Just started prepping the wood for top of the bench, I envisage making three
strips of laminated 3x2's (dressed down) using some all thread to clamp very
tightly while gluing up, then clean up glue lines and pass lightly thri
planer. Then pull 3 strips together to make full bench width with allthread
concealed later by cover strip, leaving me with as close to level as
possible and minimise hand planing.

Wonder what dominant opinion here is regards leaving top as natural (albeit
oiled/waxed) vs a cover of some hardboard or similar?

Mike