I'm new to woodworking and trying to create a shelf for an aquarium that's 36 inches long and under 20 inches wide. Since I have cats, I need to make sure they can't jump on the glass, which means I need a shelf that can fold up rather than down. Folding brackets typically go down, and I'm concerned that if I leave space for maintenance, my cats will exploit it. Does anyone have suggestions on how I can construct a shelf that folds upwards instead? Also, I've seen some expensive floating desks online, so I'd prefer a DIY solution if possible!
2 Answers
You can try using a "piano" hinge along the back of the shelf and add a latch on top to keep it secure when it's up. This should give you the functionality you need without worrying about your cats jumping on the tank.
You could use regular shelf brackets and set the shelf on them. Then, attach hinges to the shelf and the wall. This way, the brackets will support the weight whenever it's down, and the hinges will prevent it from sliding off while allowing it to flip up. Seems like a solid plan!
Thank you!! My partner was worried it wouldn’t stay folded up, but honestly, the shelf will only be up for about an hour at most for maintenance, so I think this will work!