Shimming a stand

SteveO83 · Jul 6, 2015

which shims are used for this? I found some at lowes in the flooring department by the moulding. Are these correct or are there others?

redfishbluefish · Jul 6, 2015

They are most likely OK to use, but I like the toilet shims that are made of plastic.

Windy · Jul 6, 2015

When shims are used correctly, you use two at a time so the slope is offset. Using single shims causes point loading.

SteveO83 · Jul 6, 2015

Yeah am putting one on each corner and then one on the long sides in the middle. Started to level it last night then realized i have to move the stand out to put the plumbing......

Waters · Jul 6, 2015

The research I have done always says to use composite shims (due to their strength and resistance to water?).....not sure if it is necessary or not.

Windy · Jul 7, 2015

Then a composite stand is a must also!

davocean · Jul 7, 2015

Windy said:
Then a composite stand is a must also!

Lol, exactly.
People have been so big on the composite shims, and not that there is anything really wrong w/ them or anything, but cedar shims have been around forever and do just fine, and yeah, most frames are wood.

Waters · Jul 8, 2015

I see your humor lol, but there is a huge difference between a thin piece of cedar and a structurally sound wood stand

As easy as shims compress and break, it just makes me nervous trusting them to the weight of a fully stocked tank. I am sure they would work fine....I would lose sleep at night though.