Work benches come in many varieties, but all of them perform better and last longer with certain upgrades. Additional supplies for work benches include lights, cabinets, adjustable legs, bins and power strips. These items give work benches additional functionality and increase work bench lifespan.

Workbenches for sale often include some of these features, depending on the model, cost and complexity. If the workbench is specialized for a certain industry, such as shipping, some extra features may be included, like storage bins and additional shelving. Industries that work heavily with power tools may often see work benches with power sockets, although these are not standard on normal work bench models. Consider the following when buying work bench supplies:

1. When purchasing used work benches, always check to see what accessories they come with. Often, you may have to add specific supplies to make the work bench suit your needs.

2. Industrial workbenches often lack some of the basic enhancements, like a bin rack and light. These models are usually designed with only endurance in mind, so some supplies won't function without workbench modification.

3. Work benches for sale don't usually include computer space. Many models provide keyboard trays and monitor compartments as accessories though.

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Buy protective mats for you work benches

Protective mats are often available for the surfaces of your workbenches. Most are scratch and liquid resistant and help protect your work bench tops from normal wear and tear. Mats are a great idea if you plan to use your work benches heavily. A well protected bench lasts years longer and has greater resale value. Protective mats also cut down on the number of times you'll have to replace work bench tops.

I recommend: Pick up a work bench mat from Shure Manufacturing, or check out models aimed at garage work benches from the Busted Knuckle Garage.

Get bins and boxes for storage space in your workbenches

Most work benches have a rail along the top or back edge to allow the placement of bins and boxes for storage purposes. These bins can be used to store or sort anything from tools to parts and provide an organized clean work environment. Many work bench distributors sell these storage bins specifically for their work bench models. Storage boxes and bins are also available from many basic tool and hardware suppliers.

I recommend: Buy rack bins from Stackbin, or get bins and a bin storage panel from RDM Industrial Products.

Purchase a mounted power strip for your workbenches

Workers using work tables or benches in industries where electricity is required will often request a power strip. These power strips can be mounted vertically or horizontally on your work benches, or installed in the frame. Depending on your preferences, these plugs can be added to the front or back, allowing you ideal access points.

I recommend: Get a workbench power strip from OnePointe Solutions or Sale Stores.

Tips & Tactics for Making the Most of Work Benches

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you find your workbenches uncomfortable, accessories like workbench leg extenders, more comfortable chairs and foot rests are available. Although these may not improve production, they'll certainly improve employee comfort.

Work benches are vital to the needs of many industries in today's business world. The applications and choices seem endless - from the affordable and popular BenchPro to the superior Arlink Modular Work benches - these aren't your Grandpa's work benches! Do you need industrial, heavy duty workbenches with steel, plastic or shop tops? Or maybe basic work benches, deluxe models or work-bench accessories (legs, back or end stops, risers, drawers, shelves, etc.)? How do you choose the right one for your business? Here are the top solutions to small business work benches:

1. Assess your company's workbench needs and applications for work benches.
2. Go for durability and reliability, particularly for heavy duty work benches.
3. Buy the best work benches for your business needs.

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Assess your need for work benches

Workbenches vary widely in design from industry to industry, and from company to company. From governmental to military, from LAN stations to warehouses, the choices seem endless. Figuring out what you need is the first step.

I recommend: Go to Aboveboard MFG to request a catalog or a quote on factory-direct work benches for your business. Check out Global Industrial for heavy duty work benches and many specialized work bench options.

Determine the application for work benches

Office work benches are hardly the same as heavy duty work benches used for industrial applications. Likewise, a chemical laboratory work bench will need special chemical-resistant laminate, while a computer lab one will not. Before you choose a work bench, determine how and for what it will be used.

I recommend: Aboveboard MFG offers myriad choices and applications for any small business need. To design your own work benches, follow the link at the bottom of the page.

Look for reliability and durability in work benches

Regardless of the type of work benches you need, look for those that are proven reliable and durable. Check out the vendors or manufacturers that offer warranties, free delivery, and other perks.

I recommend: For industrial, heavy duty work benches, nothing says durable like Bench Depot. They offer such options as Formica or solid maple work bench tops, static-control (ESD), cleanroom or chemical resistant.

Buy the best work benches for your business

No, we're not saying to pay the most, but rather buy the best quality for your needs. Do you need work benches that are height-adjustable? Heavy duty work benches able to bear more than 5,000 pounds? With interchangeable parts? You can find work benches designed specifically for these and other standards online, so don't buy the first thing you see.

I recommend: Check out Production Automation Corporation for more workplace options than you can imagine! Check out their 72-hour Quick Ship Work Benches for Lista or Lyon work benches, any of which ship within 3 business days. Davis Bacon Material Handling also has a good selection of industrial, heavy duty work benches.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Assembly specifics: When purchasing work benches, consider whether you can handle the assembly on your own. If not, ask the vendor about onsite set-up.
• •  Weight load: If your work benches are to be used to hold or store heavy items, don't skimp on the support style - if feasible, get heavy duty work benches that will hold the next size up for safety reasons.
• •  Accessorize: Yes, it's true - even work benches use accessories. Choose from drawers, lockable casters, adjustable shelves, monitor arms, and much more.
• •  Light it up: Many lighting options are available for work benches, including lighted desk magnifying lamps or shelf lights.

As the place where many people work and perform essential functions, work benches are important. These benches tend to be made out of wood, steel or laminate, and contain space for all your tools and parts. Also called work tables, work benches usually contain drawers, a wide tabletop and an assortment of bins. This allows you to organize your workbench the way you wish.

There are many different kinds of workbenches, from chemically resistant models to traditional wooden work benches. Each has its own unique features, but things like overhead lights and an adjustable frame are common. In addition to traditional models, you can get work benches for clean room use, work benches with disposable tops and static resistant work benches.

1. If you've already purchased chairs or other accessories, make sure they'll fit the model work benches you're looking at. Not all accessories fit all models.

2. Estimate how much storage space you'll require, so you can select work benches that will hold everything you need.

3. Work benches offer varying support for expansion. If you plan to expand in the future, make sure to get a model you can add to.

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Pick the type of surface you want for your work benches

Work benches come with wood, laminate, stainless steel, galvanized steel and other materials on top. The material you need depends on the industry you're in and what you'll use the work bench for. For food preparation, for instance, stainless steel is best because of its durability and easy clean-up. Traditionally, work benches use wood or laminate. These top materials work well for most things.

I recommend: Check out selection of tops available from Bench Depot, or select work bench tops from the Global Equipment Company.

Choose heavy duty work benches for industrial and manufacturing environments

Work bench distributors often offer heavy-duty work benches for shipping and receiving, assembly, maintenance areas, garages and other places where the work bench must be tough and durable. This type of work bench is often made of steel with welded joints. This construction allows it to hold more than traditional work tables, and makes it last much longer. In addition, many heavy duty work benches have thick wood, laminate or metal tops.

I recommend: Get a heavy duty work bench from workbench suppliers, like Dehnco, or check out the heavy duty workbenches for sale from Nationwide Industrial Supply.

Buy adjustable work benches for multiple people

If your business employs multiple people, then the work benches you choose may not be the right height for all your employees. Adjustable work benches allow you to set the table at almost any height, which is important to avoid backaches and makes sitting for long periods easier. In addition, many adjustable work benches also have adjustable shelves, so you can fit larger items on your shelves with a simple tweak. Many industrial workbenches and portable work benches are adjustable, as well as some of the more traditional models.

I recommend: Purchase adjustable work benches for sale from Lista, or get a model with leg extenders from IAC Industries.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If your workshop is in a garage, you may want to consider moisture and corrosion resistant work benches. Garage work benches can be more exposed to weather like rain, snow and wind, so they must be rugged. The work benches basics like feet, shelving and frames should all be made out of metal.

For all kinds of industrial businesses, work benches are the "work stations" where products get processed and rolled out. Work benches are also indispensable to many small business proprietors involved in heavy trades, from carpentry to welding. Business managers or others who want to see what's available can read up on some key terms for the kinds of work benches on the market and get a better sense of what type will best fit a specific business project or space.

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Static control

Many work places naturally include static charges from moving people and machinery that can damage sensitive, high-tech equipment. Static-control work benches provide protection for gear that could be damaged by static electricity.

I recommend: Find a detailed definition of static control and processes at the ESD Co-ordinators Guide to Static Control. See examples of static-control work benches at the ThomasNet Industrial Newsroom.

Laminate

Laminate is any one of several synthetic designs, including plastic materials, that provide durability for surfaces. These are popular for work benches that will take a beating over time.

I recommend: See definitions of laminate at Free Dictionary. See examples of laminate work benches at Lab Safety Supply.

Formica

Formica is a specific type of laminate that gets a lot of attention. Manufacturers use it often for a variety of surfaces, including kitchen counters and work benches.

I recommend: See a detailed definition of Formica at Q and As. Read about Formica work bench models at KroyTech.

Modular work benches

Modular work benchs offer multiple features in separate components. Modular work benches can include high-durability surfaces, locked drawers, clamp features and more.

I recommend: See a description of modular work benches along with visuals at Cisco-Eagle.

Ergonomics

The study of ergonomics is commonly defined as working to ensure that equipment and furniture have the most positive possible impact on the user's health.

I recommend: Find out about ergonomics for work benches at Harvard University.

Woodworking work benches

Woodworking work benches are generally wooden. They are benches that are used for any construction of wood items or other related tasks. Woodworking work benches are just one of several industrial types that businesses use for specific processes, according to the specific goals of a business and the kind of gear and equipment that workers use on a daily basis.

I recommend: See more on woodworking work benches and other industrial types at Inside Woodworking.