Replies

1. 
   saschafer | Nov 06, 2007 05:21am | #1

   The strength (non-sagginess) of the desktop is going to depend on the supporting structure, as even a 1-1/2" thick top can't span eight feet for very long without starting to sag. So the short answer is that either one will be fine as far as strength is concerned; what matters is that the top is well supported. As for appearance, I think a desktop that long would look better with a thicker edge, but it can be an applied edge--the top itself doesn't have to be that thick.

   -Steve

    

1. 
   skennelly | Nov 06, 2007 05:28am | #2

   Thanks for the great response. It was exactly what I needed to know.

    

2. 
   KiddervilleAcres | Nov 06, 2007 06:09pm | #3

   Eight feet is a long ways to go and not expect any sagging. 

   If it were me I'd seriously consider a torsion box assembly with ½" plywood or add support underneath somehow.  Double thisknesses of ¾" plywood will eventually sag.

   Regards,

   Bob @ Kidderville Acres

    

   A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!

   
   

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   Edited 11/6/2007 10:11 am ET by KiddervilleAcres

3. 
   Midnight | Nov 07, 2007 02:00am | #4

   thickness required will depend entirely on how much support that the span will have, cupboards for example. If you suspect you'll still end up with an excessivly long unsupported span, rather than doubling the thickness of the material, use deep edge mouldings to give it some stiffness; works in the same way as an LVL joist... the deeper the moulding, the stiffer the span... gives the same stiffness for a fraction of the material required.

   Mike Wallace

   Stay safe....Have fun