How to Build a Hinged Work Table for a Garage

There are times when you need a temporary work space in the garage, and times when having a work table interferes with the use of the garage. Consider building a hinged work bench that can be quickly and easily stored when you don't need it. Building a collapsible design meets your need for a working area without interfering with other garage activities and makes an interesting weekend project as well. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

How to Build the Work Table

1

Place the two 48-inch boards on a flat work area. Stand the boards up on the narrow side. Insert one 34-1/2-inch board flush between each end, also on the narrow edge. Run two 2-1/4-inch screws through each end of the long pieces and into the ends of the 34-1/2-inch boards.

2

Determine which end will be farthest from the wall. Measure 2-1/2-inches inside the frame and lay the final 34-1/2-inch board flat inside the frame at that location. Attach it with two of the long screws through the frame on each side. This board is where the legs will be mounted.

3

Center the 24-3/4 inch board against the inside of the frame on the outside end of the table. Attach this board directly to the 34-1/2-inch end piece using four 2-1/4-inch screws spaced along it's length.

4

Turn the frame over so the top faces up. Line up the piece of plywood flush with one outside corner. Insert 1-inch screws clockwise around the plywood, spaced every six inches. Square the frame by lining up the edge of the plywood with the frame before putting in each screw.

How to Make the Work Table Collapsible

5

Turn the table over so that the plywood is facing down. On the wall-mounted end, measure in 10 inches from each side and make a small mark on the narrow edge of the end-piece. Place the outside edge of a hinge against the mark on each side and attach the hinges.

6

Stand the two 41-1/2-inch boards inside the gaps at the outside end of the table. Slide the legs tight against the leg mount. Attach the two remaining hinges to the legs and to the mounting board. Test the legs to make sure that they fold inside the table.

7

Find a stud in the garage wall. Measure 40 inches up from the floor along the stud, and make a small dot. Hold the final board flat against the wall with the top edge on the mark. Level it and mark the wall on the bottom edge of the board.

8

Place the final board flat against the outside of the table on the wall side. Fold the wall-side hinges open, flat against this board, and attach them with the remaining hinge screws.

9

Turn the table upright and fold out the legs. Have an assistant help to position the wall side so that the wall-mount board folds directly below the end of the table frame. Line up the board on top of the mark on the wall. Insert two screws on each end of the board.