How effective would a rack be if made like this: (Melamine)

Just trying to think of ways of saving money and stumbled upon some videos while searching First one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7JGrog7_LY

Seems really simple, and cheap too! Only thing I'm worried about is how long it would last. I know that bowing could be a realistic issue, but, this seems pretty sturdy. But, then what do I know? I'm just saying that based off the look! Some input would be nice!

Second one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZDdn...eature=related

This seems pretty nice too, especially for a baby/juvenile rack, and I could probably cut some things down to make it quite a bit cheaper.

Does anyone think that these racks won't be of good use in the long run? Is there any tips you can give if using melamine, for example, adding a layer of coating to make sure it won't bow? Thanks!

If you are just starting out (presumably with babies and juvies) I would start with a rack that you can use with 15qt and 32qt tubs interchangeably. So, either one big tub or two small tubs. This means one rack for everyone which I find beneficial. Melamine in general is really cheap. I think that method would be fine if you had high ambient room temps, but if you want something that holds temps a little better then go for a rack closed on all sides.

I think the diference with using full sheets of melamine or using 2x2's or whatever he used is negligible in terms of price.

As far as longevity goes, toooons of people use exclusively home made melamine and it holds up really well. I don't think any type of coating would do you any good since melamine comes with its own finish. I think you won't see much bowing unless it has to span more than 2' with no central support.

Hope this helps!

Oh, okay, thanks!

And then having open sides (like the one in the first video) is more detrimental and will cost you more money in the long run due to heat?

Also, what tubs do you recommend?

I think the main reason for building an enclosed rack is privacy for your BP's. If you don't plan on using a space heater and heating the rack itself you would need enclosed and it would take alot more trial and error. I have already planned my second rack build. This one will either be all melanine or use 2x4's for the stands as in the first video. The reason being I have extra melanine from my first and think there is enough to cut in strips to use in place of the 2x4's in the first video. Each shelf will be 18 or 19" x 48". It will allow 6 (6qt.), 4 (15qt.), or 2 (32qt.) per shelf. The tubs will be Sterilite 1751's, Sterilite 1753's, or Sterilite 1755's. If I do use the 1751's on the same shelves I would need to leave the lids on but the 1753's and 1755's are the same height. The red bar is 4" heat tape.

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h1...eybro/bins.jpg

Oh, thanks!

I do plan on heating the room itself, so I'm not too worried that a lot of heat will escape, but this is 5-6 years in the future, so I can't say for sure haha.


Do you think making a single tub per shelf 41 qt (like shown in the first video) will sag eventually?

Also, any other plans, diy's, would be much appreciated!

With the amount of supports he uses I doubt there would be any chance of sagging. I think you could get away with only two supports on the side and it still won't sag. Also I use gorilla glue before screwing in the shelves. This will help even if the wood splits while putting in screws it should hold well anyways.