I’d like to build a workbench that will be outside of my shed, and I’m looking for advice for the best materials to use, particulary the benchtop surface. I figure that I’ll likely be using PT for the legs and supports, I’ve considered gluing and bolting 2 x 6 PT edge-to-edge, but I’m not sure how stable this will be. I’d like to have as smooth a surface as possible, but even if it’s painted, I’m not sure that exterior plywood would last very long.
Thank you.
Replies
Painted exterior plywood will work just fine. Had a 4' X 8' table outside for over 10 years with no problems and it wasn't even painted.
I saw one at a customers house once where he stapled Visqueen over the top and replaced it every 6 months or so.
For the basic structure you might want to check out potting benches, garden workbenches, etc. Though these generally have a slatted top.
Of course, the most weather-proof material for the top would be metal. Good quality galvanized (over, say, 2x treated) could easily last 20 years. You do have to be concerned about seams, though, as you probably can't find anything wide enough. And carefully plan the edges so they don't create sharp spots that would be an injury hazard.
Exterior Workbench
Thanks, Florida and Dan. Looks like I'll use some exterior plywood. I'll prime and paint it, and maybe glue some PT wood around the edges to help to keep the edges less exposed. A friend of my brother has a sign business, and I could get 4' x 8' sheets of galvanized steel from him. I don't know what it would cost, and I'd be concerned that the zinc coating could get scratched off, but it's something I'll consider.
You might look into "medium
You might look into "medium density overlay" (MDO) -- a sort of plywood with a resin-saturated paper coating that is commonly used for exterior signs and concrete forms.
Or MDO and HDO form board for concrete
The reason, I would lean this way is they have it available in thickness upto 1-3/4 inch, wich will give you a very stable top.
The plys are thin and void free, and it is as impervious to moisture as any wood based product can be.