Get on Top: a Guide to Workbench Tops
It’s time to revisit your home away from home: your workbench. You spend so many hours working away on this critical surface. But are you using the best surface to meet your needs? While it may be tempting to overlook the importance of your work surface, not just any old folding table will provide the durability, comfort, and efficiency of the properly chosen workbench top.
Bench tops are definitely not a ‘one size fits all’ proposition. The options range wildly depending on your type of work, environment, and budget. A key factor is aesthetics vs performance. You may love the classic look of a beautiful maple but your work requires a less porous steel surface. For every application, there is a range of choices. Here’s a handy guide to the different types of workbench tops:
DIFFERENT TYPES OF WORKBENCH TOPS
Butcher Block Workbench Tops
Durable hardwood tops that work for just about any job. This popular bench top material is easy to care for and cost-effective.
MAPLE BUTCHER BLOCK WORKBENCH TOPS:
Made from solid maple wood, this popular choice offers durability, resistance to impact, and an attractive appearance. The treated maple guards against denting and scratching from tools, making it ideal for heavy-duty applications, woodworking, metalworking, and any tasks requiring a rugged and stable surface. Maple is less absorbent than other hardwoods and all tops are finished with mineral oil protectants. Available in a variety of sizes with the option of a square or safety edge. Maple could be your best wood for workbench top needs.
BIRCH BUTCHER BLOCK WORKBENCH TOPS:
Similar to maple butcher block tops but usually at a lower price point, birch tops offer durability and an attractive wood grain pattern. Where aesthetics are important, nothing tops a beautiful birch wood surface. Perfect for classrooms, manufacturing plants and more.
WOOD FOLDING WORKSTAND TOPS:
Lightweight, portable, and foldable, these tops are convenient for temporary workspaces and quick setups, such as trade shows, outdoor events, DIY projects, and mobile workstations. Folding workstand top is easy to set up and allows for easy storage.
BEECH WORBENCH TOPS:
Beech offers durability and an attractive appearance, making it a cost-effective alternative to other hardwoods. Ideal for woodworking, craft projects, light assembly, and general-purpose workstations.
LAMINATED HARDWOOD WORKBENCH TOPS:
Combining the durability of hardwood with the customization options of laminate surfaces, these tops are easy to clean and resistant to damage. Great for general work tasks, electronics assembly, and any application requiring both durability and aesthetics.Ideal for upgrading a workspace on a budget.
Phenolic Resin Workbench Tops
Very strong and stable, especially when used with materials like fiberglass. Highly durable, and non-porous, phenolic resin bench tops are chemically treated for resistance to even the harshest substances. They are ideal for labs and industrial applications, as well as anything involving chemical processing, food preparation, or exposure to corrosive substances. Made of thick black phenolic resin that is non-flammable, and non-absorbent.
Steel Workbench Tops
Provide exceptional durability and strength, making them suitable for heavy industrial applications. Reinforced with 14 gauge end channels, these bad boys will likely never crack or buckle. The powder coat finish is rust-resistant and won't absorb oils or lubricants. Well suited for metalworking, welding, fabrication, and tasks that require robust work surfaces.
ESD (Electrostatic Dissipative) Workbench Tops
If you’re working with electronics, an ESD bench top is an absolute must. These tops are designed with an embedded carbon layer to prevent electrostatic discharge, protecting sensitive electronic components from damage. The wood core dissipates 5000 volts of static electricity in .01 seconds, a key protective element while working in electronics manufacturing, repair, assembly, or any situation in which static electricity could present a risk.
Plastic Laminate Workbench Tops
There are so many advantages to plastic. Constructed with a laminate surface for easy cleaning and heavy-duty impact resistance, laminate workbench top is stain resistant and customizable in various colors. Versatile and suitable for general work tasks, electronics assembly, light-duty manufacturing, and cleanroom environments. They connect to compatible workbenches in need of a top layer to provide a smooth, robust working surface.
Stainless Steel Workbench Tops
Known for extreme durability, corrosion resistance, and easy cleaning, the stainless steel workbench top is perfect for harsh environments such as laboratories, cleanrooms, food preparation areas, and tasks involving chemicals or moisture.1-1/2" thick stainless steel top features a durable particle board core with a phenolic backer with welded edges and polished corners and a wood core for easy installation over cabinets. Experience the benefits of the best metal top workbench.
STAINLESS STEEL COUNTER TOPS:
Similar to regular steel workbench tops, these counter tops are primarily designed for hygiene, particularly kitchen and food service settings. Keep your kitchen sleek and stylish with these easy-to-clean and durable options. Available in flat, backsplash, or v-edge designs.
Shop Top Workbench Tops
Feature a wood particleboard core with a shop top surface to prevent static build-up. Resistant to chipping, denting, and warping as well as oil and grease damage. The core is constructed of a 62 lb. density particleboard banded with clear lumber, which is then sanded smooth and sealed. Ideal for garage workshops and auto repair facilities.
No matter what your needs or budget, Global Industrial has the work table top you need. What is your best rolling workbench? What surfaces and functions meet your particular needs? For additional guidance, feel free to reach out. Our expert team will give you the guidance to help you get you back on top.
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