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.
That being said, we understand that you may be in various different stages of your woodworking journey. Therefore, this list is divided into two sections:
- Portable workbenches – These are entry-level workbenches that you can start with, but suitable for small woodworking projects only.
- Full-sized workbenches – These typically have a solid wood top, are larger, and are suitable for larger pieces as well as hand planing.
If you cannot get started with the limited off-the-shelf options, consider making your own workbench. you can refer to our DIY workbench guide for more information.
Multi-Purpose & Portable Workbenches
The Black & Decker Workmate is my first workbench ever. I used it to create my first DIY workbench, and still use it today for light woodworking tasks.
It is an affordable, versatile and sturdy workbench designed for various DIY tasks. Its adjustable jaws with swivel pegs provide flexibility to securely hold irregularly shaped objects.
The dual-height adjustable legs allow it to function as a workbench, bench tool stand, vise, or sawhorse. Constructed with heavy-gauge steel, it supports up to 450 lbs.
Details:
- 27″ x 29″ x 30″
- Weighs 28 pounds
- No assembly required
Pros:
- Foldable & portable
- Light but sturdy
- Clamping & bench dogs
- Established brand
Cons:
- Not suitable for hand planing
- Not suitable for larger projects
A portable, foldable workbench designed for DIYers and professionals. With a quick setup in seconds, it features a durable aluminum frame and a water-resistant bamboo work surface for stability.
Flexible clamping jaws securely hold various workpieces, including round objects. When not in use, it folds flat for easy storage and transport. Ideal for workshops, garages, or job sites, this workbench enhances efficiency and convenience.
With over 4,000 positive reviews, this workbench is a sure bet for quality and usability.
Details:
- 21″ x 26″ x 33″
- Weighs 26 pounds
- No assembly required
Pros:
- Foldable & portable
- Light but sturdy
- Clamping & bench dogs
- Established brand
Cons:
- Not suitable for hand planing
- Not suitable for larger projects
- Not affordable for beginners or casual DIYers
With the Sjobergs Smart Vise, you have the basic components of a workbench – a good vise, dog holes, and clamping options.
It is meant to be clamped to a larger work table or kitchen top for support. You can also screw it down to your existing workbench.
The vise jaws open up to 4 1/2″, useful for workholding. Larger pieces can be clamped with the provided benchdogs, or with regular clamps.
The vise jaws are made from birch, but the bottom is plywood, while the top is a thick MDF material.
Details:
- 14″ x 15″ x 3″
- Weighs 16 pounds
- No assembly required
Pros:
- Suitable for home or apartment
- Can be clamped to any table or kitchen top
- Proper woodworking vise and bench dogs
- Well-made vise handle
- Popular brand in the woodworking community
Cons:
- Not suitable for larger work pieces
- 80% of the surface is not hardwood
Similar to the Sjobergs, but from an OEM brand. Just like the Sjobergs, it is essentially a wooden vise that can be clamped or screwed to a larger work table.
Crafted from high-quality beech wood, and quipped with four metal benchdogs and two C-clamps.
If you live in an apartment, or have a solid workspace to clamp on to, you may want to consider a portable woodworking table like this.
Details:
- 11″ x 18″ x 3″
- Weighs 13 pounds
- No assembly required
Pros:
- Suitable for home or apartment
- Can be clamped to any table or kitchen top
- Proper woodworking vise and bench dogs
Cons:
- Not suitable for larger work pieces
Full-Sized Woodworking Workbenches
Details:
- 20″ x 65″ x 32″
- Weighs 38 pounds
- Assembly required
Pros:
- Very affordable full workbench
- Storage drawers for tools
- Proper woodworking vise & bench dogs
- Support larger workpieces
- Suitable for hand planing (with reinforcements)
Cons:
- Cheap plastic handle caps
- Dog holes are too far apart - you may need to drill additional holes
- Slight wobble when not reinforced
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
