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This great little fold-up work bench was created in a couple of hours with only a few basic tools. It is so handy for those tight garage spaces where you don’t want to have a full-time work bench taking up space. I can just unlatch the sides and have a fully usable workbench immediately. Such a great little project for anyone with limited garage space.
You can view more of my projects on my Bunnings Workshop page or on Instagram by following alicias_woodworking_sundays
Materials
- 9mm MDF Board 1200x900mm https://www.bunnings.com.au/9mm-mdf-panel-standard-1200-x-900mm_p0590072?srsltid=AfmBOorKOAA9JJf5IwJ...
- 2 x 19x89mm Dressed Pine Timber https://www.bunnings.com.au/89-x-19mm-2-4m-dar-pine-premium_p8401464?region_id=112440&gad_source=1&g...
- 1 x Specrite 1200x600x18mm Pine Panel https://www.bunnings.com.au/specrite-1800-x-600-x-18mm-hevea-multi-use-panel_p0447358?region_id=1124...
- 2 x Door Hinges https://www.bunnings.com.au/lane-70-x-50-x-1-6mm-primecoat-loose-pin-durasmooth-butt-hinge_p4169804?...
- 2 x Door Latches https://www.bunnings.com.au/goliath-40mm-faster-with-catch-plate_p0128683?region_id=112440&gad_sourc...
- 2 x Chain https://www.bunnings.com.au/taskmaster-2mm-x-40cm-all-purpose-chain_p4211328?store=2260&gad_source=1...
- 10G 30mm Timber Screws https://www.bunnings.com.au/zenith-10g-x-30mm-zinc-plated-hinge-long-thread-countersunk-head-timber-...
- 8g 16mm Timber Screws https://www.bunnings.com.au/zenith-8g-x-16mm-zinc-plated-hinge-long-thread-countersunk-head-timber-s...
- Clear Spray Varnish https://www.bunnings.com.au/bondall-300g-clear-matt-monocel-timber-varnish-aerosol_p1520561?store=22...
Tools
- Drop Saw
- Cordless Drill
- Disc Sander
Steps
Step 1
Start by using your MDF board as the basis for your frame. Cut this into a 900 x 650mm. Using the 19x89mm Dressed Pine Timber, cut lengths to frame the outside of the back board. Ensure you maintain the boundaries of the back board (do not make it bigger) by screwing the frame to the inside on the board as seen in the picture above. Once you have attached your frame and used screws to strengthen the joints of the 19x89mm timber, you’re ready for step 2.
Step 2
Cut your tabletop using the pine panel. My table measured at 900x450mm. You can now attach this to the base of the cabinet using your two hinges. Attach the door latches either side so that the table can be neatly tucked onto the cabinet. You can now measure and cut the length of your first shelf. This should be attached in line with the top of the tabletop so that the top covers it when lifted up. If you wish, you can also add more shelves.
Step 3
Attach the chains to each side of the inside walls and the other end to the same side corner of the tabletop. Use two 16mm screws per attachment and ensure they are well spaced to provide a solid hook for the chain loop.
Step 4
With all of this done, you can now give it a quick sand and varnish, and it’s ready to be installed on the wall!
Note: I just used 4 blue wall plugs and screws to attach it to the wall as it is very light!
What a fantastic project, @Alicia_Woodwork! I absolutely love the design—it's so compact and practical, making it perfect for tight garage spaces. The simplicity of the build is great as it makes this a highly accessible D.I.Y. project for anyone looking to create a functional fold-up bench.
Well done on executing this so neatly, and many thanks for sharing all the construction details. I’m sure this will inspire many others to tackle similar projects.
Mitchell
