I don't know if I would really want a metal bench top. I have always used that fiberboard (pegboard without the holes) on my benchtops over the years. If I ever had the need to hammer on metal, I always had a thick (1/2 to 3/4 inch) plate about 1' X 1' to hammer on. Metal can rust, get sharp edges and gouges and I have just never found it to be a good bench top. It makes your bench top heavy and I was always afraid of the dangers of electrical shock- highly unusual, but still a possibility. You can wax the fiberboard to resist water. It looks good if you put metal stair edging around it. And it is easy to change and is inexpensive. We used to have stainless table tops at work for our lunch tables and they were always buckled and bowed and they would pop when you put weight on them because over time the wood underneath will bow. But to each his own I guess. Good luck..............j willis
