Workbench build advice on a new Garage Build

[jchev53]

I’m in the process of building a new 30x48 attached garage. My primary use will be for working on cars.
I’m trying to decide whether to build a stationary workbench out of wood or steel.
My last work bench was a craftsman workbench with drawers and a wood top that I covered with sheet metal. It took a beating and I want to build something that is durable and will hold up especially when I use my bench mounted vice.

Which material would you use?

 

[ItsNemo]

Ideally both. I like wood benches because they're cheap and easy to build and are more forgiving to tools and items put on top of them. I like steel benches for their strength and durability and anything with welding/metal work. Given the space, I'd do wood benches on the walls and build at least one 4x8 or larger metal work table on wheels.

 

[bad_idea]

Steel frame, butcher block top for mechanical work bolted to the floor. Steel frame, steel top for welding table on wheels.

 

[J.C.]

If i I had to just have one my preference is to have a steel top. Takes more abuse and I find it easier to put down a sheet of wood if I need a softer surface than put down a steel sheet on wood for a harder one.

Having both surfaces available is convenient.

 

[kaymccampbell]

With a big space like yours, you can have one of each.

 

[davidh]

Go with a steal one. It's much reliable in the long run.

 

[jimreed2160]

I think it is an evolutionary thing. My woodworking garage started with construction lumber tables and benches. Over time the shop got more crowded and the 2x4 tables did not have efficient storage. Most of them have been replaced with rolling toolboxes (on sale) with wooden tops. Some things like grinders and sanders live fine on rollers and provide excellent storage. I still have some sturdy tables because sometimes you just have to pound the cr@p out of something.

Nice size. Good luck with your project.

 

[dagofast]

I built 2 benches for my 20'x50' shop. One at the rear of the shop and one at the front. Each is 36" tall and both have at minimum a 20 gallon horizontal compressor living under them. I built the benches out of wood, 4x4 legs on casters with 2x8 tops and 2x6 bracing. They both have sheet metal tops bolted down. The smaller 4' long one resides at the rear of the shop in the grinding area and has a vise mounted to the left side. The longer 7' bench is at the front and has a vise mounted to the right side. They both are anchored to the wall with two ¼" hitch pins that drop down vertically through the metal tops in to a 2x4 securely mounted to the wall studs. If you pop the pins out, each can be rolled anywhere including outside and used as one long bench with a vise on each opposite end. The longer front bench also has an easily removable small arbor press and bench top drill press mounted on it. Along with the other 20 gallon compressor, the rotor for the phase converter and a rolling 35 gallon metal trash can and a stool live under it.

 

[jchev53]

If you where going to build one out of steel would 2” square tubing be adequate for the frame?