Orbb Posted October 13, 2014 Report Share Posted October 13, 2014 I have agreed to build an anchor desk for my son's high school broadcast journalism program (and I was thankful I had wood and metal shop). The teacher told me that she wanted it to look like "wood" in the base, with a laminate top. The top is not an issue, but I was wondering about the "wood" base. I planned on using laminate that looked like wood, but was looking at veneer as well. Veneer will be less expensive but I do not know what I need to do to finish it, and wonder about durability. Laminate, on the other hand, is basically indestructible but is, well, laminate. Any thoughts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck Melton Posted October 13, 2014 Report Share Posted October 13, 2014 Why not just use ply? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted October 13, 2014 Report Share Posted October 13, 2014 Is this going to be a basic rectangular desk, or are there curves involved? And how much do you expect to spend? Many solutions may be offered, but a budget limit might help weed out those that are impractical from a financial standpoint. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orbb Posted October 13, 2014 Author Report Share Posted October 13, 2014 Curved, and will seat two people. Right now I am planning on using mdf for the top and covering it with laminate. The front will be curved, and I will probably use 1/4 inch ply for it and cover the ply with either veneer or laminate. The sides will match the front. I plan on having an internal frame; I am still working on the dimensions on that, and am contemplating an inset box in the curved front to accommodate a flat screen monitor. That will require some framing behind it. I figure that I will spend $500, depending on how much laminate I have to buy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted October 14, 2014 Report Share Posted October 14, 2014 You have a point about durability, but I think I would still choose wood veneer over wood-colored plastic laminate. As for finishing it, you just need to avoid heavy sanding, and make sure the finish solvent isn't a glue solvent as well! You might lay on a few extra coats for added durability. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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