Osb workbench top question.

[AceofSpad3s]

Hello, I have a couple sheets of osb that I am going to use for my work bench top and I would like to make sure it hold up well and I don't get a **** load of splinters in me. I got some bear ultra tan paint that I got for free, should is paint the top or should I get some 1/8 hardboard at home depot and use that on top of the osb? If you are going to post that I should not use osb please don't, I got osb so I am going to use it.

 

[sublime68charger]

I'd due the 1/8 hardboard on top of the osb


Just my thought

 

[NUTTSGT]

A buddy of mine used osb and I didn't care for it. It's too uneven, kindda like a textured top. I'd use some 1/8" hardboard like you've already considered. When it gets beat up, just replace the hardboard.

 

[southalabama]

Get hardboard top

Would soak up paint and make for rough surface

 

[ADSR]

I'd use the osb and brake some 20g sheet for it.

 

[deaddawg58]

Hardboard on top of the osb. When it gets beat up flip it over.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Even the smooth side of OSB ain't smooth. Soaks up paint, even when Kilz is applied. I used it for a lower level of a workbench. It worked, but cannot imagine having it for a top. My wooden ones are 3/4 plywood, sanded and varnished with several coats.

Charles

 

[Whiskeymike]

I use hard board on top of MDF and it's great. I like the idea of sheet metal as well, but I do a fair amount of electronics work and don't want the conductive surface. I have the welding table for a hard surface.

 

[buildyourown]

Masonite covered in poly works great. These were the standard bench tops at a large production machine shop I worked at. Every couple years they would replace them but that was after 3 shifts/day, heavy parts, coolant, etc.

 

[kspwski]

Another vote for hardboard over the osb, that's what I've been using since I built my bench. If it gets wet it tends to lift a bit around the edges, but anything sitting on the bench sends it back flat. You could easily use a bit of glue to hold it down, I didn't and haven't gone back to add it. My vice holds it on one corner though...

 

[EJM02]

I used OSB as a sublayer for my MDF top. I screwed the OSB down to the frame of the bench then drove screws up from underneath the OSB into the MDF. THe result was a stable, completely smooth surface with no screw heads to catch anything. While I'd still use the method including OSB sublayer , I wouldn't use the MDF again. It soaked up every drop of liquid it came in contact with and swelled in those spots. Nice dry work surface, but not everything I do is dry.

Short story long, cap the OSB with something but don't use MDF.

 

[Cyberbear]

I've always preferred original Masonite instead of the hardboard you find most everywhere these days. The good original Masonite was dark brown and helped hide any stains, and was more durable than what is sold now. I used 1/4" most of the time but 1/8" will work, held down in each corner with a flat head wood screw which was easy to flip and lasted for years, without the usual splinters when picking up a tool.

 

[Falcon67]

Another vote for hardboard. My benchtop is 7/16" OSB, then 3/4 ply, then 1/8 hardboard. OSB for a top is a non-starter IMHO.

 

[CatSplat]

I'd use the osb and brake some 20g sheet for it.

Agreed! If you like a metal worktop, OSB makes for a good, cheap underlay but it's not all that nice to work on itself.

 

[OJ Bartley]

Double up the OSB (if you have enough) and put a layer of hardboard on top. Depending how pristine you like to keep your bench, just be aware of the fact that it will **** up moisture, so maybe get a coaster for your beer and you'll be good for a few years before you need to replace anything.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

Double up the OSB (if you have enough) and put a layer of hardboard on top. Depending how pristine you like to keep your bench, just be aware of the fact that it will **** up moisture, so maybe get a coaster for your beer and you'll be good for a few years before you need to replace anything.

I planned on doubling up on the sheets, gluing them and screwing them together. I decided on using the hardboard top, Might be a bit difficult to get home but I should be able have them cut it down at hd.

 

[KenC]

Another vote for hardboard. Specifically, 'tempered Masonite'. It is darker color, harder and less porous than normal stuff. It can also be found smooth on both sides so came be flipped to make up for the higher initial cost.