Workbench pimping – metal sheeting question

My workshop bench is getting a bit tatty in one area and could do with a makeover or possibly a new surface.

I’m slightly tempted to have an area that gets the most wear covered in sheet metal. But how thin should the sheeting be to be strong enough but not crazy money?

A 1mm sheet wouldn’t break the bank but is it enough?

Also will I regret a metal surface?

You may regret it at 1mm ,it could end up looking like the car on Father Ted 😉

Think of it like an expensive jacket,10 years down the line the cost is forgotten …go big 🙂

Something like this?

Worktop saver

I’m thinking about using it as a clean surface on my workbench.

Oh yes, that looks very interesting!

Not sure what you gain with a metal top unless you are welding. I’d rather the worktop was a bit softer so whatever I’m working on is less likely to be damaged. I’d stick a bit of plywood or mdf over it

I put a wood lip around the outside to hold a sheet of 3mm hardboard. When it gets too beaten up I just replace, it’s under £10 for a sheet that will do two tops and a bit left over. Have a big silicone mat for oily or gluey things.

surely thats going to look pretty crap really quick with dents and scratches?

I use old laminate on mine actually looks really smart and hard wearing

Plus one on sacrificial hardboard/mdf.

One slip with my big hammer and that expensive stainless steel is going to rock like ****.

Then another +1 for “keep you manky stuff on something totally seperate with edges.

I don’t mind a dented mucky bench but I keep a vinyl floor offcut cut to size to roll out when doing cleaner tasks with little bits.

Bare in mind that anything that isn’t a steel bolt runs the risk of getting scratched by the hard steel worktop. Jobs like servicing forks etc. would need lots of shop towel to prevent damage.