Workbench Lumber Question

[Ron Citerone]

I have built 3 24" x 60" workbenches. All have hardwood tops. 4" square legs of either glued up plywood or hardwood. 2 were gift that are in m kids garages not really being used. My personal one has a 2 3/4" top of mostly poplar with some common cherry in the mix. It is hardly a masterpiece like some of the ones posted here but has served me well for 8 years and has held up to serious hobbyist use. If I did it again I would put a 5/4" strip of hard maple on the outside edges as they take the brunt of the abuse.

I personally would avoid construction lumber. My two pennies. Good luck!

Groff and Groff has common cherry, poplar and red oak in the $3-4 range.