building a cage

[sgtsnake]

Talk to me like I'm an idiot...I have a buddy who can help me but I've never built a cage. It will be for a retic. I want 5-6 ft long with sliding glass doors that lock. What's the best wood to use? Do I sand and stain it to protect from water etc?

Any help will be great

[franks]

Plywood is the cheapest way to get a nice build that size. Cabinet grade 3/4" sanded plywood is $34 at home depot. You want to seal the plywood with a few coats of polycrylic. You can brush it on with a stain brush. It is about $50 per gallon. An enclosure that size will take about 1/2 gallon. Make sure to seal all 6 sides of each piece of wood. If you have any questions during the build jump on and ask away.

Edit: if you want the wood stained tou must do that before sealing.

[JWFugle]

following. and to help contribute.... the first is a members on here that they built. second is what i would like to build :P

[sgtsnake]

What kind of wood is the top one made of

[JWFugle]

1/2 or 3/4 hardwood plywood i believe. i took stole this pic for my plans so im not 100% on how or what he used

[sgtsnake]

Ok thanks. Just trying to gather as much info as possible

[franks]

What kind of wood is the top one made of

Looks like pine sandply and pine 1x4

[franks]

Basically- before you plan anything, go get your glass. I'd you are planning on buying a sliding door kit it's going to be pretty expensive at that size. An alternative is finding old shower doors or shopping Craigslist. Your best best is to build your enclosure based around the glass that you have.