Best material to replace glass fridge shelves with to support cornys?

[wantonsoup]

I'm using a full-size all-fridge kegerator, with shelves 24" wide. I removed the glass ones and am using 1/2" plywood, but I'm nervous about putting two full corny kegs on them. I've done two full 2.5 gal kegs and I'm nervous doubling that weight.

The fridge has those little notches on the side to hold the shelves, built into the side walls.

Is there a better stronger material I could go with for this? Or is plywood the best choice? With such a large width I'm trying to avoid a disaster obviously. Thanks for your help.

 

[TallDan]

How thick was the glass? You might be better off going back to it:

https://www.dullesglassandmirror.com/glass-weight-load-calculator

 

[wantonsoup]

It's 1/8 glass and the shelves are 24 x 15. Not sure it's going to hold more than ~ 50 lbs.

 

[ancientmariner52]

You can add 1x2 stiffeners under the plywood, glued and screwed. I have a lot of cheap particle board book cases, and that is how I stopped the shelves from sagging.

 

[cmac62]

I have 2x4 support standing upright under the shelf and mine hold three easy.

 

[day_trippr]

I use 3/4" plywood for the shelves on my three fridges, usually with a plywood support under the center.
I've had five full kegs sharing one such shelf with no issues...

Cheers!

 

[rhys333]

I'm using a full-size all-fridge kegerator, with shelves 24" wide. I removed the glass ones and am using 1/2" plywood, but I'm nervous about putting two full corny kegs on them. I've done two full 2.5 gal kegs and I'm nervous doubling that weight.

The fridge has those little notches on the side to hold the shelves, built into the side walls.

Is there a better stronger material I could go with for this? Or is plywood the best choice? With such a large width I'm trying to avoid a disaster obviously. Thanks for your help.

If you're concerned, I would just install small plywood strips or 2x2 as legs under the plywood shelves (rather than relying on the side notches in the fridge). You can also add a strip to the front edges of your shelves to act as a stiffener. Your shelves will hold a lot of weight with these mods.