The Taddbench work surface is 8' wide and 3' deep and can support 20" monitors with ease.  The equipment in and on the bench includes a 20" video dislay, 10' of books, a large antique laser printer, a pair of Oscilloscopes,  parts bins, stereo, a pair of power supplies.  Notice the shelf under the work surface.   Also note the fact that the work surface doesn't have any legs in the middle, giving easy access to the entire surface from the rolling desk chair.  24 square feet is a really good amount of space.  The shelf above the work surface holds delicate tools and equipment that you don't want to have to worry about when dropping something heavy on the work surface (that computer you're about to take apart, for instance.   5/8" particle board is water proof, stain resistant (who could tell?), smooth (if you get the good stuff), and rigid enough to hold up the big stuff.