Reptile & Amphibian Forums

This is perhaps the step my way differs from most people. This is also might be the most important step. I do not make, buy, or use plans or blueprints. I come up with a basic plan, make a few decisions, and then make the rest up as I go.

For me, the two biggest decisions to make are the size, and whether to use frame or frameless construction. I prefer to use frameless construction whenever possible. I find it to be more simple, less steps, quicker, cheaper, lighter. On the other hand I find the need for more precise tolerances, and more exacting labor. For example, when making a frameless cage out of ¾” plywood, The holes I drill to join pieces need to be exactly straight, and work carefully so as not to split the wood.

So why use frame construction? For me it’s all about size. Any cage with more than one dimension exceeding 4 feet requires a frame. A cage measuring 4’tall, 6’long, and 2’ deep could be made using either method. I personally would go with a frame construction for this size cage just to make it sturdier. (For those who may not know what I mean by a frame, tune in next time as we start construction of the frame).

So here is my plan. I’m going to build a cage 6 feet tall, 6 feet wide, and ten feet long. (I said it would be big.) I’m going to use frame construction using 2”X4” s and 2”x3” s. The cage will be built on casters so I can move it around. That is the extent of my plan. I do not know what type of wood I will finish the outside with; I do not know how I will finish the inside. I haven’t decided yet if I will use plywood, paint and seal it, or if I will use shower board, RFP, or I may even use tile sealed tile grout. I’ll make those decisions as I go. I just know that it needs to withstand high humidity and even splashing water.
I do not actually recommend people start with such an undeveloped plan, again I simply think it may help some folks if I share the entire process. Next time we will begin construction.
Paul

I kind of work the same. I get a basic idea that i want and go from there. I map out sizes for cutting once i decide on what my final dimensions will be.

Right now i'm working on a 5' x 3' x 2.5' enclosure for my male Mali Uro. I'm using Baltic Birch plywood due to the need for strength and i've painted the wood white since it will need to match my existing enclosure that will be stacked on top. Other than that i don't know what i'll be making the door out of or exactly how big the door will be. It depends on how big i go with the substrate dam, i'm using diggable soil so it'll be probably a foot to foot-half deep. I went frameless but it was a tough decision, one that i'm happy with though.

Looking forward to seeing how yours works out for ya.