Wood to use for animal cage - DIY Chatroom

ToolMan6802 · 04-11-2008, 10:17 AM

Hello all,

I am trying to construct a simple 2x6 ft. cage for our furry pets and I'm not sure what kind of wood to use. I would like something lighter than MDF for maneuverability but just as durable. I am going to line the inside with some form of plastic paneling to protect the wood.

What type of wood do you suggest?

Thanks

ToolMan

Brik · 04-11-2008, 11:15 AM

MDF is generally heavier than many other materials. I would use plywood.

OSB and MDF can deteriorate more rapidly if they get wet. I would prefer to use exterior grade plywood, not pressure treated.

Might be labeled something like CDX - The 'C' and 'D' refer to the grade and the X means a water resistant glue was used to make the ply.

If the plywood will be seen as the final finish CDX is not too pretty. They make a product called T-111 that is 'X' and can be painted up as your final wall. AC plywood has a nice smooth side but I'm not sure if there is such a thing as ACX.

I built a small dog house and just used 2x2 lumber and some old wide plank boards that were once shelves as siding. I just painted it. It is holding up well. Unsure what wood it is. It is heavy though.

ToolMan6802 · 04-11-2008, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brik

MDF is generally heavier than many other materials. I would use plywood.

OSB and MDF can deteriorate more rapidly if they get wet. I would prefer to use exterior grade plywood, not pressure treated.

Might be labeled something like CDX - The 'C' and 'D' refer to the grade and the X means a water resistant glue was used to make the ply.

If the plywood will be seen as the final finish CDX is not too pretty. They make a product called T-111 that is 'X' and can be painted up as your final wall. AC plywood has a nice smooth side but I'm not sure if there is such a thing as ACX.

I built a small dog house and just used 2x2 lumber and some old wide plank boards that were once shelves as siding. I just painted it. It is holding up well. Unsure what wood it is. It is heavy though.

Thank you for your reply! The cage is actually going inside so I'm not worried about weather, I'm more worried about the wood deteriorating from the animal feces. Do they make 3/4 inch plywood or should I use 1/2 inch?

Brik · 04-11-2008, 11:33 AM

They make both 3/4 and 1/2 in CDX. 3/4 is 50% heavier than 1/2"

It will likely be called 23/32 or some such crap.

ToolMan6802 · 04-11-2008, 12:33 PM

Alright, thanks a lot.

skymaster · 04-11-2008, 06:40 PM

Tool: why not just go to pet store and pickup a pet carrier/cage made for the job? way cheaper in the long run and so so so much easier. To clean em just take it outside and hose it down :}:}:}

Big Bob · 04-11-2008, 07:08 PM

Skymaster has some good advice.

Just because you could build something yourself doesn't mean it's the best solution.

Plastic or metal cage can be cleaned and sanitized much easier than any thing you could make out of wood and plastic panel. It will last longer and keep your pets in good health.

aaron_man · 04-13-2008, 11:41 PM

Hey ToolMan6802

In my opinion, steel cages are better than cages made of wood. At least steel cages are easier to clean. But then if you really want a wood cage for your pet, try going to a petstore, maybe they sell one with cheap wood.

ToolMan6802 · 04-14-2008, 12:26 PM

I understand your points but I don't want to fork out the cash for such a large enclosure. I ended up going with 1/2 ply wood ($6) and it worked out very well. I built it 4x2.5 ft = 10 cubic ft. They can't chew it because the walls are 12" high. They tend to chew the metal cages. This enclosure sets in my house so I don't have to worry about weather damage.

Thank you for your replies, I appreciate it.

Brik · 04-14-2008, 12:32 PM

OK - So what kind of "furry pets" are best contained in a cage with 12" high walls and like to chew?

I thinking ferrets, hamsters, guinea pigs or some such.

Care to share a couple of pics and enlighten us?

ToolMan6802 · 04-14-2008, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brik

OK - So what kind of "furry pets" are best contained in a cage with 12" high walls and like to chew?

I thinking ferrets, hamsters, guinea pigs or some such.

Care to share a couple of pics and enlighten us?

Guinea pigs... Instead of having a cage with a lid we keep them in this enclosure. The walls are high so they don't hop out.

I'm at work and do not have pictures readily available.

Big Bob · 04-14-2008, 10:37 PM

so .. how would you like to live in a box like that?