Custome Enclosure Ideas

[Minkness]

Hey guys! SoOOooOo....as the closing date inches ever closer (end of feb!) I am fantasizing about allll the stuff I want to build..starting woth Treasure's 5x2x2 enclosure!

Now, I have been looking at materials available at home depot and am blown away by the selection. Since I am going for an asthetic look as well as durability and functionality, I am going for specific materials. I just need to know if what I want to do, is actually doable since it will be housing a reptile.

1st of all is size. I figure that for durability I should have the main frame be 2x4. But, will 2x2 work ok as well? For the siding, I actually want that wood plank look, so I am thinking of doing 1x4. Will that be strong enough to hold up to a 6fl foot boa? (Keep in mind that I will have a middle support beam under, behind, ontop, and in the front). I also want the enclsoure on casters.does anyone have a suggestion of the type I should get to ensure they don't break off?

Next are chemicals...

I know that I shouldn't use ceder or pine, however I am seeing that alot of the wood is "kiln baked". Is that ok? I am also seeing a type of wood labled only as 'common'. Anyone know what that is? Now, for the asthetic side of things....I want to stain the inside of the enclosure cherry and paint the outside black. I would of course need to seal all of this wood as well. So, would I need to worry about any sealant or stains becoming tox when I add the RHPs and florecent lights? What brand of sealant should I look for?

Installation of electronic devices....

What is the best way to install an RHP and lights? What kind should I be looking at for this size enclosure? (Keep in mind it will be intended for a boa).

Please let me know if I have forgotten anything, or, if my plans are just dangerous (to the snake).