Workbench top options

[66HertzClone]

I'm working on figuring out cabinets and a top to replace some kitchen base cabinets I have along one wall. I plan to use two Lista cabinets, one 56 1/2" long, and on 47" long, bolted together. There will be a 3' gap for a stool, the front edge of the top wil meet an existing bench, but continue another 34" before it meets the wall. Total length of the top will be 174" or 14' 6". The other bench top is a 10' long butcher block 1 3/4 thick I purchased from McMaster Carr, while not close they have a warehouse in driving distance, so I can pick them up and save shipping.

Given the length of the new bench, I'll have to use sections, a 10' top is $453, while a 5' top is $192, a 10' and a 5' will work, but if I purchased three 5' sections I could save $70. I will have to join the tops anyway, I'm confident that I could using dowels or biscuits and with a sanding make the joint clean. The top will be bolted to the Lista cabinets and a frame mounted to the wall studs when not above the cabinets. Anybody see any reason not to do this?

 

[rlme36]

I just purchased a 10' by 30" 1 3/4 top to bolt on to my lista cabinets just like you. I sourced it through Grizzly Tools as they had by far the best pricing on the tops. In regards to your question of biscuiting and doweling should work fine as long as the joint rests on a cabinet. I have and SC cabinet 28"x 28" and the other is a MW that is 47" x 28" I think. I just put pics on it in the other thread of building a workbench from scratch.

rob

 

[buildyourown]

Look around for used bowling alley. You can find it in solid maple and solid pine. The going rate varies but can be found for $200-300 for 10ft.

 

[Jack90210]

I have had my eye on the same thing for my shop, a 10' section of BB from McMaster. Whatever you wind up with, post some pics.

 

[Jack Olsen]

McMaster-Carr is a little spendy. If you're willing to go with Birch, Beech or Oak (instead of Maple), then you can get more wood for less money at Ikea.

This piece in my garage is 39x72, Birch, and it was $190. That's the same price McMaster-Carr wants for a 24x48 piece of Maple.

If Maple's the only way for you, then look at Lumber Liquidators -- they have a 25x72" piece for $199.

 

[sonexer]

I have also used the Ikea Beech butcher block tops and made seating benches in my kitchen area with good results. Ikea's butcher block tops are made well and a good value for the money.

 

[racing_dave]

I second the Ikea counter top idea. I was just there this morning. I plan on making a desk out of there counter top material.

This butcher block material is over 1 inch thick. And, it's availble in birch, beech, or oak.
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60057852

I don't think that you can find a better price either. It's under $100. I've looked everywhere.

-dave

 

[jmh21586]

I just finished up my top. Ended up using 3/4 inch plywood topped with (real) 3/4" oak hardwood flooring. Solid oak, no laminate. Looks pretty damn good if I do say so. Will post pics soon.

 

[buildyourown]

2x4s on their side or on edge (depending on budget) then planed and sanded smooth make for a good looking and utilitarian top for little money.
A bit of work to get them flush, but an option if you have more time than money.

 

[User_Name]

Given the length of the new bench, I'll have to use sections, a 10' top is $453, while a 5' top is $192, a 10' and a 5' will work, but if I purchased three 5' sections I could save $70. I will have to join the tops anyway, I'm confident that I could using dowels or biscuits and with a sanding make the joint clean. Anybody see any reason not to do this?

Just a practical concern.
How do you plan on clamping these together when you glue it up? Whether you use dowel or biscuit, I don't think their effect on a glued joint will be all that significant if you don't clamp the living hell out of the slabs.

 

[porschedude996TT]

I second the Ikea counter top idea. I was just there this morning. I plan on making a desk out of there counter top material.

This butcher block material is over 1 inch thick. And, it's availble in birch, beech, or oak.
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60057852

I don't think that you can find a better price either. It's under $100. I've looked everywhere.

-dave

That's what I used, it took 6 of them and only had to cut two of them. They are on post #109 under My Build link below.

 

[MN BIANCHI]

I took Jack's suggestion from a few weeks ago on another thread and picked up a couple of 8 ft. tops from Ikea. I picked them up yesterday and did a trial set up today on 1 top. I haven't decided which wall to put them on so I just set the top on 4 towers to see how it looked.

The tops were $169.00 ea. for Oak, Birch or Beech. I have them setting on some laundry towers that cost me $1.00 ea. So I have $173.00 + tax invested in the workbenches. I will also have a couple of Gladiator benches that I will be using in my new shed.

The towers have a small drawer at the top and 2 large drawers below them.

The drawers are on ball bearing slide extensions.

 

[Indy78]

Glad I looked here. The tip on IKEA just saved me a lot of money. Never would of thought about looking there.

 

[dfndr]

So, if you go with Ikea block top which is best-birch, beech or oak?

 

[Jack Olsen]

I did a little research and came out with Birch providing the hardest surface (although any of the three would have been fine).

But if I got it wrong, I'd love to know.

 

[rockhound]

The tops were $169.00 ea. for Oak, Birch or Beech. I have them setting on some laundry towers that cost me $1.00 ea. So I have $173.00 + tax invested in the workbenches. I will also have a couple of Gladiator benches that I will be using in my new shed.

Care to share where you found those laundry towers?

 

[MN BIANCHI]

Care to share where you found those laundry towers?

I sell appliances. Whirlpool has discontinued offering black washer & dryers. Whirlpool sold the black towers to dealers for $1.00 ea. I purchased a bunch of them.

 

[jake00]

I used 3/4" white oak for one, 3/4" red oak for one and 3/4" maple for another.n All flooring,

man, mc master gets a pretty price for a 10' top....
if the tops are 24" wide, there's about 40 board feet in the, (about 40 bucks in wood if they're made out of 4/4)