Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm planning on building 3 stackable enclosures measuring 4'x2'x2' with a 12" shelf for my boas. I want them to be light enough my wife can move them if necessary, easily cleaned, and yet have a furniture quality finish. I'm planning on doing a framework of 1x2s (spaced at every 6" for the most part) with a skin of 1/8" hardwood-plywood and an interior of showerboard (the pvc-type material used for shower stall walls-also about 1/8". Sandwiched between these will be a layer of polystyrene insulation, cut to fit between the 1x2 framing. The planned door will either be 1)a storm-window/ready made sliding window, or 2)sliding glass in runners. I'm planning on giving them a 3" lip and sealing all inside seams with a generous bead of silicone. Has anyone ever tried something like this? Does anyone have any guidance regarding structural integrity, ease of construction, hints, or any other helps? Also, I'm planning on using Infared heat lamps but can't find any kind of guard or anything to prevent burns...any suggestions?

well a few things come to mind the size you are wanting made of anything less then a PVC ,HDPE or other types of plastics is going to be heavy period. Personally I think just using the 3/4 oak plywood wood be easiers less work and a better looking result in the end than building a framework of 1x2's and then applying skins on that.
As a standard a 3/4" sheet of oak plywood weighs about 74lbs
you mentioned stackable ? does that mean 3 different cages ? or a 3 cage stack?
if i were you i would build it a a single unit , add to the bottom a nice "skirt" then attach some quailty rollers to it for moving it about.If you wanted a easy clean up inside with some nice looks i would look into applying a laminate to it over shower board it comes in many more colors and looks alot more professional IMHO.
what type tools do you have available for building ? if you would like you can email me and id be glad to help you out with your project. if you goto my website you can view the laminate samples page i have there as i use that on the interior of cages easily cleans up , durable hard finish and available in a multitude of colors. let me know if you would like some assistance of pointers in building a nice furnitur cage .
good luck '
Alan
-----
Buisnesses come and go everyday, what keeps you here is how you treated the customer the day before....
Check out the new website at www.junglehabitats.com