We're planning to build our first melamine rack for use with 6qt tubs and thought we'd post here so some of you more experienced DIY keepers could check over our figures. There may be something we've overlooked and would appreciate any thoughts on better ways to construct the rack or correction if the math is wrong, etc.

So far, we're planning the rack for 6qt tubs, in a 4x4 configuration.

Tub measurements -

13 1/2 (L) x 7 3/4 (W) x 4 3/4 (H)

To allow for 'wiggle room', I've adjusted the measurements to -

14 (L) x 8 1/2 (W) x 5 (H)

The melamine available is 3/4 (0.75) in thick.

Math!

Shelf/Top - (4 shelves + 1 top = 5 pieces) (14 x 34)
Depth: 14 = 14
Width: 8.5 x 4 = 34

Sides - (L + R = 2) (14 x 26)
Depth: 14 = 14
Height: (5 + 0.75 [Shelf Thickness]) x 4 (Shelves) + 0.75 (Top Thickness) = 23.75 + 2.25 (More wiggle room) = 26

Back - (1) (26 x 36)
Height: 26 = 26
Width: 34 + (0.75 [Side Thickness] x 2 [Sides]) = 35.5 (Round to 36, trim to size.)

Plan

At the moment, our plan is to have the top piece fit flush with the back and sides on the inside like a shelf. The back piece will have the extra length to cover the width of the sides instead of being on the 'inside' of the sides. I've added a little extra to the length, width and height of the tubs to allow for 'wiggle room', keeping them from being packed in like sardines and allowing for heat tape space. Of course, when building the shelves will be much more fitted to the tubs' height, but I would rather measure slightly larger and adjust down than not have enough. Excess height will just be used to 'lift' the rack from sitting directly on the floor. As this is meant for 6qt tubs, we're planning on using 3 inch tape for belly heat.

Cuts

Yeah, I haven't had to figure out cuts since Wood Shop, and that was...longer ago than I'm willing to admit to. Plus, some of us just aren't that handy. The following diagram is not to scale...at all. The math should be correct, though. If someone more experienced sees an easier way to make the cuts work, let me know. The melamine sheet we're looking at is the standard 8 ft x 4 ft. With the current cut configuration, there are 2 'waste' pieces - a 26 x 12 and a 18 x 14. Both are marked by cross hashes. I'm sure I'll figure out something to do with them, I'm just not sure what right now, and would like as little actual waste as possible.



Advice, direction, and corrections are appreciated!