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How many 2x4's would i need to make my burm cage for the frame?

8x2x2 feet

NP

how long are they todd ?

NP

how much do you think they are ?

about 2.99 for high end 2x4
if you use 2x3 about 1.99
going to a lumber yard rather than Home Depot or Lowes might be better.
the wood at those places is garbage, and the price at a lumber yard wont be all that much higher.

depends on your plans. draw up a quick plan, then do your math.
sometimes I make frames with 2x4's others I make cleats to use as nailers. more economical that way, also makes it lighter.
in other words, cut triangles in the corners, and attach to one panel, and use that triangle to screw the separate panels together.
Also, seeing as you have to seal all wood, consider using 2x3's for making your frame, rather than 2x4's.
You'll save some money that way.And weight.
good luck, and hope you post some pics for us to see.
I cant make up my mind as to build or buy my own new enclosures, my plans come out the same pricewise, and I dont know how to heat them, being new to this heat tape thing.

I just did some quick math using your dimensions, and I agree with Todd...6 2x4's ( or 2x3's ).
2 across the back, top and bottom, 8ft long
2 across the front, tops and bottom, 8ft long
4 side braces...2 each side top and bottom 2ft long = 8ft
and 2 back and front uprights, each side, 2 ft each = 8ft
These are'nt totally neccessary.
Each 2x4 is 96 long...so you need 6, or 5 if you elimate the left and right upright braces.
I would however consider 10 footers just in case of oopsies.
Just remember to measure twice, and cut once, and you should be ok with the 8ft 2x's

here i drew up a quick plan as to what i think it should look like,measurments are not close but the cage will be 8x2x2

add one more 2x to account for the 4ft middle brace you've shown.
you can use the extra 4ft of board to strengthen the top.

I do not understand where you mean?

And also today I got 3 Sheets of plywood and seven 8' 2x4's (extra incase i mess something up)

I also picked up Polyurethane (Interior Polyurethane Water - Based) Its made by Cabot is this kind good to use? and how many coats should i apply and within what amount of time?

Also what should i use to build the cage nails? screws? what do you think i should use. Anything i can pick up as my house is like 5 mins from the hardware and lumber yards

sorry for all of these questions im new to building a cage and i do not want to mess anything up

I will have very nice pictures when im all done

I would use screw instead of nails. If you have a large, active snake, nails might be a problem later on.

For your polyurethane, I dont know how a water based one will work. If you clean your cage with water, or a solution with water, this may cause a problem. Im not super familiar with the stuff, but the chemistry of it may be a problem.

And ask all the questions you want.
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1.0 Albino Green Burm
0.2 Normal Burm
1.1 Java Retic

I would use screws. Either coated decking screws, or stainless steel. Just go slow if you use stainless, they snap easily.
I agree with the water base polyurethane, but then, I've never used it.
Use as many coats as you like. Put the first on, then sand lightly, and then wipe thoroughly with a tack cloth.
coat again, and again, sand after the third coat, and wipe with a tack cloth again, and then a final coat.
That method will make a very professional finish, feel free to stain it first. There are many colors of stain now...even ebony. Which will give you a black color.and with the high gloss finish.
WIll look very nice...be creative! Just coat thoroughly!! Dont be shy about using too much polyurethane

Bob

You seem to have many questions, that's good. Before you buy, go to a few DIYS stores and look at what's available. This will give you an accurate price and you can finalize your material list, find out what works best, and you will be more satisfied with the end result. It takes time to make it right but you can't beat em!

DZ