A folding or portable workbench is incredibly handy – with these multi-purpose workbenches you can take your work surface with you to the job and hide it away when you don’t need it anymore. Our shortlisted benches all have grippy (if compact) feet, reducing their propensity to slip on anything other than polished surfaces. Clamps range from basic handles to more sophisticated affairs, but any clamp ought to pin even heavy timbers firmly in place.

The maximum widths we tested ranged from 384mm on the Keter to 850mm on Stanley’s FatMax, with the latter more than sufficient for most jobs.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. Some manufacturers etch measuring tapes, angle compasses and even operating instructions onto the surface of their benches. This approach can be confusing if you look at them upside down, but we’d always recommend a product with these markings over ones that don’t. It’s a simple addition, yet it can reduce the need for additional tools and streamline the process of fine measurements mid-job. By the time you reach the 450kg weight limit on the WORX, you’re talking about being able to hold an object as heavy as a concert hall-standard grand piano. And when was the last time you felt the need to clamp a grand piano in place and do some sawing? Measurements and Markings The Draper’s maximum clamping width of 430mm is the second-smallest we tested, with only the Keter performing worse in this area. The two products have almost identical weights, though Draper hasn’t published a maximum load — it’s unlikely it would match the Keter’s impressive 453kg payload capacity. Then again, this product is half the price. 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. Load capacity

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? Offering a maximum clamping depth of 34mm, its full width of 525mm achieves a mid-table finish in our comparison chart (below). The load-bearing capacity of just 200kg is the second-lowest we recorded (Draper hasn’t published figures for their product), though we did like the PWB 600’s integral storage tray and grippy feet. If you want something cheap and cheerful to hold your timber in place occasionally, it’s hard to argue with Draper’s value for money. Pros This DIY workbench is extremely versatile as it can accommodate both heavy and large work pieces. Its maximum load is 200kg, and it can handle pieces up to 525mm wide and 34mm deep. It can be used as a garage workbench, a shed workbench or as a workshop bench.The Workmate Plus has a lightweight but rigid folding frame. It can support up to 250 kg but can easily be carried too. The other handy thing about the frame on this workbench is that you can set it to two different heights. Simply fold in the four legs and you’ve got a low sawhorse as well. If the Keter resembles a Transformers robot, the PWB 600’s emerald paint colour and the bamboo top could only have come from Bosch.

Timber is a trusted material when it comes to making a good workbench – it’s strong, sturdy, and can take a pounding. But don’t forget that hard resinous plastics can be just as tough in some applications. A metal workbench might sound too heavy, but a clever mix of aluminium and sturdy steel construction can work well. Hold Steady with a Vice Definitely not designed with portability in mind, this is the best workbench for carpenters and a sturdy workspace for DIYers. It’s ideal for when you want a solid workbench to work on and somewhere to store your power tools. Constructed from pressure-treated CLS timber, it’s just as comfortable out in the garden as it is in the garage. This solid wood bench is not going to rot away on you any time soon. Supplied with four clamps, it’s an attractive and practical design finished with water-repellent materials, making it great for outdoor work in harsh conditions. However, we must praise Bosch’s combination of an aluminium frame and a waterproof bamboo top. Not only is this the most aesthetically pleasing product to store in your tool shed, but it’s also convenient. 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.

My Top Recommended Workbenches

All our products, bar the Stanley, have cross-pieces providing additional bracing between the legs, with the WORX and Keter turning these braces into practical tool storage.