Quick workbench question.

[undergroundhunter]

Hi guys,

I'm sure someone can help, I'm planning a workbench build its going to be laminated 2x4 for the top and legs. Rough dimensions are 24" deep 60" long and 39" high (I'm 6'2 so I can always shorten it later if I feel the need). My question to all you knowledgeable people is I want to make it out of softwood (tight budget) but I really don't want to use DIY shed "softwood/whitewood" does anyone have any recommendations on wood species? I did consider Douglas Fir but it only seems available in C16 and C24 which I'm lead to believe has rounded corners????? The other option is Southern Yellow Pine which seems to be the best choice.

At the end of the day my knowledge of species is limited so any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance
Matt

 

[Jacob]

Redwood. See what they have at your timber yard.

 

[Will_Price]

Hi it sounds like your making the roubu style bench. I made mine a few years ago now and I used pine from my local merchant but I used the pre planed type you just have to go through it all and pick the best and make sure you use the glue with the long open time! Mine gets used almost daily its got soaked when my roof broke and it's still perfect!

 

[Steve Blackdog]

Southern Yellow Pine is Christopher Schwarz's workbench material of choice.

 

[Jacob]

Southern Yellow Pine is Christopher Schwarz's workbench material of choice.

USA. Redwood better in UK.

 

[Rob Platt]

C16 and C24 are structural graded timber the timber with rounded corners is more normally CLS. Reds is probably better than whites i`d probably do the top from reds and the legs and stretchers from whites HTH all the best
rob

 

[themackay]

C16 and C24 come with or without rounded corners depending on the source I WOULD SAY AVOID THE HOME GROWN STUFF.

 

[AndyT]

Joinery redwood from a timber yard makes the most sense provided it's all good or if they let you pick and choose a bit. If you do have to buy from a shed, you might need to pick your shed carefully. For example, Wickes do sell joinery grade redwood in a suitable size - but only at their bigger 'Extra' shops, not at them all. This is clear from their website.

As has been said, what is readily available in the US is not as easily found over here, so you are better off looking for an equivalent timber, not the US species.

 

[James C]

Redwood is supposed to be easier to work than SYP and will mostly always be the cheaper option.

I like it as a bench material.

Sometimes listed as Scots Pine.

 

[marcros]

bear in mind that CS recommends Southern Yellow Pine mainly because he can buy it cheaply from his local Home Depot. It is not the ultimate bench building material, but is good enough in terms of price/availability/properties FOR HIM!