old bowling alley? The lane near me sells used bowling alleys by the foot. I would think those would make a good surface!

have you given any thought of using a plaster cored door ( fire proof door) ?

I am a retired hospital maintenance man and during our many construction projects these type of doors were thrown out by the dozens... you will not find a better bench top for free.

hospitals are constantly under construction check with the hospital plant operations manager or the contractor doing the project and i would bet that you could get all you wanted for the asking....................

What a great idea to recycle an old fire door! That's a page I'll be borrowing out of your book.

Thanks for that!!

i have always just used 3/4" plywood. a true workbench should have scars. if someone wants one that will forever look like it is on a showroom floor, then they ain't using it right!

for looks i would go with stainless steel if money is not an issue. any type of laminate/composite/etc jsut won't hold up to the beating and banging of a workbench.

I use solid core doors (new or used) for the top, then slip a piece of masonite over it. You can periodically replace the masonite at low cost.

It really depends upon what your primary activity is. I'd have different recommendations for rebuilding transmissions, fine woodwork, pottery, or welding.