How To Build A Mobile Folding Workbench
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Kreg Tool Company. I was provided product and/or compensation, but all ideas and opinions are 100% my own.
This folding mobile workbench gives you a full counter-height work surface when you need it, then folds down to just 4″ deep and rolls out of the way when you don’t. If your shop is short on counter space but you can’t spare the floor space for another permanent bench, this one’s for you.
I teamed up with my friends at Kreg Tool to design it, and the free folding mobile workbench plans are available on their site.
Why I Built a Folding Workbench
My shop has plenty of floor space. What it doesn’t have is enough counter space, especially when my husband and I are both working on projects at the same time.
He mentioned once that it would be great to have an extra work surface that didn’t take up a ton of room all the time. I sketched out a few ideas, and this folding workbench is what came out of it.
This workbench isn’t just for a wood shop though. You can use it as a craft table as well! It can easily fold up and against a wall in a spare bedroom/craft room and be brought out whenever you need it.
Folding Mobile Workbench Features
- Folds to a 4″ profile. The legs fold in and the top drops down so it can lean against a wall.
- Counter height (36″). Use it as a standing workstation or pull up a bar-height stool.
- Locking casters. Roll it wherever you need it, then lock it in place.
- Barrel bolt latches. They lock the legs open so the bench stays rigid while you work.
- Beginner-friendly build. It’s mostly 2x4s and pocket screws, built from four 8′ boards and a 2′ x 4′ plywood panel.
Materials
- 4 – 2×4 pine boards, 8′ long
- 1 – 2′ x 4′ x 3/4″ plywood panel
- 4 – 2 1/2″ locking casters
- 4 – 2 1/2″ hinges
- 4 – 3″ hinges
- 2 – barrel bolt latches
- 2 1/2″ pocket screws (24)
- 2 1/2″ wood screws (8)
- 1 1/2″ wood screws (8)
- Wood glue
Tools
- Miter saw
- Kreg Adaptive Cutting System (or a Rip-Cut with a circular saw)
- Kreg pocket hole jig (I used the 720 Pro)
- Orbital sander
- Impact driver
- Drill
Cut List
| Qty | Size | Part |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 2×4 @ 32 1/2″ | Legs |
| 4 | 2×4 @ 13 1/2″ | Stretchers for the folding leg panels |
| 2 | 2×4 @ 45″ | Top and bottom aprons on the back |
| 4 | 2×4 @ 4″ (30° cut on one end) | Caster support blocks |
| 1 | Plywood, cut 4″ off one end | Tabletop |
How to Build a Folding Mobile Workbench
Here’s an overview of the build. Grab the full plans from Kreg for every measurement and diagram.
Step 1: Build the Folding Leg Panels
Drill 1 1/2″ pocket holes in the 13 1/2″ stretchers. Attach one flush with the tops of two legs and the other 3″ up from the bottom, using glue and 2 1/2″ pocket screws. Build two panels.
Step 2: Build the Back Frame
Drill pocket holes in both ends of the 45″ aprons. Attach the top apron flush with the tops of the two remaining legs and the bottom apron 3″ up from the bottom.
Step 3: Hinge the Folding Panels to the Back
Set each panel flush against the inside edges of the back legs. Attach them with the 3″ hinges at the top and bottom joints.
Step 4: Add the Caster Blocks and Casters
Attach the 4″ blocks to the back legs and to the front edges of the folding panels with glue and 2 1/2″ wood screws. Then mount the locking casters to the blocks.
Step 5: Attach the Top and Latches
Cut 4″ off one end of the plywood for the tabletop. The plans walk you through notching the folding panels, hinging the top, and installing the barrel bolt latches that lock the legs open.
Folding Mobile Workbench FAQ
How tall is the folding mobile workbench?
It’s 36″ tall, which is standard counter height. That works for standing or for a bar-height stool.
How much space does it take up when folded?
It folds down to about 4″ deep, so it can lean flat against a wall or roll into a corner.
Does it stay put while you work?
Yes. The casters lock, and barrel bolt latches hold the legs open so the bench doesn’t fold or roll while you use it.
What tools do I need to build it?
A miter saw, a way to cut plywood, a pocket hole jig, a drill, and an impact driver cover most of it. The full list is above.
Where can I get the plans?
The folding mobile workbench plans are free on the Kreg Tool website.
Build Your Own
I’m so happy with how this went from a sketch on paper to a bench we use all the time, and I’m not fighting for work space anymore. Download the free plans and build your own. To see Kreg’s latest tools and project plans, visit the Kreg Tool website.
