Desk thickness, among other features, contributes to the overall appearance and feel of the table. The desk’s thickness is considered based on the table’s length and design. However, this implies that desks may differ in thickness, but how thick should a desk be?
In general, 19 mm (0.75 inches) thicknesses of plywood are the best choice for desks. You need to be at least 1/4″ thick for good support. If you’re using less than that, then you’ll want to consider using some wood filler instead.
In this article, you’ll learn about how thick a hardwood desktop should be and what determines the thickness of a desk. You’d also find out if 18mm is wide enough for a desk and if ¾ plywood is thick enough for a desk.
How Thick Should a Hardwood Desktop Be?
The thickness of your deck depends on several factors, such as its size, material used, and whether it’s going to be a worktable or a dining table. If you have a small desk, you can use thinner materials like particleboard or MDF. These materials are cheaper, easier to install, and don’t require special tools or skills.
If you have a large desk, you need to use thicker materials. For example, you can use solid oak, mahogany, maple, or walnut for a more oversized desk. Solid woods are more expensive and last longer than particle boards, so they cost more.
What Factors Determine The Thickness of a Desk?
Several things determine the thickness of a desk:
1. How long do you want to use your desk? If you would only use the desk for one year or less, you can get away with thinner plywood.
2. You must ensure that the desk is strong enough to hold up against the weight of the items you plan to put on it. Therefore, it depends on the kind of work you will do on your desk. Some people prefer using their desk for writing, and others like to use it as an office space.
3. How much money do you have to spend? Plywood is usually sold per square foot. So, if you have a bigger budget, you can opt for thicker plywood.
4. Also consider the weight of the desk. A heavier desk means more weight on top of the legs, making them weaker and prone to collapse. Therefore, it is better to make sure that your desk is light-weighted.
5. You must make sure that the desk is thick enough to prevent warping. Warping happens when the wood expands due to heat. It becomes challenging to keep the shape of the desk after a few years.
Is 18mm Thick Enough for a Desk?
18mm is a suitable thickness for a desk because it provides sufficient stability and strength. It is also a popular choice for many DIYers because it is easy to cut and assemble. However, there are times when you might need to add extra layers of plywood to increase the desk’s thickness.
How Deep Should Your Desk Be?
Standard decks are usually between 30cm and 40cm deep. However, the depth of your deck depends on how tall you are. Although the deeper your desk, the more stable it will be, deep desks are usually recommended for taller users.
If you are taller than 180 cm, you need to make sure that your feet don’t touch the ground. Otherwise, you’ll end up hurting yourself. If you are shorter than 150 cm, you don’t need to worry about the depth of your desk.
Can You Use Plywood for a Desktop?
Most people choose plywood for their desktops because it is readily available in different sizes and shapes. Plywood is strong, durable, and affordable, and you can even use it for your kitchen cabinets.
However, ensure you use quality plywood for your desk because cheap plywood has poor construction and may warp over time. Also, the edges of plywood tend to curl up and become uneven.
Is ¾ Plywood Is Thick Enough for a Desk?
¾ plywood is an excellent choice for a desk because it is relatively cheap and easy to build. It is also a very sturdy material; however, you must buy a quality product.
Cheaply made plywood tends to crack easily. As such, you shouldn’t expect much from a ¾ plywood desk. Although ¾ plywood is cheaper, it is not as strong as 1½ or 2 plywood.
However, your choice should depend on the purpose of the desk. If the desk would carry weighty materials, look for high-quality plywood products manufactured by well-known brands.
Is Mdf Strong Enough for a Desk?
MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) is another common type of plywood. It is stronger than regular plywood but less expensive. MDF is ideal for small projects because it’s easier to cut and install.
The downside of using MDF is that it doesn’t last long, and it tends to get brittle and break down over time. If you are looking to save some money, go with medium density fiberboard. But if you’re looking for something that lasts longer, opt for solid hardwoods like oak or maple.
Is Particleboard Strong Enough for a Desk?
Particleboard is often used for making furniture because it is inexpensive and easy to work with. Particleboards are usually made out of recycled paper and other scrap materials. They are also light in weight.
Although particleboards are solid and durable, they aren’t meant for heavy-duty applications. For example, a desk made out of particleboard won’t hold up well against heavy loads. Particleboards are best suited for lighter projects like shelves and bookcases.
Between Particleboard and Mdf, Which Is Better for a Desk?
Both particleboard and MDF are suitable for making a desk. However, particleboard is generally considered inferior to MDF because MDF is more durable and resistant to warping. In addition, particleboard is prone to cracking and breaking down faster than MDF.
