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Melamine will save you time because you won't have to do any surface treatment, but man it's heavy!!!! I had a cage built for my beardie that is 5'x2'x2' with a cabinet of the same size underneath for storage. Total cost for melamine, 2 sliding glass doors with tracking, and screen for top and vents was about $200. I went to a lumber place and they had lots of colors to choose from, I went with a woodgrain. I siliconed all the seems. I've had it for 1 1/2 yrs and it's held up well, no problems from moisture (mind you it's for a beardie so it's not a high humidity environment) or from scratches from claws. As for wood choices, pine is inexpensive but is a softwood and is more easily dinged up and scratched than hardwoods like fir and oak. I would stay away from cedar because of the strong scent. Once it is sealed with polyurethane it might be OK but I wouldn't chance it. One final tip, put the enclosure on castors (wheels), it will be much easier to move if the need arises.
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