Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Maybe I'm not picking up on something here,but where do I buy all these cage building materials I read about here? 3/4"melamine, the FRP panels, extended PVC...etc.
I would prefer to build my own enclosures, but now I am considering buying professionally made plastics.
Has anyone any experience using formica ( plastic laminate) for cage building?
It is kind of expensive especially for the size enclosures I need. Also, everything I read says melamine wont hold up to moisture.
So tell me folks...build my own,and if so, where do I buy materials? Or commercially made cage?
I actually dont think I'll save a whole lot between building or buying...I have this bad habit of over-building everything.
One never knows when a hurricane or tsunami might come through!

I have used formica but only defected scraps. They are available CHEAP. Not a bad product for cage interiors provided the species does not scratch.

The big savings in building your own cage comes when you already have a lot of the tools and various glues, screws, fasterners, etc. laying around. If I bought a box of screws and a bottle of wood glue for every project it would get expensive. Likewise, if I bought a special saw blade for a cage and then never used it again I'd really have to add that cost to a cage.

The big benefit of building your own is getting design features and dimensions you want. To be fair, many companies will do custom work.

Expanded PVC is available from plastic shops and sign shops. Steep learning curve with pvc and make sure you know what you're doing if you're keeping Burmese Pythons in the cages (I assume that from your screen name).

That brings up another thought. To house large reptiles it is often beneficial to build your own cages. Large cages can be difficult to ship.

FRP is available at almost any home improvement store. Same for melamine.

Another option for you is to have a local carpenter or cabinet maker build you a cage carcass. You can then finish/seal the wood yourself and add your own doors.

Or you could simply have the wood cut and assemble the cage yourself.

You're right about the Burms in the cages. I want to give them as much room as possible. Thats why I prefer to build.
However, finding materials like melamine, or masonite, is not easy anymore since that orange sign place has put most of the home improvement places, and lumberyards out of business.
And they dont carry that stuff.
The construction part I can handle, the blades I have an assortment, glues, sealers, screws of every type...stainless etc. Even sealers for marine projects.
All I need is the materials.
And after pricing it all out. I may very well go with a plastic cage.
I found one that is 8' long, 30" deep and 30" high. Custom.Sufficient for Burms.
For around $600. I cant build one and outfit it for much less.
But still...there is something about building your own.
Thanks for the help.

Bob