[mikedam]

I need design/advice/ideas on a display counter. It will display candy and chocolate bars. There are 3 shelves maybe 4. The shelves are plexiglass. What is the best way to hold up the plexiglass? The client wants it open with no supports in the center.

 

[GeorgeC]

I assume that you have designed this cabinet such that the thickness of plexiglass and length of shelves is appropriate to the weight of the candy.

I would use traditional shelf supports like THESE

George

 

[cabinetman]

I need design/advice/ideas on a display counter. It will display candy and chocolate bars. There are 3 shelves maybe 4. The shelves are plexiglass. What is the best way to hold up the plexiglass? The client wants it open with no supports in the center.

Plexiglas for that length in thickness up to ½" will sag from it's own weight.

.

 

[mikedam]

I assume that you have designed this cabinet such that the thickness of plexiglass and length of shelves is appropriate to the weight of the candy.

I would use traditional shelf supports like THESE

George

No, at the moment I just made them 1/8". Not sure what thickness they have to be.

 

[woodnthings]

plexiglass won't work . period

It's not structural ... well 1" might work. Glass would be better. Without a center support you are asking for trouble. JMO.

 

[FrankC]

What is the point of the plexiglass if they are covered with product?

 

[mikedam]

What is the point of the plexiglass if they are covered with product?

This is kind the clients idea


http://i00.i.aliimg.com/photo/v0/232007836/bakery_display_case_cake_display_stand_acrylic.jpg

I think the shelf standards can be set for the shelves to slope downwards, sort of set the back end 1/2" up from the front.

I think the plexiglass will allow more light in and easier to clean.

 

[Acercanto]

Could you use bars of acrylic or whatever to support things from the edges?

 

[BernieL]

The picture the client wants you to emulate has a support on the front - they are more like trays then shelves. Be up front with them... plain plexi shelves will not even support themselves like cabinetman and woodnthings are telling you! At 60 inches, I would put a center support (even for glass). This whole project was conceived to give you a headache.

 

[nbo10]

What about using a dado on the sides and back? You would lose adjust-ability but it may be enough to stiffen up the shelves.

 

[mikedam]

The picture the client wants you to emulate has a support on the front - they are more like trays then shelves. Be up front with them... plain plexi shelves will not even support themselves like cabinetman and woodnthings are telling you! At 60 inches, I would put a center support (even for glass). This whole project was conceived to give you a headache.

I'll tell him it won't work and they will bend in the middle.

This client doesn't think like we do, he'll probably say "it will be fine, I'll support all the center with candy bar boxes".

I don't know if these jobs are a pain in the butt or an opportunity to be creative, either way I usually get an headache :laughing:

 

[cabinetman]

I'll tell him it won't work and they will bend in the middle.

This client doesn't think like we do, he'll probably say "it will be fine, I'll support all the center with candy bar boxes".

I don't know if these jobs are a pain in the butt or an opportunity to be creative, either way I usually get an headache :laughing:

Doing work for clients is contingent on their whims, and their trust that you have the knowledge to suggest what will work and what won't.

You might suggest installing vertical standards at the rear of the case, and using shelf brackets that protrude forward. There would be no visible vertical obstruction in the middle. Shelf brackets also come angle adjustable. Shelf systems also available with clear brackets.
http://www.dkhardware.com/product-23238-cpb312-clear-12-polycarbonate-shelf-bracket.html

.

 

[mikedam]

Doing work for clients is contingent on their whims, and their trust that you have the knowledge to suggest what will work and what won't.

You might suggest installing vertical standards at the rear of the case, and using shelf brackets that protrude forward. There would be no visible vertical obstruction in the middle. Shelf brackets also come angle adjustable. Shelf systems also available with clear brackets.
http://www.dkhardware.com/product-23238-cpb312-clear-12-polycarbonate-shelf-bracket.html

.

Very good, I'll take the design plan and ideas and have a chat with him.

 

[rgbfoundry]

Add plexi or acrylic nosing?

I know adding nosing to a piece of wood can add strength over long runs. I'll bet you could get a decent run by bonding two pieces of plexi, just as you would for wood. Here's an example in wood:
http://www.familyhandyman.com/woodworking/how-to-install-edging-for-plywood/view-all