How to Build a Workbench Top to Put on a Desk Base

Arrange two 1 1/2-by-3 1/2-by-36-inch boards and two 1/2-by-3 1/2-by-57-inch boards on the working surface so they form a rectangle that's 36-by-60-inches with their widest surfaces against the working surface. Set a 3/4-by-36-by-60-inch plywood sheet on top of them. Drill holes every 12 inches through the plywood sheet and into the rectangular frame below. Set 2-inch wood screws in the holes and attach them using the drill.

Stand up two 1 1/2-by-3 1/2-by-36-inch boards on their ends behind the workbench top. Position the boards so their widest surfaces are flush with the workbench top and their outside edges are even with the top's outside edges. Drill three holes through the back of the vertical boards, with two of the holes going into the framing boards and one going into the plywood top. Attach the vertical boards to the workbench top with 2-inch wood screws.

Position a 1/2-by-3 1/2-by-57-inch board between the two vertical boards, perpendicular to them but with the widest surface of the board facing the same direction. Hold the board at the top of the vertical boards so the top of the horizontal board is even with the tops of the vertical boards. Drill two holes through each vertical board and into the ends of the horizontal board. Attach the boards together with 5-inch wood screws.

Stand a 1/4-by-33 3/4-by-60-inch sheet of pegboard up against the rear boards. Hold it in place so the sides are even with the rear, vertical frame boards. Drill holes through the pegboard every 12 inches into the frame boards. Secure the pegboard in place against the frame by attaching it with 1-inch wood screws.

Set the completed workbench top onto the desk and attach it with wood screws if desired, or simply allow gravity to keep it in place.