I used to make museum exhibits so I have blades and bits for working formica. I rough-cut the formica a bit oversize, then laminate it to a base using contact cement. Once it's in place, I trim it with a high-speed mini-router called a laminate trimmer, using a laminate trimming bit. That sizes the formica to the base sheet. When I cut formica on the table saw, the rough cut always has little chips along the edge, so finishing it with the laminate trimmer eliminates those and leaves a nice clean edge.

Once the sheets are all ready, they are assembled just like unlaminated sheets of plywood or mdf. I do use bedding (mulch) in all my cages but active snakes like racers always push it around and leave bare spots, which they find to poop in like guided poop missiles.

Stick with whatever works for you--as long as the animals are healthy and you're satisfied. I like formica because it's very durable and smooth. So far, I have not had it de-laminate but of course that may still be in my future.

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