Guy LaRochelle said:

I have been studying everyones work benches and noticed that most of them
are built out of maple. I understand that maple is very hard but I don't
think it is readily available where I live (Sask, Canada). Birch is very
common here but is it anywhere close to being as hard as maple? Does anyone
see anything wrong with using birch for a work bench? Regards. -Guy

I made my top from Southern Yellow Pine, and works great. Maple was
too pricey for me! As long as the birch is firm, and has no pith or
soft spots, it should be fine.

http://videodoc.home.mindspring.com/...orkBench01.jpg

http://videodoc.home.mindspring.com/...orkbench02.jpg

FWIW,


Greg G.