Someday...I hope to build a real classic workbench, ala Christopher
Schwarz, however, just now I wish to explore an intermediate
solution.

I picked up (dumpster diving) a commercial work bench top. It is
stamped "Hallowell Shop Top" It looks (end view) like several wood
strips glued up with the top and bottom surface coverd with a particle
board covering. If I go to the company website

http://www.hallowell-list.com/workbench-adjustable.php

they describe the top as "Layered highdensity particleboard offers
superior screw holding characteristics. The top and bottom layers are
sealed to resist conventional spills. The nonconductive, splinter-
proof top is 30 % harder than maple."

Cosmetically, the top I got looks terrible, however it is very flat,
heavy with no serious gouges. It measures 72" x 30" x about 2" and,
as I said, is heavy. I will probably reduce the width to 27" and hope
that this is solid through and through and not a torsion box.

So, here's my question. I want to cover the top and (if needed) the
bottom with a hardwood to make an attractive work surface. One that I
can re-flatten and renew as needed. My first impulse is to get some
maple flooring, however I am worried about wood movement. If I glue
the flooring to the top, it may break free. I could fasten one edge
and let the other one float, but I'm concerned that if I put dog holes
through the top and benchtop underneath, the top hole may become
offset from the substrate hole. Of course, I could be over-thinking
this whole issue.

I wish to hear recommendations for covering the benchtop and whether
or not I need a layer on the bottom.

Bill