Hello folks,
I am a first time user to a chat room so please excuse the mistakes. My question is as follows: I am building an entertainment center for a client ( I am a teacher on summer vacation. I usually build one project during this time off from school. I love it, just not enough time during school) This is a huge piece. 82 inches high, 48 inches wide and 28 inches deep. I have assembled the top and bottom portions and have built and installed the upper case doors. The lower case is where I have run into a snag. The width of the piece (48inches) has resulted in a sag of the maple face frame (on 3/4 inch birch ply) in the middle of the lower case. I am 1/8 of an inch lower in the middle than on the sides. Thus I have a face frame opening that isn’t square. My doors are square, but will not fit well in this opening. I planned to allow for an 1/8 of an inch space all around the doors. I thought about putting in a support piece in the center, but I wouldnt be able to get the adjustsable shelves in. Should I trim the doors to fit the opening? I’m just not sure what to do. Any thoughts? Thanks, Jay
Replies
Hi Jay,
I would probably recommend a vertical stile to support the shelf, or top of the lower cabinet. A 3/4 " shelf 48" long, if I'm understanding you, will most likely be trouble, if it isn't supported. That is a considerable span, and if any weight is added to the top or the interior shelves, there will be sag, bow, etc. You could utilize the stile to both give support to the interior shelving as well as supporting the top.
This "post" could be placed behind the doors, so that it is only seen through the reveal (1/8") if your doors are flush, as it sounds they are. It could also have the same adjustable shelf holes as the rest of the interior, thereby giving support to interior shelving. I would think you could still get your shelves in by angling them in. It would be simple to do a test by clamping a mock post or stile in place and trying the shelves.They may have to be narrowed a bit, but imo that's better than a saggy top, and/or shelves.
Hopefully this helps a bit. wb
A rule of thumb for framing a structure is 2 feet of span for inch of width. Under the substrate. A 2x6 will carry a 12 foot span, 2x4 - 8 foot etc.. This same rule applies in cabinetry. A four foot wide bearing surface needs 2 inches of framing. You probably don't need to walk on it, so 28 inches deep should be no problem. Your face frame needs to be structural.
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