I don't like MDO. It usually is warped and frayed around the edges. Even if painted very thoroughly it still has a lot of surface area that is more difficult to clean and provides surface area for microbrial growth. When typical edge or butt joints are used with screws it does not hold them very well.



On top of that, the preserving agent that is used is fairly toxic. I'm not sure what that means to herps after it's "aged" for a while, however. But anyone who's cut a sheet has smelled the chemicals. Yuck.



I have heard MDO varied quite a bit as to which chemicals are used so take this at face value.



Another cheap plywood that probably would be good is fir CDX. It's pretty smooth on both sides and is not as warped as other plywoods. It is heavier than other plywoods, though and I feel the laminated products are with the extra money. That is assuming the prices have dropped after the effects of the east coast flood last fall.

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