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Best Workbench for 2022

Don't sit on the ground while trying to get stuff done in the garage, grab one of these versatile workbenches and increase your productivity.

Craig Cole Former reviews editor
Craig brought 15 years of automotive journalism experience to the Cars team. A lifelong resident of Michigan, he's as happy with a wrench or welding gun in hand as he is in front of the camera or behind a keyboard. When not hosting videos or cranking out features and reviews, he's probably out in the garage working on one of his project cars. He's fully restored a 1936 Ford V8 sedan and then turned to resurrecting another flathead-powered relic, a '51 Ford Crestliner. Craig has been a proud member of the Automotive Press Association (APA) and the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA).
Craig Cole
8 min read

A good workbench is paramount to your success as a handyman. And getting the right one means you need to consider the size and features you are looking for before you buy. There are so many different kinds and sizes: small ones, big ones, benches that adjust in height and many with integrated storage solutions. Some workbenches are portable, while others will want to stay put. There's a workbench for every type of person.

For most, it is absolutely a good idea to have some sort of workbench in your shop or garage. It's no fun trying to repair a vehicle or forge ahead on a project if you have to crawl around on the floor with your tools scattered about. This is why workbenches are so handy to have; they can be major time- and labor-savers.

But what's the right workbench for your needs? Great question! Listed below are many options, carefully curated selections that are tailor made for a variety of applications. Of course, this pantheon of workbenches hits a range of price points, too, so whether you have a fat stack of cash to spend or just a few bucks, you should find something that fits your budget. Keep scrolling to see our recommendations on the best workbenches out there. All suggestions are based on user reviews and, most importantly, real-world experience.

Home Depot

For tight spaces, consider this folding workbench from Husky. At 6-feet long and 2-feet wide, it offers plenty of working space on the butcher block top, one that can support up to 800 pounds of weight. This workbench is also height-adjustable, transitioning between 28 and 42 inches for various applications. Increasing its versatility, that top drops down and the legs turn in so the whole shebang folds almost flat against a wall. This makes it super useful in tight spaces, like a single-car garage. Built for the long haul, this Husky 6-foot-long folding workbench is made of sturdy 24-gauge steel and comes with a lifetime warranty. No, it isn't cheap, but this DIY workbench is highly regarded by customers and is more than worthy of your consideration.

Harbor Freight

If you want a workbench that can also hold your tools, consider this Yukon nine-drawer rolling cabinet with a solid wood top. It's available from Harbor Freight tools for about $400, which seems like a lot, until you consider how much it can hold. Meaty, 5-inch-diameter casters allow you to easily roll this mobile workbench around nearly anywhere in your garage or shop, it can hold 1,200 pounds of junk, comes with buttery-smooth ball-bearing drawer glides for tool storage and it's dressed in a fetching (and durable) powder-coated finish. That wood top work surface not only looks great, but it's at countertop height so it will be comfortable to use for most people.

Folks that have purchased this workbench/tool cabinet seem to love it, as it has a 4.8-star rating. Evan gave it five stars and said, "After much research and comparison, I decided on the Yukon to both replace my work bench and act as a tool chest." He added, "Its solid construction gives me confidence that it will last for years. The drawers slide easily and don't feel flimsy like some other brands at the same price point."

Black+Decker

Looking for a super-versatile bench that takes up almost no space? Consider your quest complete, because the Black+Decker Workmate Project Center is the portable folding workbench for you. This multipurpose workbench functions like a sawhorse, can clamp things vertically or horizontally, supports up to 550 pounds and folds up to almost nothing taking up little storage space. Black+Decker's Workmate workbench packs so much functionality into such a small bench, you almost can't believe it. This tool is highly rated and priced from just $120, so there's no excuse not to have one… or more.

Home Depot

Size matters, and this 8-foot-long Husky workbench is the one to get if you want to maximize your working space. Two-feet wide and with height-adjustable legs, this heavy-duty workbench can support up to 3,000 pounds thanks to its sturdy steel construction. Despite its immense strength, this product only weighs 155 pounds. Priced at $500, this Husky steel-frame workbench is highly rated by users, 96% of customers recommend it and it currently has a 4.8-star rating. John wrote in his review, "Extremely sturdy. Rock solid." Panzrwagn described this product as such: "… this is a nice, big, long, solid workbench, well worth the price." Backed by a one-year warranty, this Husky tool bench can also be augmented by a range of accessories like drawers and storage cabinets to make it even more versatile.

Comparison of the best workbenches for 2022


ProductPriceFeatures
Best general-purpose workbench BenchPro FPB2448$155 Affordable price, can support 1,000 pounds, highly rated
Best folding, adjustable-height workbench Husky 6-foot folding, adjustable-height workbench with solid wood top$352 Large top, space-saving folding design, supports up to 800 pounds, lifetime warranty, highly rated
Best barebones workbench with shelves Hopkins 2x4 Basics 90164 workbench kit$90DIY design, super-low price, customizable sizes, highly rated
Best workbench with storage drawers Yukon 46-inch, nine-drawer mobile storage cabinet with wooden top$420 Plenty of storage, solid construction, 1,200-pound capacity, solid wood top, standard casters make it mobile, highly rated
Best adjustable-height workbench Husky 72-inch adjustable-height workbench$285 Generously sized, solid wood top, easy height adjustability, can be fitted with casters or adjustable feet, three-year warranty
Best compact workbench Black+Decker WM425-A$120 Super-compact design, incredible versatility, supports 550 pounds, affordable price, highly rated
Best ultra-portable workbench Bora Centipede CTC6$80 Incredible strength, wide range of accessories, super lightweight, compact design, affordable pricing
Best large workbench Husky ready-to-assemble 8-foot-long workbench$435Large size, adjustable legs, 3,000-pound weight capacity, optional accessories increase versatility, customers love it
Best Workbenches Promo Image
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Best Workbenches Promo Image
Craig Cole/Roadshow

Five things to know about garage workbenches

  • There are many different workbench designs. Some are large and others take up almost no space at all. Some benches are height-adjustable and others can support tons of weight. Make sure to understand what you need in a garage workbench before purchasing one.
  • Workbenches aren't necessarily cheap, but you do not have to spend a fortune to get a good one. Several highlighted on this list cost right around $100. Of course, you can spend much more than that if you want, but it's not necessarily required…
  • But what is often required is assembly. Yes, some benches are ready to go right out of the box, but most require a little work before they're ready to go. The good news is, none of them here are overly complex, nor do they require special tools. You should be able to bolt one of these workbenches together in a couple hours or less without much trouble, just make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Some workbenches can be fitted with accessories. Several of the Husky bench models listed above as well as the Bora Centipede can be upgraded with a range of extras that make them even more versatile. After getting your bench assembled and/or placed where you want it, you may want to look for some accessories to further elevate the experience.
  • Many workbenches come with solid wood tops. These are plenty strong and often look quite nice, but if you're going to be doing any serious work you may want to consider adding a piece of plywood to protect the top. Why beat things up if you don't have to? Including a sacrificial layer of plywood -- one that can easily be replaced if necessary -- can help keep your workbench looking like new for years to come.
Bora Centipede Portable Workbench OGI
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Bora Centipede Portable Workbench OGI

If you're looking for a portable workbench, consider the super strong Bora Centipede CTC6.

Nick Miotke/Roadshow

What are you waiting for? Get a garage workbench today!

A good workbench makes all the difference. Having one of these tools in your garage, shop or home is a huge force-multiplier that enables you to tackle projects or crafts without damaging the dining room table or crawling around on the floor like a not-yet-ambulatory infant. Nobody wants to do that while trying to get things done. The workbenches highlighted above are all super versatile and built to withstand years of abuse, many are also extremely affordable. If you don't have one already or are looking to expand the amount of elevated space at your disposal, grab a new workbench. You won't be disappointed.