Issues with pressure treated 4x4's for work benches

[Varty Yo]

Anybody see any issues with using pressure treated 4x4 for a work bench build? I have access to alot of them for next to nothing. Ill be painting them once the benches are built before the steel tops go on them.

 

[joey1320]

None. Build away!

 

[16again]

4X4 legs on my bench are pressure treated. No problem, build away.

 

[Dustball]

Shrinkage/warping after assembly.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Paint will not stick to new PT wood. Maybe after it has weathered for a year, but not fresh.

 

[nadogail]

Pressure treated wood should reduce termite damages to your workbench.

 

[ace10]

The price is right. Use em.

You may or may not have an issue with paint. You'll need to try it.
I replaced my four board fence this summer. The lowest board is PT, the rest are oak. Everything was painted with black agricultural fence paint about eight weeks after I was finished, and I swear the PT boards took the paint better than the oak. I didn't do the painting, but it was applied with brushes.

 

[Kev442]

Only problem is with PT sawdust indoors. Older drier PT is more of an issue than new wetter.

 

[Varty Yo]

Thanks guys PT it is then!!! Will update once im done.

 

[Varty Yo]

So got the benches built now time for 3/16 metal tops going on. Should i just slap the tops ontop of the 4x4 or shouls i put some plywood inder before? i have bunch of 1/2" im thinking of going down 1st.

 

[PassnThru]

Shrinkage/warping after assembly.

I know I'm late to the party but this is the number one reason not to use pressure treated for any project that you care about. No reason for it to be used indoors and it's the most unpredictable wood you can work with.
If you have some pressure treated that is a few years old and is actually usable then go for it.

 

[txvwnut]

I’d do the thickest plywood you have for a sub base.

 

[MOwens]

Use galvanized hardware because the treatment they use will eat away at the uncoated hardware.

 

[Dustball]

So got the benches built now time for 3/16 metal tops going on. Should i just slap the tops ontop of the 4x4 or shouls i put some plywood inder before? i have bunch of 1/2" im thinking of going down 1st.

Use decking joist tape to keep the steel from making contact with the wood and use pressure treated rated fasteners.

 

[16again]

So got the benches built now time for 3/16 metal tops going on. Should i just slap the tops ontop of the 4x4 or shouls i put some plywood inder before? i have bunch of 1/2" im thinking of going down 1st.

I would put plywood under the metal top.


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[finn]

Plain, uncoated fasteners will corrode when in contact with the newer PT wood. Aluminum is a no no too.

I think the proper fasteners are heavily galvanized or epoxy coated.

I would use the available posts, but find something more appropriate for the work surface.

 

[tinmanwpk]

Absolutely use a subbase under your steel top. We fabricate countertops for various customers. Even our kitchen counters have a subbase.

 

[Junkyard Jim]

Definately put at least one layer of your 1/2 inch plywood under the metal. I used two layers of 3/4 and have never regretted it. I can throw an engine block on it and it wont dent. Also if you can, get your metal guy to bend it for you. I had a lip bent down in front that covers the support and a lip bent up in the back about four inches. Adds strength and keeps stuff from rolling off the back. I welded ends on it to so fluids can only run off the front.

 

[dkroth]

I suggest rounding the edges with a 1/4 round router bit. And then sand the whole thing a little to give it a more finished appearance, even if you're going to paint it.







.

 

[Varty Yo]

Yes its going to be prebent by the steel shop 4" lip down the front and 4" backsplash.

I was always leaning towards of plywood under just for sound deadening.

While building this i realized my garge is 2" lower from from front to back lol.

 

[southalabama]

Follow Dustballs suggestion