A pedestal bench is a workbench whose legs are cabinets. Instead of an open frame with a shelf underneath, the worktop sits on freestanding drawer and cupboard units, so every millimetre beneath the bench is storage. In a workshop where floor space is the constraint and the operator works standing, it is the most storage you can get per square metre without building a wall of cabinets somewhere else.
What you gain and what you give up
The gain is obvious: a 2000 mm pedestal bench can carry three full cabinets underneath it, which is most of a tool store built into the bench itself. The trade-offs are real and worth stating plainly:
-
No knee room. A pedestal bench is a standing bench. If any of the work at that station is seated, specify a framework bench instead.
-
Fixed height. The bench height is set by the cabinets. The Bott Cubio pedestal benches on this page run at 840 mm and 940 mm worktop heights — choose deliberately rather than by default.
-
It is not going to move. Loaded with cabinets, this is a fixed installation.
The Cubio pedestal range
All of these are built from freestanding Bott Cubio cabinets, so the drawers carry the standard Cubio full-extension action and the cabinets can be re-purposed if the layout changes later.
-
2000 x 750 x 840 mm — the large-format standard bench: one 4-drawer cabinet plus two 2-drawer cupboard cabinets. Deep drawers for hand tools, cupboard space for the bulkier items.
-
1100 x 1100 x 940 mm — compact square footprint at the taller working height, with two 5-drawer cabinets and two 3-drawer cupboard units. High drawer count in a small floor area.
-
1350 x 1350 x 940 mm — the larger square format, again with configurable Cubio cabinets underneath.
Island benches
The pedestal island benches are the same idea worked from both sides. Because the cabinets are accessible front and back, two operators can work at one bench without either of them walking round it:
-
1500 x 750 x 840 mm — a 4-drawer cabinet paired with a full-height reinforced cupboard, balancing drawer access against bulk storage.
-
2000 x 750 x 840 mm — the full-length island, with modular drawer and cupboard storage accessible from all sides.
Islands earn their keep in the middle of a shop floor. Against a wall you lose half the benefit, and a standard pedestal bench is the better buy.
Worktops
Two options run across the range: 40 mm multiplex and industrial lino-faced. Multiplex is the choice for impact, clamping and general fabrication work — it can be dressed back or replaced. Lino is smoother and cleans down more easily, which suits assembly, inspection and light electrical work. The difference is not cosmetic; it changes what the bench is comfortable to do for the next ten years.
Choosing between pedestal, framework and modular
Ask one question first: does anybody sit at this bench? If yes, you want a framework bench. If no, ask the second question: is storage or flexibility the priority? Pedestal for storage, framework for flexibility, and modular benching when you need a continuous run of bench rather than individual stations.
For the full picture see all workbenches, workshop storage and the Bott range. Our workbench buying guide and drawer cabinet guide cover the sizing and drawer-layout decisions in more depth.
Pedestal workbench FAQs
What is a pedestal bench?
A workbench whose legs are cabinets. The worktop sits on freestanding drawer and cupboard units, so the space beneath is all storage rather than an open frame with a shelf.
What are the downsides of a pedestal bench?
There is no knee room, so it is a standing bench; the height is fixed by the cabinets; and once loaded it is a fixed installation. If anyone sits at the station, choose a framework bench instead.
What sizes and heights are available?
The Bott Cubio pedestal benches run at 840 mm and 940 mm worktop heights. Formats include 2000 x 750 x 840 mm, 1100 x 1100 x 940 mm and 1350 x 1350 x 940 mm, plus island benches at 1500 x 750 x 840 mm and 2000 x 750 x 840 mm.
What is an island pedestal bench?
The same idea worked from both sides. The cabinets are accessible front and back, so two operators can work at one bench without walking round it. Islands suit the middle of a shop floor; against a wall a standard pedestal bench is the better buy.
What worktop should I choose?
40 mm multiplex for impact, clamping and general fabrication, as it can be dressed back or replaced. Industrial lino-faced for assembly, inspection and light electrical work, as it is smoother and cleans down more easily.
What storage is under a 2000 mm bench?
The 2000 x 750 x 840 mm standard bench carries one 4-drawer cabinet plus two 2-drawer cupboard cabinets, giving deep drawers for hand tools and cupboard space for bulkier items.
Can the cabinets be reused later?
Yes. The benches are built from freestanding Bott Cubio cabinets with the standard Cubio full-extension action, so they can be re-purposed if the layout changes.
Pedestal, framework or modular bench?
Pedestal for storage, framework for flexibility and seated work, and modular benching when you need a continuous run of bench rather than individual stations. Ask first whether anybody sits at the bench.
