Need some help with rack measurements

[Navy]

I'm not good at DIY stuff, the last rack I made I was less than satisfied with because the shelves were spaced horribly and I had to run to get more wood because I kept messing up.

I need to make another, but this time, I'm determined to make it just the way I want it.

Anyway, guys I'll be using these tubs.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sterilite-...of-15/15442439

Sterilite 12-Qt Storage Box White:
Set of 15 bases and 15 lids
12-Qt capacity per box
Made of heavy-duty plastic
Snap-on lids
Each box measures: 16.5"L x 11.5"W x 6.25"H
Clear base
Lid color: White

I want to make it so I don't need to use the lids, I can just slide it freely and have easy access. So there would only be a small space to allow it to slide, but not too big so the snake can't escape.

I'm also adding some privacy siding, and I don't want a lot of space for the tubs to slide left and right

I'm thinking of something like this



I'm going to build it out of melamine, but I'm not sure if I should use a different material for siding and back.

I think I'll have Home Depot or Lowes pre-cut my wood so I can just assemble it, but I'm not sure what sized wood I should buy, and what the measurements of the cuts should be.

Also, I'm thinking of adding handles to the front of the tubs (mainly for a pretty effect), what should I use for those?

If you need more info, just ask.

[Sky1982]

I would do 17"l x 24"w x 49"h. That would do 2 bins wide and about 7 high so 14 total. When you're building it use use 2 CDs thick for the gap. You would need 16 CDs, 2 for each corner of the tubs.

[DavidMundy]

To do the math correctly you need the thickness of the melamine. 17" for the length would be too short and your tubs would be either hanging off the edge a little or very close to it. Assuming the melamine is 1/2" thick. I would go 18" x 25 1/2" x 28" (accounting for a 1/8" gap on each level.)

Edit I just reread that an wasn't clear on how many levels you were looking to do. I was just going by the picture you made.

[Navy]

To do the math correctly you need the thickness of the melamine. 17" for the length would be too short and your tubs would be either hanging off the edge a little or very close to it. Assuming the melamine is 1/2" thick. I would go 18" x 25 1/2" x 28" (accounting for a 1/8" gap on each level.)

Edit I just reread that an wasn't clear on how many levels you were looking to do. I was just going by the picture you made.

yep 1/2", unless you guys have something better in mind
and the same as the picture 8 sections with levels

can anyone back these measurements up so I can be certain?

[DavidMundy]

yep 1/2", unless you guys have something better in mind
and the same as the picture 8 sections with levels

can anyone back these measurements up so I can be certain?

If you want 8 levels high it will be different. I only accounted for 4 levels high x 2 wide. Which my math is 100% correct. I am a carpenter so its my job to be able to design an build stuff like this. If you want to add more levels to my math you would need to at 6 7/8" for every level.

[Navy]

If you want 8 levels high it will be different. I only accounted for 4 levels high x 2 wide. Which my math is 100% correct. I am a carpenter so its my job to be able to design an build stuff like this. If you want to add more levels to my math you would need to at 6 7/8" for every level.

My 4 key sticks

4 levels*

but thank you