Replies

1. 
   gulfstar | Feb 08, 2023 11:10am | #1

   White oak would be as good or better than most hardwoods, personally I would not use red oak unless it’s quartersawn for the reason you mentioned, the growth rings would wear unevenly if flatsawn .

2. 
   joeleonetti | Feb 08, 2023 11:39am | #2

   I think it would be fine if that is the wood you want. The medullary rays in oak are pretty.

1. 
   JerryC2023 | Feb 16, 2023 01:54pm | #6

   I built my workbench out of white oak. The only issue I have had is the medullary rays tend to curl out and cause a splinter. Once they were all removed the issue went away.

3. 
   ericmeyermaker | Feb 15, 2023 09:41am | #3

   My current bench top is a mix of red and white oak. 4 years in and so far, so good. The open grain hasn't been an issue.

4. 
   sparkyII | Feb 15, 2023 06:56pm | #4

   I built my workbench with 100% red oak. top is 3plus inches thick. it is a good solid bench, no issues with the lumber at all! if you have the lumber go for it.the finish is 2 coats of boiled linseed oil, and it works and wears just fine.

5. 
   jamenard | Feb 16, 2023 09:47am | #5

   Oak is perfectly fine-- It's heavy, hard, and fairly cheap. Spend no more time thinking about it. Build the top and get to work.