Material that would make a good top for a workbench?

[PugnacAutMortem]

I am going to be building myself a nice workbench for projects, luthiery and possibly reloading (at some point down the line). I have a vision for what I want to do design wise, but what would be a great material for the top? I mean obviously something crazy like a solid 4x8 of birdseye maple would be sweet...but what about something that is functional, but also looks good? My 1st thought originally was MDF just because it's cheap, but I decided I want to build this right.

So what would be a good material? The only specialty thing I may do with the top is make a vise off of one side with the same material and install holes for some bench dogs.

[Irving]

Countertop material.

[Ah Pook]

I have an old bench (50+ yo) that has masonite as the top surface. The deck is tongue and groove 2x4. The masonite is replaceable and has been pretty durable.

I build a work bench last year (I'll try to get pics). It's high enough to sit at with a bar stool. It's about 4'x4'. The top deck is 2x8 pine and the work surface is 3/4 plywood. The top was sanded, cracks/holes filled and finished with marine spar varnish. You could dance on it. Have a wood vise on one side and pre-drilled holes for grinder, planer, etc. That sits on a six drawer cabinet on wheels.

[Erni]

There is a guy in the springs that advertises reclaimed wood butcher block countertops on CL. I priced a piece for a sink stand project, super durable hard wood cut to size and stained. If the surface gets dinged just sand it down.

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[newracer]

In the garage I use an old counter top. About 2/3rds of it is covered with 1/4 plate steel. For gun work and other hobbies I have an old lab table in the basement. The good kind with asbestos in it.

[ray1970]

Plywood and then top it with some stainless sheet metal.

[jslo]

Solid core luan door

[TFOGGER]

I had one that was made out of an old hospital fire door. 2 inches thick, 1/2 plywood on either side of a very dense particle board core. Heavy as all hell.

[rondog]

I like a cover top of plywood. Easy to replace and cheap. It gets grimy and beat up, replace it.

[jerrymrc]

Buy a pre made counter top and put it on like 3/4 MDF. If you want a nicer top use MDF and veneer it and then pour polyurethane on top. I have one hardwood top and the other was MDF but I now have a big piece of stainless to use.