Particle board desk top gave out after 14 months, check yours now

Heads up to anyone who built a desk from laminated particle board. I finished mine last February using 3/4 inch board from Lowes and it held fine until last Tuesday. That's when my monitor arm bracket ripped clean through the surface while I was just adjusting the angle. The laminate hid the damage until the bolt pulled a 4 inch chunk out. I went to swap in a solid pine top from a local lumber yard for $58 and it took about 20 minutes with a drill and screwdriver. Has anyone else had their desk top fail near the grommet hole, or did I just mount the arm too close to the edge? I'm wondering if I should add a steel plate under the new top for extra safety.

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taylorhunt20d ago

Steel plate's overkill, just use thicker plywood next time.