Expert: Jamie Yocono - 2/17/2010

Question
QUESTION: I am wanting my handy husband to build me a seven foot long...20 in deep ...36 inch high counter/cabinet ....sitting on top of this work space I am wanting.. to the ceiling open shelving...I am wanting a 5 inch over hang on base cabinet....I am looking for a cottage/primitive look..finally question do you thing plywood beadboard will support the cabinet or should we frame it out they cover it with the beadboard...there will be alot of weight because of upper shelving...which we will also bolt to wall....any thoughts on this ..thanks  karen

ANSWER: Karen,

I'm not completely sure if I understand your design. A little more info would help, but to answer your question - yes, the plywood sides will probably support the shelving. The force on that plywood would be vertically, going down, and plywood does a decent job in this area.  (Horizontally, it is less strong.)

But I am very concerned about the amount of overhang. That seems to be way too much overhang, both aesthetically as well as structurally. I would be very concerned about that overhang, and urge you to re-think that design.

Bolting the upper shelving to the wall is a must, especially if you're going to have a great deal of weight on the shelves. Also, are you planning on using plywood for your shelves? If so, they might be prone to sagging, if the load is heavy. You will need to beef up that plywood with some solid wood edging, in order to keep the it from sagging.

If you want more help, please give me a little better idea of the project. Maybe a sketch or a picture of something similar?

Jamie



____________
Jamie Yocono
Wood It Is! Custom Cabinetry
Las Vegas, NV
www.wooditis.com
My woodworking blog: www.wooditis.blogspot.com







---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: My thoughts on the counter/cabinet was to make a big storage area plus work area...I was thinking if the front overhang was a bit longer I would be comfortable sitting there sewing or working on hobbies, computer...I was planning on having front open with shelves no doors so I have a place to put my knees...my husband is very handy..he has built a room on our house repaired many antique pieces I have brought home..but this is something he is dragging his feet on this one....on the overhand..I planned on using a couple 1x8 glued and clamped..I like to beat them up a bit to look worn...so to wrap things up I really appreciate your time and wisdom...any other thoughts I will take to heart...Have a good day...Karen

Answer
Karen,

OK, now it makes a little more sense! The overhang is there for a reason. I don't think 5" is enough knee room, but it will do in a pinch.

You are going to still need something to keep that work top from sagging down in front. A 5" overhang is still pretty big. If you could put some sort of support underneath it, going almost out to the front edge, that would go a long way towards beefing things up. Check these out: http://www.mockett.com/furniture-hardware/supports/work-surface-supports

I know these are expensive, but I wanted to give you a good idea about what you need, and these pictures are good for showing that. There are other tabletop supports out there, so you might want to do an online search and find a style that suits the design of your cabinet.

This piece sounds rather minimal, especially when you say there will be no doors, just open shelving. Make sure you don't have the span of the shelves too wide, or they will sag. Use this sag calculator to determine what the sag will be: http://www.woodbin.com/calcs/sagulator.htm

Also, I think you asked about framing out the top, and then covering the edges. I think that is a wise design to choose, as it will beef up that top. I am really concerned about the last of support under it. Maybe that's why your hubby is dragging his feet a bit. The more clarity in your design, the better chance it will be successful. Remember, pre-planning is key to having this piece work out well for you.

Good luck, I hope this helps.


Jamie
____________
Jamie Yocono
Wood It Is! Custom Cabinetry
Las Vegas, NV
www.wooditis.com
My woodworking blog: www.wooditis.blogspot.com