First Attempt Building Enclosures

[shenicles]

Hi guys

I have recently come across enough building material ( think its white melamite ) to start building my own enclosures.
Because it is my first attempt I'll be keeping things simple. Still not sure on the sizes because I will be keeping mainly corns, and a selection of boas / pythons I hope to get in the future.

I checked a post related to using white melamite and I know its safe :P
Is there anything else I will need to know regarding treatment of the wood/exposed areas?

Thinking of using round vents? Although the rectangular ones are more aesthetically pleasing, they seem to be harder to find. Especially on budget
I am planning on using Marine Silicone for the sealing process, and simple nails. Also aware that I would need to sand down the glass runners a bit to help it bond better.

To be fairly honest, I still have not decided if I want to build singles or perhaps a nice stack.

Any opinions and advice is gladly welcome!

Will update with pictures of the boards as soon as I get home :P

Regards,
sheN

[Primogen]

Melamine is pretty much what everybody uses, so no real problems there beside the need to seal it very well:
Such as applying waterproof woodglue or silicone to the exposed edges before joining.
And a further bead of silicon on internal corners.
Any water or humidity will cause it to swell tremendously if its not well sealed.

[gekosin]

I have never tried nails but i would just make sure they are long enough/ the correct type, else your enclosure will be falling apart while you try build it.

[No_One_T]

I would say, if you can. Rather use Screws instead of Nails. If you making them to last, it is always better to screw them together.

[Ruan Stander]

Yes definitely screws instead of nails. I don't think they would work well at all.
It's pretty straight forward really.

[BRB]

Marine ply wood is a better option, seal it with a lead free varnish, melamine always seems to swell eventually.

[Bernice]

I concur with the other members on using screws... I have built a few of my own and screws work WAY better...

Also, round vents are fine and dandy but remember to put a vent cover inside the cage as well as outside! in my experience when my snakes found a hole only covered by a vent on the outside, they worry at it and rub and push at the vent cover trying to get out... simply putting a vent inside made them lose interest...

[Ruan Stander]

That's pretty interesting Bernice.
They can really be dumb sometimes.

[Kakibos]

I agree with BRB rather use ply wood and seal it with something like woodoc marine sealer, if done right the cage will last a long time. But if you already have the melamine then no worries it will also do the job.
Post some pics when you are finished with the cage.