Peg Board Safe?

[Nikki Gervais]

I have noticed many ppl use 'peg board' on their racks. Is it safe? Quervo, you gotta have an answer for me. lol I am just about to build some racks and I was just going to use regular plywood but I dont think they would be getting enough ventilation. So what should I use if not peg board for ventilation?

[silke]

peg board is a lot cheaper than melamine too !

[Big Mike]

Peg board should work and it's not too expensive. If you want to use plywood you can cut holes and cover with mesh or put in vent or drain covers.

[Bryan Self]

Peg board works very well. I have know many people that use it for there racks. You need to put a frame around the shelf to give it support. The biggest thing is it will prevent flex watt from over heating. You still need to use a thermostat, but you do not need to worry if it goes out for a short period of time and the circuit stays open.

[.Dexter.]

peg board is the best when used on the back of a rack only..

[Bryan Self]

I must disagree that it is best for the backs only. Both Rich, Samonboa.com and Mike, Basiclly Boas. Use it for the shelves.

[python146]

I also use pegboard on cages- I am building a chameleon cage with pegboard on the top and back.

[Nikki Gervais]

Thanks for your input everyone, however I am still wondering if it is safe. Many prodcuts we use on our cages offgas some nasty stuff, so does pegboard offgas anything I should be aware of?

[Quervo]

Sorry Nikki, your post slipped past me. I must be slipping, letting a chance to rank slip by me.

Actually, I haven't found much info on pegboard. From what I can tell, it's biggets problem is that it is rough (not necessarily too bad) and if unfinished it can release fibres that could cause respiratory issues. If you put a couple coats of Minwax Polycrylic or similar water based finish on it, I would think that would fix any problems. Pegboard is great for ventilation, and as everyone has pounted out .. it's cheap.

I'll keep looking and try to find out what kind of glue is used on it .. that would be the only other problem I would forsee.

Keith

[Quervo]

Okay .. if you use the hardwood pegboard (the dark brown, smooth stuff, not the lighter brown fuzzy stuff) it doesn't have any added glue, it is held together by the natural wood products used. I would say this makes it an ideal product to use on your reptile cage.