hard edges in sub divided model without loop cuts?

Are loop cuts the only way to give a sub divided model a sharp edge in Blender?
I’m making a top for a desk, while a desk top is “mostly” square it does not have machine cut edges. Are loop cuts the correct way about modeling this type of shape or are there other ways to do it?

You can adjust Mean crease value for an edge in N-menu to make hard edges.

This video might help: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBkwodrQq_4

thank you.

Moved from “General Forums > Blender and CG Discussions” to “Support > Modeling”

Unless you are using a render engine that can subdivide meshes at render time stay away from creases they generally don’t look good with subdivision levels lower than 4 in most cases.