Best Woodworking Bench and Workstations for Your Wood Shop
Affordable workbenches and premium workbenches for woodworkers of all levels.
When it comes to the best woodworking bench, there are a lot of options for you to choose from. However, just because a workbench is sold as a “woodworking bench”, doesn’t mean that it is.
Two critical components that make a workbench suitable for woodworking is a face vise for clamping, and bench dogs for work-holding options. Size and weight are also important for stability when planing or clamping.
This list of best woodworking benches includes only benches with wood tops, at least one woodworking vise, and bench dogs for workholding. Portable workbenches are covered in a separate list.
Best Woodworking Benches Under $200
This is the most affordable woodworking bench on this list. Made from rubberwood and finished with clear laquer. Includes woodworking vise, bench dogs, tool well, and a drawer for storage.
Details:
- 49″ x 24″ x 33″
- Weighs 38 pounds
- Assembly required
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Light but sturdy
Cons:
- Cheap plastic handle caps
- Slight wobble
Constructed from solid eucalyptus and plywood. Equipped with both front-vise and end-vise for maximum work-holding options. Includes drawer, wooden bench dogs and tool well.
Details:
- 48.4″ x20.5″ x 32.7″
- Weighs 42 pounds
- Assembly required
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Light but sturdy
- Two-vise holding options
Cons:
- Can't complain for the price
Best Woodworking Benches for Pros
Constructed from solid birch and made in Sweden, this is an entry-level workbench from one of the most popular names in woodworking benches. Includes a front vise and a tail vise, dog holes and bench dogs.
You can add-on drawers, tool storage, extra vises, and a whole range of other Sjobergs accessories. Larger variations of this bench are:
Details:
- 38″ x 28″ x 32″
- Weighs 48 lb.
- Assembly required
Pros:
- Solid laminated birch top
- Small shop footprint
- High-quality vise mechanism
- Ecosystem of Sjoberg add-ons
- 10-year warranty
Cons:
- Too small for larger work
- Legs are made from Pine
- Too light for heavy planing
Don’t fancy an all-wood bench, or prefer something heavier? This woodworking bench features a steel frame with height-adjustable legs, front vise, tail vise, bench dogs, and two tool drawers.
The laminated tabletop, vise and everything else is oak, finished with clear lacquer. Weighs a solid 164 pounds. You can adjust the heigh to a maximum of 39″, perfect for taller people.
Details:
- 63″ x 33″ x 32/39″
- Weighs 164 lb.
- Assembly required
Pros:
- 100% High-quality oak
- Large, solid work area
- Adjustable-height legs
- Heavy and sturdy
Cons:
- Too pricey for beginners
The workbench that will impress other woodworkers. The cream of the crop, if you have deep pockets.
The Sjobergs Professional Elite is made from premium European Beech, with an oil-rubbed finish.
The tabletop is a single piece of Birch that measures 3 11/32″ thick and 71″ long. 1″ steel bench dogs are used for work-holding, with the highest quality front and tail vise that Sjobergs has to offer.
For $700 less, you can also get the slightly smaller Sjobergs Elite, which does not come with a storage cabinet.
Details:
- 79″ x 30.5″ x 35.5″
- Weighs 220 lb.
- Assembly required
Pros:
- Premium Beech construction
- Handles workpiece of any size
- Reversible left/right handed vise
- Heavy and sturdy, thick tabletop
- An ecosystem of Sjoberg add-ons
- Ample storage for tools
- 10-year warranty
Cons:
- Too expensive for most people
