Ideas for building a workbench

I've begun planning to build a workbench in my one year old storehouse. I think it will be somewhere from 10 to 12 feet long. But I am wondering about how wide (deep) it should be? My arms measure 2'. So I'm thinking somewhere from 2 to 4 feet long; with the space past my arms being used for a variety of purposes. So my question to you is; what do you consider to be the 'perfect' depth? If I go 4' then I don't have to cut any ply board length wise.

Also, I'd like to be able to store stuff under the work bench, and above it too, so I have to think up some framing ideas. Google (or Duck Duck Go) image search works well, but I want to consider weight; say a snowmobile engine, or a bunch of lumber, for example. I want to bench to be solid. Any thoughts? And how should I finish the top? Was thinking 1" ply board.

 

My bench s 26 inches deep with a 2 inch thick oak boards. I got lucky and found some fresh cut boards and planned them to 2 inches. bench is against wall and I find I only use the first 20 or so inches. The space left seems to gather junk I clean out every year or so. Peg board on wall behind it but if did over again I would use the slotted board method now.

 

I build tables 26 inches deep with a 2 inch overhang all around. This makes it easy to use clamps along the edges to hold my work. Ripping a 4x8 sheet in this manner leaves a 22 inch wide sheet for a shelf underneath. I use 2x4 framing and assemble with deck screws. I like to keep it simple.

 

Thanks a bunch guys, I never thought about clamps, which I will surely use.

 

Having a 24" deep work bench if I ever did it again I would go deeper, say 34-36"

I use mine all the time for rebuilding various car parts and that extra space would be nice to be able to set tools, parts, manuals etc.

Right now everything is in the work area and it gets cluttered!

 

I think this is like a lot of other things where the individual is the only one who can decide. I have an old desk in the garage which I think is 36" deep (I know it's 60" wide) and I use this over an actual work bench I have which is only 24" deep.

 

stickshift I agree, but some of the guys on here have lots of great ideas, and I value what they have to say. On that note, I am thinking I will build two benches now. The 2nd one will be higher and wider, so I can park a snowmobile underneath it. If anyone has any ideas there, I'm all ears.

 

Like wirepuller, I like to rip a sheet of plywood an inch or three wider than 24" and then use the narrower piece for a shelf underneath. It makes good use of the plywood - no waste. But a lot is dependent on both the user and the space available. What works great for me might not be as handy for you. I have several work benches in my shop, most are in the neighborhood of 26" but one is only 18" wide but the narrow one fits that corner better and is where my bending break and drill press set.

 

My favorite workbenches are those metal industrial ones. I've got something like 8 of them in my shop that I've picked up over the years on Craigslist for on average $50. Just another idea although not a diy one.