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$30 Workbench


RYOBI Nation
RYOBI Nation
RYOBI Nation
RYOBI Nation

Build this sturdy, cost-effective work bench for only $30!

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  1. Project Steps

    1. Step: 1

      Measure and mark your pieces, cut using a miter saw (or circular saw). CUT LIST: (4) 2"x4"x20-3/4" (A) (4) 2"x4"x44-3/4" (B) (4) 2"x4"x33-1/2" (C) (2) 2"x4"x17-3/4" (D)

    2. Step: 2

      In this step you will build the identical upper and lower box frames including the middle support pieces on each. (Helpful hint: pre-drill holes with countersink bit to avoid wood stripping) Lay out the frames to visualize how you will assemble it. Using a drill driver, fasten the two (B) on the inside of the two (A). You will use 2 screws for each side/fastening point. Once your frames are securely assembled, use the tape measure to find the center of the frame (should be at 23-7/8"), mark this spot. Pre-drill holes and then fasten (D) halfway between the two (B).

    3. Step: 3

      Now that your frames are completed, you will need to attach the table legs. Fasten the table legs (C) to the outside of the four corners of the top box frame. Mark the legs 12" from the bottom (this is where you will fasten the lower box frame to the legs). Align the bottom of the frame with your marks, and fasten.

    4. Step: 4

      Center the sheet of MDF/Plywood on the frame. Mark the table top in 9 spots (3 on each side, and 3 down the middle) where you are going to fasten the top and pre-drill with countersink bit. Note: you can use a piece of scrap wood to help you mark the center points (as mentioned in video). Fasten the table top to frame with screws. (Helpful Hint: be sure to align your center fastener with the center support underneath the table top)

Comments (4)


  • Great video and good size of workbench, perfect for my place since it is very small. 
    By MrRusoDIY, on June 3, 2019


  • where are the plans so I can print?

    By stuntmom54, on February 9, 2021

  • Wish I could upload a picture with the physical cut list overlay on the (5) 2"x4"x8' boards from using CutList Optimizer (https://www.cutlistoptimizer.com/). It helped me figure out the best board allocation (minimize waste and another trip to the big box store at $6.52 per 2x4x8' as of March 6, 2021).

    To keep the ends clean, I took 1/4" off each end first. Wish I could upload a photo with the physical cut list it produced for an easy layout but here are the numbers from the CutList Optimizer:

    A: 20 3/4" --- B: 44 3/4" --- C: 33 1/2" --- D: 17 3/4"

    1: A, A, C, D
    2: A, A, C, D
    3: B, B
    4: B, B
    5: C, C

    I ended up buying another 2x4 sheet of MDF for the bottom shelf and added four locking casters (rated at 200 pounds ~$5.50/ea) from Harbor Freight for mobility (adds 3 3/8" to height). Heading out to the garage now . . .
    By LanMan20, on March 6, 2021 (edited)

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$30 Workbench

by RYOBI Nation
May 30, 2019

Build this sturdy, cost-effective work bench for only $30!

Project Steps

  1. Step: 1

    Measure and mark your pieces, cut using a miter saw (or circular saw). CUT LIST: (4) 2"x4"x20-3/4" (A) (4) 2"x4"x44-3/4" (B) (4) 2"x4"x33-1/2" (C) (2) 2"x4"x17-3/4" (D)

  2. Step: 2

    In this step you will build the identical upper and lower box frames including the middle support pieces on each. (Helpful hint: pre-drill holes with countersink bit to avoid wood stripping) Lay out the frames to visualize how you will assemble it. Using a drill driver, fasten the two (B) on the inside of the two (A). You will use 2 screws for each side/fastening point. Once your frames are securely assembled, use the tape measure to find the center of the frame (should be at 23-7/8"), mark this spot. Pre-drill holes and then fasten (D) halfway between the two (B).

  3. Step: 3

    Now that your frames are completed, you will need to attach the table legs. Fasten the table legs (C) to the outside of the four corners of the top box frame. Mark the legs 12" from the bottom (this is where you will fasten the lower box frame to the legs). Align the bottom of the frame with your marks, and fasten.

  4. Step: 4

    Center the sheet of MDF/Plywood on the frame. Mark the table top in 9 spots (3 on each side, and 3 down the middle) where you are going to fasten the top and pre-drill with countersink bit. Note: you can use a piece of scrap wood to help you mark the center points (as mentioned in video). Fasten the table top to frame with screws. (Helpful Hint: be sure to align your center fastener with the center support underneath the table top)