Agree, you need the weight and the mass for the table. I would use any wood you can get hold of at a good price. I like softer woods, as it has less chance of damaging your work piece. But still gives me the weight I am looking for.

Also think about expansion of the wood and how you will allow for that in the final construct, less of an issue here in the U.K. As we tend to have limited variation in humidity, but it could be a factor. You have chosen two woods at opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of expansion it could work, but think about that in the design.

I do like the contrast of woods though, but it will get beat up. My current bench has cuts, scars etc, it looks used and that adds its own type of character.

Whatever you do, good luck. It’s a great experiance building a bench, especialy if you work with hand tools, huge learning and satisfaction.

Don’t forget to share, would love to see the progress.

If you like in the US, I would go with southern yellow pine. It is fairly cheap, heavier than construction 2″x4″s and you can find it almost anywhere. I used the cheap 2″x4″ at Lowes and my bench is a little light for me. I wish I would have bought the yellow pine. At least it gives me an excuse to make another bench. If money was not an option, I would go with beech. I just like the clean look and it would be unusual.