inch screws. Six screws at each joint should suffice. Attach the 2x6s so that the 6-inch sides are flat against the tops of the upright 2x4 legs. Make sure that the top edges of the legs are flush with the top edges of the 2x6s.

Attach the wood door to the top of your frame as a table top. The door should be slightly larger than the frame. Attach it with wood glue and a 3-inch long screw at each leg. Allow the glue to dry.