Need ideas on how to cover a workbench

[CapeCodTenor]

Does anyone have a workshop in their home? I need ideas on how to cover a workbench. I got a workbench from my DBiL for my workshop and I love it. It was used in machine shop so it's built to be very strong. There is, however, one problem; because the bench was used in a machine shop, oil and grease has been spilt on top and ground in. I would like to cover this and I'm not sure what to use. I need something that will hold up to being work on. I initially thought of getting some heavy duty rubber and using that, but I'm sure I'll be doing some cutting on the top of it and that'll just ruin the rubber top over time. Any ideas?

Thanks, and TTFN!

 

[JR6ooo4]

1/4 inch sheet of masonite. Cheep and replaceable if you destroy it over the years.

Mikeeee

 

[CapeCodTenor]

1/4 inch sheet of masonite. Cheep and replaceable if you destroy it over the years.

Mikeeee

I never thought of that, thanks.

 

[FroggyinArk]

even better... sheet of "cull" luann plywood. cheeper, water resitant and more durable than masonite

 

[JR6ooo4]

even better... sheet of "cull" luann plywood. cheeper, water resitant and more durable than masonite

Ya but the stains in the top are what give the bench character. What man would have a clean workbench? Hehehehehee

MIkeeee

 

[pjlla]

Are you at all concerned about asthetics? Howabout covering it with formica... like a counter top?? Or are you cutting directly on it (like sawing into it??)........How about a large hunk of butcher block? What are you planning to use this for?.................P

 

[wall*e2008]

Why not just plane the top down?