As part of my upcoming home and shop renovation, I will be gaining a 15+ foot long x about 18" deep counter along a wall that was previously blocked by a set of stairs (the stairs are moving outside the building).
The location of this new counter top is near enough to my jointer that it would make for a handy place to check lumber for flat surfaces.
Currently I use my table saw and jointer surfaces to check this, but am limited by the size of each of those reference areas.
My thought is that my new counter top could represent a nice alternative if some care is taken to ensure it's flat (enough).
I have read about true "graded" reference surfaces... I'm not sure I need to get to that level of precision in order for the new counter top to be very useful (and certainly a better alternative than what I have in place already).
So, here's the question...
What would you use as the counter top (and assuming that the base cabinets have been carefully installed/leveled)?
My first thought is to double or triple up some MDF, maybe topped with hard board, with some wood along the front edge to protect it. My father has a workbench built like this and it's heavy, tough, and seems like a very stable option. Would this be flat enough in your opinion?
If you don't think that would be sufficient, I would consider a true counter top such as laminate or granite, or other ideas.
If it was really necessary, I would be willing to build a torsion box counter top... but if easier option will work, I'd like to get back to woodworking instead of shop outfitting.