Hi,

I’m trying to choose some timber for a new bench. I need to weigh-up suitability versus cost versus effort to build. Building this bench will be my first woodworking project…

One option that has just become available is to use a single piece of European oak (I’m in the UK), that I can have cut to the size I want to suit my available space (20″ x 60″) from 4″ flat sawn and PAR kiln dried timber.

Up until now, I’d been planning on a laminated beech top, as I know beech is often used for benches in Europe, and laminating is a technique I see mentioned in many sources.

However, I do like the idea of a single slab oak top, as it removes the effort and time required for lamination, including having to joint all the pieces as my first venture into woodworking.

However, I’m not that familiar yet with the properties and suitability of woods for tasks. Would 4″ flat sawn oak be suited as a bench top? It is QBA grade timber.

Many thanks