The reception desk must not only look nice. The desk is used throughout the day and serves as the base for gadgets and office machines, besides being equipped with several drawers, storage units, cable management systems and decorative items. However, if the plywood board used is weak or of poor quality, it will sag and may lead to loose hardware and edges damages and an uneven surface.
Plywood should be selected according to its grade, core construction type, thickness, surface finish, and wear resistance when used as reception desk material.
What Makes Good Plywood for Reception Desk?
The reception desk is a piece of furniture that combines the required structural and visual properties. It has to provide stability for the surface, front panels, storage compartment, and accessories while being capable of accepting finishing.
Strength and Core Construction
The core construction of plywood influences the quality of its performance as furniture. The quality of the plywood board must be high enough, especially because of the movements of screws, hinges, brackets, or other accessories.
Royale Touche plywood material has hardwood core construction plus calibrated surfaces and excellent bonding as the main features suitable for furniture production.
A practical point of reference would include the following:
- 18-19mm: for countertops, structural panels and main load-bearing elements.
- 16mm: for storage units, drawers, shutters and elements with medium loading.
- 12mm: for internal shelves and other lighter elements where the span is limited.
- 6-9mm: for back panels and some lighter sections.
According to Royale Touche, plywood thickness of 12mm is used for bathroom and kitchen furniture, 16mm is used for structural furniture and heavy carpentry, while usage of 19mm is recommended for heavy-duty applications.
The thickness to be used also depends on the dimensions of the counter, span and hardware specifications, rather than thickness alone.
Which Type of Plywood Should Be Selected?
The type of plywood should depend on the conditions where the reception counter will be used.
MR Plywood for Dry Indoor Applications
The reception area in dry indoor conditions could require MR plywood.
This type of plywood is suitable for applications where the board is not exposed to moisture.
BWR or BWP for Moist Conditions
If the reception area is more moist and subject to occasional moisture exposure, more moisture-resistant options can be used.
BWR and BWP plywood are made to be more resistant to moisture than regular MR type.
Choosing the right grade should be based on the conditions on-site and not only on the type of plywood designation.
The Conclusion is as Important as the Inside
Counters are usually the first surfaces encountered. Even stable plywood needs an appropriate covering and preparation in order to bring about a good look.
Finish options for plywood include:
- High-pressure lamination for durable and easy-to-maintain surfaces;
- Natural or decorative veneer, if a wood look is desired;
- Paint or any other types of chemical coating, if flat surfaces are required;
- Edge finishing to protect and give the finishing touch to the visible edges of plywood.
Calibration of plywood surface may be useful when building the items, since it enables the stability necessary for correct assembling and finishing.
Selection of coverings depends on the surface of plywood. A counter with an elaborate design demands more consideration of surface quality than an interior framing component, which will be hidden.
Ways of Increasing the Counter’s Longevity
The counter is subject to constant use and wear and tear. People lean on it, workers transport tools and drawer and door openings happen many times a day.
Therefore, durability depends on both the plywood and assembly.
Save the Edges
The plywood edges are most exposed to blows and water action. Therefore, it is important to apply edge banding, veneer or other appropriate treatments for protection and to make the counter look nice.
Plan the Hardware Components
The installation of drawer runners, hinges, brackets, and additional fittings is necessary for a suitable material with appropriate installed depth. For areas which will carry the maximum load of the hardware, there shall be protection according to the furniture design.
Determine the Correct Specification for Every System
Not every part of the reception counter needs the same qualifications of plywood. For instance, thicker and heavier boards may be advisable to use for the countertop and main construction, while lighter plywood will be enough for some parts inside.
Conclusion
To conclude, the reception counter should use plywood that is able to hold its structure and allow for a final decoration. Grade, thickness, core construction, compatibility with finishing, and edge protection will help to get the desirable result.
To achieve a successful reception counter, it is necessary for someone to know the environment in which it will be used and to define the structural requirements.