Workbench top ideas?

[RinOak]

Hi…looking for some ideas for materials to cover the top of this "workbench" thingy? It's kind of a weird shelf – 44" deep x 15' long – and I'd just like something a little more aesthetically pleasing than the old ugly plywood. I was thinking maybe some sort of garage floor tiles or roll, maybe cork (although not sure that would hold up), or maybe even just plywood with some danish oil on it. I really don't want to spend $500 on this, just want something a little nicer looking and durable...I have my miter saw on here, so it definitely gets a little beat up cutting wood.

Thanks so much for your thoughts

 

[shedfullatools]

I have hardwood flooring over top of 1/2" Ply for all my benches and its held up great. Can get short pieces and seconds/rejects cheap at a flooring place and can rent a stapler cheap.

 

[TnClimber]

I have hardwood flooring over top of 1/2" Ply for all my benches and its held up great. Can get short pieces and seconds/rejects cheap at a flooring place and can rent a stapler cheap.

That’s a good idea. Now I know what to do with a bunch of leftover tavern maple. It’s been sitting in the dry for several years because IDK what to do with it.

 

[Shiftless]

I found a second hand IKEA butcher block counter top on Craigslist. I hit it with my big belt sander and then applied a few coats of Varathane. It doesn’t look nearly this good today.

BTW, what is there that is boxed in under your work top? If it was me, I would try to find room for some drawers.

 

[BTL-A4]

I put 16 Ga steel on mine. The place I bought cut it to size for me. I had wood tops and they got beat up from fluid and use.
The other option is hardboard. Use it until it's trashed then replace. It doesn't take liquid well, though.

 

[tarmy]

Plywood and change it out when needed.

 

[RinOak]

Thanks for the thoughts so far. Yes, I'd thought about IKEA butcher block, but for 44" deep I'd need the island size…which is really only feasible in the laminate option (which I'm guessing would get destroyed).

@Shiftless: Easier to show than explain … It's basically dirt hillside under there, which is why they built this bizarre thing. There "is" a little bit of room where I could possibly build some drawers, but more feasible might just be some inset shelves where I can store paint cans or something.

 

[Zeke]

Wood flooring is a beautiful top and deserves a 2nd protector top of some cheap paneling as that is 44" wide. And it's hand to have a piece of rubber backed outdoor carpeting to protect furniture, cutting glass, etc. You can also get some large sheet metal drip pans for when you use chemicals or even light welding.

My main bench wears many hats.

 

[Firstram]

1/4" tempered masonite, flip it when it gets beat up enough.

 

[619DioFan]

My work benches are topped with 2x10s. They are held to the frames with carriage bolts that are slightly counter sunk. Very strong and take a beating. If I want I can flip them and start beating the fresh side. I abuse them cause that what work benches are there for.

 

[jack stand]

1/4" tempered masonite, flip it when it gets beat up enough.

nice durable surface and a cheap date.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Another vote for tempered hardboard. It's durable and inexpensive.

 

[Trapps]

And another vote for laminate flooring. Durable, easy to install and can be very cheap; search big box store closeouts, etc.



Often under $1.50 sq/ft, occasionally under $1.00 sq/ft.

 

[SlotlessMan]

I used some stylish laminate on top of wood, blocked the sides a tad and added a thick self-leveling resin to the whole top (think the product is called Bar top) I was a rookie installer so It has a couple of bubbles and streaks but it looks nice and has held up very well.

 

[GrayFlattop]

Of course it depends on what your primary use would be. If you are doing any substantial welding, I'd just go with a couple of pieces of 1/4" steel plate.

No welding? Then I'd go with a couple sheets of 1-1/8" MDF. You'll want to add a few more framing members though as spanning 40" is not in the cards for any wood product.

The suggestion to use 2 x 10 has a lot of merit - I'd want to cover it with 1/4 tempered hardboard though.

 

[isb cornbinder]

I have a sheet of 10 gauge cold rolled steel on my workbench. I did not fasten it down so I can move and or remove the sheet.
The workbench doubles as a hydraulic motorcycle lift

 

[Firstram]

My only issue with a metal bench top is electricity. If it's your only workbench it shouldn't be conductive! Build separate sections for welding and general work if possible, otherwise you can build a cover of sorts.