Workbench depth

[Lucid Moments]

So I have looked and seen dozens of threads about workbenches. My skills aren't up to one of the Steevo benches yet and I have to have something to work from. So I am planning a workbench out of 2X4's and plywood. Since hundreds of these have been built and covered on here over the years I won't go too far into the actual construction of it, but have one specific question I can't decide on.

How deep is your workbench? And do you like it that way? My current plan is for 30" but I am still considering down to 24". My shop is mostly being built for race car related work, but I am sure it will get used for almost everything else in addition to car stuff. Building computers, repairing lawnmowers etc.

All thoughts and contributions are welcome.

 

[hammerhead611]

Will you be using wall space behind the workbench to hang tools, supplies, etc? If so, build it to where you don't have to stretch over the workbench to reach items stored on the wall behind the workbench

 

[The Cobbler]

I think it depends on what you are doing. 24" to 36"range is my thinking

 

[bczygan]

No more than 24", or it becomes a catchall.

Bill

 

[James-W]

Every workbench I have ever seen has been a "catch-all" with the exception of the workbenches that you fold down when not in use. My workbench is no exception, it is filled with stuff that I need to remove in order to use the workbench for a project.

 

[WQ59B]

If 'every bench becomes a catch-all', then why not allot some space for that?
I'd have to go measure mine; I know it's more than 24- I think it's 30, but I also ran a piece of 4" angle iron across the front edge to clamp/bang on, so make it 34". The things hanging on the wall are a stretch to reach; yes, but less never equals more.

 

[techieman33]

No more than 24", or it becomes a catchall.

Bill

I think that's the reason to build it deeper. No matter what you do it's going to be a catchall. At least if it's deep enough you can keep that stuff towards the back and still have some clear real estate towards the front.

 

[ZRX61]

30in is about ideal, 24in is just a wide shelf.


I had one that was 4x8ft, but one of the 4ft ends was against the wall, not the 8ft. It ended up getting cut down to 4x4ft.

 

[matt_i]

If you are accessing this from both sides I'd say go for the 48" depth.

If against a wall it could be up to that 48" dimension with a hutch or mezz on it that could hold the things that collect on the flat surface of the bench....or...it could just be another enabler to hoard

 

[OptionalStop]

Also depends on your height and how far you can reach for things if the bench will be against the wall as others have said. My preferred setup is an island type bench where it can be accessed from all sides. It makes working on things super easy especially lawnmowers where you can walk around it instead of moving the work. If going that route bigger is always better. If against the wall, for me 30" is about right.

 

[laser3kw]

My first (and still working) workbench was made with consideration to materials. I ripped a sheet of ply wood to make the top 30" and used the left over 18" for a lower shelf.
I like the 30" depth as it gives you space to put parts during assembly or disassembly (I use to race too). To work on stuff like lawn mowers and such I have an air lift. That is more the island idea stated above ^^^. So, make that "the next thing to buy"

 

[cdods]

I built my 30" deep, and I find it's about perfect. The front 24" actually are used, and the back 6" or so are good for shoving parts, tools etc to keep them out of the way. I just have to remember to clean up that back 6" or it slowly accumulates junk.

 

[zmotorsports]

At my last shop I built the benches at 26" deep and many times working on either a transmission, transfer case or motorcycle engine had wished they were deeper.

When I built my new shop I went 30" deep and love them. Would never go any less than that ever again.

I also went a little taller in my new shop. My last shop benches were 38" to top of the work surface but my son is 6'4" and I am 6'2" so I went 40" to top of work surface on my new work benches. Love 'em.

 

[ed_v]

I think 30" is ideal. 24" is too narrow and 36" becomes too deep to reach things high up on the wall.

Ed

 

[ManOnTheCouch]

Depends on the height and whether it's up against the wall. I have three work benches in my shop. Two are standing height and one is sitting height. Two are against the wall and one is freestanding in the middle of the shop. The tall one against the wall is relatively narrow, about 24". The one I can sit at is about 36" since it's lower and I can still reach the wall. The one in the middle of the shop it standing height and about 40" wide.

 

[86turbodsl]

My first workbench was 36 wide and about 38 tall. I hated that bench. I think more than about 30 wide is just a **** catcher.

 

[Lucid Moments]

FWIW this workbench will be up against a wall. It is going in a new shop so I don't have all the details of where stuff is going to end up yet, but I have to start somewhere.

 

[Falcon67]

30" if possible. 24" minimum. Part of my 30" depth has small parts storage but not all. So even with the parts on the back I still have at least 24" of work space. If it's a walk-around, then 36" works. I also set my bench higher than something like your normal vanity height. I'm 6' 1", so it's more comfortable standing at the bench and not partially bent over. Keep that in mind. Cardboard mock ups can help sort out final configurations.

 

[Maui]

I'd make it 30" wide. I built my favorite work bench from scratch around 2004 and still use it on a weekly (if not daily) basis. It measures 8 feet long and the top of the bench is 42" above the floor. It is about perfect for me, but I'm taller than most.

Maui

 

[ckucia]

I have a long wall with four benches. I have pegboard behind all of them to hold tools.

Three of them are 24" which makes it easy to reach tools. They're also sized to be comfortable working while standing. I keep things like grinder, bench press on these.

The fourth is something closer to 4' x 8' (a little less based on the materials I had at the time). It's also maybe 6" lower. My vice is on here on a reinforced corner. I use this for things that are complicated and need to be spread out, or for things that need pounding or force as the lower height gives me more downward leverage. I also use it for long-term projects where I want to sit down.

Generally, the higher, short depth benches are for quick work and I have the tools generally set up in stations. One area mostly woodworking, one area mostly measuring, etc. The lower deeper bench is kind of my main go-to everything bench.

If you're like me, your needs will change over time, but this works best for me now.

BTW, the 24" deep benches are all cantilevered so it's easier to sweep under there or slide something below for storage. The big bench is solid and heavy and thick. It's held many an engine or transmission over the years.

 

[oldwino]

I've always gone with 24". easy to reach everything and you can rip sheet goods (I use HDO) in half to double the thickness and strength.

 

[619DioFan]

Both of my benches are slightly under 20'' wide as the tops are made from 2x10's. the frame is 2''x2'' steel and there is a 2'' over hang on front for clamping to. one bench is 6 feet long and the other is 4 feet long. I like the narrow depth and have never felt it was too shallow. both benches are 42'' tall which is perfect for me as I am 6'4'' ( almost 6'6'' in my boots )

 

[kbs2244]

Go check your kitchen.
The base cabinets are really work benches.
After generations of experenice, they are 24 inches deep.

 

[Lucky13driver]

I ve built several benches for buddies and whenever I moved into a new house. 24" deep works really well as long as there isn't anything sitting on the back of it against the wall. In my current home I built the SteveO bench 30" deep. I wouldn't go back to a 24". Hight wise I always made the top of the bench at my navel it's super comfortable for long all day projects. Also it's a great hight for a bar hight stool.


Here's a link to my workbench build:
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=408820

 

[akdiesel]

It really depends on your setup. Does your garage/shop allow for 30” deep? Are you planning on installing a toolbox below it?
Most standard toolboxes will allow a 24” bench, any bigger and there is wasted space behind it.
Someone mentioned kitchen spaces. These are 24” and easy to get the cabinets for storage and strong enough to do most diy work. Plus most dimensional lumber can be cut in half or 4’s for little to no waste.
Now for 30” benches. There has been lots of research on this and certain companies are designing their cabinets and benches in this size range since it does work better for manufacturing and organizing. Lista, Vidmar, Lyon ,Equipto, etc. have been in the business for years with 30” size depth range because they have done their research. But this can be expensive.

 

[shedfullatools]

My main bench along the back wall is 24" so I could be stingy with the ply wood and have one sheet do a 16' bench. 30" would be more Ideal but 24" isn't too bad even with tools hung on the wall behind it

 

[ZRX61]

As for bench height:
The usual formula is distance from your elbow to the ground, minus the height of your vise... or at least the vise you favor over all the others...

 

[bad_idea]

My bench is 24" deep by 13' long. Great for most all automotive projects. In addition to that I have a 4x8 table on wheels that I roll out to the middle of the shop for bigger projects.

 

[cadunkle]

Mine is 32"x72", 36" height. I am going to build a better bench at some point which I'm thinking 28"-30" depth and raise the height to 40" (I'm 6'4"). 32" depth is fine but maybe more than I need, the back is easily reachable but ends up being a catch all so a few inches less may discourage that while keeping all the space I normally use. 24" would be too small for some things I work on (automotive, transmissions, etc.).

 

[SilverBulletZ06]

Extend your arm. From chest to palm is ideal for you. Everyone is a bit different on "ideal" for a regular workbench.

 

[taumac]

Here’s a couple of idea. It does repeat some thing people said earlier.

 

[WaterBoyz]

Lots of good info here in such a short time.....typical GJ.

I'd rather have drawers under the bench for my common stuff than constantly reaching to the back wall.

A side note, use a solid core door as you bench top. Cut it down to size. I found mine at Lowes at the scratch-n-dent section in building materials for like $25.

Also, if you are mounting a metal vice, mount it on the corner so the fixed face of the vice is about 1/2" inch past the front and side edges of the top so you can clamp long things.

 

[kylefitz]

My new to me shop had a built in bench when I moved in. I though it was way to deep when I first started using it. Then I realized the previous owner had a 12" deep bolt bin along the back side of the bench. I put my parts drawers back there and love it. i have about 30" in front of the parts bins.

I'm also a fan of a free standing bench or work table if you have room for one. Preferably lower then the rest for working on taller projects.

 

[maralibis]

Whatever you decided make sure its on wheels
that way you can pull it from the wall and have a 360 deg work bench to spin around to work on large projects...got that advise from watching Adam Savage videos on You Tube

 

[38Chevy454]

I built my workbench to be 32 inches deep x 12 ft long. Cut a std 4x8 sheet into thirds (32 x 48 inches) and no waste. I also added a small shelf at the back approx 10 inches above the bench surface. That shelf is great for holding small cans and similar items within reach, but not in the way.

 

[Hallucar]

Some good info on this thread. I'm at the workbench (against wall) building stage of my shop too, and was recently wondering about workbench height/depth dimensions. Seems like it's a 50/50 split on 24" vs 30" for depth. I'm 5'11" and thinking I may just split the difference and go with 28".

 

[taumac]

Whatever you decided make sure its on wheels

that way you can pull it from the wall and have a 360 deg work bench to spin around to work on large projects...got that advise from watching Adam Savage videos on You Tube

Yep, you can always lag bolted to the wall when needed and unbolted it to roll around

 

[RKA]

I like 30" if you can accommodate it. If you're going to put drawers under it, that's even better. You'll lose 4-5" if you work back to the interior drawer dimensions and if you're starting with a 24" top, now the drawers are a little on the shallow side (for me, when they are too shallow, I start piling stuff into the drawer). 24" makes better use of materials in the typical sizes we get, and let's face it, not all of us have room for a 30" deep bench with room for drawers to fully slide out!

 

[PelicanPines]

Best bench I ever had was 4' x 6'... dead center in the room... I miss the days of space.

 

[BigGarage]

I deliberated long & hard about how deep to make mine and finally went with 24" front to rear depth. I did not want to have to reach too far to grab things and did not want to take up too much room with a deeper top. I used a dado blade to cut into the 4" x 4"s so the 2" x 4"s and the rear 2" x 6" fits very fine indeed. Heavy duty wheels make it easy to move if needed.

Sorry but all of my 1st pics (building in progress) of this bench are on a computer with a ransomware virus. If I ever get it cleared up I will be very happy. I do have printed out pics of my bench (many pics) but my scanner is out in the garage.