Leon wrote:


If you do go with plywood for the top you can simply butt the solid trim
pieces around the perimeter. The breadboard edging is not necessary as the
plywood center is going to remain quite stable compared to a center that is
made up of solid wood.

Attaching the skirt is a job made easy with a biscuit joiner. But
it is important to not put the biscuit too close to the top surface
as it can bulge a bit when the biscuit swells

You can run some supports under the plywood from front to back,
even making them a full inch deep or deeper and just taper
them to 3/4" at the front edge so they don't show. Depending on
the construction, those 'joists' can be added later if you are
unhappy with the stiffness of the top.

That said, almost any plywood panel used on a desk top or table is going to
be more vulnerable to dings as the plywood typically is much softer than
solid wood.

Maybe some of the epoxy finishes used in boat building would
harden that writing surface. Using the same finish on top
and bottom iwll minimize the tendency to cup or warp.

--

FF