B.E.P. - Breeding Enclosure Project

So should I use different wood for the structure that is cheaper and possibly can withhold more amounts of pressure? Probably something cheaper like particle board for the interior structure system or some other kind of wood. Any suggestions? Does anyone know a lot about wood that they could help me out here? Here are some pictures of the hip (midsection) and the base structure plans. Keep in mind that the skeletons will not be made of oak unless I am instructed that is the best way to go. I would like something strong but lightweight enough so this thing doesnt way a million lb's. The only things that would be made of oak in these two drawings are for the drawers.





the second drawing shows the skin halfway. the other half is cut off to see the skeleton. just so theres no confusion

I am definitely only using oak for all the surface woods (woods that touch or can touch the Bearded Dragon and those shown on the exterior. The question was indeed as to whether I should use expensive oak for the structural woods or if I could use something cheaper. Like other types of wood hardwood or what else. I am not a wood expert but I was wondering If I could use normal beams of wood lumber that you can buy at Home Depot. I know those are really cheap. I measured all the beams in the drawing and they are 6" wide by 3/4" except for one that is 4" wide. Other than that mostly everything else would be made of oak. Would that work out then?

The best wood to use for being lightweight and strong would be plywood. You can at some places buy plywood with an oak veneer on one side. So you'll have the birch look inside and the exterior will be oak. Judging by your picture you''ll be screwing panels together and won't need much of a frame. So I would go that way instead of using lumber. Unless your putting a lot of weight in it. Then it's going to need to be reinforced.

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Mike
"Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest you." - Mother Teresa

I have no idea what type of wood you are referring to with this comment:

When I hear "beam", the first thought I have are 4" x 4" supports or ledger board. Niether are something you would want to use. If you could clarify that a bit, it would be easier to determine what type of wood you are referring to.

I would say use oak throughout the entire enclosure. When you start using materials like oak, which are great woods and have a very nice finish, it would be too easy to differentiate between cheaper woods used in cunjunction with it.

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Their will be a frame. The first picture shows only the skeleton of the base, and not the frame. The second picture shows half of the frame. The frame will be screwed in from the inside so there is no screws showing.
I am going to Home Depot today to take a look around. Ill let you know what I come up with

particle board can't hold up as well as a good sheet of plywood against moisture. I would stick with something solid from the start.

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My name is Liz
Do what's best for the animal, not what's best for you.

If there will be moisture you should look into some kind of waterproof membrane you can use to seal wood off against moisture. Plywood itself is not waterproof.

Ideas:
Epoxy resin
Some other waterproofing varnish


Ig.

The openings for the drawers are not for pools. The bottom one is for a laybox for the female. The top one is just for food and miscellaneous