Has anyone built an outdoor workbench? I have an area at the side of the house I’d like to put a bench and store the garbage cans under. Here in FL without A/C in the garage sometimes it’s nicer to work outside. I’m thinking steel frame with maybe PT lumber top. I would potentially use it for heavy items such as transmissions. Thoughts or suggestions are appreciated.
Outdoor workbench
- Thread starter williamj
- Start date
Marctrees
Well-known member
4x4 wood legs, 2x4 or 6 stringers, 2x6 top boards.
Actually, probably 6" if you may load it w a ******.
Rabbet the top stringers in maybe 1" into the posts.. so they sit on the ledge.
3 1/2" "Decking" screws everywhere.
Titebond 3 exterior glue.
You can use treated, but non treated will still last for years.
Marc
Actually, probably 6" if you may load it w a ******.
Rabbet the top stringers in maybe 1" into the posts.. so they sit on the ledge.
3 1/2" "Decking" screws everywhere.
Titebond 3 exterior glue.
You can use treated, but non treated will still last for years.
Marc
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Bretny
Well-known member
You dont need PT wood for that. I have 2x6 pine boards that have been on a trailer for 8yrs. Not a sign or rot.
southalabama
Well-known member
You are in Florida. Get treated. Termites and the weather will destroy non treated lumber quickly. Termites will even eat the new treated wood.
I'd use 4x4 for the legs and 2x8 or larger for the braces and top.
I've got a buddy with a bench made as described above in his backyard. Anytime he has scrap paint he throws some on the legs and braces. It's bullet proof.
I'd use 4x4 for the legs and 2x8 or larger for the braces and top.
I've got a buddy with a bench made as described above in his backyard. Anytime he has scrap paint he throws some on the legs and braces. It's bullet proof.
bad_idea
Well-known member
I'd build it with a steel frame. Good coat of paint and it should last forever. If you can swing it, I'd use stainless for the top. Perhaps you can find some used stainless commercial kitchen benches on CL. Find one with a sink built in and that could be useful.
TapperMan
Well-known member
Responder
Well-known member
Did you glue those and then ready rod through them?
TapperMan
Well-known member
I ripped about 1/4" off the top edges, glued them up with biscuits and threaded rod. It's pretty heavy.
Marctrees
Well-known member
Most important thing about a bench - Leave a 1 1/2" minimum overhang on all sides... So, .. the top cantilevers 1 1/2" +.
Now, you have the ability to clamp things anywhere on the perimeter.
Marc
Now, you have the ability to clamp things anywhere on the perimeter.
Marc
Marctrees
Well-known member
Tapper - Nice anti rust detail on the feet.
Polyethylene ??
Marc
Polyethylene ??
Marc
Where did you get the metal base for the table?
lakelandcat
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Got my vote, if your going to work on trans. its going to be a lot easier to clean. Wood will soak up burnt oil and stink.Jhoff310
Well-known member
Truck bed or trailer works in a pinch. I have used both on more than occassion, usually because my bench is covered by another project
TapperMan
Well-known member
Yep, I need to move it every so often and didn't want to scratch up the finish on the cement since it's outside and exposed to the elements.
TapperMan
Well-known member
If I recall correctly, Zoro.
bargainhuntingking
Well-known member
Nice bench Tapper. I have similar steel legs (by Lyon) on my steel topped workbench. The lower shelf and rear back brace adds stability. I mounted mine on 2x6" planks with casters so it's mobile, and it adds more height making it more like a stand up workbench.
The legs can be found online at places like this:
https://www.gamut.com/p/flared-leg-for-modular-work-benches-steel-adj-flared-leg-Njk4NjUz
The flared legs are 50% stronger (6000lb capacity) than the straight legs.
The legs can be found online at places like this:
https://www.gamut.com/p/flared-leg-for-modular-work-benches-steel-adj-flared-leg-Njk4NjUz
The flared legs are 50% stronger (6000lb capacity) than the straight legs.
Rickster55
Well-known member
WOW! A lot less than I would have expected!
bargainhuntingking
Well-known member
I agree. Especially with Tapperman's 2x4 wood top, that's an excellent value heavy duty bench.
Pics of mine (it's an indoor bench, pardon the clutter):
Attachments
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For HD legs like that, it isn't worth the time and effort to make your own.
Thanks for the link
LifeLongWNYer
Well-known member
If you are going to do transmission, and that sort of stuff, on it, I would guess that the oil which will naturally accumulates from work like that would be better than using pressure treated lumber.
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