Melamine is good stuff. I used it to build lockers for a gym a few years back .. As long as you have support you will be good.. If the opening is goin to be big just add some maple to the under side of the shelf 3/4 x 1" and the length of the shelf and it will make it rigid, on that note thought you will have to put a skin over those supports to act as you top for the tubs..

You can get iron on edge banding to cover your cut edges, there are many choices , also you can get melamine edge banding too.. Melamine is good stuff as long as it's sealed tight your good to go..


It's what I will be using to build my cage setup for my BP's. And you can get the melamine in different colors too not just white.. I have maple veneered sheets.. Good luck with the build, post pics when done.


Cheers