How to build a reptile enclosure?

OscarAC

I am wanting to build my lizard a new enclosure and I have a 3D design, all measurements and everything planned, I just don't have the expertise or tools. The plan is to find out what wood would work best in a high-heat enclosure ('up to' 40 deg Celcius regularly, all year round), all pieces need to be 1/2" (1/2 inch) thick, and I ideally want to seal all pieces to make it easier to clean and prevent bacteria and such from soaking in. The only part not planned is the glass for the doors, which I want as 2-panel glass sliding doors. 

Basically, I have the full plan and dimensions for what I want, and can buy the required parts when I know what exactly is best suited for this, but I have 0 access to anything other than a basic screwdriver and a drill.

Specific questions:

1. Are there places I can go to access tools to cut wood and such into pieces I need, or places that can cut the wood for me?

2. What wood types would be recommended and not overly expensive? (Needs to be fairly solid, not bendy at 1/2" thick, and handles heat well/won't burn/degrade fast in 40-degree heat)

3. What is recommended for sealing the wood to make it less porous, but ideally reptile-safe when dry?

4. Where can I get the glass cut to the size I need for the enclosure? Will I need to sand the edges myself or can that be done when being cut? (also will need to get the tracks/slots for the glass to go in, but I have no clue where I would even find that).

Thanks 🙂

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @OscarAC. It's brilliant to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about building a reptile enclosure.

There appears to be much debate within the reptile-keeping community about the best materials from which to build an enclosure. From what timbers are not poisonous to reptiles, right to what timber is suitable for the humidity. The general consensus seems to be that if you are using a timber such as 15mm plywood, then the timber needs to be entirely sealed to prevent contact with it. This is both from a reptile health point of view and to prevent it from deteriorating. Some suggestions on sealants I've come across are water-based polyurethane and epoxy.

You might like to visit your local Men's shed to see if they'd like to take on the project. If you did want to give the project a go yourself, apart from the drill, you'd only really need a circular saw or jigsaw to cut the timber to size.

To get your glass cut and discuss your needs for the edges, you'd need to visit a glazier. An alternative to glass might be polycarbonate. It is a bit tricky to cut, but you can do it yourself. For the tracks, I'd recommend you consider aluminium channel.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell