Work surface

( Black and Decker photo / July 20, 2012 )

If you're short on space for repair and carpentry projects, consider a fold-up helper like Black and Decker's Workmate or Rockwell's Jawhorse. An alternative is to make your own bench with a pair of sawhorses. Build your own from 2-by-4s, or use stock lumber and metal connectors like Crawford Sawhorse Brackets (less than $6), or fold-up steel models (closer to $25) like Wilmar steel sawhorses. Fold-ups store easily, and you can slide a work surface like a sheet of plywood onto the ceiling joists.