[DWC]

Actually I tried that first but the cross car plank would bow under the weight of the slats. I think if you used thinner slats that could work, mine are 1x stock so they are kinda thick. By adding the 1x2's turned on end, screwed and glued, that cross bar flexes zero. At least with no load. I also thought the "C" shape added some detail too. I think if the cross bar was a 2x2 or larger a single plank would probably work. Hope this helps -Dave