Granite Workbench

Soldering on a dumpster-found tile just wasn’t cutting it. I needed something tougher, so I built a granite workbench—chemical, heat, and scratch resistant—all for under £20. I scored the granite from ebay and scrounged industrial parks for wood pallets. With basic tools and some glue, I created a flat, durable surface far superior to my warped MDF desk

Supplies:

1. A stone work surface (granite, quartz, or any durable stone will work) – I sourced mine from eBay.
2. Screwdriver and handsaw (or drill and jigsaw) for the woodworking.
3. While I used a planer, an orbital sander will do the job to achieve a smooth finish.
4. For the final touch, I used white spirits and polyurethane for sealing.

I bought my granite worktop for £3 on eBay, thanks to it being collection-only and impractical for most bidders. Look for stone surfaces from kitchens or tables, aiming for around 3 cm thick, 60 cm deep, and under 2 meters wide. I transported mine in the back of a Toyota, but any decently sized car will do. There was some wood glued underneath, which I scraped off with a putty knife, followed by a simple soap and water clean for the top surface.

I’m no wood expert, but I simply looked for the sturdiest crate I could find. I made sure it wasn’t damp, then brought it home to dry indoors for four days. I sourced mine from a local industrial park that receives deliveries every Saturday, so I scouted on Sundays. The wood I picked was uncracked, fastened with screws (not the usual barbed nails), and was built to support heavy ceramic tiles.

I started by removing the planks and organizing them by size and warping. To smooth and even the sides, I used a planer, though an orbital sander works just fine. Once the planks were ready, I drafted the design, factoring in plug sockets, doors, and chair clearance. I opted for a sitting desk, using dimensions similar to my school’s tables. The legs were screwed together with an H-shaped support frame at the back and a simple rectangular top.

I’m no table expert, so I eyeballed most of it, but making sure everything was square was the hardest part. Using a set square and clamps before screwing it all together is key for accuracy. To smooth out joints and imperfections, I used wood filler purchased for £1.50 and sanded everything down to 240 grit—though this step is optional, as polyurethane can hide minor flaws.

For the finish, I thinned basic polyurethane i bought for £2 with white spirits, applying four coats by hand with a rag. I waited an hour between coats and sanded any drips or puddles to prevent buildup. The wood cost me nothing, and I borrowed the tools in exchange for a pack of beer. I transported everything in the back of a Kia Picanto, driving slowly with the boot open.

I picked up a half tube of clear "Sticks Like Sh*t" adhesive from Facebook Marketplace for £1—plenty to get the job done. Once the granite is down, it’s not coming off without a fight, so take your time lining it up perfectly. Apply the glue evenly across the top of the wood frame like you’re frosting a cake, and be generous where you can. After placing the granite, use a wet cloth or sponge to wipe away any overflow for a clean finish.

A little tip: let the glue dry with the workbench in its final position, especially if your floors aren’t exactly level. This way, the glue can settle into any slight unevenness, and you won’t end up with a wobbly workbench!

I added a PVC frame around the top of my bench for cable management and to mount tool organizers, lighting, and cameras for content creation. Since I didn’t have a solid wall behind the desk—just drywall—I wanted the option to attach a pegboard later, using the frame instead of the wall for support. I used 3D-printed brackets and some tape to get a good friction fit. While not everyone has access to a 3D printer, store-bought brackets work just fine, and you can also build the frame to stand on the floor if needed.

I picked up the thickest PVC tube available at the store, costing £5 for the 4-meter length I used. As for the height, I eyeballed it—about half a head taller than me when standing upright, so it’s high enough not to bump into while walking around.

And that’s it! Your workbench is complete and ready for action. Now it’s time to start customizing—build organizers and tool holders to suit your needs. I used correx sheets and hot glue to create simple organizers and low-force brackets that fit perfectly with the bench.

I’ve included a photo of me testing the electronics for my searchlight at the desk (wink wink, Instructables coming soon—it’s built with cheap materials too!).

The final cost was £12.50, well under my budget!