What wood is safe for viv's?

[lauraj1055]

I am going to be building a custom viv (again) and I know there are some kinds of wood that is toxic to beardies. Which ones are safe, and which ones are not? *HELP*

 

[AllanonsWrath]

I know oak is safe, and there is always melamine.

 

[lauraj1055]

I believe I read Cedar is not safe at all.. If I remember right?

 

[AllanonsWrath]

I don't believe any form of cedar or pine is safe. I could be wrong but I think that is what I read. I was trying to find the link I read the stuff on about the woods.

 

[lauraj1055]

I don't believe any form of cedar or pine is safe. I could be wrong but I think that is what I read. I was trying to find the link I read the stuff on about the woods.

If you find it.. Let me know!

 

[BadCon]

Pretty much any hardwood is safe. Softwoods are not safe to use. Cedar and pine should not be used.

 

[lauraj1055]

Pretty much any hardwood is safe. Softwoods are not safe to use. Cedar and pine should not be used.

I have one made out of pine, and everyone seems to be ok??

 

[Floof]

I would think Pine would be OK, as long as it is the lumber is very thoroughly sealed, and have heard recommendations as such (though in reference to tortoises, not beardies). I haven't tried it, though, so this is mainly just speculation...

As far as cedar is concerned, I wouldn't use it. Cedar is the really bad one...

 

[lauraj1055]

I would think Pine would be OK, as long as it is the lumber is very thoroughly sealed, and have heard recommendations as such (though in reference to tortoises, not beardies). I haven't tried it, though, so this is mainly just speculation...

As far as cedar is concerned, I wouldn't use it. Cedar is the really bad one...

ok, so what is the safest wood? Does anyone know? Oak?

 

[BadCon]

I would think Pine would be OK, as long as it is the lumber is very thoroughly sealed, and have heard recommendations as such (though in reference to tortoises, not beardies). I haven't tried it, though, so this is mainly just speculation...

As far as cedar is concerned, I wouldn't use it. Cedar is the really bad one...

Pine can be used if its thoroughly sealed. Its the pine oil that is the problem, especially when heated. If its sealed, then its not a problem anymore. However cedar should never be used. I generally recommend against using pine when there are many alternatives that are safer and not terribly expensive.
Oak and Birch seem to be the two most common. My males enclosure is made out of Birch plywood, and it is a wonderful wood to work with.

Oak, Birch, and Poplar should be easy to find. You can also use any hardwood, or wood that comes from trees with broad leaves (deciduous). Softwoods are woods that come from evergreens, or trees with needles. They usually have potent odors and oils, and that's why they can't be used as these odors irritate mucous membranes (eyes and lungs).

 

[lauraj1055]

OMG! Thanks so much!!!!! That's the answer I needed