How to Construct a Granite Slab Rack

Clean the ends of all the metal tubes using your wire wheel. You do not need to clean more than 1/2-inch from each end, but the metal must be bare and free of rust or any coating. This will ensure you get clean welds with this project.

Lay the two 48-inch tubes parallel 44 inches apart. Place two 44-inch tubes perpendicular between them so they are 44 inches apart. Weld the tubes together so you have a 48-by-48-inch metal frame. Use your square after each weld to make sure your frame stays square. Every weld in this project must cover the entire perimeter of the tubing. Hit the slag off with your hammer after each weld is finished.

Weld the last 44-inch tube to the 48-inch tubes so it is parallel with the 44-inch tubes--positioned 20 inches away from each of them. This frame is the base to your granite slab rack.

Position a 40-inch tube perpendicular on top of one of the 48-inch tubes. It should be perpendicular to the frame. The end of the 40-inch tube should be flat against the 48-inch tube, with one of its corners flush with the corner of the frame. Weld the 40-inch tube to the 48-inch tube in this position. Use your square to make sure it stays perpendicular.

Weld seven more tubes to the 48-inch tube in the same manner as you did in the previous step. The tubes should be spaced 4 inches apart. Repeat this process on the other 48-inch tubes using the last eight tubes. These tubes will provide support to your slabs.

Position the granite slabs in the rack so they are perpendicular to the 48-inch tubes. Lean each slab toward the middle of the rack. If the slabs are leaning toward the outside of the rack, it could cause the rack to tip over.