Best wood to use for a workbench

When you're building a workbench, strength, stability, and durability are the name of the game. You don’t want a wobbly surface when you're cutting, drilling, or pounding. So—what’s the best wood for the job?

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One of the top choices is hard maple. It’s incredibly dense, resists denting, and gives you a smooth, solid surface to work on. That’s why many professional workbenches are made with maple tops—it holds up to heavy use and looks great too.

Another excellent choice is ash. It’s strong, shock-resistant, and often more affordable than maple. If you're looking for durability on a budget, ash is a fantastic middle ground.

Oak is also a solid option. It's a hardwood with great weight and stability, and it’s easy to find in most regions. Red oak is cheaper, but white oak is more resistant to moisture—worth considering if your shop isn't climate controlled.

Now, if you’re going for affordability or a quick build, southern yellow pine or Douglas fir can work. They're softwoods, but they're strong and inexpensive. Just know they’ll wear faster and may show more dents over time.

The bottom line? If your workbench is going to be your daily companion, invest in hardwood like maple or oak. For hobby use or a starter bench, softwoods can get the job done too—with proper design and care.

Click this link to get 50 FREE woodworking plans and a 440-page guidebook!