One thing I did with my existing bench was add reinforcing 2×4 legs. They’re outside the bookcase the top sits on so between that and tying it to the wall you can literally pound it with a sledgehammer and it won’t move, shake, bounce or anything. It may not be much of a woodworker’s bench but it is definitely a sturdy shop bench. I think with a little planning, I can achieve the same sturdiness, plus useful storage plus a useful woodworking bench top. Most benches I’ve seen with storage are a bench first, with heavy legs and storage is added after. That’s the concept: bring the load to the floor directly.

Losing fingers since 1969