A 6 ft workbench on 4x4 legs with a 2x4 frame, a double plywood top and a lower shelf.
Draft plan, generated from the model. Not yet build-tested.
72 x 24 inSize
36.0 inHeight
2 layers 3/4 in plyTop
3 to 5 hrBuild time
$208.97Materials
Drawings All dimensions in inches
3D viewfinishedFront elevationRight elevationPlan viewfrom above
Cut list: lumber Long-point lengths; angles noted
Qty
Stock
Length
Part
Cut
1
2x4
65
Top rail front
on edge, between the legs
1
2x4
65
Top rail back
on edge, between the legs
1
2x4
65
Shelf rail front
on edge, between the legs
1
2x4
65
Shelf rail back
on edge, between the legs
1
2x4
17
Top end rail left
on edge, between the legs
1
2x4
17
Top end rail right
on edge, between the legs
1
2x4
17
Shelf end rail left
on edge, between the legs
1
2x4
17
Shelf end rail right
on edge, between the legs
4
4x4 PT
34 1/2
Leg
Cut list: sheet goods
Part
Stock
Size
Note
Shelf
3/4 ply
65 x 24
cut to fit between the legs
Top 1
3/4 ply
74 x 26
two layers, glued and screwed
Top 2
3/4 ply
74 x 26
Lumber cutting diagram Lengths chosen for the lowest cost; 1/8 in kerf, 1/2 in end trim
2x4 x 12 ft
Top rail back 65Shelf rail front 65
2x4 x 10 ft
Top rail front 65Top end rail left 17Top end rail right 17Shelf end rail left 17
2x4 x 8 ft
Shelf rail back 65Shelf end rail right 17
4x4 PT x 8 ft
Leg 1 34 1/2Leg 2 34 1/2
4x4 PT x 8 ft
Leg 3 34 1/2Leg 4 34 1/2
Sheet cutting diagrams Dashed = openings to cut out
Sheet 1: 3/4 in plywood, 4 x 8 ftSheet 2: 3/4 in plywood, 4 x 8 ftSheet 3: 3/4 in plywood, 4 x 8 ft
Shopping list $208.97 checked / $0.00 estimated
Item
Store
Qty
Each
Line
Note
2x4x10 stud, SPF
Home Depot
1
$5.46
$5.46
see lumber cutting diagram
2x4x12 stud, SPF
Home Depot
1
$7.12
$7.12
see lumber cutting diagram
2x4x8 stud, SPF
Home Depot
1
$4.15
$4.15
see lumber cutting diagram
4x4x8 ground-contact pressure-treated
Home Depot
2
$11.28
$22.56
see lumber cutting diagram
23/32 in (3/4 in) CDX plywood, 4x8 sheet
Lowe's
3
$46.57
$139.71
see sheet cutting diagrams
Exterior wood screws #9 x 2.5 in, 5 lb box
Home Depot
1
$29.97
$29.97
Total before tax
$208.97
Filled dot: price read from a store listing on Oct 20, 2026. Hollow dot: estimate. Prices come from the master price list, so they change when it changes.
Build steps
Cut four legs from 4x4s, and the rails from 2x4s.
Screw the two end frames flat on the floor: two legs joined by a top rail and a lower rail between them, on edge.
Stand the two end frames and screw the front and back rails between them, top and bottom.
Check square by measuring both diagonals, then screw the plywood shelf onto the lower rails.
Glue and screw the two layers of 3/4 in plywood for the top, each from below through the top rails, so the face has no screws.
Seal the top with two coats of polyurethane, or leave it bare so it can be replaced.
Before you start
At 36 in the top is a comfortable working height for most people. Raise the legs 2 in if you are over 6 ft.
A double layer of 3/4 in ply is flat, heavy and cheap. A bench like this carries a vise or a small saw without moving.
Bolt it to the wall studs if you use it for heavy planing.
Draft drawings generated from the model. Build one before selling this plan.