October 23, 2025Oct 23 Popular Post I have been encouraged (drafted) into designing and building a couple of display units for a makers space in our downtown area using standard construction materials that we have on hand. I have built the table and it measures 32” high x 36” wide x 60” long. Time to build the vertical shelving unit. I’m considering a 60 to 72” hutch like display but here is my question. Is there a formula of base depth versus height to maximize the stability? I have built large circular tables and the rule of thumb is that the legs must extend 70% of the top. I.e., a 48” top needs legs that are about 30” wide ( think pedestal base). Any ideas?
October 23, 2025Oct 23 If it is put up against a way I typically put a brace on each side into a stud on the wall. Just to be sure ya know.
October 24, 2025Oct 24 Ron, I think gunny is right. For something that will be out in a public you want to avoid all the lawyers you can. Anchoring it to a wall (or something) would be better than relying on free standing. That said, I'm following this since i would like to know f there's an answer to your question. One other thought, it may be that a solid anchor to the floor (if at all possible) might work as well, but I don't think that would be my first choice. Edited October 24, 2025Oct 24 by Fred W. Hargis Jr
October 24, 2025Oct 24 Author Thanks guys. I agree that it should be anchored but this maker’s space is temporary and didn’t want to mar the new wall. May not have an option.
October 24, 2025Oct 24 If the upper shelving unit isn't going to be permanently fixed to the table, could you devise a way to use clamps to hold it to the rear of the table top.
October 24, 2025Oct 24 Author 3 hours ago, lew said: If the upper shelving unit isn't going to be permanently fixed to the table, could you devise a way to use clamps to hold it to the rear of the table top. It is one unit, Lew.
October 26, 2025Oct 26 The one thing we all know is stability decreases with height. I am not a good drawing person so here goes with words. If it is all one unit I would say keep the upper from equal height as the lower to not more than 1.5 times the lower. Keeping in mind the depth of the lower probability should be 3 times the depth of the upper. Note I am not a designer this is just my guess from designs I have observed. Although as a one piece unit this thing will be very heavy.
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