What wood is best for a workshop bench?

[Bob Slade]

Get some 25mm chip board then put some 18mm or thicker plywood on top. the ply will absorb any oils and the chip board will help absorb any impact.

[davidb]

it depends on your use of the workbench. If it was fine woodworking l would go for beech or poplar. General messy stuff l would go for MDF as its stable, easy to change and cheap.

[Rob D]

Any wood will prob last fine...

 

 

I have a poplar work bench and it's ok but does dent very easily!

[mixedangased]

ditto scaffold planks,cheep graded timber

[GardenKit]

18mm Phenolic Ply. Its really tough, does not absorb oil and grease and is very easy to clean. I prefer the shiny side.

 

i get about 2 years from my intensively used bench before it gets a little messy, then I stick a new bit on. Just done it today by strange coincidence.