What type of wood should i use to build a viv with?

[aperry06]

Hey, im gunna start to build new viv in a few weeks and im trying to do some research before i regret my finished product :study: . I know that crossfire tells you to use Melamine but ive read on other posts that some people regret using it because its not as strong and it cracks. i want something that will last a while and thats sturdy and safe as well. Please help. what type of wood should i use that wont harm my beardie? nail/screw types? etc... please give other info and tips as well! thanks!

 

[DooDoo]

What you want to use r those $30-40 a sheet 4by8

I'm also working on building my own right now. I'm using 1/2 Plytanium 4by8
All I can say is this brand name of plywood suck so stay away from it.
There r ton of chips/crack/holes/even after being grout n sand.there still a lot chip part that can still splinter you..

I got it from lowes.

 

[Dementeddogz]

I wouldnt use Melamine to build a viv personally. Its not much cheaper then alternative and wont offer the same quality.


I wouldnt use anything under 1/2......and would recommend 3/4. you can buy 4 ft. x 8 ht. sheets at homedepot, the more the cost the better your probably going to be off Stay away from osb , seathing, exc. Youll want a nice hardwood, something with a smooth finish. You should be able to get a piece of 3/4 oak or birch for roughly $40 which would make much for much better use for any type of furniture.



Ill actually be making a few cages/stands here in the next 2-3 weeks or so, time permitting.

 

[aperry06]

Thanks for your help, Yea idc about the price i just want something thats not toxic for my beardie and safe but durable and sturdy as well. like i said im prob going to be following crossfire viv just not sure about the type of wood cause im hearing diff things about each one.

 

[MrHM1020]

Well i am building my enclosure in wood shop, and asked my teacher what type of plywood he had. He said its usually pine on the inside and the outer layer is birch. Is that okay? After sealing etc would it be fine to use?

 

[keen77]

i used birch it was a little costly but very nice and will last forever. plus is a nice peice of furniture

 

[aperry06]

Are all types of wood safe for them though like non of them are toxic or harmful???

 

[MrHM1020]

Apparently pine or cedar can be harmful. So never use it as substrate. But if you use it to build enclosure it is fine, but you need to seal it first with nontoxic water based sealer.

 

[jon21388]

do not use melamine it is way to heavy.

 

[Dementeddogz]

You should be fine if you seal it correctly. I would against advise melamine, youll get much better quality out of a hard wood like birch or oak, exc. and you have plenty of options to use as a substrate. Theres not enough of a price difference between the two to warrant using melamine.

 

[jon21388]

if i could start over i would not have used melamine. I feel like I'm going to have to add more supports to the framing of the house to hold this up. My first plan was to make a stack of three of them out of melamine. Looks like I'll only be having 1 out of melamine, and spend the extra $5 on something that actually looks nice and is a lot lighter.

 

[aperry06]

True , ok im deff not going to use melamine then. i just stopped at home depot today and i think im going to use finished ply wood seems pretty good and its real smooth aka ("finished" ply wood) normal plywood looks real bad and unsafe thats a no no. but i guess we'll see what happens. Thanks everyone for your input i really appreciate it!

 

[jon21388]

just make sure its thick enough

 

[Dementeddogz]

that being 3/4"

 

[aperry06]

Yes 3/4 definitely! Thanks