design question about open shelving unit

10 years ago

I'm building a movable closet shelving unit out of nominal 3/4" plywood, 16" deep x 41" wide x 67" high. There will be a middle divider along the entire height and width. That is, instead of making two narrow units, I'm making one wider unit with a middle "wall" (term?).

Should the unit base/bottom fixed shelf be flush with the sides or should the base/bottom sit about 1 1/2" above the floor?
The unit will be painted and will rest on carpet. My concern is whether the paint will come off on the carpet. Would the 1 1/2" gap between the floor and the base shelf result in the sides bowing?
There will be two additional fixed shelves above the bottom one.

Thank you for your advice.

Featured Answer

klem1

10 years ago

Raised bottom has advantages. Full shelf surface on carpet will rock regardless wherther floor is level. Full shelf on floor invites moisture retention resulting in mold. Raised shelf alow's a toe kick which looks good. Raised shelf alow's sides to be trimmed (scribed like cabinets) in the event things aren't square and plumb. In place of scribed,1x2s can be attached to sides then shimmed. And raised shelf simply looks better.

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Comments (8)

canishel
Original Author
10 years ago
I meant to write " middle divider along the entire height and DEPTH".
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canishel
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks.

I was debating whether the loss in storage space from elevating the bottom shelf was out-weighed by the benefits. So I'll raise the bottom.
rwiegand
10 years ago
Good plan, for all the reasons klem points out.
talley_sue_nyc
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
You can raise it as little as 1". And if you're worried about it bowing, get a 1"-wide piece of molding to set into the space, and screw it to the bottom shelf to reinforce. It'll look like this:

And that might keep stuff from getting kicked into the little gap.
klem1
10 years ago
"And that might keep stuff from getting kicked into the little gap."

And what make's you think that might happen? LOL
canishel
Original Author
10 years ago
Thank you for your comments.

The deed is done. I'm using 1 1/2" to allow for vacuum wand. The moulding can wait.
toxcrusadr
10 years ago
Also known as a collection area for cat toys.