30 DIY Sawhorse Plans That Are Simple And Easy To Do

When I first started woodworking, I quickly realized the importance of having a good set of sawhorses in my workshop. They’re like the backbone of any project, providing support and stability for cutting wood and assembling pieces. I found myself needing them not just in the workshop, but also on job sites where I didn’t have access to fancy equipment.

While you can buy sawhorses from the store, they can be pricey and might not exactly fit your needs. That’s why I decided to build my own DIY sawhorses. It was a fun project that allowed me to customize the size and style to suit my preferences. Plus, it saved me money in the long run.

I scoured the internet for DIY sawhorse plans and found a treasure trove of ideas. From simple designs made with basic materials to more elaborate ones with adjustable heights, there were options for every skill level. I ended up choosing a plan that seemed straightforward and easy to follow.

Building my own sawhorses turned out to be a great decision. Not only did I get exactly what I needed, but I also gained valuable experience in woodworking. Now, whenever I use my DIY sawhorses in the workshop or out on a job, I feel a sense of pride knowing that I built them myself.

DIY Sawhorse Plans For Your Workshop

1. Build the Ultimate Wood Sawhorses

The first one we have is an ultimate diy sawhorse plan by thesprucecrafts to build a set of sawhorse that can be used as a temporary table.  The idea is designed to be versatile and sturdy, and it is very easy to make. The project is placed at a beginner’s difficulty level and takes about an hour to complete.

To build this diy sawhorse, you will need Lumber, deck screws and a few other materials. You will also need tools like a drill, tape measure, pencil, layout square etc. the plan contains a step by step guide on how to build a sawhorse, and on completion, you can finish it with your desired painting.

2. Classic Sawhorse Plans

Discovering the DIY sawhorses by finewoodworking was a game-changer for me in my woodworking journey. As someone who’s always striving to improve my craft, having reliable and versatile tools is essential, and these sawhorses ticked all the boxes for me.

What really stood out to me about these sawhorses was their thoughtful design. The 75-degree splayed legs not only added stability but also enhanced functionality, providing a sturdy base for whatever project I was working on. I appreciated the attention to detail in the plans, which allowed for easy modification to suit my specific needs. Whether I was assembling large pieces of furniture or delicately finishing smaller projects, these sawhorses proved to be indispensable.

The step-by-step instructions provided by finewoodworking made the building process a breeze. Divided into three basic steps – making the saddle, legs, and braces, then assembling them – the project was approachable even for someone with limited woodworking experience like myself. It was reassuring to know that I could tackle this DIY project at a beginner’s level and still achieve professional-looking results.

What I liked most about these DIY sawhorses was their combination of comfort, reliability, and effectiveness. They were not just another pair of sawhorses; they were a testament to the craftsmanship and expertise of the finewoodworking team. Building them not only improved my woodworking setup but also gave me a sense of accomplishment and pride in my handiwork.

3. Three Levels Of Sawhorses

Watch this one YouTube video to learn how to build 3 different levels of sawhorses. A basic model, a middle class model with bottom storage shelves, and the top of the line model that is sturdy enough to hold up a vehicle.

Different people have different sawhorse needs and this one youtube video covers the building of 3 levels of sawhorses. You decide the level you need and start building.

4. Stackable Sawhorses Plans From 2 x 4s

Every wood shop needs at least a pair of sawhorses like this one by popularmechanics, as they provide support during various jobs. These plans involves building sturdy and functional sawhorses with scrap 2 x 4s. The design allows you to stack them easily and each sawhorse can be completed within a few minutes. That’s why we love this diy sawhorse.

You can find scrap 2x4s in the woodshed, or buy some. It will cost less than $20 to obtain the needed 2 x 4s and the screws to assemble it. Tools such as drills, miter saws can be borrowed.

5. Heavy Duty Folding Sawhorses

What can you do with sawhorses when they are not is use in the workshop? Fold them up and store them in an out of the way location. You can do that when you follow these sawhorse plans by pneumaticaddict.

Build yourself a set of these heavy duty folding sawhorses from 2×4 lumber. These are ideal for a small workshop or garage spaces and can be folded flat and stored in an 8-inches space.

If you always wanted the convenience of folding plastic sawhorses with the strength of wood, then check out these free plans. The plans provide pictures, a detailed diagram, plus a video to make the building process super easy for you.

These DIY sawhorses are completely customizable and can be built to your exact specifications. If you have a few leftover 2×4‘s from other building projects, then the cost will be very inexpensive.

6. Simple Stackable Sawhorse Plan

Been comfortable while working on projects, you work faster and more accurately, and that is what a sawhorse provides. This plan involves building stackable wooden sawhorses from plywood scraps like this one at woodgears.

To make this sawhorse plan, you will need plywood for both the legs and the cross beams. You will also need nails and glue to hold together the wood pieces, as well as basic carpentry tools like hammers, mitre saw, pencil, tape measure etc. The plan contains a detailed guide on how to build the project from scratch with pictures.

7. DIY Sawhorses

There are various variations on sawhorse designs, however, durability should be a priority in all. This project involves building a wooden sawhorse designed like this one by woodgears for sturdiness and functionality. Its legs are made from 2 x 3s and 2x 4s, and it has crossbeams to enhance balance.

To build this diy sawhorse you will need a circular saw to cut the 2×4 and other tools like hammer and tape measure. You will need 2” and 2.5’ nails to attach the beam, legs and cross braces. For an experienced DIYer, this project can be completed with an hour work. Here we have some homemade sawmills that will help you to cut large chunks of trees into lumber.

8. DIY Sturdy Sawhorse Plans

If you are seeking a well-designed sawhorse like this one by finehomebuilding, then this will be your best choice. It is designed to be quickly built and stackable. It may cost you about $50 in materials to build this project, and you can complete it in 2 hours. The sawhorse has four slanted legs on both ends. You will also need various carpenter tools including a mitre saw.

The project is placed at a beginners experience level, and the plan provides all the necessary details to build till finish. Once completed, you can finish the sawhorse with your favorite color to make it more beautiful.

9. Easy To Build Sawhorse

While you can buy a sawhorse at the local hardware store, it may cost much more, and you will miss out of the fun to build a piece of equipment you will use for years to come. Save money by building the DIY sawhorse by artofmanliness that is designed for durability and sturdiness.

To build this diy sawhorse, you will need different sizes of 2x4s for the legs and I-beams, you will also need wood screws, and galvanized nails. The plan is straightforward to follow and can be used to build some sawhorses.

10. Folding Sawhorse Plans

Folding sawhorses by myoutdoorplans are great, especially when you have little space for storage, want to transport them easily or wish to keep them out of site. These wooden sawhorse plans contains instructions on how to build a folding sawhorse within a budget.

To build sawhorse you will need high-quality woods like cedar, pine or redwood. Cut the woods into different sizes for use as “legs, top beam and support”. You will also need tools like Hammer, drill; miter saw, screwdriver, tape measure etc.

You can easily adjust the specification of the project to meet your needs.

11. Easy 2×4 Sawhorse Plans

Building a sawhorse is a great starter project for anyone who had not worked with carpentry tools before. These sawhorse plans by myrepurposedlife are straightforward to build; it involves building a stackable sawhorse, which is very sturdy.

To build sawhorse, you will need 2x4s for both the legs and beams and screws for all the joints. You will also need a few basic tools like drills, tape measure, pencil and others. You can use the plan to build as many DIY sawhorses as you wish to stack them for easy transportation.

12. The Best Saw Horses Plan

A sawhorse needs to be strong, yet not too heavy and portable, and this sawhorse plan by jayscustomcreations was designed to meet that specification. It involves building an I-beam styles sawhorse, which can double as a sacrificial surface and a clamping area.

To build this, you will need different sizes of wood, some wood screws and tools like a handsaw, drill and measure tape. The project is placed at a beginner’s difficulty level and can be built within an hour. It also cost less than $30 in total for the needed materials.

13. The Ultimate Knock-Down Sawhorse Plan

This project involves building a sturdy and well-designed DIY sawhorse by toolcrib. The Plan contains detailed pictures and build-notes on how to go about building the sawhorse.

The original plan was built with two in stock. The legs are made with 2x4s, and it has a 35 inches height. You will need wood screws and nails as well as a tool like a mitre saw, drill, hammer and tape measure. The project is placed at a beginner’s DIY level and would take a few minutes to complete.

14. Replaceable Inserts Save Sawhorses

This plan involves building a sawhorse like this one by woodworkingtips that has a replaceable insert made from 2-x stock. It is designed so when the insert is riddled with saw kerfs; you can replace it with a new one.

They can also be stacked together to save floor space, and it is stable and robust. To build this plan, you will need different sizes of plywood, wood screw, and gum. You also need a drill, mitre or circular saw, tape measure and a few other tools. The project is placed at an intermediary difficulty level. It can be completed within a few hours.

15. Perfect DIY Sawhorses: Adjustable and Knockdown Design

If you are looking for a sawhorse plan like this one by instructables that is adjustable, sturdy, economical and portable, then this sawhorse plan is your best choice.

The sawhorse plan is a complete knockdown; hence, it only requires little space. The Design is solid and you need to buy a few materials costing below $30 to build.

Asides the wood, you will need sandpaper, protractors and wood glue.  You will also need tools like a drill, skill or mitre saw, level and pencil. The plan is quite easy to build, even for a first time DIYer.

16. Stackable DIY Sawhorses From Scrap Lumber

Sawhorses are specifically built to get job quickly and cheaply. With this plan, you will build sturdy and functional diy sawhorses like this one by lifehacker with materials you can easily find in your home or workshops.

To get started, you will need 2×4’s for the legs and I-beams, nails or screws. You may also need tools like drill, nail gun (if you are using nails), tape measure, etc. You can easily adjust the plan to suit your needs. You only have to do the necessary additions or otherwise for supplies.

17. Pair of Sturdy Folding DIY Sawhorse

Sawhorses provide the needed support to allow you to work without hunches. Building one will make your work easier and faster. The plan contains details on how to build a sawhorse by aroundhomediy from scratch with pictures. The design is foldable, which aids transportation and takes less space. The plan can be made with 2x4s and a few strap hinges. You also need carpentry tools for measuring, cutting and joining the sawhorse.

18. Shorty DIY Saw Horse

This plan involves building a DIY sawhorse like this one by instructables from scrap woods and remnants of other DIY jobs. You will also need drywall screws and tools like a hand saw, or mitre saw, drill, pencil, speed square etc. the outcome is just as sturdy as any sawhorse. If you do not have leftover materials, you can get them from the depot store for a few dollars. You will find detailed steps on how to build the plan.

19. Folding DIY Sawhorse

This is the ultimate folding sawhorse by lumberjocks built with 2x4s and ¾” boards. The design is simple but sturdy. The joints are glued and screwed. You can take part in the attachments to use at the base. The project is placed at a beginner’s difficulty level, and aside from the wood, screw and glue, you will also need basic carpentry tools. On completing the project, you can finish it with wood stain or any paint color of your choice.

20. Collapsible Sawhorse Plans

If you are looking for a nice and straightforward sawhorse, then look no further. These sawhorse plans by artofmanliness are designed to be ultimately Strong, Collapsible, Durable, and Versatile. Now you can quickly slap some sawhorses together to save space.

The versatility comes from the fact that it can be easily modified based on what you need. For instance, you can cut V-notches at the top to support cutting pipes. You can also lay stapling carpets across the top to protect your woodworking projects. The list of materials and tools needed for the project include 2×4’s carriage bolts, washers, nuts, wood screws, jigsaws, drill/driver and square.

21. DIY Sawhorses

Building a sawhorse is one of the coolest projects you can embark on. This project is one of the easiest to build, it has a universal and sturdy design, and it is very functional. To start this project, you will need different sizes of woods, screws or nails and a few carpenter tools. The project is placed at a beginners DIY experience level, and it is very affordable.

22. Adjustable Height Sawhorses

Adjustable sawhorses allow you to change the height as needed with a few turns of a screw.

These free sawhorse plans by ana-white will show you how to build saw horses that can be adjusted to bar height, table height, or anywhere in-between. Ideal for small spaces that need a multi-purpose table that can be a work desk during the day, a dining table in the evening, and a bar for a friendly gathering at night.

Paint the sawhorses to match the home decor and top it with a 1/2 sheet of plywood and use it in any room of your home. You might want to make two sets of these adjustable sawhorses, one for indoor use and one for outdoor use.

23. Cottage Sawhorses

These simple sawhorses are an essential part of a home workshop. They are sturdy, lightweight, versatile, inexpensive, and foldable for easy storage. No cottage is complete without a set of DIY sawhorses like these by cottagelife.

Sawhorses make woodworking, painting, crafting, and so many other projects easier to complete. A sawhorse can hold an item being worked on, or two sawhorses topped with a sheet of plywood can create a large flat work surface.

Follow these free folding sawhorse plans and build a set for your cottage workshop this weekend.

24. Five Designs

A sawhorse is a vital part of any type of construction project. These free sawhorse plans by familyhandyman provide you with 5 different styles and heights so you can choose which type will work best for your construction projects.

Sawhorses are versatile and can be used in the work shop for building projects or in the house as pieces of furniture. Whatever your need is, one of the 5 designs will meet that need, and the plans are simple and easy to do.

25. Stackable Sawhorse Plans

Sawhorses come very handily when working and you can quickly build some following this sawhorse plan by construct101. You will need scrap plywood, deck screws, and tools like a drill, Miter saw, tape, and pencil.

The plan is straightforward to build; it comes in a downloadable PDF, listing the needed shopping lists, measurements, cutting lists and illustrations on how to+- build each step. You can use the plan to build as many sawhorses as you want. It only takes a few hours to complete, and you can finish it with wood stain or paint.

26. Carpenter’s Sawhorses

If you like to saw, paint, and do various wood working projects, then a set of carpenter’s sawhorses are something you must have. A sturdy set of sawhorses are one of the most useful tools that a carpenter can have, and they will make all your DIY projects easier.

These sawhorse plans by wikihow are easy to follow and will show you how to build a set for your home workshop. The finished set is lightweight, easy to build, and costs very little to construct.

27. Stackable Saw Horse Plans

Learn how to make a set of sawhorses that are stackable and easy to store with these free plans. Sawhorses are typically not construction items that are used daily and need to be stored out of the way when not in use. Stackable DIY sawhorse like this one by howtospecialist makes storage easy. You can build and stack as many as you want and they will take up minimal space in your garage or workshop.

Save space and money by following these detailed plans for building stackable wooden sawhorses.

28. MDF Sawhorses

These DIY sawhorses look a little different than the traditional style but they get the job done the same way.

These free wooden sawhorse plans by thewoodwhisperer will show you how to take left MDF boards and create sturdy DIY sawhorses cheap and easy. Woodworking shops and construction sites often have leftover pieces of MDF boards and the scrap wood is just right for building many things, including sawhorses.

These are ideal for finishing wood projects and lightweight enough to be easily moved around as needed. Put those scrap pieces of MDF board to good use with these sawhorse plans. The price of lumber and plywood has skyrocketed over the last several months and using MDF board is a cheaper way to build sawhorses.

Use these free plans and create a custom size that will meet your needs. Ideal for use in the shop or the wood can be painted and the sawhorses used indoors or outdoors to create a table. Top the sawhorses with half a sheet of MDF board to create a table for an outdoor gathering or indoor desk space.

29. Plywood Sawhorse

Use these free sawhorse plans and some scrap plywood and build yourself a set of sturdy, long lasting sawhorses for your workshop.

The detailed plans can be downloaded and are easy to follow. Construction is simple and easy to do in just one afternoon. These plywood sawhorses by wayneofthewoods may not be the prettiest to look at but the construction is solid and they can support heavy obects while you’re working.

The two support panels on the end are created from leftover pieces of plywood and are the secret to the strong support these wooden sawhorses offer. Create them at the height and width that you need in your home workshop or garage.

30. DIY Sawhorse in Six Steps

At the end we have a diy sawhorse that will show you how to make a sawhorse in six steps. The resultant sawhorse will be sturdy and very durable. To build this diy sawhorse, you will need 3 inches screws and $12 worth of material to complete the project. The sawhorse will have I-beam and four 8 feet legs.

The original plan is 32 inches high and 32 inches wide, however, you can easily modify the plan to suit your wish. You have to redo the math work and material list accordingly. You will need tools like drill/driver, tape measure, deck screws and other tools for assembly.

Summary!

Conclusively, building a DIY sawhorse makes your DIY work easier. Sawhorses come in handy in various situations. One of its most obvious use is when you need to saw wood. It provides the support and elevation to make clean cuts. You can follow any of the listed sawhorse plans that we have shared with you to build some for your use.

References:

Finehomebuilding, “Readers’ Letters: 9 Ways To Build Sawhorses”, By Fine Homebuilding Editors Issue 297 – Feb/Mar 2021, https://www.finehomebuilding.com/2021/01/15/letters-9-ways-to-build-sawhorses

Archdaily, “Sawhorse House / Alejandro Soffia”, https://www.archdaily.com/803622/sawhorse-house-alejandro-soffia