8 Best Workbenches of 2024

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The Best Workbenches

The Best Workbenches
  1. Best folding workbench with jaws - Bosch PWB 600 Work Bench

  2. Best workbench for versatility - Black+Decker Workmate Plus WM825

  3. Best workbench and sawhorse combination - WORX WX051 Pegasus Multi-Function Work Table and Sawhorse

  4. Best light weight folding workbench - STANLEY FatMax Express Folding Workbench

  5. Best plastic workbench - Keter Master Pro Folding Work Table

  6. Best floor standing workbench - Arbor Garden Solutions Heavy Duty Work Table

  7. Best basic folding workbench - Sealey FWB1000 Portable Folding Workbench

  8. Best budget free-standing workbench - Hardcastle Black Steel 2 Tier Work Bench

Workbench Reviews

Editors Choice

1. Bosch PWB 600 Work Bench[ SAVE 23% ]

Best folding workbench with jaws

best workbenches Bosch PWB 600 Work Bench
  • The build quality is what you’d expect from a brand like Bosch. Everything feels sturdy and well built. You get what you pay for, this bench feels like it’ll last a lifetime.
  • The bamboo worktop is as tough as old boots, has a brilliant strength to weight ratio, and won’t warp with time.
  • Thanks to the multiple support stretchers in the frame, there’s hardly any wobble compared with the Workmate WM536. It’s mighty as well as light weight.
  • There’s a handy drawer that slides out from underneath the work surface. It’s useful for storing little bits and pieces you need on the job.
  • You can open and close this workbench in seconds. The dual clamping cranks are smooth so there is no fiddling with butterfly screws or hinges.

  • For portable workbenches, it’s expensive. Compared with the Workmate WM536, it’s not affordable for a lot of casual DIYers. Unless you use it all the time it’s hard to justify.
  • The workbench doesn’t overhang the frame all the way around. This can cause issues if you try to clamp something large to the worktop. There’s not enough clearance for squeeze clamps on the front of the table.
  • The jaw clamping capacity is just 85mm. You could use the blade clamps, but for a portable workbench I was expecting a bit more.
  • Several users have reported mould growing on the work surface after being stored in garages.
Type
Folding
Table Material
Compressed Bamboo
Table Dimensions
680x550mm
Folded Size
640x840x90mm
Load Capacity
200kg
Table Jaws
Yes
Holes / Grooves
Yes
Weight
11.6kg
Overall Score 4.3
Build Quality
4
Versatility
5
Ease of use
5
Value for Money
3

The Bosch PWB 600 Work Bench is one of the best workbenches on the market with its solid yet compact design and quick and easy folding mechanism.

This foldable workbench is made from a combination of aluminium and bamboo making it durable and weather resistant. The bench folds down easily in just a few seconds for easy storage and it’s just 9 cm thick when folded.

This DIY workbench is extremely versatile as it can accommodate both heavy and large work pieces. Its maximum load is 200kg, and it can handle pieces up to 525mm wide and 34mm deep. It can be used as a garage workbench, a shed workbench or as a workshop bench.

The folding workbench comes with four clamps to enable you to fix unwieldy and awkward pieces with ease. You can even secure round pieces firmly, and they’re stowed away on the bench when not in use.

The DIY workbench also includes a handy onboard storage compartment to store small tools and accessories. Overall, this is one of the best versatile workbenches you can find.

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Runner Up

2. Black+Decker Workmate Plus WM825[ SAVE 15% ]

Best workbench for versatility

best workbenches Black+Decker Workmate Plus WM825
  • I’m a big fan of the two different working heights. Folding the adjustable legs away lets the workbench sit on another set of plastic feet. It’s great for large items or when you need a sawhorse.
  • The worktop is seriously tough. It’s made to withstand rough handling without being too heavy. It’s not a single piece of timber, so it won’t warp either.
  • It’s a serious workbench that features lots of clever design features without costing too much for even the casual DIYer.
  • This is a genuinely portable workbench that doesn’t take up much room when folded flat.

  • Users have commented on how bad the instructions are. You need to do a bit of assembling, but the included guide might be more confusing than anything else.
  • There’s a lot more plastic in the construction of this workbench than on the old Workmates. The plastic seems sturdy, but it can’t match heavy duty steel for sturdiness.
  • This is a workbench designed for light DIY applications. It’s not made from a heavy duty steel frame and wouldn’t last for long on a building site.
Type
Folding
Table Material
Particle Board
Table Dimensions
830x248mm
Folded Size
830x740x200mm
Load Capacity
250kg
Table Jaws
Yes
Holes / Grooves
Yes
Weight
14.6kg
Overall Score 4.5
Build Quality
4
Versatility
5
Ease of use
4
Value for Money
5

The BLACK+DECKER Workmate is one of the best folding workbenches on the market. It’s compact, reliable, and easy to set up. The WM825 Workmate Plus is a heavy-duty version of the all-time classic folding workbench that has been helping DIYers and tradespeople since they started selling them back in 1972.

The Workmate Plus has a lightweight but rigid folding frame. It can support up to 250 kg but can easily be carried too. The other handy thing about the frame on this workbench is that you can set it to two different heights. Simply fold in the four legs and you’ve got a low sawhorse as well.

The work surface itself is made from sturdy bamboo and the clamping edges have a V-shaped groove. They come in handy when you need to clamp pipes or other round stock materials. The dual clamping cranks have a smooth action and let you clamp objects of all sizes. They include four adjustable swivel pegs to give you extra clamping capacity too.

I think the Workmate is one of the best folding workbenches. Its compact design is often copied but never beaten and with its affordable price you won’t regret adding this great workbench to your arsenal.

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Also Good
  • Folding the sawhorse out is simple, you pull the legs apart until the middle brace locks. Then simply pull up the worktop on both sides and you have a workbench. It couldn’t be simpler.
  • I like the little storage pockets built into the surface. It’s always handy to have somewhere to keep screws and other bits when you’re working on home DIY projects.oject.
  • The clamping support slots are made from aluminium, making them reliably sturdy. The clamps slide easily along the channels as well.
  • The leg construction means this is a sturdy and solid workbench. Compared with the STANLEY FatMax Express, there’s hardly any wobble at all.

  • This isn’t the strongest workbench on my list. The maximum load capacity is just 136kg when unfolded. I wouldn’t want to use this workbench for anything but light work.
  • Users have reported issues with faulty clamps. They can slip inside the support slots, or break under strain.
  • At more than 13kg, this is a heavy workbench compared with the lightweight STANLEY FatMax Express.
  • It’s not the most affordable workbench on my list. Compared to the bargain Workmate WM536, this is an expensive bit of kit.
Type
Folding
Table Material
Moulded ABS
Table Dimensions
787x635mm
Folded Size
890x635x125mm
Load Capacity
136kg
Table Jaws
No
Holes / Grooves
Yes
Weight
13.6kg
Overall Score 4.3
Build Quality
4
Versatility
5
Ease of use
5
Value for Money
3

Worx are one of those decent budget brands that come up with some ingenious products. The Pegasus WX051 work table is definitely one of those successes. It’s an extremely sturdy folding table that is packed with clever little features.

The first thing I like about the Pegasus is that it’s a 2-in-1 system. You can use it as either a flat-top workbench or as a folding sawhorse for large stock materials. It doesn’t take much effort to fold the workbench out, and everything snaps nicely into place, making it feel rock solid.

It comes complete with two handy squeeze clamps that fit into channels on the surface of the workbench. There are also four pegs that fit through the dog bench holes for clamping oddly shaped objects.

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4. STANLEY FatMax Express Folding Workbench

Best light weight folding workbench

best workbenches STANLEY FatMax Express Folding Workbench
  • The sturdy plastic work surface isn’t going to warp or go mouldy. Compared with the thin MDF workbench top on the Hardcastle, this is much more suitable for woodworking.
  • If you want a light and portable workbench, compared to the Sealey folding table this is the best choice. Just over 10kg is light enough for most people to move it around.
  • It folds down to a small size for storage. It’s narrow enough at just 110mm to slide under a piece of furniture if space is tight.
  • You can clamp the workpiece down horizontally or vertically to the workbench. Use the bench holes with pegs, bench dogs or G clamps and you can hold down just about anything.

  • It’s not the most stable workbench for sawing. Compared with the rock solid Bosch PWB 600, the bracing is high up on the legs.
  • Compared with the Workmate WM536, this workbench lacks a horizontal footplate. You can’t keep the workbench steady with your foot during use.
  • The cellular plastic construction means the underside of the bench isn’t flat. This makes it a pain when you’re using narrow clamps.
Type
Folding
Table Material
Moulded ABS
Table Dimensions
1010x600mm
Folded Size
850x600x110mm
Load Capacity
455kg
Table Jaws
No
Holes / Grooves
Yes
Weight
10.4kg
Overall Score 4
Build Quality
4
Versatility
4
Ease of use
4
Value for Money
4

One of the biggest names in DIY, Stanley know a thing or two about making the best folding workbench. The solid plastic construction and wealth of clamping holes make this a seriously handy and portable bit of kit.

Weighing in at just over 10kg, you won’t have any problems picking it up and taking it with you. The extendable handle on one end gives you plenty of grip too. It has a good size work surface for a folding workbench, and there’s an X-shaped set of dog holes cut out for accurate clamping.

The construction of the worktop is rigid cellular plastic that feels solid and shouldn’t be prone to warping or mould. There are plenty of dog bench holes machined into the work surface. They give you almost unlimited clamping options for bits of timber in almost any shape.

The folding action is quick and easy too. Simply press the button and the legs swing out and lock into place. Then when you’re done, press the button again to unlock the legs and pack it away. It all folds down nice and flat for storage too.

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  • With a massive load capacity of 453kg, it’s the strongest folding workbench I’ve tested out. That’s four times the maximum load capacity of the Sealey FWB1000.
  • Seeing as it’s made entirely from plastic and metal, there’s no chance of mould compared with the Bosch PWB 600.
  • You can never have enough clamps or bench dogs in a workshop. If you get this workbench, you can add two to your collection. I think that’s brilliant.
  • The way that Keter have moulded the plastic makes this an incredibly strong and rigid workbench. The cell structure adds strength in all directions, stopping it from bending or twisting.
  • I like the “locked” tab that appears when you click the central support into place. It doesn’t leave any room for doubt, you know it’s ready to work.

  • Keter want you to open the workbench by placing it on the floor and lifting it up. Lifting 12kg in this way is not a particularly back friendly motion. And it might not be possible if you have mobility issues.
  • The included clamps are good quality, but it takes a while to get used to the clamping system Keter have designed. It’s not as intuitive or easy to use as the Workmate WM536.
  • When the table is folded up, the legs wobble around. It gets annoying when you’re transporting the table, I’d prefer it if they were held by clips.
  • Several users have complained that the edges of the worktable can get chipped and broken over time.
  • You’re quite limited in what you can clamp down to the table. Compared with the Bosch PWB 600’s opening jaws, you only get two clamps in set channels.
Type
Folding
Table Material
Moulded ABS
Table Dimensions
960x630
Folded Size
850x550x150
Load Capacity
453kg
Table Jaws
No
Holes / Grooves
Yes
Weight
12.2kg
Overall Score 3.8
Build Quality
4
Versatility
4
Ease of use
4
Value for Money
3

Israel-based resin masters Keter have created what I think is the best plastic workbench on the market today. Their work table is ultra-portable and folds down completely flat. It’s ideal for throwing into the back of the car or when space is at a premium in your workshop.

It’s a compact and folding workbench that can be easily carried in one hand using the handle on the top. What makes this one of the best folding worktables is the opening action. You hold it on both ends and press the release buttons with your thumbs. It then folds down like a magician’s table, it’s quick and easy to set up.

With a maximum load of a massive 453 kg, this heavy-duty workbench can hold up pretty much anything you want. The clever clamping system means you get two removable squeeze clamps to use where you want as well. It’s not as light as the Workmate, but it’s a capable bit of kit.

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6. Arbor Garden Solutions Heavy Duty Work Table

Best floor standing workbench

best workbenches Arbor Garden Solutions Heavy Duty Work Table
  • This is as close as it gets to a “proper” woodworking bench on my list. It’s the sort of permanent structure that turns a shed into a workshop.
  • The 950kg maximum load capacity is totally unbeatable. The solid wood bench can take more than double the weight capacity compared with the Keter Master Pro, its nearest rival.
  • If you’re prepared to put a little work into finishing the timber, this could be a seriously handsome bit of workshop furniture.
  • Putting the solid wood bench together is a simple process and can be achieved without special tools. You could assemble it with just a screwdriver if you need to.

  • It’s delivered in a pretty rough and ready state. Don’t expect beautifully finished surfaces or a waxed working surface. You need to put some effort in to make it look good.
  • Compared with the Workmate WM536, this is hardly a portable workbench. However, if you put it on castors, it would be more versatile than a fixed bench.
  • You should check the height carefully before making a purchase. 900mm is ideal if you’re quite tall but might be a bit much for anyone else.
Type
Non-Folding
Table Material
Premium red hardwood
Table Dimensions
1800x640mm
Folded Size
n/a
Load Capacity
950kg
Table Jaws
No
Holes / Grooves
No
Weight
Unknown
Overall Score 3.5
Build Quality
5
Versatility
3
Ease of use
3
Value for Money
3

Looking like the sort of workbench that belongs in a proper workshop, the Arbor Garden Solutions Pressure Treated Workbench is a rustic thing of beauty. Standing at 6 feet long and with seriously chunky legs and cross bracing, you could hammer away on this solid workbench for years without it breaking down.

Definitely not designed with portability in mind, this is the best workbench for carpenters and a sturdy workspace for DIYers. It’s ideal for when you want a solid workbench to work on and somewhere to store your power tools. Constructed from pressure-treated CLS timber, it’s just as comfortable out in the garden as it is in the garage. This solid wood bench is not going to rot away on you any time soon.

If you’re looking for a heavy-duty, stationary workbench, this is it. If you want to attach a bench vice to transform your shed into a workshop, this is your best option. It comes delivered as a flat pack that needs putting together. It’s a simple process and the good people at Arbor have made the process easy with videos and detailed instructions.

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7. Sealey FWB1000 Portable Folding Workbench

Best basic folding workbench

best workbenches Sealey FWB1000 Portable Folding Workbench
  • I like the simplicity of this workbench. Compared to the Keter Master Pro, it might not have clever features, but it can double up as a regular table.
  • It comes with a drop-in crossbar for extra rigidity. It sits between the sets of legs and stops them from buckling inwards.
  • You can fold the table away completely flat. It has a much bigger surface area than the Workmate WM536 when unfolded as well.
  • I’m a big fan of the printed ruler and protractor on the worktable. You can never have too many ways to measure things!

  • Some users have found the corners of the work surface were damaged on arrival. Always make sure you check the condition of the worktable on delivery.
  • Quite a few tables have been delivered with loose nuts and bolts. You should go around the table with a spanner and make sure everything’s tight before using it.
  • MDF isn’t a material famous for its weather resistance. The surface of the worktable is coated, but if it gets damaged it might not last for a long time.
Type
Folding
Table Material
MDF
Table Dimensions
1,000x600mm
Folded Size
1,000x600x100mm
Load Capacity
100kg
Table Jaws
No
Holes / Grooves
No
Weight
14.0kg
Overall Score 3.3
Build Quality
3
Versatility
4
Ease of use
3
Value for Money
3

Making quality tools and accessories since 1978, Sealey are a British success story when it comes to the best folding workbenches. Leaving gimmicks and gadgets to the other guys, their take on the workbench is reliable, durable, and pleasingly simple.

It might look like a wallpapering table, but it’s a heavy-duty work table. It can easily hold up to 100kg across its rigid heavy-duty steel frame and thick MDF top. At 14kg in weight, it’s a relatively lightweight bench but still portable though, with an ergonomic handle when you need to take it with you.

It doesn’t come with any clamps or clever tilt features. However, the Sealey folding workbench gives you a printed protractor and measurements up to 960mm along one straight edge. It’s a versatile folding table at an affordable price, what more could you need?

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8. Hardcastle Black Steel 2 Tier Work Bench

Best budget free-standing workbench

best workbenches Hardcastle Black Steel 2 Tier Work Bench
  • Decent built in storage is often hard to come by. These simple but sturdy steel frame racks are just the right thing for a garage, workshop, or studio.
  • The shelf height is completely adjustable. There are 25 keyhole cut-outs to choose from along the length of the legs, making this a wonderfully versatile system.
  • If you’re looking for an affordable workbench and tool storage system, this is it. Compared with the Bosch PWB 600 it’s within the budget of even casual DIYers.

  • Be prepared to fiddle around when you’re putting this workbench together. The tabs that hold up the shelves are temperamental. Once you’ve got the knack it’s OK though.
  • The MDF working surface isn’t the strongest surface for a workbench. It’s fine for tool storage but don’t start beating on it. You can replace it with a more substantial workbench top if you plan on heavy work.
  • Be aware if you store this workbench in a damp shed. Moisture can warp the MDF parts out of shape.
Type
Non-Folding
Table Material
MDF
Table Dimensions
1500x600mm
Folded Size
n/a
Load Capacity
200kg
Table Jaws
No
Holes / Grooves
No
Weight
Unknown
Overall Score 3.3
Build Quality
3
Versatility
3
Ease of use
3
Value for Money
4

You can never have enough storage space. I like that Hardcastle’s two-tier bench with its sturdy steel frame gives you both a solid work surface and a massive shelf to stow your power tools underneath. You can’t fold it up and take it with you. However, it’s the best stationary workbench that won’t put a big hole in your wallet.

The workbench has a powder-coated steel construction, and the MDF top is sturdy enough without being too heavy. I wouldn’t use it for heavy work, but you could always replace the workbench top with something more heavy-duty. The steel frame is as solid as a rock and can take a beating. It has nice anti-slip rubber feet as well, so it won’t slide around or damage your floor.

It’s not the easiest thing in the world to put together though. You need to use your common sense. But if you want a free-standing built-in storage solution and workbench combination at an affordable price, you can’t go far wrong with this Hardcastle multipurpose workbench.

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Harry's Smart Buying Tips

  1. Workbenches can be classed as either portable (i.e folding) or freestanding (non-folding).
  2. The best workbenches should be built to last many years and you definitely pay for what you get in terms of build quality.
  3. As far as portable versions are concerned the best workbenches should be robust enough to support weights of well over 100kg, yet versatile enough to fold down into a profile small enough for easy portability and storage.
  4. Typical dimensions for a portable workbench would be in the 800 x 600 x 100mm range and those workbenches should weigh between 10 and 15kg.
  5. Non-folding workbenches should be able to support a maximum load of at least 200kg.
  6. Some portable workbenches come with jaws, a very handy feature for supporting large workpieces or items difficult to clamp.
  7. Most portable workbenches feature holes and grooves for clamping. Some include clamp pegs and quick clamps too.

Compare Product Features

Use the dropdown to sort the table by the feature you want to see.

  • Bosch PWB 600 Work Bench
    best workbenches Bosch PWB 600 Work Bench
    • 4.3
    • Folding
    • Compressed Bamboo
    • 680x550mm
    • 640x840x90mm
    • 200kg
    • Yes
    • Yes
    • 11.6kg
  • Black+Decker Workmate Plus WM825
    best workbenches Black+Decker Workmate Plus WM825
    • 4.5
    • Folding
    • Particle Board
    • 830x248mm
    • 830x740x200mm
    • 250kg
    • Yes
    • Yes
    • 14.6kg
  • WORX WX051 Pegasus Multi-Function Work Table and Sawhorse
    best workbenches WORX WX051 Pegasus Multi Function Work Table and Sawhorse
    • 4.3
    • Folding
    • Moulded ABS
    • 787x635mm
    • 890x635x125mm
    • 136kg
    • No
    • Yes
    • 13.6kg
  • STANLEY FatMax Express Folding Workbench
    best workbenches STANLEY FatMax Express Folding Workbench
    • 4
    • Folding
    • Moulded ABS
    • 1010x600mm
    • 850x600x110mm
    • 455kg
    • No
    • Yes
    • 10.4kg
  • Keter Master Pro Folding Work Table
    best workbenches Keter Master Pro Folding Work Table
    • 3.8
    • Folding
    • Moulded ABS
    • 960x630
    • 850x550x150
    • 453kg
    • No
    • Yes
    • 12.2kg
  • Arbor Garden Solutions Heavy Duty Work Table
    best workbenches Arbor Garden Solutions Heavy Duty Work Table
    • 3.5
    • Non-Folding
    • Premium red hardwood
    • 1800x640mm
    • n/a
    • 950kg
    • No
    • No
    • Unknown
  • Sealey FWB1000 Portable Folding Workbench
    best workbenches Sealey FWB1000 Portable Folding Workbench
    • 3.3
    • Folding
    • MDF
    • 1,000x600mm
    • 1,000x600x100mm
    • 100kg
    • No
    • No
    • 14.0kg
  • Hardcastle Black Steel 2 Tier Work Bench
    best workbenches Hardcastle Black Steel 2 Tier Work Bench
    • 3.3
    • Non-Folding
    • MDF
    • 1500x600mm
    • n/a
    • 200kg
    • No
    • No
    • Unknown

How to Choose The Best Workbench

Before you pull the trigger on a new workbench, you need to figure out what you need it for. Do you need a light, slimline workbench that you can throw in the back of your car and work on-site, or are you planning to beat on it with heavy hammers?

Folding or Freestanding

A folding or portable workbench is incredibly handy – with these multi-purpose workbenches you can take your work surface with you to the job and hide it away when you don’t need it anymore.

If space is limited, you can’t expect to install a full-size carpenter’s workbench, but if you’ve got a large garage or shed then make the most of the space and put in a full-size free-standing workbench. You’ll have more room for storage and a steadier base to work on. Think of it as a more permanent solution.

Timber, Plastic and Metal Workbenches

Timber is a trusted material when it comes to making a good workbench – it’s strong, sturdy, and can take a pounding. But don’t forget that hard resinous plastics can be just as tough in some applications. A metal workbench might sound too heavy, but a clever mix of aluminium and sturdy steel construction can work well.

Hold Steady with a Vice

I think the best portable workbenches come with inbuilt vices to hold things steady. It’s just one more tool you don’t have to carry with you. The BLACK+DECKER Workmate is the classic version – you have one fixed jaw and another jaw that winds in and out with two cranks to grab hold of materials while you work on them.

Workbench FAQs

You could always use the kitchen table, but after a while, your DIY projects will need their own space and somewhere where you can bang around without worrying about scratching the surface or spilling a bit of paint. A good multi-purpose workbench is great for clamping things down for sawing, drilling, planing, or just about any other home DIY project you can think of.

It depends – if you’re going to move around a lot, then get yourself the best portable workbench that you can throw in the back of your car. If you don’t have a lot of space, you need a workbench that can be stowed away flat when not in use. If you’ve got plenty of room, then a stationary work bench is much more appropriate.

Most workbenches are designed to be around one metre tall, to give you the best working position. Some workbenches are height adjustable which is great if you’re very tall or a little shorter than average. It’s important to get a multi-purpose workbench that suits you, to avoid discomfort in the long run.

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