building a sterilite 1960 rack...1/2" or 5/8" plywood?

i'm soon going to be building 4 new racks. do you suggest using 1/2" or 5/8" plywood? will the wood split with 1/2"? i assume i could just use thinner screws and pre-drill ("pilot?") where i'm going to put the screws.

the 41quart sterilites are 34 3/4." is there going to be concern of the wood bowing, lengthwise (front to back)? i am probably going to be using at least 5 screws from front to back on each side of each shelf.

the reason i'm using plywood and not melamine is because i just don't want to deal with the weight.

sorry for the funny lingo, i'm a chick that's learning how to use powertools, LOL!

I used 5/8

My rack is so heavy, wish I would have used a lighter weight material

I used 3/4 melamine on the rack i build the other day, Im hoping it doesnt bow but we will see what happens. I made mine to for the 41qt tubs also, w/e u decide good luck.

+1 for a chick using powertools

5/8 will be good and yes. pre drill the holes for your screws. 1/2 is a pain to hit center all the time and will split. Good luck with the build and rememeber, Measure Twice, Cut Once..

Cheers:gj:

3/4 will be better. Still pre drill. Good luck

see if you can find a company that supplies XPVC and if they make sheets.

4ftx8ft sheets i found at a company was $59 per sheet. I may buy some and make my own to make racks lighter.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by RichsBallPythons

see if you can find a company that supplies XPVC and if they make sheets.

4ftx8ft sheets i found at a company was $59 per sheet. I may buy some and make my own to make racks lighter.

---

Wow, thats an awesome price! I would definitely go that route if I could find it that cheap.

i can't find XPVC anywhere :(