Choice of surface material in workbench?

[jojjeblom]

This spring, I'm planning to renovate the garage, including building a new workbench.

I'm considering what material the countertop should be made of, as the bench will be used for screwing/working on various engines (not car engines ) and other items will be sanded/welded, etc.

I thought sheet metal might be the best/durable option but then considered formplywood edged with angle iron.

Do you have any good tips so I can build the ultimate workbench?

 

[SBH]

why not invest in a metal table. easy to keep clean.
disadvantage you might damage some edges on different cutting tools

 

[Johan Gunverth]

I opted for a glued laminated oak board in the building supply store's bargain corner. 50x50x5mm angle iron embedded in the front edge. The board is 28mm thick and is screwed and glued from underneath to a 22mm floor particle board.
Easy to repair any deep cuts with a drill and oak plug.

 

[Eld]

I chose two glued-together 22mm chipboards with a floor-intended plastic mat on top and an oak strip at the edge. I made mine 90cm wide.

 

[jojjeblom]

Thanks for the tips, now I have something to think about

 

[slacker]

Mine is made of formplywood with 45x95 underneath - Stable but actually looks a bit worn out after a while.. Just screw on another layer!

 

[jojjeblom]

Mine is made of formplywood with 45x95 underneath - Stable but actually looks a bit worn out after a while.. Just screw on another layer!

I don't think it matters at all, that it looks a bit worn out (we are in a garage after all) .

 

[barajag]

I got a number of shorter lengths of tongue and groove pine flooring 28X90 which I joined together and use as a countertop. Works well and cost nothing.

Regards
Just me

 

[Jante]

Take a trip to a sheet metal worker and check what a galvanized sheet would cost in the right measurements with folded edges and glue it onto double chipboards. Easy to clean and should last a while.

Best regards,
Jante