Custom Enclosure Materials

[onceblue]

What's the best material for building a custom enclosure? I've read mixed things about the toxicity of melamine and pvc on here that make me a little wary.

Is the best option to buy untreated wood and treat it myself? Or are there any better options? Is it possible to buy a safe already-treated wood/material?

Thanks!

 

[CooperDragon]

Based on what I've seen, melamine is pretty popular and affordable. Otherwise I'd stick to a hardwood of some kind and seal it up with polycrylic. Here is a link to some instructions for building the popular crossfire enclosure https://beardies.dreamwidth.org/2145.html

 

[onceblue]

Thank you! I was hoping to go with melamine initially, but then I read some old threads here that were concerned with potential toxicity. But if people are using it for bearded dragons without problems, then I may go with that.

I appreciate the info and link!

 

[CooperDragon]

You're welcome. I'm no expert on DIY, I haven't built my own enclosure but I've read a lot and melamine seems to be pretty popular. Oak would work nicely too but that would drive up your costs quite a bit :wink: