Work bench question

[Scout3918]

I am going to build a wood work bench
It will have a 3/4" think plywood as top.
Should i put some kind of sealer on it? I just be doing doing normal house/garage things on it. I have a HD steel one for other stuff.
Thx in advance

 

[gunguy]

I would consider doubling the thickness of the bench then topping with Masonite (hardboard). When the Masonite gets too beat up, replace it with a fresh piece.

Makes for a stiff, flat, and smooth working surface.

Jim

 

[Marctrees]

Make sure you have at least approx 2" overhang on all sides to permit clamping.

Marc

 

[BOOT]

Lots of flooring options I've read about make good tops.

 

[Sunosauno]

Make sure you have at least approx 2" overhang on all sides to permit clamping.

Marc

+1

 

[ezover]

I used 2x4, 2x6 flat under my plywood to make it sturdy, stiffer. Wish I had thought about the 2 inch over hang.

Never thought about sealing it, what type of product would you use as a sealer? I just figured I would replace the top if it got to beat up / dirty.

 

[Jackfre]

I used 2x4, 2x6 flat under my plywood to make it sturdy, stiffer. Wish I had thought about the 2 inch over hang.

Never thought about sealing it, what type of product would you use as a sealer? I just figured I would replace the top if it got to beat up / dirty.

Boiled linseed oil (BLO)

 

[rburke65]

Not necessary but you could seal it, paint it, or what ever.

 

[SGKent]

I use masonite over plywood and it works well. Stainless steel is the best for oils etc., if you are engine building etc.

 

[QwikKotaTx]

I used MDF over ply on mine and attached it with screws from below for a cleaner look. Ditto on the overhang. I use cardboard on top of the MDF when lubing something up or cleaning a gun or fishing reel to avoid staining but it happens. Don't overthink it.

 

[dfiler2]

I used masonite over plywood also, works great. I get about two years before I flip the sheet over or get a new one. I built it with an edge around it so the masonite sheet drops in, I put a few dabs of silicone in to hold it tight.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Another vote for a Masonite top. It resists fluids and stains pretty well as is, but a coat of varnish on top of it won't hurt anything.

 

[Piggywutz]

X4 on the Masonite. It’s what my father uses on his bench and when I built mine, I followed suit.

 

[Alchase]

I used 3/4” ply covered by Masonite.
Has been perfectly fine for over five years. If it gets damaged, a few screws and replace top for a couple bucks.

 

[ZRX61]

Mine is 2x's, ply & then masonite.

 

[OneOfEm]

+7 on Masonite (tempered hardboard).

Mine is two layers of 3/4 MDF topped by a solid core door topped by the hardboard. I wrapped the whole assembly with solid lumber trim so that the hardboard is flush with it. I then covered the hardboard with a couple coats of water-based poly. It's held up very well. It will probably last 4-5 years more before I have to flip the hardboard.

I use it primarily for woodworking. Wood glue pops right off of the poly.