Cons
- Hard woods are not as durable as others.
- Over time, be aware of scratches and dents
: Maple Wood
Hard maple wood is a sturdy wood that has a beautiful aesthetic. This hard wood has a naturally creamy texture and striking grain patterns. You can also find it in up to 150 different varieties.
With its sheer durability and resistance to wear and tear, hard maple is one of the top picks among woodworkers. Moreover, as Maple is easily accessible, it is more affordable than most hardwood varieties, especially if you purchase it froma sawmill in your area. Since it is easy to stain, some woodworkers tint it with dark stains to imitate pricier wood varieties.
Pros
- Very durable
- Multifunctional
- Resistant against wear and tear
- Readily available
- Affordable
: Douglas Fir
The Douglas Fir, which is found in Western North America, is a softwood. It can also be called Oregon pine or Colombian Pine.
It is abundant in Europe, New Zealand, and South America and is used for multiple applications. One of its most prominent uses is glue-laminated wood, also known as glulam. It is a type of structural engineered wood that is highly durable with moisture-resistant structural adhesives.
Although the Douglas fir is lighter than other softwood varieties, it can still support more weight than hard woods. This wood is a great wood base for porches and pillars because of its exceptional strength-toweight ratio.
Pros
- Lightweight but durable
- Weather and moisture resistance
- Light in color with red and cream touches
- Does not decay
- Superior nail and screw hold
- Ideal for flooring and structural repairs
Cons
: Teak
The Pacific coast and Asia are home to a lot of teak. Teak wood is characterized by its rich, dark to golden brown color and accentuated with small white flowers and papery leaves that tend to be thick on the lower side. The heartwood is yellowish, but it tends to darken as it ages. While the sapwood is light yellow to pale yellow, or light brown,
Teak wood is a termite-resistant and easy-to-carve wood. Its dense, heavy-built structure indicates its strength and durability, making it one of the top picks for a wood workbench top.
Acacia wood and teak wood are often compared because they both last a long time but are expensive. Acacia wood is best for indoor use, while teak wood can be used outdoors.
Pros
- The most expensive choice of wood
- Rare and hard to access
: Plywood
Without a doubt, plywood is one of the most viable options when crafting a workbench. Plywood is lightweight and versatile, and it is easily available and affordable.
Most woodworkers opt for plywood for their first workbench because it is flexible and easy to work with, especially when staining or adding dog holes. It comes in a variety of quality and thickness and is created by combining multi-layers of wood veneer glued together in an adhesive.
A plywood that is cross-grained and has evenly distributed strength is the best for general use. Some woodworkers also opt for kiln-dried softwood plywood which is equally durable and affordable.
Pros
: MDF
The Medium-Density Fiberboard is an engineered wood product synthesized by breaking down hardwood like poplar and softwood residuals into fine wood fibers and combining them with a resin binder.
MDF is not like solid wood. It rarely cracks or expands. MDF is more likely than solid wood to warp or snag under pressure, and it can withstand damp conditions. However, it is not recommended to submerge MDF in water for a prolonged period of time.
Although easily dismissed by woodworkers when it first came out, MDF has greatly increased its quality over the years. MDF is stronger and more affordable than plywood.
Pros
American Beech
Widely common in Europe, Asia, and North America, the beech tree has many variants. This wood is loved by woodworkers for its beauty. In particular, the American Beech Tree boasts fine, symmetrical grains that give it a uniform texture.
The two factors that set American Beech apart from other woods are its durability and ease of use. If you wish to craft a sturdy workbench that can take heavy loads and last for a long time, it is one of the best options. Beechwood can also hold screws and nails exceptionally, making it ideal in furniture making.
Pros
- Easy to work with
- Stable hardwood
- Flexible
- Unique and uniform grain pattern
- Odorless
- Easy to maintain
: Yellow Birch
There are many varieties of birch trees, with sweet birch and white birch being the most popular. They are often referred to as birch trees and birch wood.
Particularly the yellow birch is highly sought after for its superior quality. Its amber to white color with broad brown figures make for a solid piece of woodwork. You can use birch wood for the entirety of your project or use them only for the veneer and overlay. You may also opt for a birch fiberboard.
Economy birch plywood, which is up to 75% cheaper than soft maple or cherry wood, is also one of the most affordable types of lumber.
Pros
- Cost-effective
- Fairly durable
- Easy to stain and polish
- Available immediately
- Distinct aesthetic finish
- There are many varieties to choose from
Cons
White Oak
The White Oak hardwood is a solid hardwood that displays beautiful grain patterns. Its rustic look is best suited in wooden workbenches and is also one of the most durable choices among hard woods, as it can effortlessly support a significant amount of weight.
This is a great choice for professional woodworkers as it creates a flat, smooth surface that resists moisture and corrosion.
However, like the Red Oak, this wood is also prone to splintering and cracking. Note that just like most hardwoods, it may be challenging to cut.
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to stain and varnish
- Superior resistance to moisture
- Affordable
- Beautiful grain patterns
- Economical
- May shrink or crack over time
- Splintering is not recommended
Different Types Of Workbench Tops
Vanity Bench
Characterized by drawers, raised panel doors, and dedicated shelves, a vanity bench is a multipurpose work bench that serves various functions in a standard workshop.
They are easy to build and are highly cost-effective. A lot of hobbyists have started their woodworking projects with DIY vanity benches.
Carpenters Bench
If you are the type of woodworker who focuses more on functionality than aesthetics, then a carpenters bench may be for you. The bench is usually made of solid wood and has an MDF top.
To prevent it from becoming heat stained, you can also add a wax cover. You should make sure it can hold all your tools.
Crafters Bench
A bench is necessary to hold all the tools you need when you are getting your hands dirty with different crafts. Depending on your line of craft, may it be sewing, pottery, sculpting, or others, you can customize a crafters bench that caters to your needs.
Crafters benches are typically equipped with a plywood or MDF topof about an inch. However, it is possible to make it thicker if necessary.
If you are working on heat-related crafts, the top can be covered with a metal or glass sheet. You can also add or partially cover it with a carpet or rubber sheet to avoid staining and damaging the wood finish caused by your hand tools.
Garage Bench
A garage bench can be a great idea if you have enough space in your garage or basement. It is typically in a garage or basement and functions as a general-purpose workbench.
These garage benches usually take a lot of beating, so they must be rugged. The top of the workbench is usually covered with 215 cm lumber planks, or plywood.
It would be much better if your garage bench were situated in abasement with hardwood floorsso that you no longer have to worry about carpet maintenance while you are immersed in woodworking.
How Thick Should A Workbench Top Be?
The thickness of a workbench top depends on your work type. In general, it should at least be 8 cm. A workbench top made of wood should be no more than 10x36x3 cm square. Any length greater than 91cm requires an additional 1 to 4 cm thickness. A general 3 cm overhang is also recommended.
Add An Overhang To The Workbench Top
One of the most common questions for woodworkers is how to measure the length of an overhang. Our expert woodworkers suggest first determining the overall design and considering the four legs of your table, including the leg vises.
A general rule of thumb is an overhang of at least 12 to 38 cm, taking into account that they are equal at both ends.
Where To Purchase Your Wood
You can find nice wood in your local hardware, Home depot, or lumber supply shop. You can also order online if there aren’t any in your area. However, this may take longer.
Workbench Top Covering
One of the best options for a bench top covering is silicone. Silicone is a durable material that can withstand stains and adhesives.
FAQ
What should I do with my plywood workbench top
To add protection to your woodworking projects, you can apply any quick-seal coat or contact adhesive to the plywood workbench’s top.
Conclusion
Your needs as a woodworker will determine the best wood to use for your workbench top. If you are looking for something sturdy and low-maintenance, MDF or hardwood might be the best option. If you are looking for something lightweight and economical, plywood is the best option. Make sure to take into account your intended purpose so you can maximize it fully and efficiently.
