The Best Workbenches for DIYers, Woodworkers, and Pros

When tackling DIY projects, assembling furniture, or sawing lumber for a build, the right workbench will provide a stable surface to help get the job done. We researched more than 35 workbenches before choosing ten to test in our own garages and shops. And we found a favorite: the Kobalt 72-Inch Workbench, which took top honors not just because it provides a rock-solid work surface, but also because it also arrives completely assembled.

Keep reading to find out what happened when we tested the following models. We’ll share the good, the bad, and the ugly about each one to help choose the best workbench for your project needs. 

1. BEST OVERALL: Kobalt 72-Inch Silver Wood Workbench
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Yukon 60-inch 3-Drawer Hardwood Workbench
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3. BEST FOR LARGE SHOPS: Husky 8-Foot Solid Wood Workbench With Pegboard
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4. BEST MOBILE: Ryobi Speed Bench Mobile Workstation
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5. BEST LIGHT-DUTY: Worx Pegasus Folding Work Table and Sawhorse
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6. BEST LIGHTED: Seville Classics UltraHD Lighted Workbench
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Workbench Comparison Chart

Our Top Picks

The following workbenches earned a spot on our lineup because they offer solid, durable work surfaces for many DIY tasks. They vary in size, assembly requirements, materials, and price. Each was a standout in our hands-on tests. 

Our Ratings: Assembly 5/5; Stability 5/5; Durability 4.8/5; Value 4.8/5

We really like the Kobalt workbench for a number of reasons. For starters, it came fully assembled—even the leveling feet were already attached—so it was ready to go as soon as it arrived. 

The surface is solid wood, while the legs and frame are made of high-quality steel. It doesn’t come with a back pegboard, but positioning it against a pegboard installed on a shop wall can create that storage. It does have two handy smaller pegboards on both ends.

Users can adjust the height of this basic workbench from 32.8 to 40.8 inches, but don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s a quick adjustment between projects, because it isn’t an easy task. We recommend picking a comfortable work surface height (we prefer about 37 inches), adjusting it once, and leaving it there. Adjusting the height requires turning the table over and removing and replacing the four bolts that hold each leg in place. It is sturdy and well-designed, but it’s not a quick-pin adjustment process. And if adjustment is necessary, use a real Allen wrench—the one Kobalt sends is on the wimpy side.

We tested this bench over a 2-week period for all sorts of tasks, including grinding, sawing, and assembling a modular bookcase, and we mounted a bench vise to the surface. We piled about 150 pounds of tools and materials on top—although it’s rated to hold up to 2,000 pounds—and it didn’t waver or sway at all. For those looking for sturdiness and durability, the Kobalt workbench is an excellent pick. 

What our tester says: “I love how the Kobalt workbench came completely assembled, and I appreciate how stable it is. We just rolled it off the freight truck into the workshop and it was ready to go. Rock solid—not a wobble.”—Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Kobalt workbench at Lowe’s. 

Our Ratings: Assembly 4.5/5; Stability 5/5; Durability 4.5/5; Value 4.8/5

We’ve been using the Yukon workbench for 2 years now, and it’s just as solid today as the day we assembled it. Best of all, it’s an affordable workbench, especially for one that’s made from solid wood. 

It took about an hour to assemble, but it came with clear-cut instructions and visuals that simplified the process. The work surface on this hardwood workbench measures 64.4 inches long by 20.1 inches wide, which is about right for small- to medium-size projects. We use it as a station for rotary tools and to organize our small tool boxes. It weighs in at 104 pounds, so it’s best suited for positioning in a permanent spot in the workshop. It comes with a wood vise that attaches to the side and pre-drilled holes and pegs in the work surface for bracing materials. 

The Yukon is rated to hold up to 600 pounds, and we have no reason to doubt its weight-bearing capacity. We’ve placed about 100 pounds on it, and it was rock-solid. 

It comes with three felt-lined drawers that are handy for organizing tools and accessories, and it also has a shelf at the bottom for storing larger items. This is a budget-friendly, high-quality workbench for someone who needs a versatile and durable work surface. 

Get the Yukon workbench at Harbor Freight. 

Our Ratings: Assembly 3/5; Stability 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.8/5

This Husky workbench might have given the Kobalt a run for its money for the best overall spot, but it had a couple of unfortunate machining issues. What should have been a 2-hour assembly turned into a 2-day process because the bolts on the screw-in leveling feet were too large for the holes in the legs, and we had to buy a tap-and-die set in order to rethread the holes in the legs so that we could attach the feet.

After that was fixed, the rest of the workbench came together slowly but simply. Understand that everything has to be built on this one; for example, the drawers are flat sheets of metal that must be folded along perforations to form the drawer sides and backs. Drawer slides must be installed, and all the supports must be assembled. It’s truly a full assembly.

Once it was assembled, however, the Husky proved to be a solid workbench. It has three no-slam drawers and a pegboard back that’s very handy. We used the Husky bench every day over the following weeks for sawing and assembling furniture, and it was rugged and reliable. 

This is a long workbench (8 feet), so it needs a large wall behind it. But for those who need the space that large workbenches provide, it’s a hardy surface—once it’s assembled, that is. 

Get the Husky workbench at The Home Depot.

Our Ratings: Assembly 3.5/5; Stability 4.5/5; Durability 4.5/5; Value 5/5

The Ryobi Speed Bench has an advantage over non-mobile benches because it can be rolled from project to project, offering an instant work surface no matter where the job is. It also doubles as a hand truck, which makes it even more versatile. 

The installation takes about 1.5 hours (there are many small parts), and before starting, take a look at Ryobi’s assembly video, which walks through the entire process. 

Once we got it assembled, a few features stood out. We liked the foot lever, which makes it easy to fold the bench into an upright position for use as a hand truck. The footplate is a nice size for carrying large items, and we found the wheels rolled smoothly even when transporting a 100-pound load. 

In bench mode, the Ryobi’s work surface measures 42 inches long by 22 inches wide, which is enough for holding a miter saw or other tools and accessories. We used clamps to hold lumber for sawing, and we were impressed with the rulers (metric and SAE) on all sides of the work surface. It also features an angle guide for marking precise cuts.

This model isn’t quite as solid and sturdy as the others we tested, but it’s meant to be mobile, so it’s normal to have a bit of play in the bench if bumped or pushed. We think this is acceptable for the trade-off of having a portable workbench. 

Get the Ryobi workbench at The Home Depot.

Our Ratings: Assembly 4.8/5; Stability 4.5/5; Durability 4.5/5; Value 5/5

If portability is the main factor, it’s hard to beat the Worx Pegasus Folding Work Table. With a surface area of only 5 square feet, a height of 32 inches, and a weight of just 30 pounds, it can be easily folded up and tucked in the back of a car or truck to go to the worksite. 

The trickiest aspect of using the Worx Pegasus is locking the clamps into the worktop, which takes a bit of getting used to. We had to squeeze the handle of each clamp and place the clamp into small recesses on the table’s side to lock them in place. 

The Worx includes clamps and holding pegs. An interesting added feature of this product is that the surface of the workbench can be removed from the legs to serve as a sawhorse. 

We’ve tested a lot of portable work tables, and none of them fold as flat as the Pegasus. While a wooden sawhorse might carry the load, it can’t be stored away or transported as conveniently as the Pegasus. Also, a piece of plywood stretched across two sawhorses doesn’t provide a fraction of the stability and sturdiness that the Worx offers.

What our tester says: “In testing more than half a dozen portable workbenches, I found that no other model was as easy to set up and take down as the Pegasus. Plus, its built-in hardware pockets, handholds, and clamp storage are extremely convenient.” —Tom Scalisi, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Worx Pegasus workbench at Amazon or Target. 

Another Great Option

While we didn’t test the following workbench, it made our shortlist of top models. 

The perfect table to bring an updated look and better lighting into a dark workshop, the Seville Classics UltraHD Lighted Workbench features two stainless steel drawers and a heavy-duty steel frame. It can hold a maximum weight capacity of 500 pounds, and the workbench can easily be adjusted with the leveling feet at the bottom of each leg. The pegboard is fastened to the back of the workbench, providing ample space for tools to be hung, and holds a fluorescent light at the top, which illuminates the beechwood surface area.

Get the Seville lighted workbench at Amazon. 

How We Chose and Tested the Best Workbenches

Choosing workbenches for our hands-on test was a straightforward process. We researched more than 35 top-rated models, looking closely at build quality, overall design, and intended use. We then narrowed the list down to the 10 we wanted to test in our own shops based on customer feedback and price. Our goal was to test benches suitable for a wide range of users so that there would be something for everyone. 

During testing, we used the workbenches in the same way our readers would—we assembled them, leveled them, and then used them for our day-to-day DIY projects. We noted how sturdy they were and whether they wobbled. We used them as miter saw tables and we assembled furniture on their surfaces. 

Every step of the way, we took note of their strength and stability. Each workbench was awarded points based on a rubric: the better it performed on a test or assessment, the higher the points. After testing, we averaged the points to determine the top pick and discern the best uses for the other models. 

What to Consider When Choosing a Workbench

Workbench designs differ because users’ needs differ. Before buying, consider the size of the work surface, the bench’s weight capacity, and whether drawers or other storage options are necessary.

Size

Surface area and height are key considerations when determining which workbench to buy. Workbenches with a smaller surface area (around 4 square feet) are not great for cutting long pieces of wood because they don’t support the wood enough to create a balanced surface that is safe and easy enough to work on. For these purposes, a larger surface area (8 to 12 square feet) would be better. That being said, smaller benches can be great when painting or working on fine-detail projects. The smaller size provides the necessary surface area for the project while also providing mobility and accessibility.

Depending on the workbench, height can often be adjusted to level out the table or to provide a higher or lower surface to suit the height of the DIYer. Height becomes especially important when considering the position you’ll be in while working. To avoid a sore back, purchase a workbench that has the right height setting to match your comfort level. 

Weight Capacity

The average DIY project won’t call for a 3,000-pound weight tolerance, but a workbench that can only hold up to 150 pounds may severely limit project choices. Knowing the weight restrictions before buying can help avoid injury or damage from a collapsed workbench in the middle of a project. Mobile workbenches require a lightweight build that can be easily carried, and due to this requirement, they tend to have lower weight restrictions. However, even mobile benches can support up to 1,000 pounds.

Storage

A workbench is commonly the cornerstone of a workshop. It is where larger power tools, like a chop saw, are set up for careful cuts, and it can be a place where all the nuts, bolts, and tools to work with them are kept. A garage workbench with storage might not be mobile (beyond a set of wheels on each leg in some cases), but it makes up for it by providing a place for all the tools to be hung or stored in an organized and easy-to-find way. 

Whether it is designated compartments and drawers or a pegboard backing where tools can be hung, added storage in any workshop is a benefit. A workbench with cabinets will offer even more storage options.

Portability

Before buying, it’s crucial to determine where exactly you’ll be putting the workbench. Is it only going to be used inside of an established workshop, or will it be used inside and outside the home as required? A workbench’s portability will greatly depend on size, storage, and weight restrictions. Portable workbenches can be mobile, meaning that they can fold up to half their size and can be carried with relative ease. Workbenches can also be fixed or wall-mounted. Benches of this sort have feet that support half of their frame while the back of the bench is fastened to a supporting wall. For the DIYer looking to cut lumber in the backyard or paint the upstairs bedroom, the wall-mounted workbench isn’t a great fit because it lacks portability.

Determine whether the workbench will be a permanent fixture or if it will be as portable as the rest of the tools; perhaps it may fall somewhere in between. Heavy-duty steel frames that are not capable of folding away typically hold more weight, have more surface area, and offer more storage space than the average mobile workbench, and some even come with wheels that can be locked or released for added mobility.

Additional Features

Workbenches come with an incredible variety of additional features. Some fixed benches come with the option of built-in lighting, making them perfect for the workshop. Other benches offer woodworking clamps and padding inside storage compartments. Take the additional features into consideration, as many of them can make a project easier, while others may just be a fun addition. If you need an extra small or unusually large model, consider building your own workbench—it’s not a difficult project.

FAQs 

If you still have some questions concerning workbenches, you’ll likely find the answer here. 

Meet the Tester

Tom Scalisi is a freelance writer specializing in the home design, construction, tools, and automotive industries. He has been in the trades for over 15 years as both a contractor and a commercial building mechanic. As a lover of all things tools, construction, and DIY, he’s always looking for new tools and techniques while also sharing his knowledge with the DIY world. 

Glenda Taylor is a contractor, product tester, and writer focusing primarily on construction, DIY tools, and home appliances. She tests a wide range of power tools as well as other home improvement, household, and lawn-and-garden products.

Additional research provided by Timothy Dale.

 

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