6 Best Woodworking Benches of 2024 – Top Picks & Reviews

Woodworking is one of the oldest trades and has had one of the biggest impacts on human civilization. Due to the prevalence of woodworking, there are also a lot of woodworking benches, some of which are more helpful and efficient than others. The sheer amount of woodworking benches on the market, however, is downright stressful, making it difficult to know which model is best for you.

To make the process easier, we have scoured through the best woodworking benches and provided you with the six best models. In this article, we offer comprehensive reviews for each model and provide you with a convenient buyer’s guide at the end.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

Rating	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		2x4basics 90164 Custom Work Bench	Customizable Weight capacity of 1000 lb Heavy-duty	CHECK PRICE
Best Value		BLACK+DECKER WM125 Workmate Portable Workbench	Lightweight Portable Easy to store	CHECK PRICE
Premium Choice		Olympia Tools 84-906 Hard Wood Workbench	Attractive Heavy-duty Includes convenient additions and features	CHECK PRICE
		Keter Folding Table Work Bench	Lightweight Easy to set up and take down Easy to transport and store	CHECK PRICE
		Seville Classics UltraHD Wood Top Workbench	Heavy-duty 1000 lb weight capacity Easy to set up	CHECK PRICE

The 6 Best Woodworking Benches

1. 2x4basics 90164 Custom Work Bench – Best Overall

One of the best woodworking benches on the market is the 2x4basics 90164 Custom Work Bench. We have very little negative to say about this workbench, which is why we have named it our best overall pick. This model is sturdy, heavy-duty, and customizable.

The 2x4basics 90164 is a multi-layer workbench skeleton, meaning that the shelves are not included. It comes with 4 workbench legs and 6 shelf links. The lack of shelves allows you to make the workbench for any length or width up to 8’ x 4’, making it highly customizable.

Another good feature is that the connectors are suitable for 90° cuts only, and it only requires 2×4 lumber. This makes constructing this workbench easy and efficient, even for amateurs or beginners.

Additionally, the 2x4basics workbench is heavy-duty. The brackets are made of heavy gauge structural resin, ensuring that it can withstand a lot of pressure and weight. More so, it is backed with a 2-year limited warranty, further ensuring the longevity of this model. These features allow it to hold a weight capacity of 1,000 pounds.

2. BLACK+DECKER WM125 Workmate Portable Workbench – Best Value

If you are looking for the best woodworking benches for the money, you will be interested in the BLACK+DECKER WM125 Workmate Portable Workbench. We have named this model our best value pick because it is efficient and lightweight, all while being easy on your wallet.

As the name suggests, the BLACK+DECKER WM125 Workmate Portable Workbench is lightweight and portable. It is only 33” x 5” x 5” in size and weighs a mere 17.8 pounds. This allows this workbench to be easily stored and transported whenever needed.

At the same time, the BLACK+DECKER WM125 is an efficient woodworking bench because it is heavy-duty. It is made from a durable steel frame, allowing the workbench to hold up to 350 pounds, which is a lot considering its weight and size. It also includes swivel pegs and integral retention grooves in jaws. These capabilities make it suitable for most woodworking purposes.

The only reason why we have ranked this model number two on our list, as opposed to number one, is because it is smaller and has a lower weight capacity than our best overall pick, making it less suitable for large woodworking purposes.

3. Olympia Tools 84-906 Hard Wood Workbench – Premium Choice

If you are looking for a premium woodworking bench, then you should check out the Olympia Tools 84-906 Hard Wood Workbench. This workbench is our premium choice because it is highly durable, attractive, and includes superior instruments, and its price tag reflects these features.

The Olympia Tools 84-906 is 4’ x 2’ and has a 330-pound weight capacity. It is made from sturdy hardwood with a clear lacquer finish, which allows it to be both sturdy and attractive. These features make this model suitable for most woodworking projects.

Additionally, the Olympia Tools workbench comes with one felt-lined drawer, a wood block vise with adjustable machine guides, and a convenient storage shelf. It also includes bench dog holes, metal pegs, and wood pegs, making this workbench highly versatile and useful for woodworking purposes.

More so, this model comes with an Arcadia wood option, which is different from the option we are looking at in this article, but it is a notable option, nonetheless.

4. Keter Folding Table Work Bench

The next woodworking bench on our list is the Keter Folding Table Work Bench. This workbench is portable, durable, easy to set up, and specifically designed with woodworking purposes in mind. These features make it perfect for woodworking on the go.

The Keter Folding Table Work Bench is 22.46”  x  21.65”  x  29.75” standing and 33.46” x  21.65”  x  4.4” folded, which are both compact. It also weighs less than 30 pounds. These dimensions and weight make this workbench highly lightweight, portable, and storable, making it great for those who need a portable option.

At the same time, the Keter workbench is heavy-duty. It is made with a resin construction and heavy-duty aluminum legs. These materials are weather-resistant, which prevents rusting, peeling, and denting. More so, it has a weight capacity of 1,000 pounds, allowing it to be one of the strongest options on this list.

Another notable aspect of the Keter Folding Table Work Bench is that it is easy to use and comes with accessory items. It only takes 30 seconds to compile, ensuring that anyone can set it up. It also comes with two 12-inch clamps, which are perfect for securing a variety of working materials.

All around, this option is great for a variety of projects on the go, such as DIY projects, home improvement, painting, and more. Keep in mind that it does offer a smaller working area than most others on our list. Users also had some trouble locking it closed.

5. Seville Classics UltraHD Wood Top Workbench

Another woodworking bench to check out is the Seville Classics UltraHD Wood Top Workbench. This woodworking bench has a classic design that makes it adjustable and heavy-duty, but it does come with some downsides as well.

The Seville Classics UltraHD Wood Top Workbench is a 1.4-inch thick solid wood table with a heavy-duty steel frame. The height can be adjusted between 37.5 and 42 inches, making it perfect for accommodating different heights and projects. These durable materials allow the workbench to support up to 1,000 pounds.

Additionally, the Seville workbench is extremely easy to assemble. It has a simple and intuitive design, allowing it to be friendly for beginners. The kit also comes with all the required tools and includes a detailed assembly instruction manual.

With that being said, this workbench comes with some downsides as well. Notably, this model is the most expensive option on our list, but it does not come with any additional features or outstanding capabilities. For this reason, you might want to spend your money elsewhere because you will get more bang for your buck. What’s more, the plastic housing is prone to wobbling.

6.  Sjöbergs Hobby Plus 850 Birch Workbench

Finally, the last woodworking bench on our list is the Sjöbergs Hobby Plus 850 Birch Workbench. This workbench is highly attractive, compact, and includes helpful features for woodworking, but it comes with some downsides as well.

Notably, the Sjöbergs SJO-33282 is made with a genuine European hard Birch top, making it both durable and attractive. It also includes helpful features, such as bench dogs, jaw cushions, an accessory kit, and a tool clamp. These features will make woodworking much more enjoyable and user-friendly.

However, the Sjöbergs model does come with some notable downsides as well. For example, this model is much less sturdy than any of the other options on this list. In fact, this workbench is prone to moving during use.

Additionally, the holes on the Sjöbergs SJO-33282 don’t line up perfectly. This can be a problem if you need exact measurements and sizes.

Buyer’s Guide – Choosing the Best Woodworking Bench

Factors To Consider When Buying A Woodworking Bench

Bench Type

Whenever picking out a woodworking bench, it is important to pick a workbench type that matches your space, projects, and preferences. Here are the five main types of workbenches to consider:

Size And Weight Capacity

Other factors to consider when buying woodworking benches are the size and weight capacity of the bench. The size of the workbench will determine where it fits or how portable it is. If you have a lot of space in your garage or work area, then you might want to opt for a larger bench. On the other hand, if you want a portable bench, then look for a lightweight, smaller option.

At the same time, you have to consider weight capacity. The weight capacity is how much weight the bench is able to safely hold. You want the weight capacity to be high enough to withstand pressure as you are working. Do not sacrifice weight capacity for portability since you will not be able to even use the table if it does not hold the amount of weight you need.

Materials Used

The next factor to consider when selecting a woodworking bench is the materials used. The materials will allow the bench to satisfy your needs, whether they be stability or portability. Here are the most common workbench material options:

Accessory Items

Finally, the last factor to consider when selecting a woodworking bench is accessory items. Although accessory items are not necessary, they may make bench use more efficient. Here are some common accessory items that you might want to consider looking out for:

• Storage options
• Pegboard
• Dog holes
• Clamps
• Metal pegs
• Wood pegs
• Vises

How To Select A Woodworking Bench Height

Whenever you are setting up a woodworking bench, it is important to set the bench to an ideal height based on your height. The reason for this is that a bench that is too high will make woodworking difficult, while a bench that is too low may cause you to strain your back. Here is how to select the ideal height for a woodworking bench:

Overall, you will want your woodworking bench to be anywhere from 32 to 38 inches in height, depending on your height and preferences. Make sure that you test out the height before committing to it so that way you get a bench that is perfect for you.

How To Build Your Own Workbench

In addition to buying a woodworking bench, you can also make your own. Here’s how to make a standard European-style woodworker’s bench on a budget:

What You’ll Need

Steps

1. Build The Base

Begin by building the base. It is important to build a sturdy base since it will be what is supporting the weight and pressure.

To do this, clamp together the stretchers and legs. Pre-drill and bolt them together. Make sure that the width of the legs from the outer edges is exactly 16.5 inches. You can use this base as a large sawhorse to assemble the top of the bench.

2. Assemble The Top

Next, you need to assemble the top of the workbench. This is the area that you will be leaning on when you are woodworking.

Cut 15 top boards to be 15-feet long and rip them into 3 inches wide with a table saw. For the leg slots, cut two of the top boards into three pieces, one 39-inch middle piece, and two 7-inch end pieces. You will attach the leg notches at the third glue-up.

Glue and screw the top together with 3-inch deck screws and a corded drill. Make sure that the ripped edges face upward and are level with the adjoining boards. Clamp every 8 inches before driving in the 3-inch deck screws. To prevent splitting, predrill these screw holes near the ends. Use a scrap piece of 2×4 as a spacer when screwing on the 7-inch 2x4s for the leg slots.

3. Assemble

Finally, you need to attach the base and top.

Loosen the bolts and screws on the lower structures. This will create a little play-in-the-leg post, making it easier to work. Make sure that the top notches are aligned with the leg posts and tap the top into place using a hammer and piece of scrap wood. Work evenly throughout the table until all leg posts are level. Finally, tighten the lower stretchers.

Conclusion

After considering our reviews and buyer’s guide, we recommend the 2x4basics 90164 Custom Work Bench. This model is heavy-duty, customizable, and affordable, which is why we named it our best woodworking bench overall. With this woodworking bench, you are sure to accomplish all of your projects with ease and precision.

For a more budget-friendly option, we recommend the BLACK+DECKER WM125 Workmate Portable Workbench, our best woodworking bench value pick. This woodworking bench is perfect for woodworking on-the-go because it is lightweight, portable, and heavy-duty. At the same time, it is cost-efficient.

We hope that this article has made the process of buying the perfect woodworking bench for you easier and more stress-free.