Laminated pine benchtop

**Therapy** · 10th April 2012, 08:11 PM

Hi

I have been asked to help install a 32mm laminated pine benchtop (from Mr Bunnings) in a small alcove in a room which will be used as a computer desk.

The three walls in the alcove are rendered double brick and the current plan is to insert plastic plugs and screw either 30mm square pine battens to the three walls (or say 10 x 50mm metal brackets) to support the benchtop.

The distance between the end walls of the alcove is 2,040mm and the depth of the benchtop will be approx. 600mm.

If I was making a table near that length it would have substantial rails between the legs, however, the people installing the benchtop do not want a rail; they want a “clean” look.

The weight of a couple of computers, a printer etc on the benchtop will not be all that great. However, it is inevitable that it could have stacks of books etc put on it or someone will inadvertently lean against the benchtop or perhaps even sit on it.

My question is will a 2,040mm x 600mm slab of 32mm laminated pine supported at each end and along its back edge need a leg in the middle for support to stop potential sagging in the front?

I have no experience with this type of “construction” and any views/advice will be appreciated.

Many thanks

**Master Splinter** · 10th April 2012, 08:30 PM

I think the only deflection you'll get will be from inappropriate use (ie as a seat)

See if the sagulator agrees - The Sagulator - Shelf Sag Calculator

**Bob38S** · 11th April 2012, 10:49 AM

As I belong to the strength of a double brick outhouse school of woodwork - I would do both, rails on the wall [between the brackets]and get brackets made up of angle iron from the local fabricators to project approx 450mm from the wall as well as down the wall - once painted on the wall the same colour as the wall and a matt black or brown on the horizontals they will disappear. Attach the brackets to the wall using bolts rather than plugs and screws.

Also being of the Murphy's law school of thinking - sooner or later something heavy - person or load is going to end up on your shelf [picture it - in the middle, near the front edge] - think about it.

Regards,
Bob

**Therapy** · 12th April 2012, 10:24 AM

Master Splinter and Bob38S thanks for your advice which confirms the doubts I have about the proposed benchtop mounting method.

To help ensure Murphy practises his law elsewhere, I will be suggesting substantial support for the front edge of the benchtop.

Many thanks

**Bob38S** · 12th April 2012, 12:23 PM

I'm presuming you mean a support leg for the front?

You can get away without the leg if you ensure the made up brackets are of sufficient length and strength and if you use enough of them under the shelf - as the walls are brick you are not restricted to stud intervals and can more or less choose your own spacing.

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