This is my PVCx rack, yes it is 3/8 it is now 8 years old and has had no problems The edge is a bit hard to clean as it has open texture. Doing it again I'd try to figure out some way to seal that up.

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The shelves are rabbeted in to the sides the back is screwed to both the sides and shelves, other than that the shelves are just fit in with out glue just pressure. The top and bottom are screwed as well. There is a 3" foot at the bottom that is filled with rigid foam insulation.

The solid sides cost more in materials but help a bit with holding heat. I don't heat the whole room so it sits at 68º average, I have 17" flexwatt for the cool side and 4 on the hot side at the back.The 17 is low wattage and even in a full power runway it doesn't get much over 86º as an added safety measure (dual thermostats a primary and back up too)

The sides are 3 inches longer than the tubs and the shelves are an exact fit. I feel like doing it again I'd add a 1/8 spacer to the shelves.

A it can be easily changed when it is damages from rubbing.

B if you need to replace a tub in a few years it and the tub you used (like mine) is no longer available and the replacement is slightly taller you have more options to work with.

Again that costs more in materials but might save in the long run. I am either going to have to build custom tubs that fit or a new rack as one is now split and the rest are becoming worn out.

that is my thoughts and based on my experience I hope that helps a bit.
Alex


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