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  1. 16th December 2010, 01:21 PM #1
    ZoeS
    ZoeS is offline New Member
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    Default Supporting the weight

    Greetings!

    I have some reptilian pets and I have just purchased some nice glass cages for two of them. The cages are 32" x 18" x 24". I would like to create shelves/boxes so I can stack the cages (I would make two separate units so it could easily be moved).

    My idea is (for each unit) to make a frame from 2x4s on which the cage will rest. I don't know the exact weight of the cage but with a few inches of water in the bottom, plus the glass, we're looking at a couple hundred pounds. I would like to know if it is possible/safe to make a 2x4 frame that can support this weight.

    This is what I have in mind:



    I hope it makes sense to you . I would also probably cover the bottom, top, sides and back with thin black melamine to make an enclosed box. Then two of these, stacked, each with a cage inside.

    Will this work, or is it a recipe for disaster?

    Thanks in advance,

    Zoe
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  3. 25th December 2010, 03:18 PM #2
    bookend
    bookend is offline Senior Member
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    Default

    Welcome to the forum.

    Are you sure of the approximate weight? Even with glass and a few inches of water, 200lb or 90kg seems a lot. I'd find out the weight of the cages. So far as 90kg plus timber frame being easily moved... Have you considered handles?

    Also, have you designed a way to clean the cages as the only apparent access is through the front?

    What sort of timber are you planning on using? Hardwood, with secure joinery, will obviously bear more weight than soft, however I shouldn't think you'd have any problems with 2x4s unless the timber is very soft! I'd be looking at reducing the size from 2x4s though, assuming you are keeping the pets inside.

    These are my initial thoughts, but others with more experience will be able to help more .
    Graeme
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  4. 25th December 2010, 04:16 PM #3
    Master Splinter's Avatar
    Master Splinter
    Master Splinter is offline SENIOR MEMBER
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    Default

    I wouldn't even bother with a timber frame - just use the melamine faced board for sides and back. Stronger, and no racking problems, and no need to do any fiddly joinery work.

    Here, the standard is 16mm (about 5/8") which is used for kitchen carcase construction and it happily supports granite countertops or people sitting on them or wall ovens or a well stacked pantry, so a fishtank with lizards is nothing.
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