Using Plywood Inside

Mikoh4792 · 06-29-13, 04:22 AM

I plan on screwing some grapewood to plywood blocks to make them stand at angles for perches. Should I seal the plywood before putting it in? Does plywood have any toxins or chemicals that are bad for the snakes?

smy_749 · 06-29-13, 07:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikoh4792

I plan on screwing some grapewood to plywood blocks to make them stand at angles for perches. Should I seal the plywood before putting it in? Does plywood have any toxins or chemicals that are bad for the snakes?

It might rot sitting in moist substrate for long periods of time if you don't seal it

mmarchl23 · 06-29-13, 08:52 AM

Plywoods are typically pine based so they have the same oils as pine bedding would. And as smy pointed out rot is a real concern. If you do a few coats of sealer or use a concrete waterproofer they should work fine. I have a similar concept in my tokay enclosure (there's pics on here somewhere) and its holding up very well. I used behr brand concrete sealer. Its like 25ish a gallon.

franks · 06-29-13, 09:05 AM

You should seal the entire inside of the enclosure (whatever is plywood) with polycrylic.

Mikoh4792 · 06-29-13, 09:12 AM

I see. Thanks guys, I might not use plywood in that case. Is there any wood that comes in blocks or beams like plywood but are non toxic to snakes?

@Franks

My enclosure is plastic, I was only planning on using a wooden block to screw a grapewood vine onto it.

franks · 06-29-13, 09:45 AM

What is the enclosure for? You can probably screw the grape vine right into the sides if you want. The plywood is fine, once its sealed it will present no problems, and even if it were not to be sealed, the way you want to use it should be fine for your snakes health. Pine plywood does not have to oils that pine lumber have, they are dried out. The toxicity that people are referring to is the glue used to keep the plywood together. That small quantities should be fine, but it is always best to seal it.

KORBIN5895 · 06-29-13, 10:35 AM

Plywood would be completely safe as everything is baked after being assembled. Just seal it to keep it from swelling or rotting.

larry.cloyes · 07-05-13, 04:26 PM

I really wouldn't trust plywood at all. when I was a kid my aunt had a python that would actually get splinters and what not from plywood. You can get any solid wood that is really pretty that would be fine, but I would get it untreated. the only problem would be after YEARS of being in humidity it might warp

Mikoh4792 · 07-05-13, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by larry.cloyes

I really wouldn't trust plywood at all. when I was a kid my aunt had a python that would actually get splinters and what not from plywood. You can get any solid wood that is really pretty that would be fine, but I would get it untreated. the only problem would be after YEARS of being in humidity it might warp

ohh I see. Well I really know nothing when it comes to wood. What choices of wood are there?

The warping problem shouldn't matter because when the wood goes bad, Ill just make another block to screw my logs and branches on so they will be replaceable.

larry.cloyes · 07-05-13, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikoh4792

ohh I see. Well I really know nothing when it comes to wood. What choices of wood are there?

The warping problem shouldn't matter because when the wood goes bad, Ill just make another block to screw my logs and branches on so they will be replaceable.

How big of a place do you need it to cover?? you can buy planks of just about anything. Oak would probably be the best seeing how it isn't very expensive. or maybe even pine. you can buy like 4X4 blocks or even sheets if that fits ur fancy

Mikoh4792 · 07-05-13, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by larry.cloyes

How big of a place do you need it to cover?? you can buy planks of just about anything. Oak would probably be the best seeing how it isn't very expensive. or maybe even pine. you can buy like 4X4 blocks or even sheets if that fits ur fancy

I am looking for small blocks. Probably 1ftx1ft. Isn't pine dangerous for snakes?

mmarchl23 · 07-05-13, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikoh4792

I am looking for small blocks. Probably 1ftx1ft. Isn't pine dangerous for snakes?

Pine lumber I would say is a no no. Your best bet would be a hard wood such as oak, or poplar. If you properly seal and water proof them warping should not be a issue. 1'x1' blocks are kind of an odd size. You'd. Be better to buy a board that is say 1"x10"x8' and cut to your desired size. It'll be much more cost effective.

Amadeus · 07-05-13, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmarchl23

Pine lumber I would say is a no no. Your best bet would be a hard wood such as oak, or poplar. If you properly seal and water proof them warping should not be a issue. 1'x1' blocks are kind of an odd size. You'd. Be better to buy a board that is say 1"x10"x8' and cut to your desired size. It'll be much more cost effective.

All the turpines are gone once the plywood is bakes at the lumber mill.

KORBIN5895 · 07-05-13, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by larry.cloyes

I really wouldn't trust plywood at all. when I was a kid my aunt had a python that would actually get splinters and what not from plywood. You can get any solid wood that is really pretty that would be fine, but I would get it untreated. the only problem would be after YEARS of being in humidity it might warp

Maybe should should've sealed it Luke we suggested to Mikoh.

mmarchl23 · 07-06-13, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amadeus

All the turpines are gone once the plywood is bakes at the lumber mill.

I said lumber not plywood, they are different... and well quite frankly I don't buy that it is 100% safe. Why chance doing something potentially harmful to your animals?

Just what ever type of wood you end up using be sure the seal it very well. If you do multiple coats of a sealent the wood wil last much longer and any potential ide effects will be prevented.