Rack Questions

Want to build a rack this weekend/ beginning of next week. Can't decide what to make it out of. Please share your opinions!

Melamine - Readily available. I don't care about weight so much. I want to go lidless though, and I am concerned about warping, mold, etc.

Storage shelves - I have seen plenty of people modify storage racks and make some really clean set ups. I like this idea, but I haven't been able to find any storage racks at a reasonable price that will fit my 41qt long tubs. Also, I would prefer to make these enclosed so I can avoid hides.I would be interested in seeing how anyone has done that

Other - If you have any other DIY suggestions please let me know! I won't buy a rack somewhere, because I would rather spend the money on more snakes or more supplies, rather than a rack. I am plenty handy and have the ability and tools to make any rack out there myself. I was thinking about building one out of XPVC or something of the sort, but I can't find sheets at a good price. If anyone knows of a cheap plastic supplier, please let me know. I just can't see paying $600+ for materials to build a rack that I could buy for around $500.

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Originally Posted by jtyson123

Want to build a rack this weekend/ beginning of next week. Can't decide what to make it out of. Please share your opinions!

Melamine - Readily available. I don't care about weight so much. I want to go lidless though, and I am concerned about warping, mold, etc.

Storage shelves - I have seen plenty of people modify storage racks and make some really clean set ups. I like this idea, but I haven't been able to find any storage racks at a reasonable price that will fit my 41qt long tubs. Also, I would prefer to make these enclosed so I can avoid hides.I would be interested in seeing how anyone has done that

Other - If you have any other DIY suggestions please let me know! I won't buy a rack somewhere, because I would rather spend the money on more snakes or more supplies, rather than a rack. I am plenty handy and have the ability and tools to make any rack out there myself. I was thinking about building one out of XPVC or something of the sort, but I can't find sheets at a good price. If anyone knows of a cheap plastic supplier, please let me know. I just can't see paying $600+ for materials to build a rack that I could buy for around $500.

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Melamine is totally the way to go. Can't go wrong.

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Originally Posted by Animals As Leaders

Melamine is totally the way to go. Can't go wrong.

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Hope you don't mind me asking, but why do you say that?

Well its tough against humidity, cheap, and for the most part easy to work with. You could use plywood, but you have to coat it with something which I'm not into. They also look nice when they are done right. I think I will always use melamine.

Alright anybody else have 2 cents to put in? Or should I just build it out of Melamine?

I have used melamine for 3 or 4 years now and I'm happy with it.

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Originally Posted by myksbs

I have used melamine for 3 or 4 years now and I'm happy with it.

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Are you using lids? I imagine melamine would be fine so long as no humidity could get to it. However, I don't want to use lids. And my snakes tend to be escape artists, so any warped boards might cause some issues

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Originally Posted by jtyson123

Are you using lids? I imagine melamine would be fine so long as no humidity could get to it. However, I don't want to use lids. And my snakes tend to be escape artists, so any warped boards might cause some issues

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I noticed there aren't nearly as much warped melamine boards, compared to plywood. I wouldn't worry too much about that. When you go to buy them just have a look see at their condition and hand pick them if you are worried. There really aren't a whole lot of options. You could makeshift something out of a plastic shelving unit, but I tried this and I am not thrilled at all with it. ESPECIALLY if you have two racks, one being a plastic shelving unit conversion, and one melamine one. Both of them on one thermostat is a pain. Being that the shelves are vented they heat up at different intervals, so I had to insulate which was not fun to get right. Another thing with them, is the sides are exposed. I haven't had any problems with shy snakes but I could see it having an effect on them. And being that melamine has a protective layer humidity doesn't stand a chance, and makes the rack easier to clean. Its good stuff.

I don't use lids, And the protective coating helps prevent warping.

I really wanted one of the Animal Plastic (AP) racks, but I didn't care about weight and wanted to start off with Melamine. It is heavy but it looks great and cost me well under half the price as if I would have bought a rack and had it shipped. After I have a couple clutches, I am hoping to reinvest in a professional rack like AP or Freedom Breeder. It was pretty easy to build too.