How to builds legs for a stand/table

[vwilliams1475]

This is not the finish top but its close . There will be one more brace in the middle and I think I am going to double the edge braces. My only thought is how do I build the legs? Do I do the normal L with a bord in the middle? Or can I just use 4 x 4s and put brackets on them. ?

 

[Oughtsix]

To support the weight of an aquarium your legs will need to be cross braced. 4x4's will handle the downward force with no problem but small metal brackets wont handle the twisting forces very effectively.

Usually the twisting forces are are handled by firmly attached plywood panels. If you want an open bottom stand cross bracing is a good solution.

 

[vwilliams1475]

To support the weight of an aquarium your legs will need to be cross braced. 4x4's will handle the downward force with no problem but small metal brackets wont handle the twisting forces very effectively.

Usually the twisting forces are are handled by firmly attached plywood panels. If you want an open bottom stand cross bracing is a good solution.

Cross brace with 2 x4s ? Or think I can just screws some metal braces inbetween?

 

[Joe Fish]

Do not use any metal brackets
you need to have support under your frame to eliminate any shearing force
use 2 2x4s as shown in the below drawing the taller one can go inside your frame and the shorter goes under the frame
glue and screw everything together it will hold up the weight of a car
also when constructing anything that holds weight do NOT use sheet rock screws the are hardened and will snap under pressure

you will need to do something to stabilize the legs either a couple of cross rails or a shelf below
what are you planning to do to cover things up are you planning to make it a cabinet or are you going for an open look
let me know if I can help further I have 35 years of cabinet making under my belt

 

[vwilliams1475]

This is going to be a table for my filtration system. So open look is what I am going for.