Build a New Top for Your Work Table: A DIY Project

Revamp Your Workspace: Building a New Top for Your Work Table

My work table, something I’ve inherited from my work place, wasn’t really meant to be outside. Over the last few years, it has truly served me well but now it is time to show it some love. It has an amazingly sturdy frame (probably built by our maintenance department!) and space for a shelf underneath. I used a sheet of treated plywood and 1×2 boards to build the new top for the work table and it was super-easy!

I’ll also include plans to build the frame for the table in case you’d like to build one of your own. It’s a great table and will serve you well in all of your DIY endeavors!

Materials for the Top:

• 1-1/2″ exterior pocket hole screws
• 2-1/2″ exterior screws
• Wood glue

Lumber for the Top:

• 3 – pressure treated 1x3s at 8′
• 1 – 4′ x 8′ sheet of 3/4″ pressure treated plywood

Cut List:

• 2 – 1×3 at 44-1/2″ – Aprons
• 2 – 1×3 at 72″ – Aprons
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 76″ x 48″ – Aprons

Notes about the Project:

• The size of the aprons will allow for 1″ of overhang on all sides.
• The top is a custom size for my table frame but can also be placed on sawhorse legs or another existing frame.
• There are no support pieces under the top because the supports are on the frame – add some if you need them!
• See the plans for the base below and customize as necessary!

Step One

Cut the pieces for the aprons. Drill pocket holes in each end of the shorter pieces, as well as one long edge of each piece. Assemble the frame using glue and 1-1/2″ exterior pocket hole screws.

Step Two

Cut the piece of plywood to length, saving the scrap piece to use for the shelf on the base. Place the piece on a flat surface, top side down, then position the apron frame with the pocket holes facing down and a 1 inch border all around. Secure the apron frame to the underside of the table using glue and 1-1/2″ exterior pocket hole screws.

If your worktable will be indoors, pressure treated wood does not have to be used. I live in a humid climate and the table lives outdoors so it is necessary for me!

Materials for the Table Base:

• 2-1/2″ exterior screws
• Wood glue

Lumber for the Base:

• 7 – pressure treated 2x4s at 8′

Cut List for the Table Base:

• 4 – 2×4 at 30-1/2″ – Legs
• 2 – 2×4 at 30-1/2″ – Aprons
• 2 – 2×4 at 55-1/2″ – Aprons
• 1 – 2×4 at 30-1/2″ – Top Support
• 2 – 2×4 at 30-1/2″ – Shelf Support
• 2 – 2×4 at 55-1/2″ – Shelf Support

Step One

Cut all of the pieces to length. Secure the shorter aprons to the legs at the top and approximately 4″ up from the bottom using glue and 2-1/2″ exterior screws.

Step Two

Secure the longer apron pieces to the legs as shown using glue and 2-1/2″ exterior screws.

Step Three

Secure the top support to the center of the longer upper aprons using glue and 2-1/2″ exterior screws.

Step Four, Optional

Cut the scrap piece of plywood left over from the top and secure it to the top of the lower aprons for use as a shelf.

That’s it – no finishing required! This table top is Rascal (the cat) approved.

Have questions about this project? Leave a comment below! Better yet, share photos of your work table build… I’d love to see it!