I want to create a grid out of thin wood bars (slats?), where the slats cross each other on the smaller side, like in this sketch:
[![Wooden grid](https://i.stack.imgur.com/8bXuI.png)](https://i.stack.imgur.com/8bXuI.png)

I would install LEDs in this grid, so it doesn't need to carry any external weight and the wood slats can be pretty thin. The grid would have a height of about 3-5 cm (1-2 inch) and a length of 50cm (20 inch).

I was thinking about sawing in the slats half way so I can stick them into each other:
[![enter image description here](https://i.stack.imgur.com/CgmUk.png)](https://i.stack.imgur.com/CgmUk.png)

What is the best way to do this? I was thinking about using a saw blade that is wider than the slats are thick – so each time I would just have to saw in once and that would be it. Obviously I would need pretty thin wood slats in that case (a few millimeters of MDF maybe?).
Is this possible? Feasible?
I have access to a chop saw and a buzz saw (both currently have blades not wider than 2mm) but I'm new to woodworking.

Is this even the best way to create such a grid?