On Thu, 12 May 2016 15:58:57 -0400, Dan Gove
wrote:

Hi all,
I'm trying to get some recommendations for materials to use for a
shelf that would be attached to the wall next to my bathroom sink. I'm
disabled and really need to have certain things close by which is why
the shelves need to be right next to the sink. Problem is, the
particleboard shelves I've used in the past would always swell up and
crack over time because of moisture. FYI, they were the plastic
(Melamine?) covered shelves.

The last time my handyman went to Home Depot he got lucky and was
given a scrap piece of treated wood that was painted white that fit
perfectly in the area to the right of the sink. He said because of the
way it's treated, it shouldn't warp or crack. Unfortunately, he said
that type of wood is very expensive and can only be purchased in large
pieces. So I'm still looking for something to replace the shelf on the
right side of the sink (10" x 15"). Would covering a piece of the
Melamine covered particleboard shelving with a thick coat of lacquer
prevent it from warping? The shelving material we use doesn't have to
be very strong, everything put on the shelf altogether weighs less
than 2 pounds.

How much handiness does the handiman have. If he's ready to paint or
polyurethane a piece of real wood, it will last longer than any of us.
Assuming you have a way to attach it, like a couple brackets and he
knows how to screw it to the wall or even the studs (unless it's a
tile wall.)

That assumes by moisture you mean moisture and not water sitting on
the shelf for hours at a time. (In fact if it's just humidity, it
wouldn't even have to be painted except for appearance.

And if you are disabled I think you could call Home Depot or whomever
and ask the wood department or building materials manager to keep his
eye open for when the cut a piece 10" wide that has a 15" piece left
over. I know most? people buy the whole board, but I think quite a
few??????? get them cut short before they leave.

You don't need cedar or cypress unless it does sit for hours with
puddles on it. or glass.. The closetmaid rack is only 5" deep.

Any info you all can provide is greatly appreciated, thanks!


Dan G. in CT