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4x8 Work Table

Build a workbench without a shop! This is an easy to build design with minimal cutting and tools, a perfect work table to start with. Sized to fit a standard 4x8 melamine and plywood panel, designed to be built by one person in one day, this strong, sturdy and minimal work table is the perfect addition to the shop! The lower shelf can be used to store tools or materials. with detailed diagrams, video tutorial and cut list - everything you need to build this yourself. Plans available in table height, counter height, mobile table height and mobile counter height.

4x8 Work Table

Specifications

Project typeWorkshop and Garage Plans
RoomGarage and Workshop
DifficultyIntermediate

Dimensions

Use the size-specific shopping and cut lists below.

4x8 Work Table dimension diagram 1

Shopping List

30" Table Height Mobile Workbench (4" Caster Wheels) - AS SHOWN IN VIDEO AND PLANS

  • 10 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
  • 1 - 5/8" thick AC Plywood, 4x8 sheet
  • 1 - 3/4" thick Melamine coated particle board for top, full sheet (97" x 49")
  • About 70 2-1/2" long self tapping star bit screws
  • About 50 1-1/2" long self tapping star bit screws
  • 6 - 4" overall height caster wheels with screws and washers for installing

30" Table Height Fixed Workbench (NO Caster Wheels)

  • 10 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
  • 1 - 5/8" thick AC Plywood, 4x8 sheet
  • 1 - 3/4" thick Melamine coated particle board for top, full sheet (97" x 49")
  • About 70 2-1/2" long self tapping star bit screws
  • About 50 1-1/2" long self tapping star bit screws

36" Counter Height Mobile Workbench (4" Caster Wheels)

  • 11 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
  • 1 - 5/8" thick AC Plywood, 4x8 sheet
  • 1 - 3/4" thick Melamine coated particle board for top, full sheet (97" x 49")
  • About 70 2-1/2" long self tapping star bit screws
  • About 50 1-1/2" long self tapping star bit screws
  • 6 - 4" overall height caster wheels with screws and washers for installing

36" Counter Height Fixed Workbench (NO Caster Wheels)

  • 11 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
  • 1 - 5/8" thick AC Plywood, 4x8 sheet
  • 1 - 3/4" thick Melamine coated particle board for top, full sheet (97" x 49")
  • About 70 2-1/2" long self tapping star bit screws
  • About 50 1-1/2" long self tapping star bit screws

Cut List

30" Table Height Mobile Workbench (4" Caster Wheels)

  • 6 - 2x4 @ 25"
  • 6 - 2x4 @ 3-1/2"
  • 6 - 2x4 @ 42"
  • 4 - 2x4 @ 96"
  • 6 - 2x4 @ 14-1/2"- cut to fit
  • 1 - 5/8" thick AC Plywood, 4x8 sheet
  • 1 - 3/4" thick Melamine coated particle board for top, full sheet (97" x 49")

30" Table Height Fixed Workbench (NO Caster Wheels)

  • 6 - 2x4 @ 29-1/4"
  • 6 - 2x4 @ 3-1/2"
  • 6 - 2x4 @ 42"
  • 4 - 2x4 @ 96"
  • 6 - 2x4 @ 18-3/4" - cut to fit
  • 1 - 5/8" thick AC Plywood, 4x8 sheet
  • 1 - 3/4" thick Melamine coated particle board for top, full sheet (97" x 49")

36" Counter Height Mobile Workbench (4" Caster Wheels)

  • 6 - 2x4 @ 31"
  • 6 - 2x4 @ 3-1/2"
  • 6 - 2x4 @ 42"
  • 4 - 2x4 @ 96"
  • 6 - 2x4 @ 20-1/2"- cut to fit
  • 1 - 5/8" thick AC Plywood, 4x8 sheet
  • 1 - 3/4" thick Melamine coated particle board for top, full sheet (97" x 49")

36" Counter Height Fixed Workbench (NO Caster Wheels)

  • 6 - 2x4 @ 35-1/4"
  • 6 - 2x4 @ 3-1/2"
  • 6 - 2x4 @ 42"
  • 4 - 2x4 @ 96"
  • 6 - 2x4 @ 24-3/4" - cut to fit
  • 1 - 5/8" thick AC Plywood, 4x8 sheet
  • 1 - 3/4" thick Melamine coated particle board for top, full sheet (97" x 49")

Tools

  • measuring tape
  • square
  • pencil
  • safety glasses
  • drill
  • jigsaw
  • compound miter saw

Step-by-step Instructions

1

To all the legs, attach the 3-1/2" 2x4 blocking to the bottom with two 2-1/2" screws.

OPTION: To increase the shelf clearance height, the small 2x4 pieces can be omitted entirely, with the bottom shelf placed at the bottom of the leg.

4x8 Work Table — step 1
2

Step 2

Attach the 2x4 cross supports as shown, two screws per joint.

4x8 Work Table — step 2
3

Attach the long 2x4s to the sides. Center the center leg set.

NOTE: Check the legs for level while attaching, and check that the legs are square to the 2x4s at 96" long.

4x8 Work Table — step 3
4

Step 4

Cut the corners and the center pieces out of the plywood shelf piece, I cut about 1/8" big to allow the plywood to easily be moved into place. Cutout sizes I used: 3-5/8" wide x 3-1/2" deep Screw the plywood down to the framing with the 1-1/2" screws, using the plywood to square up the framing.

4x8 Work Table — step 4
5

Step 5

Attach the upper 2x4 pieces to the legs sets.

4x8 Work Table — step 5
6

Clamp the upper full length 2x4 side pieces in place.

I did have trouble with one of my legs not being "square" and the 8' long 2x4 seemed to come up short. I simply loosened some screws, pulled the leg in, and then added the screws. It is important that the 2x4 at 8 feet long fits perfectly here, or your top MDF panel won't work out.

4x8 Work Table — step 6
7

Step 7

Fill in the leg pieces with 2x4s cut to fit. I screwed from the inside to minimize screws showing.

4x8 Work Table — step 7
8

Step 8

Place the Melamine panel on top. My melamine panel was actually 97" x 49" - so I ave about a 1/2" overhang on all sides. The easiest method to attach is with a few 1-1/2" screws through the top. You can also attach from underneath, but will need to add some cleats. NOTE: We haven't yet attached our top because I plan to add a clamping track to the top. I want to try attaching with silicone, similar to how a bath vanity top is attached to a bath cabinet.

9

Finishing

Sand all surfaces, starting with a medium grit and finishing with fine. Wipe off the dust, fill any holes or gaps with wood filler, and sand smooth once dry. Apply primer if you're painting, then finish with your choice of paint or stain and seal with a durable clear topcoat. For outdoor projects, use exterior-rated primer, paint or stain, and sealer so the piece stands up to the weather.

Source (temporary): https://www.ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/4x8-work-table-plans