Thanks to all for the input.

I'm pretty much stuck with melamine since that's what
SWMBO wants (easy to clean), so with all the info provided,
I think that I will use it but add an oak strip in the front to add
strength/rigidity.

I sort of thought that the laminate mentioned in the chart
I posted was not the melamine we buy at the BORG, but
I needed to be convinced of that - thanks!

I have some scrap melamine in the shop, so I think that
I will set it on some blocks about 30 inches apart and then
put about 10 gal of H2O on it - let it stand for a week
or so, & see what I get.

Almost every adjustable shelf we have (many!) have never been
adjusted. On the other hand, the customer is always right ;-.

Thanks again!

Lou