What size and type of screws do you use on Melamine wood?

I'm using 9 x 1 1/2 Wood Screws and it is cracking the Melamine wood in half when I screw it on the sides. Are these screws too long?

You need to drill pilot holes just a little smaller then the screw tha your using to keep it from cracking.

thanks 1 more thing.. the rack wobbles back and forth... do i need to add a back to it? right now it just has 3 levels then the sides.

Pictures would help.

How thick is the melemine you're using?

it's 3/4 inches thick..

it basically looks like a 3 level bookself right now with no backing. i was thinking adding a 3" in length back beam.. would that stop it from tilting back and forth?

You'll need to brace it somehow or it will eventually collapse. Brace the back or put a back on it, just be sure it's secure.

think a 3" back beam will do with a screw behind each level? the length of the wood is 31".

Quote:

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Originally Posted by eMonk

think a 3" back beam will do with a screw behind each level? the length of the wood is 31".

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Nope. You've got to secure it from side to side so it won't tilt and collapse.

Run one piece across the top or bottom, from side to side.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by wilomn

Nope. You've got to secure it from side to side so it won't tilt and collapse.

Run one piece across the top or bottom, from side to side.

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i don't see how that would stop it from tilting.

i'm thinking of getting that ultra thin wood (not too sure whats its called) that is used behind dressers as the back then nail it in??