It's fine with gaps. You can stick frequently used things there, like lotion bottles, diaper cream, nail clippers, comb, etc.
ETA: By the time they're longer than 32", where the gap could be a problem, you're probably not using the changing table much anyway!
And it's not like gaps between crib bars and mattresses - you're not leaving the kid alone on the changing table (or, at least I hope not!).
This is exactly what I was going to say. Our changing table we had for L has a gap on one end. I just used that as an extra place for diaper cream, some wipes. the thermometer, stuff like that.