Reply by RogerInColorado

I used plywood with a solid wood band (3” wide). I’m happy with it. Mine is cherry and the veneer was rotary cut. If I had it to do over I would search out some slip match veneer. When you go to the lumber yard, take some cardboard strips to sort of “border” the plywood so you can see what the desktop grain will look like before you decide.

For the finish, smooth the top with a scraper (not sandpaper) so you aren’t fighting the grain when she writes. The veneer is very thin, so take care not to cut through. Finish with Endovar from General Finishes. Lots of coats. Let it cure fully before rubbing it out (see Charles Neal’s video on this at his website (google it) if you need some “how to” he does a good job of making it easy.