For bench tops don't overlook an old standard. A solid core door. Available at "salvage" companies, door mfr's as "seconds" or "scrap", and even at Lumber Yards/Door Stores as scratched/damaged.
I even found one once that was set out in a front yard and had a sign "Free". The owner was replacing the "fire door" between garage and laundry room. The "garage side" was all beat up and covered with varying shades of spray paint. Made for a nice "bottom side" on a workbench I built into a previous house.
For my next workbench I'm looking for a piece of Bowling Alley lane.
I even found one once that was set out in a front yard and had a sign "Free". The owner was replacing the "fire door" between garage and laundry room. The "garage side" was all beat up and covered with varying shades of spray paint. Made for a nice "bottom side" on a workbench I built into a previous house.
For my next workbench I'm looking for a piece of Bowling Alley lane.