Building New Rack (Question)

[PurePythons]

I know Particle board is not the best. Was also told if u build to where you don't use lids can be toxic. Was going to use melamine but the guy at the lumber store said with humidity it would not last a year. He told me if i sealed the Particle Board with Ultimate UV and Marine durability Spar Varnish it would hold up much longer. I was also reading that's what a lot of people are using. Just looking for thought's, In the end would cost more to do the Particle board and Varnish but if it works better I would spend the extra money.
Thank you

[NormalBallPythons]

I know Particle board is not the best. Was also told if u build to where you don't use lids can be toxic. Was going to use melamine but the guy at the lumber store said with humidity it would not last a year.

My rack is made from melamine. Humidty is fine. I sealed it with silicone. It's four years old now.



Kevin

[EverEvolvingExotics]

I've never sealed a melamine board in my life and I have yet to have any problems between living in Arizona and southern Wisconsin. I have heard a lot about different issues with melamine, I have yet to see any problems besides the hefty weight with a finished rack.

[chaoticstone]

I know Particle board is not the best. Was also told if u build to where you don't use lids can be toxic. Was going to use melamine but the guy at the lumber store said with humidity it would not last a year. He told me if i sealed the Particle Board with Ultimate UV and Marine durability Spar Varnish it would hold up much longer. I was also reading that's what a lot of people are using. Just looking for thought's, In the end would cost more to do the Particle board and Varnish but if it works better I would spend the extra money.
Thank you

Have you looked into finding some xpvc near you? I love my xpvc rack and humidity is not an issue at all.

[JTrott]

My rack is almost 10 years old......made out of melamine......does not sag, and looks just as good as it does the day it was made.......sounds like the person at the lumber store was talking out of his butt......just saying.......

Jason

[Hopkinsbluejays]

Built my rack shelves out of MDF. Primed and painted with latex based black paint; finally sealed with spray clear coat.

It is nearly 1 year old and I have no issues. Obviously that is not a long term study.

Regards,
Hopkins

[WifeOfSlasher]

I agree with the talking out his butt sentiment. Particle board swells with humidity and it's ugly to boot. I would stick with what herp lovers have been using for years.

[Mike10205]

When you guys talk about melamine is it chip board or MDF. In the UK we have moisture resistant melamine faced MDF which is a great job.