How are different pieces of furniture rated or built for weight tolerance? Aquarium stands are made out of seemingly flimsy board and can hold hundreds of pounds, but a solid wood coffee table is only rated to hold 50.

Question

I’ve been looking at different pieces of furniture for a future terrarium and I’m confused as to why some pieces that are seemingly solid are rated to hold little weight. Most furniture labeled as aquarium stands are made out of lightweight material but can potentially hold hundreds of pounds, but an industrial coffee table of solid wood and metal is only recommended to hold 50. Why is their such a huge disparity for weight limits on different pieces of furniture (that are roughly the same dimensions)?

In: 10

Answer 1

In construction they use a figure called “working load“ it is 1/3 of the breaking strength to account for bounces and variations in tension