Carpentry and Woodworking - Which Wood is Harder??? please help

Well I hope I put this question in the right area.

Anyway, I have a treadmill that my fat butt broke the wood plank on which the belt revolves around. So I am in the process of replacing the wood. Right now it is using, I think a particle board. It is 3/4 inch thick and 2 feet wide, and about 3 &3/4 feet long.

So my question, which is the strongest type of wood that i can get at Hd or Mnrds?

I saw some good looking 3/4 inch plywood, if i go with plywood which is the best, strongest? cdx, mdx?? not sure if these are right.

if i go with particle board which is the strongest....

price not really an issue cause it will not be a big piece.

any advice would be apprieciated,
thanks in advance for any help, I need to get back on it an start working out. :)

3/4 plywood that has multiple plys would be strongest. Birch ply is often a high grade 7 ply plywood that is suitable for cabinetry because of its strength. Check that out.

If you check at HD, they have some 11 ply stuff on sale in 3/4, which is cabinet grade for a decent price, that would stand up the the punishment you describe. Particle board and MDF would live a short life on such an item. Depending on the size you need, check the cut wood section for pieces less than 4x8.

smedley,

I was going to mention the 11 ply as well. It's the baltic birch ply. I noticed your in Gurnee. I know they have it in the Gurnee Menard's in smaller sizes than 4x8.

perfect! Birch 11 ply it is if i can find it....

I also might try to double up on the boards if i have the clearance.

thanks to all for the advice.....

Yep, got the HD and Mnrds right in arms distance...