CMST22800RB: A Complete Look at the Craftsman 2200 Series Workbench
The CMST22800RB is the Craftsman 2200 Series 56-inch freestanding combination unit, which includes a workbench top, a bottom cabinet with a drawer and door section, and options to build out with matching upper cabinets. It's one of the more popular mid-range garage cabinet combinations because it ships from retail stores like Lowe's, assembles without special tools, and gives you both workspace and storage in one piece.
If you're researching this specific model, you're probably trying to decide whether it fits your garage, what else you need to complete your setup, or how it compares to similar units in the same price range. I'll break down the actual specs, what users report after living with it, and what makes sense to add to it.
What the CMST22800RB Actually Is
This is a 56-inch wide garage storage combination unit in red/black (that's what the "RB" suffix stands for). The base unit includes:
- A work surface at standard bench height (around 34 to 36 inches)
- Lower cabinet with two full-width drawers
- Lower cabinet with a lockable door storage section (adjustable shelf inside)
- Pegboard back panel on the upper section
- Weight capacity of approximately 2,000 pounds distributed across all storage
The unit is made from 21-gauge steel for the cabinet body and 19-gauge for the drawer slides, which is typical for this price tier. It's not workshop-grade like a Lista or Vidmar cabinet, but it's substantially better than budget units from no-name brands.
Assembly and Installation
Assembly is the most common complaint in reviews of this unit. Budget 2 to 4 hours if you're doing it alone, and 1.5 to 2 hours with a second person. The instructions are generally clear, but the unit ships with a lot of pieces, and the initial setup involves squaring up the frame before you can fit the drawers correctly.
Common assembly issues reported: - Drawer alignment requires patience; some users need to adjust the slides multiple times before drawers open smoothly - The leveling feet need adjustment if your floor isn't perfectly level (most garage floors aren't) - The pegboard back panel needs to be installed before you attach upper sections if you're adding those
I'd recommend watching a YouTube assembly video for this specific model before you start. Seeing the process beforehand saves real time on a unit this size.
The Work Surface
The top surface is a laminate-covered particle board, which is fine for light to moderate work but not ideal for heavy pounding, grinding near the surface, or setting down hot equipment. For casual assembly and organization work, it's completely adequate.
If you plan to do serious mechanical or woodworking work on this bench, consider replacing the top with a 1.5-inch butcher block or thick plywood laminate. You can custom cut a piece to 56 inches and sit it on top of the existing surface. This is a $50 to $100 upgrade that transforms the usability for workshop tasks.
Storage Capacity
The base unit has a realistic storage capacity of 200 to 300 pounds across its drawers and cabinet section. The drawers are 3 to 4 inches deep, which makes them good for flat tools, hand tools, and smaller power tool accessories. The cabinet section with the door has adjustable shelf placement so you can configure it for taller items.
The drawers open with full extension, meaning you can access items at the very back without reaching blindly. This matters more than it sounds. Partial-extension drawers mean the last 30% of the drawer is effectively dead storage.
Adding Upper Cabinets
The CMST22800RB is designed to accept Craftsman 2200 Series wall cabinets and upper cabinets. The matching upper cabinets typically run 30 to 40 inches wide and 12 to 15 inches deep with adjustable shelves. Adding a pair of upper cabinets above this base unit roughly doubles your storage capacity.
The upper cabinets mount to the wall and also connect to the base unit for stability. You'll need to anchor into studs. A typical setup with the base unit plus two upper cabinets holds a substantial amount of automotive supplies, power tools, chemicals, and seasonal items.
How It Compares to Similar Units
Craftsman 2200 vs. Gladiator GAWG28KDYG
The Gladiator Welded Steel Cabinet costs significantly more (usually $400 to $500 vs. $200 to $300 for the Craftsman) but uses 18-gauge welded steel construction, which is meaningfully stronger. The Gladiator also comes essentially pre-assembled vs. The Craftsman's kit assembly.
If you're storing primarily tools and lighter items and want to stay under $300 for the base unit, the Craftsman makes sense. If you're storing heavy automotive equipment and want zero assembly headache, the Gladiator is worth the premium.
Craftsman 2200 vs. Husky 52-Inch
Husky's 52-inch combination unit (available at Home Depot) competes directly with the Craftsman. Build quality is similar. The Husky has slightly more drawer depth in some configurations. Choice often comes down to retailer preference and which is on sale.
Both are in the same tier: decent garage storage for light to moderate workshop use, assembled at home from boxed components.
What to Add to the CMST22800RB
Overhead Storage
The base unit gives you a work surface and drawers, but you'll still have a lot of items that need a home. Adding ceiling-mounted overhead storage for seasonal bins and bulky gear keeps the floor clear and takes zero wall space. This is the most common addition people make after setting up a cabinet system.
Look at the best garage storage options for combining cabinet units with ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted shelving to cover all your storage needs.
Wall-Mounted Shelving Above the Unit
If you don't go with upper cabinets, a set of heavy-duty wall shelves above the work unit gives you open shelf storage for bins, chemicals, and items you grab regularly. The open shelf is more convenient than cabinet doors for things you reach for daily.
Drawer Liner Matting
The bare metal drawer bottoms slide around and can scratch tools. Drawer liner foam or rubber mat is a 5-minute upgrade that protects tools and stops them from sliding. Most hardware stores sell rolls of mat in the right width.
Pegboard Accessories
The back panel is already there, so use it. Hooks for hand tools, holders for screwdrivers, and small bins for consumables (tape, markers, gloves) make the vertical surface highly functional. A well-organized pegboard panel handles 30 to 40 commonly used items in a small footprint.
FAQ
Is the CMST22800RB still available? Craftsman updates model numbers periodically, and availability varies by retailer and region. If the exact model isn't in stock, the equivalent unit in the current Craftsman 2200 Series will have very similar specs and is generally the right substitute.
Can I anchor this unit to the wall? Yes, and you should. The unit has anchor points in the back that allow you to secure it to studs. This prevents tipping, especially important if you're adding upper cabinets that raise the center of gravity. Use lag bolts into studs.
Is the work surface strong enough for automotive work? For general tasks like changing fluids, swapping parts, and light mechanical work, yes. For heavy pounding, press work, or impact tool use directly on the surface, I'd add a protective mat or a wooden top overlay.
What weight can the drawers hold? Craftsman rates the drawers at around 100 pounds combined for the smaller drawers. The bottom drawers are rated higher. For typical garage tool storage, this is adequate. Avoid storing extremely heavy items like multiple full socket sets stacked deep in one drawer.
Bottom Line
The CMST22800RB hits a useful price point for someone setting up a garage workshop on a budget. It gives you a work surface, organized drawer storage, and a lockable cabinet in one unit that takes up a predictable 56 inches of wall space.
The assembly is time-consuming but manageable. The work surface isn't workshop-grade. For most homeowners who want to move tools off the floor and out of a pile, it does exactly what it's supposed to do.
Pair it with overhead storage for seasonal gear and garage top storage options if you're maxing out your garage, and you'll have a complete system without needing to custom-build anything.