When it comes to carrying out DIY jobs at home or even doing repairs for a living, you need to ensure you have the right tools. One of the products that can prove invaluable is a folding workbench.
There are lots of products you can choose from, so finding the best folding workbench should be simple if you do your research.
I’ve owned my folding workbench for several years and find it really useful. While it’s not sturdy enough for doing bigger heavier jobs, if I just need to make a few quick cuts, I find it ideal. Ours is very light and easy to move around.
However, when it comes to finding the best folding workbench, UK consumers need to look at a range of factors. It is about more than just the cost of the product – you also need to consider the suitability, quality, and features of the product to make a more informed choice.
Top-Rated – The Best Folding Workbenches:
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When it comes to finding the best folding workbench, it is important to look at the features and benefits of each one. This will make it easier for you to find a suitable product for your personal or professional needs. Some of our top options are:
#1: Stanley FatMax Folding Workbench
Check current stock levels, price, and reviews on Amazon
Features:
- Foldable design for convenience and portability
- 455 kg maximum load capacity
- 85 x 60 cm work surface area
- Integrated handle for enhanced mobility
- Excellent reviews from past customers
- Affordable pricing
- Robust design
- Ideal for tradespeople and home DIY
- Ergonomically designed
- Ideal for a range of applications
- Compatible with a variety of vertical and horizontal clamps
- Set up in seconds
- Durable metal legs
- Weighs 10.4 kg
What to Consider:
- Does not come with any clamps but is compatible with most clamps
- Made from plastic but still very durable
- Make sure you check work surface area and maximum load capacity to ensure suitability
If you want a workbench that is both versatile and designed to last, this is one of the best foldable workbench options you can consider. The bench folds out in seconds, and it can be stowed away without any issues, which means you can save space in your work area or on your van when in transit.
#2: Bosch PWB 600 Work Bench
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Features:
- Folding mechanism makes it easy to set up and fold away for storage
- 4 blade clamps
- Maximum load capacity of 200 kg
- Work surfaces made from water-repellent bamboo
- Maximum clamping width of 85 mm and depth of 34 mm
- Weighs 11.6 kg
- Stable aluminium construction
- Multifunctional capabilities
- Handles for easy adjustment
- Handy storage compartment included
- Ideal for a variety of applications
- Comes assembled and ready to use
- Excellent reviews from others
What to Consider:
- Make sure the maximum load capacity is suitable for your needs
- 4 blade clamps included with this model
- Be careful where you store it, as it can be affected by mould
When you choose this folding workbench, you can look forward to versatility, stability, and robust design as well as a convenient workbench that can be set up and stored with ease. Transporting the workbench to move onto the next project is simple. You also get four included metal clamps for increased safety as well as integrated storage.
#3: Black & Decker Workmate
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Features:
- Heavy-duty design
- Steel frame
- Dual height design
- Great reviews
- Affordable pricing
- Weighs 1 kg
- Can be used as a workbench, bench tool stand, vice, or sawhorse
- Comes with anti-slip rubber feet
- Folds flat with ease for storage and transportation
- Dual clamping cranks for increased stability
- Jaw retention grooves
- Adjustable swivel pegs
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Maximum load 250 kg
- Dimensions 62 x 16.6 x 71.4 cm
What to Consider:
- Vice pegs are included with the workbench
- Make sure maximum load capacity is suited to your needs
- Check the dimensions to ensure it meets your needs
The dual height design means that the workbench is also very versatile and can be used for a wide range of tasks. It comes with vice pegs to ensure you have added strength and stability, and the anti-slip feet give it added stability for safety while working. The product has great reviews, and it comes at a very affordable price.
Our Experience With The Black & Decker Workmate
I bought my Black & Decker Workmate several years ago when trying to balance my cutting on a brick wall just got too dangerous!!
I’ve found it incredibly useful, especially when just needing to make a few quick cuts with the hand saw, or when I need to keep something clamped still while working on it.
It’s very light, which means I can move it around wherever I need it. You’ll often find me using it out in the garden when the weather is nice!
The downside of the light weight is that it’s not as sturdy as some other workbenches and that means I tend not to use it for bigger jobs or heavier materials.
It can also be a little fiddly to open or close, and I’ve found getting the ‘clamp’ part of the table right takes some practice (you can see in my photo I’ve closed one side a bit more than the other!).
Put simply, it is what it is. It’s lightweight but that also means it’s less sturdy – and that’s why it’s only 3rd on our list of the best foldable workbenches. However, I really like ours and have found it useful in many different situations.
#4: WORX WX066 Portable Work Table
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Features:
- Sturdy design that is compact and lightweight
- Folds in half for transportation and storage
- Detachable surface for tabletop work
- Supports up to 300 lb
- Integrated carry handle to transport with ease
- Dovetail side design to connect to multiple sidekick tables
- Integrated tool tray to hold a variety of tools
- Excellent reviews from others
- Competitive pricing
- Weighs just 5.72 kg
- Dimensions 97.2 x 36.5 x 15.5 cm
- Ideal for a range of tasks
- Collapsible leg stand for portability and storage
- Perfect for home DIY and tradespeople
What to Consider:
- Make sure dimensions and maximum capacity are suited to your needs
- Four clamp dogs included with model
The versatility of this workbench makes it an essential addition for any workshop, and the fact that you can connect more sidekicks means that you can further enhance that versatility. You can even turn this into a crafts table or picnic table thanks to the design, which means that it is a very multifunctional product.
#5: Wolfcraft Master 200 Folding Workbench
Check current stock levels, price, and reviews on Amazon
Features:
- Two MDF jaws
- One adjustable jaw with handle
- Robust design
- Folds with ease for transportation and storage
- Integrated rack for tools
- Four plastic jaws included
- Maximum load of 180 kg
- Dimension of 36.5 x 80 x 64.5 cm
- Very good consumer reviews
- Affordable price tag
- Solid clamping and working table
- Ideal for DIY and workshops
- Weighs 12 kg
- Multifunctional for different tasks
What to Consider:
- Check your needs when it comes to maximum load capacity
- Plastic jaws are included
- Make sure bolts are in the right holes if you have trouble folding it up
The folding design of the workbench means it is easy to transport as well as to store. It is pretty lightweight but still offers a maximum load capacity of 180 kg. It also comes ready to use, and simply needs to be folded out in order to get started.
Choosing the Best Folding Workbench
In order to find the best folding workbench for your needs, you should take a few key things into consideration. By doing this, you will be better positioned to make the right choice. Some of the main factors you should consider include:
The cost of the workbench
One of the things you need to look at is the cost of the workbench, as this can vary based on the make and model as well as where you purchase it from.
Take some time to check your budget and see how much you can afford to spend. You can then look at the best workbenches that fit in with your budget.
One thing I found useful was to consider the expected amount of time you’ll use it. My workbench is several years old (admittedly with only light usage) and is still almost as good as the day I got it.
I’ve found buying a good quality workbench means you won’t be buying another for a while so it’s worth paying a bit more to get the best one for your needs.
Surface area to work on
Make sure you look at the dimensions so you can see what the surface space for working it. You can then ensure it is ideally suited to your needs based on the types of tasks you tend to carry out.
Also, looking at factors such as the working height and weight of the workbench to help determine whether it is the right choice for you.
I’m relatively short and only tend to do smaller cutting jobs so I could get away with a much smaller workbench. If you have heavier or larger jobs to do, you might find you need one of the larger, sturdier workbenches.
Features and Design
Always ensure you look carefully at the features and design of the workbench to see whether it is the right option for you. For instance, is there any degree of adjustability and does it offer a detachable surface? How multifunctional is it, and what can it be used for? All these things will help you to make the right decision.
I love the fact our foldable workbench can be used like a clamp. While they can be a little tricky to get right, they have helped me get much more security when cutting.
Load capacity
Looking at the load capacity of the workbench is also important, as you need to ensure it will be suited to the type of work you need to carry out. This can vary from one workbench to another, so make sure you check this in order to find the best folding workbench for your needs.
Reviews from others
One additional thing to look at is reviews from other people who have already purchased the same workbench. You can then see what they thought of the product, and you can determine whether this is the right choice for you.
For me, my Dad had a Black & Decker Workbench so I already knew what it was like and how happy he was with his, this made my choice much more straightforward.
Who Makes the Best Portable Workbench?
There are various manufacturers you can choose from when it comes to portable workbenches, and the above ones that we have highlighted are among the best folding workbenches UK consumers can consider.
Bosch, Black & Decker, Stanley, WORX, and Wolfcraft are all highly regarded within the industry, so you can expect great quality and functionality from their products. I’ve also heard good things about Draper too.
What is the Standard Height for a Workbench?
The majority of workbenches are between 28 and 36 inches in depth and around 48 and 96 inches in height. So, you need to consider your needs, your available space, and the type of work you do to decide which one is right for you.
How Do I know Which Workbench to Buy?
When it comes to deciding on which workbench to buy, make sure you look at more than just the price. Consider the design and features, the make, and the size. Also, you must look at maximum load capacity to help you decide which product is right for your needs.
The Bottom Line
As you can see, there are workbench styles and models available to suit all needs from home DIY enthusiasts to those who need a workbench for their job.
Always ensure you look at the bigger picture and check features and design in addition to the cost of the product before you make your decision.
The above selection provides options to cater to a wide range of needs, making it easier to find the best folding workbench for your specific needs.
The Best Folding Workbenches Compared:
