Plywood Or Melamine Or...?

[CHuDWah]

I'm planning a 2x8 bench similar to this:



The frame will be 2x4 but I'm debating material for the work surface and shelf. They're usually 3/4 plywood but I'm thinking about 3/4 melamine shelf board - it's cheaper and it being white better matches my garage. Another possibility is 3/4 MDF. I won't be doing any heavy duty work on the bench although I may be pounding on some stuff on it. Opinions and/or suggestions of other materials?

 

[vwpieces]

on melamine, not at all durable, especially the stuff from big box stores. It is super thin.
3/4in plywood with White oil based enamel paint will last longer.
But I would Formica the top... If color matching was a concern.

 

[CHuDWah]

on melamine, not at all durable, especially the stuff from big box stores. It is super thin.
3/4in plywood with White oil based enamel paint will last longer.
But I would Formica the top... If color matching was a concern.

Thanx. I edited the post after your reply - what's your opinion of MDF?

 

[vwpieces]

Not really a fan of MDF or manufactured wood. But there is a Hardboard (1/4 or 1/8in thick) you might consider as a topper. But it's dark brown. No real experience painting the stuff and durability after. Last sheet I bought was only $15 couple months ago. Other than gluing (contact adhesive) it to the top I am not sure how you would do it. Tends to swell at edges of brad nails and screw heads. But it would be a durable sacrificial topper. Glue on another if it gets torn up.

 

[vwpieces]

Forgot already... I did paint that hardboard I used. It is the inset panel of this workbench. Looking at it now it did take the paint good. I used Oil based enamel with a hardener added, sprayed with the purple cheapo HVLP harbor freight gun.
Not a work surface but paint is hard.

 

[The Cobbler]

good plywood would be the most durable IMO

 

[Shiftless]

Another way to go is plywood topped with laminate flooring. You could even get used plywood scraps somewhere if you want to save $$.
My main workbench is topped with recycled 2x6s laid flat and screwed to the framing. I topped that with a second hand IKEA butcher block counter top that somebody was using for a craft table. I sanded and varnished it and it looked great for a few months. It’s still flat and strong but not as pretty anymore.

 

[cvairwerks]

May be able to get a section of premade counter top in white. Trim to fit.

 

[dogdog]

make that table top a torsion box , I would still use plywood and a layer of thin mdf on top though if you are actually using it as work table not show table. Since I have no space , mine is just a torsion box out of 1x2 pine and a plywood top , and saw horses as legs, when I needed it.. portable and lightweight to strength. Couldn't do 2 layer otherwise I won't be able to carry it around.

 

[budget76]

anything you can get cheap.

If you can, Corian is a sweet countertop. Kitchen renovations are often tossing out big chunks, or selling dirt cheap. I've gotten both 1/2" and 3/4" thick

 

[CHuDWah]

Thanks all for the replies/ideas. The reason I suggested MDF or melamine (admittedly less durable) is the slick surface should be easier to clean. Whatever top I use, I don't plan on painting it and even sanded plywood has grain that can trap dust etc. I suppose I could top it with thin MDF or something. It won't be show bench but I also won't be using it for anything real heavy-duty. Nevertheless, it will have 2x4 support(s) under the middle of the top, not just the perimeter. Aesthetics really aren't important, just a bonus depending on the material. I don't want to invest a small fortune but with the current price of lumber, I figure I'll have close to $300 in the project when I get it set up with light, electric, etc. Maybe I should just bite the bullet and go with plywood.

 

[toyotadriver]

One of my work benches has a 3/4 plywood top on top of a couple pieces of LVL and it's the best work top I've ever had. I coated it with outdoor deck stain/sealer.

 

[DHCrocks]

I have a double layer of 3/4" MDF for my bench top, has held up well for the past 17 years. Granted its not beated on, but it does hold up well if you seal it. I put on 3 coats of poly and its been great. What I like about MDF is that it is super flat and smooth, you cant get that with plywood. There is no waviness or grain to the surface and it does't warp if you seal it all around top and especially the edges. Its not a very strong material so you need to brace the underside with some cross braces but it does make for a nice top. Its a super heavy material so it will give you mass and make for a more soild feel then plywood. Being cheap is a big bonus.

 

[rayra]

Melamine's nice, for a lot of purposes. Agree it is thin, not the thing for dragging engine blocks and axles across, but it is great for a hobby / reloading / furniture making surface.

Alternatively, do your plywood, and just put a thin layer of melamine coated pressboard or laminate on top of it. Replace as needed.

 

[73project]

May be able to get a section of premade counter top in white. Trim to fit.

One more vote for laminate countertop. Cheap and holds up pretty good!

 

[turbowoodworker]

For that type of bench I have raised the edge trim 1/4 or 3/16 inch and placed a sheet of Masonite in the recess over two layers of 3/4 ply or even OSB if cost is a big concern. Varnish the Masonite and it is quite durable, but can be easily and cheaply replaced if desired.

 

[Slednut]

Built these out of melamine maybe 20 years ago. I would have to clean the paint off them with lacquer thinner but have taken a lot of abuse.

BTW the first picture is before we added onto the garage.

 

[Aaron_W]

I prefer plywood but have used OSB or MDF for a top. I will usually put a 1/4" sheet of HDF aka Masonite as the actual top surface. Typically you find dark brown, but it also comes in white. Easy to clean, pretty durable and cheap to replace when it gets too beat up.

 

[speed bump]

In my garage I have chip board and one bench has laminate flooring over the top of it. After 10 years of abuse by me and 10-20 years before me (welding, beating, painting, grinding, sanding) its still holding up fine.

 

[yeldogt]

Are you is a place with Southern Yellow Pine ?

There are lots of great bench ideas/ plans around.

The key to a good bench is mass -- even 2x lumber for a top is fine .. you just cover it with a thin sheet of soemthing.

I have lots of hardwood and top sources in my area -- that drives my choices. No SYP ..