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If you’re looking for a scientific or classroom-type workbench top, one that’s resistant to all kinds of chemicals and easy to keep clean, you have two choices: stainless steel or HDPE. I’m not including stainless steel here because it’s very expensive and needs to be installed by a pro. It’s fine for a high-end kitchen maybe, but I can’t imagine using it in a workshop.
HDPE is also pretty pricey at $250 or more for an 8×4 sheet a ¼-inch thick, but for some it will be worth it. It shrugs off just about any liquid, including things like petrol and even acids, making it a breeze to wipe down when you’re finished. It can be a great surface for hobby and craft work and is very durable under most circumstances. That said, it will melt above 230 degrees Fahrenheit. So if you were making candles, for example, you wouldn’t want to put a hot pan of wax onto it straight from the stove. You should also avoid naked flames (although that’s true of any wooden workbench too).
If you’d like a workbench top that’s a bit brighter than usual, in addition to black or white, HDPE also comes in a range of vibrant colors. Like many plastics, it is petroleum-based, so it might be something to steer clear of if you are keen to green living. That said, I understand it is relatively straightforward to recycle it.
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