It appears that 4 x 4s are popular for the legs on workbenches, and they certainly make good legs, but the so called landscape timbers that are flat on two sides and rounded on the other two are much cheaper and as long as they're going to be inside and not get wet, I figure they'd last a lifetime.
When I bought this place there was a couple of kitchen cabinet tear outs setting loose in the shop. Fastened them to the wall and ripped a 4x8 sheet of 3/4" high density particle board for underlay and topped with 1/4" masonite. Made 2 2x8 work benches with drawers and storage shelves already in. Put up pegboard behind and it made a pretty good setup. Now if I could just keep from piling stuff on them so you can never see the tops...
Not the best pic, but it does show one wall. Metal shelves and lockers come in mighty handy as well, it pays to scrounge.
Well You asked for it! I tend to look for things in the last place I used them. Drives my wife crazy. She is a super neat freak with everything organized. Needless to say I am not allowed in her sewing room and she stays out of my garage. There is a workbench or two buried under that stuff.
John Deere 790 with loader LS xr3140h also with loader plus a cab
Right now both of mine 'one metal topped other just plywood' are BURIED in items waiting on parts, manuals and tools and half done "quick fix" stuffs....... ALOT like everybodys benches!!