Laminated maple can warp, but it is extremely uncommon. Capacity rating is typically 3500 lbs. It has good resistance to many common chemicals, but not acids or acetone. It is warp free and splinter-free. It has a very smooth surface.
Steel is an enduring standard for benches where abuse, weight, banging and cutting are anticipated.
Look for them in shipping rooms and hard assembly and repair areas where protection of the product placed upon them in not a fundamental concern. It is typically 12 gauge channel formed for rigidity. It is solid but noisy. Pure functionality, it is invariably offered in shades of gray. ESD TOPS are specifically manufactured to dissipate electrostatic discharge, and are extremely useful as work surfaces for electronics components assembly.