Garage Workbench and Organizers

Tools:

tape measure
pencil
paper
saw horses
circular saw
framing square
2x4s
2x6s
1/4-inch plywood
safety glasses
dust mask
wood glue
level
torpedo level
pneumatic stapler
2-inch screws
2-1/2 inch screws
1-1/4 inch drywall screws
drill with screwdriver attachment
jigsaw (or keyhole saw)
finishing nails
shelf cleats
hinge hardware for cabinet doors
pegboard
water-based stain
polyurethane sealant
paintbrushes
paint roller
clean towels
wire shelf kit
adjustable tool bracket
shop light

1. To begin the layout, measure from the sidewall out 6-feet and made a mark on the floor. Then make the same 6-foot measurement from the back wall. Next, transfer these measurements to your plan (figure A).

2. Measure 2-feet from the side and back walls to determine the depth of the bench.

3. Using a circular saw and a framing square as a guide cut two 6-foot long bottom shelves (figure B). Next, cut the sides out for the cabinet. To make the toe kicks make a 4x4-inch mark in the front corner of the sidepieces and cut them out. Next, cut the 2x4 supports for the counter top. Be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust mask when operating a circular saw.

5. Turn the bottom shelving over and use 2-inch screws to permanently attach the supports to the shelves. Don’t forget to wear safety glasses to protect your eyes.

7. Attach the 2x4 supports for the countertop. You want to make sure the 2x4s are flush with the top of the plywood before securing them so you have a level surface for the counter top (figure E).

8. Attach the 1/4-inch plywood back to the cabinet making sure the cabinet is square. Use a pneumatic stapler to secure the back (figure F). Make sure the plywood is flush with the top and sides of the cabinet. Remember to put safety first and be sure you keep your hands clear from the end of the pneumatic stapler.

9. Move the cabinet into position against the side wall and secure the cabinets to the studs with 2-1/2 inch screws (figure G).

10. After attaching a backsplash attach the tabletop and secure it with finishing nails (figure H).

11. Attach the face frame to the front and sides of the cabinet with finishing nails. Make sure the trim is flush with the countertop before attaching permanently. Next, attach shelf cleats to the side walls of the cabinet. Then slide the assembled shelf into place (figure I).

12. After cutting the doors to size, attach the hinges to the doors using the supplied screws. Attach doors to cabinet leaving a bit of space between them (figure J). Also, be sure the doors are level. Finally, drill a hole for the pull knobs and screw them into place.

13. If necessary, measure the pegboard and make cutouts for any electrical outlets. Be sure to turn the power off to any outlets while you're working around them. Make cutouts using a jigsaw, and be sure to wear your safety glasses and dust mask. If you don’t have a jigsaw you could use a handsaw and keyhole saw to make the cuts.

14. Lift the pegboard above the bench and check its position against the wall. After positioning the panel, drive 1-1/4 inch drywall screws through the flush surface of the pegboard and into a stud. Don’t put the screws through the holes in the pegboard, because then the screw head will go through the board. Drive the screws in at 12-inch intervals vertically and at every stud along the top and bottom of the panels (figure K). Replace the faceplates on the outlets.

16. After the stain soaks in, wipe off excess with a clean towel. Allow the stain to dry for an hour or so (check directions on the package for exact drying time). Apply a coat of polyurethane using a brush and roller. The polyurethane protects the stain and gives a nice finished look to the bench.17. Next hang the wire shelves. Determine the height of the top shelf and make a level line. This line will determine were the shelf clips go. Next, attach the clips to the studs and then put the shelf in the clips and secure it (figure M).

18. Use supplied brackets to support the front of the shelves. Check to make sure they're level using a torpedo level. Hang remaining shelves in the same manner (figure N).

19. Hang tool organizer using supplied screws driven into to the studs (figure O).

20. Hang the shop light in the desired location.