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I'm planning to build a workbench/storage cabinet for my garage. Because of limited space (the width is only 420mm and the length 1,700mm), and the fact that it will only occasionally be used as a workbench and then only for mostly light duty work, I've decided to build it as shown in the drawing below rather than constructing a 2x4 frame as is most commonly done. However, I'm not sure whether to use plywood or MDF. It would need to be stronger than a typical storage cabinet.

Based on further research and comments, it seems plywood would be a better choice for the base of the cabinet/workbench and maybe MDF for the benchtop? The thickest available plywood where I'm at is 25mm which should give me the required strength.

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One factor to consider: If there is any risk that the work area becomes damp, I recommend avoiding MDF (unless it is thoroughly sealed) -- it swells and warps like crazy. I have recently suffered this myself in some incompletely sealed MDF shelving in a moisture-prone area and there is little alternative but to replace it.

Telescope2334
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Both! I built a workbench over some cabinets in my shop and the bottom layer was 3/4" plywood and the top layer was 3/4 MDF. Because I wanted this particular workbench to be good looking, I covered the MDF with laminate. Turned out very stout and decent looking.

George Anderson
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I built my workbench over shelf units and used second hand kitchen counter top. This is of a fiberboard construction but is designed to be used in wet and potentially messy areas. Plus the top coat is so robust that anything I get on it (paint, glue etc) comes off with a scraper.

I build a crafting table indoors for my wife in the same way but used new counter top from B&Q (UK big box DIY store for friends who don't know). It was the cheapest they had and still looks great 3 years later, and is just as robust and hard-wearing.

ThaRobster
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My lightwork workbench is 12mm plywood with same width supports and metal legs - it's used primary for soldering and light tinkering jobs. Second workbench is 30mm plywood on metal legs used as a computer desk. It survived multiple coffee/tea spillages. Garage grade bench is old wooden table with MDF on top. MDF degrades over time rather quickly but it can suck in oils ie. from fixing a chainsaw.

So based on those, if you plan to make light/tinkering jobs, MDF or thinner plywood is sufficient but for harder jobs plywood would be better choice. For construction I'd rather use 12-15mm plywood or even reclaimed planks then MDF, and would avoid MDF as a base or floor-touching material as it doesn't do well with spillages or humidity in general. If you end up using MDF and want to paint it, use any sort of painting primer/ground first to prevent it from sucking paint. Or use clear epoxy wooden flooring finish (this works ok on bot MDF and plywood).

Reku
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