I live in a small townhouse with no basement or garage. But, I am constantly doing projects and I decided my only option is to build a 2'x4' table outside. There will be no way to cover it, so what would be the best type of wood to use to build it that won't rot in the next 5 years? This doesn't need to be anything fancy. I ve been putting off some projects that I need to use a vice for so it needs to be able to hold it. The vice will be installed and taken off each time I use it so it won't be exposed to the elements.
I need to build a workbench...outside
- Thread starter malt0se
- Start date
HoosierMark
Well-known member
My thought would be to make it with a removable top to cover the work top. That way it could double as a serving table. I am assuming you are doing this on your patio/deck. So if you make it a work top and then have a top that fits over it you can do double duty with it. No one would need to know you have a work bench top underneath.
5 years isn't long at all. Pressure treated 2 bys should hold up fine.
A 2ft x 4ft top can be 2 layers of 3/4 AC plywood screwed to the bench frame. If you can cover it with a small sheet of plastic or tarp when not in use, should last a couple years, then just replace the plywood.
A 2ft x 4ft top can be 2 layers of 3/4 AC plywood screwed to the bench frame. If you can cover it with a small sheet of plastic or tarp when not in use, should last a couple years, then just replace the plywood.
that's a good idea
doan
Well-known member
Make it out of Composite deck boards. Will last forever.
fourjeepin
Well-known member
I would build a "picnic table". Use 2x lumber so it will be very solid. Work bench might get you in trouble with landlord, neighbors, etc. picnic table won't.
My first place was a rental townhouse without a garage. I built a bench and worked out of a 4x6 exterior utility room. Far from ideal, but it did the job.
My first place was a rental townhouse without a garage. I built a bench and worked out of a 4x6 exterior utility room. Far from ideal, but it did the job.
triumphguy
Active member
I would use kee klamps and a plywood top that I covered when not in use.
bazzateer
Well-known member
How about copying Jack Olsen's folding workbench idea? When not in use it folds against the wall.
archirelic
Well-known member
You should make yourself a Paulk workbench. You could break it down after every use.
Link: Paulk Workbench II
Link: Paulk Workbench II
If you are in a dry climate I have no idea how long it will last, but if you are in an area that gets decent rainfall oak lumber assembled with galvanized fastners will last more that five years. Treated pine will last longer that that, also using galvanized fastners. Check out how long your neighbors decks have lasted.
Where the legs contact the ground is the issue with non treated lumber, oak included. Setting the legs in containers of old oil would work but might cause other problems. Treated lumber would be best for legs.
I like the picnic table idea. You could make some benches for seats and use them for low assembly tables or something as well as adding to the picnic table disguise. Actually eating there occasionally would add to the decepetion.
KEH
Where the legs contact the ground is the issue with non treated lumber, oak included. Setting the legs in containers of old oil would work but might cause other problems. Treated lumber would be best for legs.
I like the picnic table idea. You could make some benches for seats and use them for low assembly tables or something as well as adding to the picnic table disguise. Actually eating there occasionally would add to the decepetion.
KEH
ChargedUp!
Well-known member
Use an outdoor grill cover for it when not in use. It will protect it from the elements and keep it "hidden" when not in use.
Zeke
Well-known member
Most 2 x 4 stud lumber is cut with the flat grain on the face which leaves the vertical grain more or less on the edge depending on the board. Cut 2 x 4's in half to make a 1 1/2" wide board and assemble with all thread and some washers between the boards for drainage and drying. That should last several years. Do it with 2 x 6's and you will have enough meat to plane down every so often. You could get many years out of that.
You don't need much for legs, but you do need bracing. I don't get people using 4 x 4's for legs unless they are letting in other members.
I crack up at the thought of a picnic table with a vise on it. It's a good idea but most picnic tables are 30" high. I wouldn't want a 30" bench.
You don't need much for legs, but you do need bracing. I don't get people using 4 x 4's for legs unless they are letting in other members.
I crack up at the thought of a picnic table with a vise on it. It's a good idea but most picnic tables are 30" high. I wouldn't want a 30" bench.
St-rider
Well-known member
do a search for a stainless steel table on craigslist. i see them often from restaurants in various sizes. some will have ss legs and shelves others may have galvanized legs and shelves.
nolimits76
Well-known member
I've used an existing picnic table as a temporary workbench, but don't think I would intentionally build one with that purpose in mind. Too low and not firm/stable enough for my preference.
I'd build out of pressure treated lumber and galvanized fasteners. Attach to an exterior wall that has a little bit of overhang so it gets a little protected. Best yet, as someone else noted, do all this, plus make it so it can fold up (nearly flat) against the side of the house and it will at least provide some protection in the elements.
I'd build out of pressure treated lumber and galvanized fasteners. Attach to an exterior wall that has a little bit of overhang so it gets a little protected. Best yet, as someone else noted, do all this, plus make it so it can fold up (nearly flat) against the side of the house and it will at least provide some protection in the elements.
You might consider using Hardie board as a top or perhaps a topper that isn't permantly attached to the frame. I have a piece of Hardie about 2 x 4 that I leave outside and use on saw horses for outdoor projects. It's been exposed to the elements for over 10 years and looks like new. I know it sounds like it would be too brittle but it's tougher than one would think.
I would go with stainless deck screws if you can find them. Mcmaster has a good selection if you can't find anything locally.
I would go with stainless deck screws if you can find them. Mcmaster has a good selection if you can't find anything locally.
Always_Thinkin
Well-known member
Would you consider a fold up/ tear down workbench? It would be something you could store inside.
rsanter
Well-known member
how about a little working shed of sorts
make it say 2 ft deep and 4 to 6 ft wide
have a sloped roof or metal or composite shingles
integrate the bench inside of it and have a couple of doors on the front that swing open to keep the stuff inside dry and secure
when you move just take it with you
bob
make it say 2 ft deep and 4 to 6 ft wide
have a sloped roof or metal or composite shingles
integrate the bench inside of it and have a couple of doors on the front that swing open to keep the stuff inside dry and secure
when you move just take it with you
bob