Which lumber to use?

[FORMUD]

Building a work bench and I'm using 2x6s for the frame work. My question is which would be a better lumber to use.....#2 & better, kiln dried , Spruce-Pine-Fir......Or, Premium #2 & better, Douglas fir?
Price wise I'm only looking at $0.12 difference per foot. So it's only going to be $50.00 more if I use the Douglas fir.
What ( If any ) is the strength difference between the two?

 

[Milton Shaw]

The higher price ones will probably be straighter and easier to work with. Some strength difference but not enough to make a difference on a well designed work bench.

 

[Falcon67]

IMHO - not enough difference to worry about. All my stuff is SPF except for the ceiling joists. My bench frame is 2x4 SPF and I'm sure I could place a complete V8 on it and the bench wouldn't care.

 

[ADSR]

The fir will split to ****. Use the Spruce.

 

[FORMUD]

My first choice would have been Oak, but it would be cost prohibitive and overkill for what I'm doing.

 

[2drx4]

I would use steel.


But since that isn't on your list, I would simply go and look at the quality of the lumber and go from there. From a structural standpoint, either will be fine.

 

[abachman]

Build the frame from the cheaper wood and the top from the better wood. The frame cracking vertically will be much less of a concern than horizontal cracking on the work top.

 

[FORMUD]

I would use steel.


But since that isn't on your list, I would simply go and look at the quality of the lumber and go from there. From a structural standpoint, either will be fine.

I was thinking of using steel. Built some benches at work a few years ago. Makes to much noise while your beating on things. Also it seems like it would send more of a shock up or arm, where wood has more give to it.
Also considered using metal just on the top. Probably going to just use 3/4" ply and some kind of thin veneer on top of that for easy replacement when it gets to beat up.

 

[theoldwizard1]

SPF is fine.

Many times if I need 2 6' pieces I will buy a 12' and cut it in half right at the store. Longer pieces tend to be straighter and have less knots.