counter top material for basement work space
 

I'm going to build a small work space in my basement mainly for cleaning guns but also for general work. Space will be about 60 " wide on a studded wall. Not sure if I will build a freestanding bench top or maybe have two small base cabinets with a top on them ( desk like ). Obvious choices for top material is wood , laminate , scrap Corian or similar. Also thinking maybe sheet aluminum or stainless. Any suggestions ?
I have a full sized manly :D work bench in the detached garage with full compliment of bench vises so not trying to replicate that. Just a relatively simple work space. I will place wall cabinets or a shelf on the wall space with a few outlets and a light fixture.

For quick simple and relatively cheap I like a plain old solid core wood door.

I like steel because it's so easy to keep clean / smooth but can be cold to work on.

Laminate / Corian etc... I typically don't like because they can be very slick, just don't like the feel on my skin.

Check craigslist for people doing kitchen remodels who are needing to ditch old cabinets or check cabinet installation companies and ask if they have upcoming jobs.

Maybe some butcher block type of counter top?
Available from Ikea or a heavier version available from some tool/equipment suppliers.

Edit: Add link:
http://www.butcherblockusa.com/Workbench-Tops_c2.htm

3/4" particle board for strength with a 1/4" tempered masonite sheet on top of that. If you want to get fancy, edge with some nice hardwood like oak.

Sand the masonite with about 220 to give it some tooth and apply a few coats of watco oil and a few coats of paste wax.

+1 on the solid core door. Makes a perfect workbench top. I top mine with a sheet of masonite that can be replaced as needed.

I use one of those cheap pre-fabbed laminate counter tops they sell in Lowes or HD. Easy to clean and cheap enough to replace in needed.

I use cubical walls. the fabrics grip when working with something.

Yup. Works great. :)

Built mine out of a commercial oak veneered 1 hr fire rated door.

You can beat on it with a 3lb hammer and it barely wiggles.

I covered the hinge side with a 1x2 piece of oak and left the lockset bore as a cord pass thru point.

I like masonite.

Masonite is a good choice. I like an overlay of indoor/outdoor carpet. It gives a nice, non skid surface you can use for working on most things. Maybe leaving a portion of exposed Masonite with the carpet would give more flexibility for working surfaces.

Yeah I used masonite as the finished surface for my big workbench in the man cave I may have to use that on this one. My bench top in the man cave is 38 or 39 inches from the floor perfect to stand at to work. But this one in the basement I want to be able to sit at it. Seems to me that desks are aprox. 30 inches high. So for you guys that are sitting at the bench are you using a office chair, a bar stool or what ?

+2 on the laminate / cheap counter top from your local HI store. Buy a long piece with the back coming up 2-3 inches. Nothing will roll off the back of the bench. Easy to clean, withstands most solvents, can write on with sharpie (and erase later) to keep parts identified / labeled.

Do not use open pore wood. It will soak in oils etc. and look like crap.

G

I used solid core masonite covered doors. Problem is they flex. They should be reinforced with 2X4's underneath.

Another vote for the prefab laminate top from the big box store. I bought an 8' one with backsplash in a discontinued color for $20 for garage use. On 2x4 framing it is very solid and super easy to wipe clean.

I have a few of these as well in several lengths. The part I like the best is the molded backsplash that keeps small stuff from getting lost behind the counter.

I have a stainless table. Love it. You can do anything you want to on it without damage. Easy to clean with anything you want to use. Doesn't absorb anything. Who cares if it is cold to work on?

My reloading workbench is 2'x8'. I bought a 2" thick 2'x8' particle board sheet. Then I bought two 2'x4' galvanized steel sheets, epoxied them to the top of the table, and painted them with epoxy appliance paint.

Today I finished installing the wall material where the cabinets/countertop will go. I decided to use 3/8 plywood as it is so much easier for mounting items to it. Spackled the larger knots will do a quick sand and then prime. Will end up painting with semi-gloss white. I'll have to swing by HD/Lowes to see what they have for post formed countertop.

Did you ever post a pic of that in the "reloading room" thread?