Hanging heavy bookcase over sideboard. Will this work?

Submitted by toasterstrewdal t3_11bq1gq in DIY

So I’m finishing up a bookcase that I’m “hanging” over / resting on a sideboard that my wife adores. It’s 3/4” plywood that weighs 119lbs. The bearing weight of the sideboard is 125lbs. But i need to account for the books.

So, I’ve wood glued and screwed a 2” x 2” strip, spanning 58” along the top. My intention is to drill out and lag bolt that to the wall studs. My thought is that the weight of the bookcase will be fine on the sideboard. But the lag bolts in the wall will function to both secure it in place and keep the additional weight of the books from increasing the bearing weight on the sideboard.

Am I correct in my thoughts? Here’s a pic for reference.

https://imgur.com/a/nzpdoU9

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Comments

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Fuzzy_Chom t1_j9za7rn wrote

IMHO, i think you're on track. That being said....

Personally, when i have heavy cabinets to mount (garage), i like using a wide French cleat to support the weight. Not sure if it makes a huge difference, but i think about the cleat being mounted across the cabinet, as well as two lags per stud across the whole width, as means of distributing the weight. Is it necessary? Dunno, but i like to over build a bit, not knowing how well each lag is biting into a stud and not knowing exactly how the structure will be used long term.

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toasterstrewdal OP t1_j9zga35 wrote

I like the idea of the French cleat. However the challenge is now added thickness of the cleat itself. 3/4” may be too thick based on how deep the cabinets sit. 1/2” would be better. Thin, yes, but if I ripped an 8” strip, cut it at 45 degrees down the middle, secured it with 8 screws to the shelf, do you think the weight distribution would be sufficient? Again, I’m not trying to float the bookcase, just trying to alleviate the weight on the sideboard. Thoughts?

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Icy_Brilliant8730 t1_ja1qzg8 wrote

Yep it looks OK, if i may only add you can use some extra security on a sides of the bookshelf, you know like L self brackets.
When i make stuff like that i tend to overkill it a bit with security just in case. BTW it looks nice and since you are on a good track with some inputs saw from other people you'll be just fine.

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allangee t1_ja1bsb1 wrote

As long as the 2x2 is attached to the shelf strongly enough, you'll be fine.

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