On a shelf in a garage are various power tools. On the surrounding walls are gardening tools and Gladiator baskets

WORKBENCH BUYING GUIDE

It can be tough to pick the right workbench for your garage. Making the right choice depends on several factors, including size, your budget, and what type of projects you work on, to name a few. This guide should help you discover which workbench might be ideal for your needs and space.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF WORKBENCHES?

Various types of workbenches can be used in and out of the garage. Some of the most popular ones include modular, adjustable height, and mobile workstations. 

Certain workbenches are designed for different types of projects: 

  • Metalworking benches are good for heavier tasks.
  • Woodworking benches are tailored for wood-based projects. 
  • Wall-mounted workbenches are space-savers as they can often fold down when not in use.

Gladiator brand has a full line of workbenches, including adjustable height, modular, and mobile workbenches. There is also a wall-mounted foldable option that’s easy to store and provides a functional work surface when needed. Adjustable height workbenches can help provide the desired working height for a project, with a range of 4 to 8 feet wide and 31.5 inches to 42 inches tall. Modular workbenches from Gladiator brand are strong enough to support up to 1,500 pounds of distributed weight. They come with a 1-½ inch thick solid hardwood top. Gladiator® mobile workbench can hold up to a total of 680 pounds and has four 360° swivel casters that lock in place to help secure the workstation. Furthermore, Gladiator® workbenches are built with a hardwood top and heavy-duty, welded steel legs.

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WHICH WORKBENCH IS BEST FOR A GARAGE, CRAFT ROOM, OR OFFICE?

To figure this out, you need to consider a few factors, such as your space, budget, and potential usage. Keep reading to better understand which workbench is right for you.

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A WORKBENCH

Surface

There are several surfaces available on workbenches. Some of the most common surfaces include: 

  • Wood
    • Wood offers a strong base and is a smart option for all-purpose work.
  • Steel
    • Steel surfaces are durable and strong enough for most heavy-duty projects.
  • Stainless steel
    • Stainless steel surfaces are easy to clean and offer disinfection. These reasons are why they are often used in food preparation.
  • Plastic/laminate
    • Plastic/laminate surfaces are lightweight and non-conductive. Typically, they are the more affordable choice for working on electrical appliances.
  • Shop top
    • Shop top surfaces are resistant to warping or splitting and can help prevent static buildup.

Gladiator® garage workbenches are designed with hardwood tops with a UV-cured protective coating.

In a garage are Gladiator storage units and Gladiator cabinets. On a Gladiator workbench are several gnomes and gardening tools hanging on the wall next to Gladiator baskets. In a garage are Gladiator storage units and Gladiator cabinets. On a Gladiator workbench are several gnomes and gardening tools hanging on the wall next to Gladiator baskets.

Height

A common height for a workbench is typically between 30-39 inches tall. Keep in mind that heights may vary between the nature of your project and your height. If you’re working with hand tools, it’s recommended to use a height of around 30-34 inches. This will give you some leverage without having to hunch over too much. If you’re working with power tools, a height of around 36-39 inches may allow you to comfortably use tools without having to resort to poor posture. You could also choose an adjustable height workbench to raise or lower the height based on what you’re doing. 

Gladiator® adjustable height workbenches are engineered to adjust to meet ADA height requirements.

Material

Steel and certain woods are the most common materials used for workbenches. Gladiator® workbenches are made with a combination of these two materials. They feature solid hardwood tops and heavy-duty, welded steel legs for stability.

Size

A workbench’s size may depend on your height and the nature of your projects. Projects that include larger or multiple materials may need a more expansive workspace. Simpler projects, on the other hand, can often be completed on a smaller surface. A good rule to follow is that the length of your workbench should match your reach. This will help you avoid leaning over your workspace.

A Gladiator workbench of three different sizes fanned out. A Gladiator workbench of three different sizes fanned out.

Stability and Weight Capacity

Weight capacity depends on the project. A lower-weight-capacity workbench can sag from too much weight, creating an unstable work surface. 

There are three common groupings for weight capacity: 

  • Standard
  • Heavy duty 
  • Extra heavy-duty

Standard weight capacities are typically around 750 to 1,000 lbs, which should be enough for everyday projects. Heavy-duty workbenches come with a weight capacity of around 5,000 lbs, whereas extra heavy-duty workbenches have an impressive weight capacity of 5-10 tons or 10,000 to 20,000 lbs.

Gladiator® workbenches' weight capacities range from 680 lbs to 3,000 lbs. This places the workbench’s capacity somewhere between standard and heavy-duty. Standard capacities are adequate for most projects, while heavy-duty workbenches can typically support multiple hefty power tools and materials.

Storage and Organization

It’s possible to expand a workbench’s storage if needed. Wall organizing systems provide greater overhead storage by being able to accommodate hooks, baskets, and various accessories. Gladiator brand offers a suite of wall organizing accessories, including bike hooks, boot racks, golf caddies, and more.

Certain workbenches may have enough height or width to add tool storage underneath them. This can help keep your workspace free of tools that you’re not using. Additionally, Gladiator brand offers tool storage with wheels, making it easy to slide them under workbenches and out of the way.

A beverage center under a Gladiator workbench with a stool in front. There's also another workbench with a pizza, snacks, and a beverage on top, and chips and soda on the bottom shelf. A beverage center under a Gladiator workbench with a stool in front. There's also another workbench with a pizza, snacks, and a beverage on top, and chips and soda on the bottom shelf.

Accessories and Features

The right accessories and features can help make a workbench even more useful. Gladiator brand offers power strips and garage stool for workbenches to complement and enhance your workspace.

Portability and Mobility

Wheels or casters can provide greater maneuverability. Gladiator brand offers a 3’ Wide Mobile Workstation with four 360° swivel casters for excellent mobility.

You can tuck away a folding garage workbench when it’s not needed, and certain models are wall-mounted.

In the middle of a garage is a Gladiator workbench with potted plants on top. On the bottom shelf are bags of soil and a watering can. Behind it are two Gladiator cabinets. In the middle of a garage is a Gladiator workbench with potted plants on top. On the bottom shelf are bags of soil and a watering can. Behind it are two Gladiator cabinets.

Assembly

When assembling your workbench, you want to have enough space to build. Assembly is different for each product, so consult your owner’s manual for specific information and instructions.

Power Outlets

A power outlet or USB port lets you place your workbench anywhere in the garage without worrying about having an outlet close to it. Gladiator brand offers a 6' Wide 9-Outlet Workbench Powerstrip (sold separately), which is compatible with both six-foot and eight-foot workbenches. You can also go with a workbench with integrated cable management holes to help keep wires from getting tangled.

Budget

Larger workbenches made of premium materials tend to cost more than smaller ones made with materials that are lower quality. 

It’s recommended to consider durability in addition to quality. Yes, a more premium workbench may cost more, but it will often last longer than a cheaper model. Gladiator® workbenches are durable, built with longevity in mind, and are equipped with features like heavy-duty welded steel legs and solid hardwood tops. Most workbenches carry a Limited Lifetime or a 10-Year Limited warranty, while some products have a 1-Year Limited warranty.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What’s Cheaper, Building or Buying a Workbench?

It may be cheaper to build a workbench if you have the tools, supplies, experience, and time. The cost of building a workbench depends on the materials you are using, which vary in price. You also have to be honest about how durable a homemade workbench might be. If you’re going to end up buying a replacement for your broken DIY workbench in a year, then you might just want to buy one right off the bat.

How Much Weight Can a Workbench Hold?

Standard workbenches are typically able to hold around 750-1,000 lbs, whereas heavy-duty models can hold up to 5,000 lbs. There are also extra heavy-duty workbenches that can hold more weight, with a capacity of around 10,000-20,000 lbs.

How Should I Organize a Workbench?

Use accessories, like hooks, baskets, and bins, to organize your workbench. Each is easy to add to your workspace and can help keep it tidy. You can take it a step further and also add GearWall® Panels or GearTrack® Channels for even more wall storage space.

Which Finish is Right for my Workbench?

Choosing a garage workbench finish should be based on your preference. Even if you don’t need a sealant, you can still add an oil-based gloss polyurethane to create a shiny finish. Other options are a drying oil or wax to help make a post-project cleanup easier. Gladiator® workbenches do not require any type of coating or sealant, as the wood tops are UV-cured and the hammered granite finish is powder-coated to increase durability.