DIY stand

sergifed91 · Apr 11, 2019

I am currently cleaning my basement where I have my tanks. I'm building a tank stand but i'm torn if I want to use plywood for the top to set the tank on or if I should use a counter top. I say a counter top because I cam across one in another room that I partially cleaned out. that I had in my house when I bought it. I didn't like it cause it was just ugly. but for a top of the stand I think it would look good. since I won't utilize it any other place other than the trash. it's old but still in tact. just looking for thoughts on this. and then lay a mat on top of the counter top since I think it is laminated.

Tihsho · Apr 11, 2019

If you have a piece that you can cut off and 'wet test' to see how it reacts I would try it. When it comes to stands I've built in the past, I always went with Marine Plywood just to make sure that nothing would deteriorate as soon as water hit it.

JoshH · Apr 11, 2019

new setup said:
I am currently cleaning my basement where I have my tanks. I'm building a tank stand but i'm torn if I want to use plywood for the top to set the tank on or if I should use a counter top. I say a counter top because I cam across one in another room that I partially cleaned out. that I had in my house when I bought it. I didn't like it cause it was just ugly. but for a top of the stand I think it would look good. since I won't utilize it any other place other than the trash. it's old but still in tact. just looking for thoughts on this. and then lay a mat on top of the counter top since I think it is laminated.

No reason why you can't use it, laminate is pretty waterproof. I however would look underneath and gauge the thickness of the material underneath the laminate. It might be worth reinforcing with solid plywood underneath the countertop anyway. :)

Peace River · Apr 11, 2019

It partially depends on what the countertop is made out of. You mentioned that the countertop is laminated but what is the laminate glued to - press board? Plywood? Something else? If it is press board then I would avoid it. If it is plywood then evaluate the condition of the wood. Additionally, If you cut the countertop down to size then you may want to consider painting/sealing the exposed sides and bottom just like you would if you used a piece of plywood without the laminate. Either way, good luck with the new setup!