DIY Wooden Enclosure 48"x24"x18"

[natsirtremraf]

Hey everyone! I've been working on this for a couple weeks now, so this thread will get you up to speed.

I'm building a permanent home for my 2 Central American Boas.

48"x24"x18"(LxWxH)
3/4" Oak Plywood
Expresso colored stain
Spar Varnish to seal wood
2 Adjustable vents on the back (Control over ventilation and humidity)
Caulked edges/corners with silicon
Linoleum on bottom
3" subtrate dam
1"x2" trim around the top and front sides
Door: Plexiglass framed in 1"x2" trim hinged downward on the substrate dam.

80 Watt Radiant Heat Panel
LED strip light mounted behind the top trim
Thermostat(s)

Planning on making 2 and stacking them, possibly 3-4 high.

Clamping, gluing, and screwing the first side.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/01/20/ajy8etaz.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/01/20/3ypyvegu.jpg

Primary shell completed.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/01/20/qu6a3ydu.jpg

Front trim and ventilation holes cut.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/01/20/ate2egeh.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/01/20/8u8u4eta.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/01/20/py2yzeru.jpg

[natsirtremraf]

Here it is with 2 coats of stain. If it looks strange that's because it's upside down. I really like how the color and grain turned out.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/01/29/6a6yjery.jpg

This is the trim for the door, with again, 2 coats of stain and 1 coat of Varnish. Yes I made a mess :P
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/01/29/a7uquju6.jpg

This is the Linoleum I decided to get to lay on the bottom.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/01/29/gu7y7yne.jpg

I have also started on the second cage now. Got 4 sides on just need the top and the front*trim.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/01/29/e6ezy2yb.jpg *

I've also been collecting a lot of scrap pieces of wood.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/01/29/8a3y6une.jpg
So I thought of the idea of creating hide boxes out of the leftovers! What do you guys think? Also what size should I make them? Assuming a full size CA boa?

Thanks for looking!

[MrGetLifted]

That looks awsome! Very nice work,

[mclund]

Very nice.

[kelzerman]

Looks really good! What are you plans for the door?

[natsirtremraf]

The door will be a dropdown door. Once I'm done staining and varnishing, I will put the door frame together. The picture doesn't show it but I have cut grooves all around the inside of the door trim for a sheet of plexiglass to slide into place.

[Jim Smith]

Nice looking cage. Are you planning on having the vinyl flooring go up the walls a couple of inches to contain spills etc. Just a thought...

[smy_749]

Looks great

[LarryS]

Very nice! I like the color, I think it will create a nice natural look on the interior too.

Looking forward more photos!

[natsirtremraf]

Nice looking cage. Are you planning on having the vinyl flooring go up the walls a couple of inches to contain spills etc. Just a thought...

No, I will just have it on the bottom of the cage. I will be adding silicone around all the edges so no water "should" leak out. I am also using Spar Varnish which holds up well in marine applications so I think it will be fine.

Not a bad idea though, If I can pull it off easy I might give it a try. But it would still have edges in the corners.

[natsirtremraf]

I trying to decide what size hide boxes I would create. They would be too big for them now, but I want it to last for them.

Looking at LLLReptile they have this hide:
Extra Large Black Hide Box (http://lllreptile.com/store/catalog/reptile-supplies/terrarium-decor-and-live-plants/caves-hiding-spots-and-misc-decor/-/extra-large-black-hide-box/)

Says the size is:
16.125" x 11" x 4.5" tall
and would work for medium to large boas. So Maybe this size approx.? I would have to see what size my scraps are exactly to know if I can make one this big or not.

[sharthun]

Nice work and awesome looking enclosure!

[mclund]

I trying to decide what size hide boxes I would create. They would be too big for them now, but I want it to last for them.

Looking at LLLReptile they have this hide:
Extra Large Black Hide Box (http://lllreptile.com/store/catalog/reptile-supplies/terrarium-decor-and-live-plants/caves-hiding-spots-and-misc-decor/-/extra-large-black-hide-box/)

Says the size is:
16.125" x 11" x 4.5" tall
and would work for medium to large boas. So Maybe this size approx.? I would have to see what size my scraps are exactly to know if I can make one this big or not.

I have some hide boxes we made from scrap pvcx, but I am switching over to the ones from Reptile basics. Very similar to those. They are an excellent value for the money and clean up easily.

[plutos_kiss]

I'm currently building the same size of enclosure, but it's going to be three stacked on top of one another. Not nearly as far along as you though! Looking great. Do you have a link to the specific lighting you're using? I've been browsing but haven't hit on anything yet.

[Terranaut]

Looks great so far....*subscribes*

[natsirtremraf]

I'm currently building the same size of enclosure, but it's going to be three stacked on top of one another. Not nearly as far along as you though! Looking great. Do you have a link to the specific lighting you're using? I've been browsing but haven't hit on anything yet.

I've been looking at waterproof LED strips. I'm not sure what to go with at this point still. There seems to be quite a few options. I'll let you guys know once I've decided what I'm going to use.

Sorry the updates have been slow, but it's been so cold in the garage lately I can't really work on the cage. I still need to varnish it and put the door together/on. And lay the Linoleum and silicone the inside edges. It's been killing me that is not done yet =/. The weather is supposed to be warming up here soon so hopefully I can make some progress.

[CameronVarnish]

Very Nice!

[natsirtremraf]

Very Nice!

Thanks! :)

[metalcopper]

I built one very similar in design, linoleum floor, silicone around to seal the edges, drop-down door framed flush using bolt locks on the right and left side of the door, with a window lock in the center. I put in a ceramic heat emitter with an 18 inch under cabinet florescent light, it was $12, compared to an expensive LED system, it looks nice and bright in there. I plan on building 3 all together at 36x20x20 to stack on top each other.

[natsirtremraf]

Finally! A good update!
I finished varnishing, laid the vinyl flooring, put the door together, hinges and latches, mounted the RHP, and done! Ley me know what you think! Feel free to ask any questions if you're curious.

Sorry for the crappy cell phone pictures. :(
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/18/ejameqes.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/18/nahyhyqu.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/18/3u4apera.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/18/jezu9uge.jpg

Still got more to build, but here's a finished one.

[sharthun]

Very nice! Looks move in ready! :)

[EL Ziggy]

I agree, very nice build!

[LarryS]

That looks fantastic! Very nice work.

[virtuousvixen]

This looks fantastic. Well done

[formica]

beautiful finish, great work!

[jpsteele80]

Very nice looking cage, also great idea with the vents and being able to close them off if need be I might use that idea :D

[natsirtremraf]

Very nice! Looks move in ready! :)

The Varnish needs to cure longer before I put anyone into it. Since I used Spar Varnish the fumes while it's fully curing could be harmful. I'll be waiting a couple weeks then I run the heart in it for another week. Then once I can't detect the smell of the Varnish I will be satisfied with its safety.

Thanks for the comments everyone! :) One I get it setup with decor, etc. I will share more pictures .

[Terranaut]

I love that rustic look. Nice job.

[drumcrush]

Real nice, awesome build!

[lukesreptiles]

Very nice! :)

[Sylorna]

Hi there
I know this is an older post, but was wondering around how heavy this build is, and approximately how much it cost to build. I would love something like this, but am still experimenting with options.

[Georgia]

Id love to know as well. Please tell and update!

[toddnbecka]

I've been thinking about building some custom enclosures too.
Was wondering why you used 3/4" plywood? Wouldn't 1/2" work well enough?

[seneira]

looks great! definitely following can't wait to see the door.
love this enclosure.

[natsirtremraf]

Hey Everyone! Sorry, I guess I sorta fell off the SsnakesS grid there for awhile. Didn't get notifications of posts to my thread either :(.

I don't want to end on the bad note so I'll add it here. The second cage although pretty far along isn't complete even now. I've been having trouble picking back up on the building because, when living at the house I was building this at. The owner/roommate had a screen door put into the garage. Well after they left, my Miter saw and entire toolbag was gone. Either they left it open and someone else walked by and took them or THEY did. One way or the other I lost quite a few tools, along with some pieces that my dad gave me, that were my grandfathers. So its been a bit of a downer to try and get back into building :(. Also yes, I filed a police report, called the company, etc, etc.

Anyway I promised pictures of the cage in action before, so here they are!
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f295/natsirtremraf/Pets/20141116_101514.jpg (http://s49.photobucket.com/user/natsirtremraf/media/Pets/20141116_101514.jpg.html)
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f295/natsirtremraf/Pets/20141116_101602.jpg (http://s49.photobucket.com/user/natsirtremraf/media/Pets/20141116_101602.jpg.html)
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f295/natsirtremraf/Pets/20141116_101634.jpg (http://s49.photobucket.com/user/natsirtremraf/media/Pets/20141116_101634.jpg.html)

I still haven't put in lighting, just the heat panel. I don't think he cares that I don't have some bright LEDs shining on him yet. :P I am also looking around for cheap ideas to add more (removable) climbing space. I've considered PVC piping but I don't think it'l work out the way I want it too.

To answer some questions:
WEIGHT: The weight as I've described to someone else recently is this. Its not really HEAVY, but its bulky and I don't have handles on it so its hard to grab onto. When I was working on it I had no trouble moving it by myself when I had holes from the vents to grab onto. I haven't weighed it so I can't give you a good weight. (I guess I should also add, I'm not a body builder or anything, I work in Software development and don't workout so when I say something isn't HEAVY, lol... it really isn't that heavy.)

COST: I don't know exactly what the build has cost me. I'll just give you the facts that I know. I started with $500, and almost no tools. Other than a hammer, screw driver, etc. With that $500 I was able to buy (most) of the tools I needed as well as the materials I needed in order to build TWO cages. I would guess the cost per cage would come out somewhere around $150-$200 (WITHOUT HEAT). However I have leftover materials as well. So its cheaper if you're building multiple. When the new year starts I'll be building one similar, however with more ventilation as it will be for Bearded Dragons. Now that I have the tools I need, I'll try and keep a good track on cost for THAT cage and let you guys know.

PLYWOOD THICKNESS: I chose to go with 3/4" plywood just to be safe. Yes, 1/2" will work too but I worried that when stacking them I would need some extra support to make sure nothing bad happened. 3/4" also makes it easier to not split the wood when nailing screwing etc.

[sharthun]

Very Nice!! Great work! Snake looks happy!