I am ready to make my base and had observed that 3/4" plywood seems to be the size to by. I am using red oak so it comes in 1/2 and 3/4" sheets in my area. Considering weight the 1/2 would be better. Considering sturdyness, the 3/4" sheet. Has anyone had luck utilizing 1/2" sheets or is the 3/4" sheets used due to trial and error from past projects utilizing 1/2 " sheets. Thanks, Mike