I am thinking of building a 4x2x20" cage for my boa out of melamine. I am looking at 3/4" melamine, but am concerned about using a heat pad on the outside of the bottom like I do in his glass cage right now.

Will the heat permeate through 3/4" melamine? Would it be safe to install the pad or some heat tape inside the cage secured to the floor? How does everyone else do it?