How to safely join desktops without sagging?

UltimateGattai

I'm making a new corner desk to replace my flat pack solution I'm currently using, one side is going to be pretty long at 251cm, while the other side will be much shorter at 160.5cm long.

I was thinking of using something like this:

https://www.bunnings.com.au/specrite-1800-x-600-x-18mm-brown-acacia-multi-use-panel_p0446743

or

https://www.bunnings.com.au/specrite-2200-x-600-x-26mm-golden-teak-acacia-multi-use-panel_p0445847

And join them together with a mix of dowel and wood glue at the center after staining/painting them black, I am planning on using a couple of thin layers of epoxy because I'm trying to replicate a look similar to this: https://youtu.be/gun6TksQqqI?si=AZ3OnzmoJt37QtvR  (one dark layer, one clear layer after gold leafing). I will then use dowel/glue/pocket holes/screws to attach the desktop to my drawers.

Each end of the corner desk will have drawers which will give it extra strength. I'm playing to put a wide variety of electronics, monitors, PCs, etc... on the desk, the PC will probably be the heaviest thing I'll sit on it, is this going to be strong enough with just dowel/glue/epoxy at the center where the two corners will meet? Or is there a better method? Is 18mm going to be too thin for this project? Or should I be looking at something like 26mm (which I think would be thick for a desk)?

These are the current desk/cabinet measurementsPlanned desk, drawers on both sides, desktop joined at the centre/corner with dowel, glue and epoxy.

EricL

Hello @UltimateGattai 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your desktop.

I propose using the Specrite 2200 x 600 x 26mm Golden Teak Acacia Multi Use Panel rather than the thin panel. The benchtop holders I'm about to suggest will only work with the thicker benchtops. I suggest going with the glue along with the benchtop joiners which are stronger than biscuits.

Below are benchtop holders you can use to link the benchtops together:

• Kaboodle Benchtop Joiner - 6 Pack 
   
• Hafele 65mm Benchtop Connector - 3 Pack
   
• Taskmaster 65mm Yellow Zinc Bench Top Connector - 2 Pack 
   
• Taskmaster 120mm Bench Top Connector - 2 Pack 
   
• Hafele 150mm Galvanised Steel Worktop Connector - 3 Pack 

These benchtop connectors all work on the same principle with the steel concave washer pulling the benchtops together. These are the most commonly used benchtop joiners they provide excellent clasping strength and keep the benchtop straight. 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric