Simple Two-Level Workbench

Directions

• Cut 2x4s for the top frame

  Each level of the workbench will have a frame that consists of (2) horizontal 2x4s and (3) shorter vertical 2x4s. For the top frame, you will use (2) 68" 2x4s and (3) 13" 2x4s. Once you've cut your five pieces, they should look like this.
  

• Drill the top frame's pocket holes

  (Tip: While my pieces are laid out, I like to mark where my pocket holes will go since I am a very visual person.)

  Use your pocket hole jig to drill (2) pocket holes on each end of the 13" 2x4s. This is how you will attach your 13" pieces to your 68" pieces. For the end pieces, make sure you drill them on the side you want to be the inside of your frame. For the middle piece, it doesn't matter since it will be hidden.
  

• Cut 2x4s for the bottom frame

  For the bottom frame, you will use (2) 65" 2x4s and (3) 10" 2x4s.

• Drill bottom frame's pocket holes

  Just like the top frame, use your pocket hole jig to drill (2) pocket holes on each end of the 10" 2x4s. This is how you will attach your 10" pieces to your 65" pieces.
  

• Assemble the bottom frame

  Assemble the bottom frame by drilling (12) 2.5" pocket hole screws through the pocket holes.
  

• Assemble the legs

  I cut (8) 2x4s to 36" because I am tall and wanted the bench to be a bit higher than normal, but you can adjust this measurement based on your height. To assemble each leg, use your pocket hole jig to drill (3) pocket holes down each leg. Then use (3) 2.5" pocket hole screws to assemble each leg.
  

• Drill pocket holes in each leg

  Drill a pocket hole in the top of each leg. You'll drill up through this hole to attach each leg to the larger of the two frames.
  

• Attach legs to top frame

  To attach each leg to the top frame, drill up through the pocket holes in the legs, into the bottom of the frame. The legs will be flush with the frame.
  

• Cut the top and bottom pieces

  Use a chalk marker to measure your top piece (68"x13" piece of 3/4" plywood) and your bottom piece (65"x10" piece of 3/4" plywood). Then use a skill saw to cut the pieces.
  

• Attach the top and bottom pieces

  Attach the top and bottom pieces by drilling (12) 1 1/4" wood screws down through the top of each plywood piece into the frames. Make sure they are around the perimeter.

  Optional: You can use a nail gun to attach the top and bottom plywood pieces, but we just thought it would be easiest to use the tools we already had out.
  

• Optional: Paint the bench

  This step is optional, but I used some beige paint I had left over from another project to paint this piece. I wanted to clean it up a bit and am pretty happy with how it looks!

  Another optional step is to add larger, heavy-duty Command Hooks to the sides of the workbench for hanging things, such as a small garbage bag.
  

• Attach bottom frame

  Since the bottom frame sits on the inside of the legs, you can cut (4) scrap 2x4s at the height you'd like your bottom frame to sit and just set the frame on top of those. This will also keep it in place while you're drilling the bottom frame in.

  Use (4) 2 1/2" wood screws to attach the bottom frame to the legs. Make sure you're drilling from the inside of the frame if you want your screws to remain hidden. When you're done attaching the bottom frame, simply remove the scrap 2x4s you used to help hold it in place.