Reptile & Amphibian Forums

*This is also posted in the ball python forum, but haven't has any responses* I am in the process of building my own racks for my ball pythons. I wanted to build the whole thing out of white pine, but 1/4" plywood is over $20 a sheet, which I can't really afford. I bought white pine for the frame, and my boyfriend suggested masonite for in between the racks, would this be ok? I don't know what masonite is made of, but it does give off a smell. I built a large bearded dragon tank earlier this year, and the entire back part of the tank is made out of the same material. I put a background on it so you can't tell. I was thinking about putting the contact paper (shelf liner) on it so the snakes wouldn't come into contact with it, even though one side is super smooth, and that would be the side the snake would touch, if at all (I havent decided on if I want to use the lids on the tubs yet or not. Please let me know if the masonite is ok, or what I should do. I am a full time college student with a $400 truck payment, and I am in the middle of remodeling my studio apartment, hence the need for the racks, I don't want 20 cages in my place anymore (I have 15 ball pythons, 4 bearded dragons(3 kept in the big tank together), and a crestie = lots of tanks!) Thanks in advance for any and all info!!

Melody

Melody,

You might also post on the Caging forum as several do-it-yourself-type cage builders read that forum.

Many herpers use masonite (pegboard) to make covers for herp cages and even parts of the cages themselves. It is cheap, light, and easy to work with. There are some OSHA regulations regarding cutting masonite, but most hardware stores will cut it for you.

I have used masonite (pegboard) both for the sides, rear, and shelves of a rack (not all at once of course). It works fine, but it sags. You need to have a way to support it very well. You can nail some wooden "ribs" to it to help.
The pegboard also allows some ventilation.

Make sure you get the thickest (1/4" I think) and support it well. You also cant have water sitting on/against it as it will swell. I have painted/sealed it in the past as well with good success.

You can also get plastic pegboard and this is good as well. It is stiffer than most masonite and easier to clean and it doesn't get damaged by being too wet.

That said, by the time you get all the slats you need to support it adequately, you may have been better off money-wise to buy plywood.

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Chris Harrison
San Antonio, TX

Thanks for all the great info! I don't plan on keeping the masonite in there forever, just until I can get some more cash together to get the plywood. I have to be able to cover my truck payment this month. The shelves are only as high as the tubs, so they will practically support themselves. My biggest concern was the safety of my snakes, I wasn't sure if the masonite fumes were harmful to them. I plan on putting contact paper (shelf liner) on the sides that the snakes will be touching. Thanks again for all the info!

Melody

Melody,

I agree that taking this thread over to the Caging Forum might be a good idea. I'm have a bit of trouble visualizing your design, but can tell you that Masonite or other types of hardboard can be used in racks. I assume you mean solid Masonite and not Masonite pegboard?

Masonite and other types of hardboard can offgass for a while but it normally diminishes. Sealing it with Contact Paper/shelf liner is a great idea, but unfortunately those products are not as good as they used to be. What I really like is the vinyl film used in the sign/graphics industry. Much, much better than even the highest quality contact paper,

I looked for the caging forum, can't find it. I don't frequent these forums, so don't know my way around all that well, normally I just visit the ball python forum or the bearded dragon forum.

Chris, I am using solid masonite. I will take some pics of it this weekend and post them if anyone wants to see? I made a rack to fit 20 baby tubs, 10 medium tubs and 10 large tubs for $50. I love having a handy boyfriend.

Thank you all so much for the great info. The masonite is not permanent, hopefully will be replaced by either hard plastic (like what boaphile cages are made of) or plywood. Thanks again, God Bless!

Melody