Melamine/MDF Rack Q's

Hi all,

I'm currently looking at building another rack this time to house BP's and ones with similar req's as far as heating/humidity.

I have looked at alot of designs and with the location it will occupy in my house and the humidity req's have decided to go with an enclosed side rack like the big boys (boaphile, animal plastics etc) but due to the prices of XPVC and HDPVC have decided to go with an alternative material.

My last rack was built out of dimensional lumber and plywood which I will never do again due to the plywood warping before it was in the rack due to just being crappy (this has been sealed w/ polyuerathane {sp?}) and have settled on the cheap but heavy melamine/mdf, I think.

Down to the real question, how thick of melamine do you or would you use for a rack that was to use 41qt tubs and only 1 wide? What about 2 wide?

I have done tons of searching through this and a few other forums I frequent (but not post on much lol) and can't really seem to find out what sizes people are using. Found a few that use 3/4 inch but they are generally 4 or 5 tubs wide and not entirely sure this would be needed with what I have in mind (I would put a back on of some sort to help prevent sagging)

Anyways let me know what you think or maybe an alternative material thats not to spendy.

atleast 3/4 inch. I used 1/2 inch one time and had nails sticking out everywhere...but then again, i suck at building things :oops:

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Originally Posted by nathanledet

atleast 3/4 inch. I used 1/2 inch one time and had nails sticking out everywhere...but then again, i suck at building things :oops:

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Same here, I used 3/4 been standing fine for a few months now (5 tubs high on casters)

Why did you have nails sticking out?

I was thinking probably 3/4 inch but was hoping I could use something a bit smaller due to the weight, lol.

What about shower tile board, I've seen people use it for cages, is it sturdy enough for rack building or does it need extra support?

Don't use anything other than 3/4 inches. Sturdy good stuff, but heavy. Anything smaller will warp if it is built with anything but. 1/2 will probably work, but like Nate said. Nails EVERYWHERE! lol. Nail guns do wonders! I started using plywood, it is awesome, but will have to be sealed, as with standard MDF.

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Originally Posted by Loderdek

Why did you have nails sticking out?

I was thinking probably 3/4 inch but was hoping I could use something a bit smaller due to the weight, lol.

What about shower tile board, I've seen people use it for cages, is it sturdy enough for rack building or does it need extra support?

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err screws...i had a power drill that put the screws in and another thing that happened was the screws would make the 1/2 bulge...and that could be a big deal because you have to slide your tubs over those or under them....the bulge makes for an extra tight fit.....no good

Pre drill the hole's and it will keep it from bulging like that. It's a good idea on just about any wood to keep it from bulging, cracking or whatever, just drill it slightly smaller than the screw your putting in =)

My rack holds 27q sterilites, 1 wide, 11 high. I used 5/8" melamine. Works just fine, very sturdy, no warping or anything.

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Originally Posted by Loderdek

Pre drill the hole's and it will keep it from bulging like that. It's a good idea on just about any wood to keep it from bulging, cracking or whatever, just drill it slightly smaller than the screw your putting in =)

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See..I learned something today. :cool:

Always great when you learn something =)

Anyways What do you guys think for the material only 3/4" or can it go thinner without comprimising the structural integrity of the whole thing?