How to Reinforce Metal Shelf?

Hey all - I have one of those cheap, self assembled metal shelf racks that say they can hold up to 800 lbs per shelf, but use a cheap 1/2" (nominal, probably more like 3/8"!) particleboard as the shelf. I got some 3/4" plywood, because I may actually end up actually putting close to 400 or 500 lbs on a single shelf and want it to hold up. All of that to say, I'd still like to add a reinforcing cross member in the middle of the shelf (like an 18" section). I don't have the ability to weld, but I do know how to cut metal (with a chop saw or angle grinder) and also drill and tap holes for bolts. So is there something I can find off the shelf at a big box store that would fit this? Depth of the shelf is right around 18" (I actually plan to cut the plywood to 18 1/8) for a snug fit. I can cut metal to length using an angle grinder, although getting something that fits off the shelf would be preferable. I'm thinking just a piece of metal across the middle here, will a hole drilled through the front and rear of the shelf to hold it in place. Thoughts on this? Perhaps someone sells something for this purpose already on Etsy? https://preview.redd.it/hwpekxni3poe1.png?width=517&format=png&auto=webp&s=3e1f052732197269685128ebfa0603970f52f73a How would you all tackle something like this if you were going about it? submitted by /u/Mancolt [link] [comments]

Mar 14, 2025 - 19:08

Hey all - I have one of those cheap, self assembled metal shelf racks that say they can hold up to 800 lbs per shelf, but use a cheap 1/2" (nominal, probably more like 3/8"!) particleboard as the shelf. I got some 3/4" plywood, because I may actually end up actually putting close to 400 or 500 lbs on a single shelf and want it to hold up. All of that to say, I'd still like to add a reinforcing cross member in the middle of the shelf (like an 18" section). I don't have the ability to weld, but I do know how to cut metal (with a chop saw or angle grinder) and also drill and tap holes for bolts. So is there something I can find off the shelf at a big box store that would fit this? Depth of the shelf is right around 18" (I actually plan to cut the plywood to 18 1/8) for a snug fit. I can cut metal to length using an angle grinder, although getting something that fits off the shelf would be preferable.

I'm thinking just a piece of metal across the middle here, will a hole drilled through the front and rear of the shelf to hold it in place. Thoughts on this? Perhaps someone sells something for this purpose already on Etsy?

https://preview.redd.it/hwpekxni3poe1.png?width=517&format=png&auto=webp&s=3e1f052732197269685128ebfa0603970f52f73a

How would you all tackle something like this if you were going about it?

submitted by /u/Mancolt
[link] [comments]