building a workbench

[jeffc]

I'm in the process of building one and am curious as to what people have used for the top of these? Any input is appreciated. It's 10' x 30" if that matters.

[Chieflongtee]

Plywood here.

[Kiwi]

I used 1x6, lengthwise. Full size is 6' x 3'. Built it so I can break it down and move it in parts. If I were to do over I would go with plywood so all those darn small screws and nuts dont fall through the gaps onto stuff I have stored below.

[314314]

I just built one a couple of months ago... a series of 2x6, 2x4 under $20.00 on wood. Very solid.. PM your email and I can send you the plans in pdf.

[Nat Williams]

I am in the process of building one myself, and will be using plywood.

[jeffc]

i've got the frame started, should have it finished tonight. It cost me about $25 in wood.

[Gapwedge]

For the top, I have used all of the follwoing in the past: old Kitchen counters (seconds, throw-aways, etc), old or discounted non-square solid core doors (smooth surface) or MDF. In the end, my preference is 3/4" MDF, as it can be easily replaced if I spill stuff on it.

Framing is typically 2x4 or larger. I have a 6x6 post under my vise.
________
Lexus ls awards list specifications

[gbower]

One that I had built many years ago I got a kitchen counter and it worked great. It was one that was returned and was really cheap.

[jeffc]

i looked at kitchen counters today at Rona but they were too expensive for what I want for the length i need it. That and they aren't by default, deep enough. I think I am leaning to MDF right now.

[Indio]

I used MDF and glued some cheap counter top laminate on it. Worked great and was very solid.

[jeffc]

bob...where did you get the laminate and any idea how much it was? not looking to break the bank

[Indio]

I got it at Home Depot in the sale section.... there was a crack in a 4 X 8 sheet, so it was like 15 or 20 bucks and the color was perfect.... flat grey! Just go to any of those places and ask them if the have any chipped or cracked sheets for sale.... they usually always have them.

[Fallys0820]

I'm not sure if you would run with the idea, but there is a warehouse near the Giant Tiger (the other GT!), on Walkley Rd...I think it's a Habitat for Humanity drop/off and purchase centre. If you're in the vicinity, it might be worth checking out for some cheap countertops.

Fally
aka Scott

[Leftygolfer3]

bob...where did you get the laminate and any idea how much it was? not looking to break the bank

Jeff, look for a Reuse Store or another store that sells recycled building materials in your area.

Also, you could try calling a kitchen remodelling company and offer to take an old one away for them - they'd just have to pay to dump it anyway.

[Sakuraba]

A buddy of mine built a very nice work bench area in his garage & got all the components from a local kitchen cabinet maker. All leftovers, or returns. The bench top was mdf, but above & underneath were nice oak cuppords of various styles. He even had some drawers just like in a new kitchen. It cost him around $300 for the whole setup, but took him a while to install, as the cuppords were not all the same size. He was/is a professional contractor also, so maybe he made it look easier to build than it would be for a hack like me.

[Pinshark]

You can get counters at the habitat for humanity re-store I would imagine for very cheap. They have tons of stuff there.

[jeffc]

went with MDF and the guys at Home Depot cut it to size for me. They do have laminate sheets there, same as the countertops but just the thin veneer for about $60. They have quite a few chipped ones so I may get one of these as the guy there said he would knock $30 off the price.

I like the countertop idea but it they usually come in 25" depth and I needed 30". Also, I need a 10 foot length total and I only have a small car so getting something that big home is a whole other issue.

thanks for all the input, I will post pics when I am done.

[Indio]

I like the countertop idea but it they usually come in 25" depth and I needed 30". Also, I need a 10 foot length total and I only have a small car so getting something that big home is a whole other issue.

thanks for all the input, I will post pics when I am done.

Jeff, I bought 2 - 4 X 8 sheets and cut them, then spliced them together to make a 12' by 30'' surface. The sheets glue together very well and if the joint bothers you, just take a was pen and fill in the very small crack.

[jeffc]

Jeff, I bought 2 - 4 X 8 sheets and cut them, then spliced them together to make a 12' by 30'' surface. The sheets glue together very well and if the joint bothers you, just take a was pen and fill in the very small crack.

thanks...yes, that is what I was thinking of doing.....

[Indio]

thanks...yes, that is what I was thinking of doing.....

Oh ya, and the sheets roll up to a 4' by about 2' roll so don't worry about space.