Get to Work! 13 DIY Workbenches, Craft Counters, and Potting Tables

Whether you’re a woodworker, gardener, craftaholic or avid DIYer, you need a comfortable area where you can do what you love to do. Sure, there are loads of craft tables, workbenches, and potting benches available for purchase, but why not make your own and save money in the process? Whether you build from scratch or by repurposing existing furniture, there are loads of great options for makers of all skill levels.

Although you're ultimately going to build the DIY craft table, workbench, or potting bench that best suits your needs, some basic guidelines can help focus your efforts. For instance, bear in mind that a table height between 32 and 36 inches often works best, as it allows for most people to work comfortably while standing or sitting. The ideal table depth depends on the kind of work you do. A depth of 30 inches enables most people to reach back to front, but if you work on larger pieces, it may be wise to let the average dimensions of your work dictate the depth of your table.

For some of our favorite examples from of DIY craft table projects and more, click through right now!

By Jennifer Noonan | Updated Nov 26, 2016 05:19 PM

Room for Tools

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DIY Workbench

This simple workbench plan offers plenty of shelving for storage, both above and below eye level. The back incorporates pegboard for handy tool display. Vertical shelf supports make room for hanging oversize essentials like levels and pipe clamps, ensuring ample functionality in a small space.

woodworkingplansplans.com

Filing Cabinet Craft Counter

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DIY Filing Cabinet Bench

This DIY craft table is actually comprised of five different filing cabinets, all sprayed a uniform perky blue and mounted to a piece of plywood on casters. The top is another piece of plywood, stained in gorgeous walnut and trimmed out for a finished look. The assembly offers plenty of real estate for both crafting and storage. We love this repurposed solution!

littlegraytable.blog spot.com

Workbench Turned Potting Bench

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Multipurpose Workbench

Work spaces can often be interchangeable. What was once a workbench in the shop operates just as well outside as a potting bench. The lower shelf provides an ideal storage space for firewood, while the worktop holds a wide selection of gardening accoutrements.


Related: Bob Vila Radio – Potting Benches

ourfifthhouse.com

Ready to Roll

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DIY Mobile Workbench

Add casters to the legs of a workbench to create a mobile workstation. With its generous work surface and lower shelf, this sturdy, basic model would be excellent in the shop, craft room, garden—maybe even the kitchen. While the table doesn’t need a wood finish to do its job, it certainly wouldn't hurt to add a rich, amber stain to complete the project.


Related: Workbench Types

ana-white.com

Repurposed Dresser

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Repurposed Dresser Workbench

Instead of building a DIY craft table from scratch, remember that you can always repurpose a large piece of furniture, such as a dresser. This model boasts a lot of storage space, and an oversize sheet of plywood enlarges the surface area of the worktop.


Related: From Drab to Fab! 10 Fantastic Furniture Makeovers

redouxinteriors.com

Bookcases and Boards

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DIY Bookcase Bench

This DIY craft table isn’t anything more extraordinary than a sheet of plywood mounted on top of two bookcases. Baskets in the cubbies provide storage for crafting materials, and the top creates an extra-large surface for projects-to-be.

thegirlinspired.com

Pallet Garden Bench

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DIY Pallet Potting Bench

Recycled pallets make up both the top and bottom shelf of this modest potting bench. Four 2x4s cut to the same length are screwed into the sides for legs. The interiors of the pallets make handy shelves, keeping small tools and supplies sheltered and stored away.


Related: Weekend Projects – 5 DIYs to Improve Your Outdoor Space

squarefoot.crea tingforum.com

Pipe and Flange

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DIY Pipe Workbench

If you have extra-heavy tools to support on your worktable, a pipe and flange base might be a good option to consider. The main top of this work space is made with 2x10 boards. You can customize the height with different pipe lengths, and even incorporate shorter sections to create shelves and secondary work surfaces.

apairofpears.com

Minimalist Craft Station

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DIY Pegboard Workbench

This super simple DIY craft table was designed with kids in mind. That said, it could be easily scaled up for an adult. All you need is an adjustable sawhorse, some pegboard, and a piece of MDF for the work surface. Oh—and a wall on which to mount it all. But you can have this up and functional in an hour or less.

handmadecharlotte.com

Co-opted Countertop

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DIY Countertop Workbench

Keep it simple with a countertop mounted to standard metal legs. This one is mounted at the perfect height to accommodate a tool chest, mini fridge, and two cushy work stools underneath. Although it’s more shallow than some workbenches, it has plenty of room to mount a vise and plug in power tools.


Related: Quick Tip – Workbench Construction

garagejournal.com

Something for the Kids

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DIY Kids Workbench

It's easy to create a worktable for young DIYers in training. This design upgrades an old TV cart by adding an extended top and pegboard, giving the kids plenty of space to work alongside Mom or Dad. It’s never too early to instill a love of handcrafting!


Related: 5 Kid-Friendly DIY Home Projects

diynetwork.com

Repurposed Kitchen Cabinets

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DIY Kitchen Cabinet Bench

If you’ve recently done a remodel of your kitchen, hang onto those old cabinets. They can be repurposed handily for a mighty workbench, with pegboard as the new backsplash. You’ll never lack for storage with this setup.


Related: 5 Things to Do with… Old Drawers

colemancollectorsforum.com

Creative Corner

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DIY Corner Workbench

Utilize the space in your garage or shop efficiently with a corner workbench design. Mounted to the wall, this bench has a lower tier for storage, while additional shelves and hooks keep the necessary tools and materials close at hand.


Related: 15 "Neat" Garage Storage Solutions

nuvogarage.com

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