Suitable timber thickness for desk top

[RJR84]

Hi,

I'm looking to build a simple desk top into an alcove. In order to keep the design clean I am planning on gluing pine boards edge to edge for the top and supporting it on 3 sides using battens that sit flush as rebated into the top. Dimensions of the top would be ~1100mm x 450mm. In the context of shelves, I've read that the rebate (and batten thickness) should be ~60% of the shelf thickness.

Could anyone recommend a thickness for the pine desk top? I'm currently looking at 32mm thickness with 20mm battens - I expect this is the lower limit. I've used online sagulators however I'm unsure of the likely load - the desktop will hold a PC monitor, a few books and the weight of elbows.

Alternative design ideas welcome if you think the rebate option is unlikely to withstand wear & tear.

Thanks.

 

[Gerrydelasel]

32mm is more than enough for something that small, supported on three sides. I would say 22mm is minimum, 25mm better, 32mm chunky (assuming timber, not MDF).
I'm not quite sure what you mean by battens sitting flush?

 

[RJR84]

For shelves above I'll create a recess on 3 sides with a router in order to hide the battens and give the impression of floating shelves. I want to do the same with the desk top below.

Yes, will be using timber for better strength.

Hope that helps

 

[foxhole]

Easier to buy a cheap timber kitchen worktop , maybe a damaged one as you will only need a short section. Seems pointless hiding the desk baton as would not be seen below.

Or ready made pine board.
http://www.allyourdoors.co.uk/produ...mm-Solid-Craftsmans-Pine-Furniture-Board.html