I probably was being offensive but I don't appreciate being spoken down to new or not. I understand perfectly well that melamine is what is generally used to build racks and I understand why. I want to try something different and I am trying to get opinions on potential and specific concerns with my idea, not just a general "I wouldn't do that if I were you but I have no reason to offer as to why". Again no offense meant but I'm not really looking for opinions on how you or anyone else would build a rack, what I want to know pertains to THIS plan that I have laid out. I am all for tradition on most things but I am having a real issue discarding my idea because that simply isn't how it is usually done. I also truly believe that your dad probably knows all there is to know about wood which brings me to another point of mine, you said that the only way for melamine to catch fire is if it is set ablaze right?? The fire retardant that I want to use, when applied properly WILL NOT catch fire when held directly in a flame. Any flame that appears on the treated surface will go out within seconds.