Project details
Skill
1 out of 5Easythe only tedious part is picking through a lumber pile in search of straight boards
Cost
$40 to $60
Estimated Time
About one hour
Tools & Materials
Panel saw at home center, used by employee to rip plywood down to size
In this video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows Kevin how to shop for lumber to build a workbench.
Steps:
1. At home center or lumberyard, handpick eight perfectly straight kiln-dried 2x4s.
Avoid any board with excessive knots or defects.
2. Select one 4×8-foot sheet of ¾-inch-thick B-C fir plywood.
Check to be sure the plywood edges and corners aren’t damaged.
3. For convenience, have the plywood cut to size by a home center employee at the panel saw.