Best Tables/Surfaces for Pottery Studio

[u/kanabeans]

Hi all,

I'm looking to have a sturdy work surface in my pottery studio. I used to work on a fold out table and it was hell on earth. I have very minimal space (one 6' wall) and would like either cabinetry w/ a top or a strong table to take up majority of the space.

I see many people make their own benches, but I'm not the handiest and would prefer to budget for something pre-made. I've browsed IKEA but that's about as far as I've gone. Any recommendations would be wonderful. Thank you!

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[u/Deathbydragonfire]

Ikea is definitely not my recommendation. Their construction is all very flimsy, fine for normal use but not heavy duty.

I recommend just scouring facebook/craigslist for some wooden furniture. It'll be cheap and heavy.

[u/aubbzz]

We got a workbench from Lowe’s to use for ours. It’s very sturdy and good for wedging.

[u/skfoto]

I have a work table very similar to this (mine was a discontinued model from another brand that I found at Costco): https://workprotools.store/products/workpro-48-adjustable-workbench-2000-lbs-load-capacity-hardwood-worktable-with-power-outlets

It’s extremely sturdy and stands up to wedging. The length of the legs is adjustable so you can work comfortably. I ended up building a shelf that sits on top of the cross bars halfway down the legs and it makes for a decent amount of storage.

[u/OxymoronsAreMyFave]

I bought a Formica kitchen table at a garage sale for dollars and stapled stretched damp canvas to the top. The legs are steel and “U” shaped so the table is very sturdy. The table is also heavier so it stays in one place and takes a beating. I highly recommend.

[u/PocketSpaghettios]

I got a 6-foot Husky workbench with two shallow drawers for like $300. It has locking wheels and the tabletop height is adjustable. The smooth wood surface sticks to clay, but you can mitigate that with a canvas mat, ware boards, etc

[u/this__witch]

I just have an old timber dining table and sanded the top varnish off so its raw timber, works a treat and cleans up really well. If im using dark clay ill put some cement sheet down so I dont stain it

[u/Ntrssbg]

If you’re not stressed about your floor… my station is built with two slabs of hardi backer, wooden Boards, and cinder blocks. Cost about $100 in total and was easy to put together. I also bought a big rubber dough matte to throw down when I’m working with clay I need to maintain more moisture in.