What thickness should I use for skinning a stand?

[ismvel]

I purchased 1/4" thick Birch plywood, should I go thicker than that to skin?

[ramsey]

It shouldn't matter as long as none of the support is coming from the skin. I went with 3/4" but only because I built it weird.

[jroescher]

If your stand, without skin, is capable of holding the weight, then the skin is only cosmetic and it wouldn't matter. Remember all of the force is straight down. The only time lateral strength is needed is for those times when someone bumps your tank and pushes is sideways. As long as your plywood is well secured to the stand, then 1/4 inch should be plenty.

[ReefOne]

Did 3/4" oak on mine, with 1/4 on the back. I think 1/2" would be perfectly fine. 1/4" to me seems a little thin.

[aquasport24]

I afraid 1/4 will bow and peel off as it observes moisture overtime.

[ismvel]

It shouldn't matter as long as none of the support is coming from the skin. I went with 3/4" but only because I built it weird.

If your stand, without skin, is capable of holding the weight, then the skin is only cosmetic and it wouldn't matter. Remember all of the force is straight down. The only time lateral strength is needed is for those times when someone bumps your tank and pushes is sideways. As long as your plywood is well secured to the stand, then 1/4 inch should be plenty.
The stand is capable of holding the tank on its own, os I am not worried about that. It is more for cosmetic, as you said.


Did 3/4" oak on mine, with 1/4 on the back. I think 1/2" would be perfectly fine. 1/4" to me seems a little thin.
I agree, looking at the 1/4 it is pretty thin. I may go with what you did. Just return three of the peices.

I afraid 1/4 will bow and peel off as it observes moisture overtime.
Never thought of that. It did feel a little flimsy because it was so thin.


Thanks all for your input.