Dan Gove posted for all of us...



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.

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


Dan G. in CT

Being disabled myself I use the wire type closet shelves. They can be cut to
size and the plastic bumpers put on the ends. They mount to a bookshelf type
rails and can be adjusted. I like the fact one can poke stuff from the
bottom if need be and have a natural ventilation. Closet Maid is a
manufacturer IIRC.

I would use a plastic material rather than wood if you want a solid surface.
Make certain the are fastened to the hangers because my experience a regular
type shelf will off to the ends or toward you if not loaded properly.

Please let us know how you proceed as I'm always willing to steal a good
idea.

--
Tekkie