Simpson Strong-Tie Workbench DIY
"This kit is a wonderful, easy option for making a workbench. It has everything you need to make the bench except the lumber, a saw, and a drill. Brief instructions are included in the kit, but we thought we'd help you out and give more of a step-by-step tutorial."
Materials
Your nearest Dunn Lumber location stocks the WBSK Workbench and Shelving Hardware Kit. You'll need to purchase your lumber, cut to the appropriate lengths, and that drill you got for the holidays will certainly come in handy.
If you are looking to build out your home workshop, review this guide from Redfin.
The WBSK includes:
- 8 Rigid Tie® RTC2Z connectors
- 1 Box of Simpson Strong-Tie SD #8 x 1 1/4" screws
- 20 #6 x 1 1/4" flat-head screws
- 4 #6 x 2 1/2" flat-head screws
- DIY Done Right booklet that offers inspiration and instruction to build other home projects with Simpson Strong-Tie® products
- Instruction sheet that includes lumber cut list
Step 1
Start out by cutting the 2x4's into pieces and cutting notches out of the plywood. Simpson provides a diagram for all the cuts that makes a lot more sense than verbal explanation:
Step 2
First attach the four connectors for the bottom shelf to your vertical posts: these will be your two 36" pieces and your two 58" pieces. Measure and mark 6" from the bottom of each post.
Slide the connector into place so that the top of the connector just covers your mark. Keep in mind that the shorter posts will be in front and the taller in the back, and be sure that the arms of the connector are pointing in the correct direction for each corner.
Clamp in place and screw with the #8x 1¼" strong drive screws.
One thing we love about this project is that you don't have to pre-drill!
Step 3
Connect horizontal rails on each side: fit the 45" and the 17" pieces into the tracks of the connectors. Clamp and screw in place.
Step 4
Now your bottom level is complete. Grab the plywood with the four notches and fit into place as the bottom shelf. Secure with six of the #6x1¼" screws.
Step 5
Next you can start on the top shelf. Measure up from the top of the attached connectors mark at 28 3/8" mark. This will be the top edge of your upper shelf connectors. Position and clamp down these connectors making sure they also are facing the right direction. Fit the 45" and 17" horizontal rails into place as you did on the bottom shelf.
Screw in place. Position the other piece of plywood and secure in the same way you did the first shelf.
Step 6
Position the 48" length of 2x4 on top of your two back posts and screw in place using the four #6x2 ½" flat head screws.
Step 7
Laying the table on it's front place the pegboard and fasten in place with the remaining #6x1¼" screws. Consider what you will be hanging from the pegboard and add your own screws as needed.
And, voila! Your very own workbench.
This isn't the only DIY bench we have in our archives! Looking for something different? Check out this clever potting bench for gardening, this shoe storage bench that's perfect for small entryways, or this super simple wooden outdoor bench.
