Shelf

[dormermike]

I'm looking to build a shelf to support a heavy washing machine, its 60kg or thereabouts, and and the shelf will be 90cm wide and 90cm deep, supported on brick walls. Will 18mm plywood be sufficient, mounted on top of 2x2 battens screwed into the wall, or should I go for 20mm+?

Thanks

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

I would use 2x3, as a minimum, and double the thickness of ply, or two sheets, screwed together. The 2x3, will need to be Rawlbolted in place. Remember you are not just supporting the 60Kg, but the extra weight the washing, and the water, plus rotational loads, especially when it begins a spin cycle.