Need workbench top help

[mrstang69]

Went to a garage sale this morning and bought a work bench for $7. I just need to replace the top. The top is made of particle board and is coming apart. Does anyone have ideas or pics of how to make a top or fourm links of how to make one. Thanks GJ Friends!

 

[Slick50]

What will you be doing with it?
A couple of layers of 3/4" plywood.
2xs covered with sheet metal.
maple 2x2s glued and surfaced.
steel plate

 

[Addrock]

I like hardboard double-sided carpet taped to 2 layers of plywood with oak (or any hardwood around the edge. The hardboard takes a BEATING and is replaceable. I like the idea of steel over ply also, I have done that in other shops.

 

[zwitterman]

How about a sold core door? Try a resell shop like Habbitat for Humanity or Goodwill. Just a thought!

 

[Big Rick]

I used 2 layers of 3/4 hdf and then 1/4 temperd masanite with counter sunk scres that way i can change the 1/4 out easy

 

[28HopUp]

Nice score OP! I think your choice of top surface will depend on how you plan to use the bench. Heavy-duty use will require a tougher surface, but you can get away with less if you are going to use it for lighter stuff.

I used 2 layers of 3/4 hdf and then 1/4 temperd masanite with counter sunk scres that way i can change the 1/4 out easy

That's what I'm doing with a new workbench I'm building in the corner of my basement. It's a medium-duty bench, and the Masonite changes out easy enough.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I used double layers of 3/4 PT plywood for my new tops.

 

[Stephenw]

I like IKEA hardwood countertops for work benches.

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/categories/departments/kitchen/10472/

Here is a picture of mine when I first installed it. I have since painted the walls and cabinets.

 

[Scout Driver]

I used 10 gauge steel on mine.

Scott

 

[strokerace]

I used hard wood flooring.

 

[Stuart in MN]

I use Masonite on top as well. It's pretty durable, and when it does wear out it's easy to replace.

 

[larry4406]

I used commercial metal fire door. Down side is it is drilled for a lockset, but was free.

 

[larry_g]

I used commercial metal fire door. Down side is it is drilled for a lockset, but was free.

No its drilled out where the vise mounts...

lg
no neat sig line

 

[lowbucktruck]

How about a sold core door? Try a resell shop like Habbitat for Humanity or Goodwill. Just a thought!

That's a great suggestion for a general-use workbench. I've done the solid-core door slab myself, they are rugged and can be found cheap (or free, someone is always remodeling). You can also use the solid-core door idea for the under-structure and make a galvanized steel top to cover it.

You can also check your local used office furniture warehouse/store/dealer for laminate countertop slabs from office cubicles. I picked up some grey laminate countertop slabs that were in nice shape for my father-in-law's garage from such a place for free! And father-in-law was happy to get them.
If you look around, you may find a serviceable top for your workbench for cheap.

 

[thrifty bill]

How about a sold core door? Try a resell shop like Habbitat for Humanity or Goodwill. Just a thought!

+1 Local H for H store had some nice solid core Maple doors. I almost picked one up to do a bench top myself.

 

[DORIGTT]

What will you be doing with it?
A couple of layers of 3/4" plywood.
2xs covered with sheet metal.
maple 2x2s glued and surfaced.
steel plate

Which would be the best strength - cost option? the 2x2's or the couple layers of 3/4" plywood?

 

[Jack Olsen]

Plywood will (generally) make you a lot happier than 2x4s butted together. 2x4s tend to be soft, and you'll get channels from where the edges have been rounded off.

I've got a little of everything in my garage. A second-hand solid core door is hard to improve on, from a bang-for-the-buck perspective. I've also got doubled up plywood, and a couple of butcher block tops. Maple is better than Birch, I've learned, for the butcher block.

 

[egdede]

I used commercial metal fire door. Down side is it is drilled for a lockset, but was free.

I put the hole to the wall and run cords through.

 

[Jack Olsen]

I cut the door narrower so there wouldn't be a hole. I also put some steel along the facing edge.

2x4 for a backsplash.

 

[murph3204]

I cut the door narrower so there wouldn't be a hole. I also put some steel along the facing edge.

2x4 for a backsplash.

What's a good countertop depth? My current benches are 32" which I think are a little too big. I was thinking about going back with about 28". ... and about 40" high.

 

[Jack Olsen]

I personally like 37" high and 28-30" deep.

 

[murph3204]

I personally like 37" high and 28-30" deep.

mine are 36" high at the moment but I'm a bit taller than most people though, which is why 40" would work better for me.

 

[gilbo]

I like IKEA hardwood countertops for work benches.

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/categories/departments/kitchen/10472/

Here is a picture of mine when I first installed it. I have since painted the walls and cabinets.

+1 on the ikea top

 

[mmhouse]

1-1/8" underlayment plywood works great for a bench top.

Most plywood can have voids under the top layer (face), underlayment does not. Since it's underlayment the face is also plugged and touch sanded so it's fairly smooth. Not to mention that it's stout as heck.