Lighter wood than melamine for rack?

Hi,
Well, here goes nothing--I'm preparing to buy the materials for my first rack to make myself.
I had a question though; what are the benefits for using melamine? I see most racks made out of melamine that are very tall, but I'm planning to make several "racks" that is maybe 3-5 shelves tall.
Can I use a lighter wood without a problem? Melamine is heavy and since MAx and I might move into an apartment soon, I don't want to have to lug tons of pounds worth of melamine on just ONE rack up the stairs to move it in. :oops:
Any suggestions for lighter wood that is as durable and sturdy? Like I said it's not going to be tall, so I'll probably reinforce the sides just in case but there shouldn't be too much weight on any one rack.
Thanks guys :)

Hi,

The benefits of melamine are price (it's very cheap ), durability (the plastic coating ) and the fact it comes in a range of colours.

You could build your rack out of wood but just remember you have to seal it as well when working out the cost.

You could also try and find the price for the plastic people have used.


dr del

What do you mean "seal" it?
I could always just go for melamine and still keep my plans--just make them not as tall as most other people's are.
Actually, maybe I should just do that.
I guess I'll just stick with melamine, but what do you mean "seal"?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by shelliebear

What do you mean "seal" it?
I could always just go for melamine and still keep my plans--just make them not as tall as most other people's are.
Actually, maybe I should just do that.
I guess I'll just stick with melamine, but what do you mean "seal"?

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I'm pretty sure he means a water proof coating. Humidity will probably cause the wood to rot after a while.

Hi,

Sealing, in this context, means using a good quality hard wearing varnish to protect the wood from the moisture in the snakes enclosure.

Melamine already has a layer of plastic to protect it but, if you didn't treat normal wood, it would start warping and twisting and probably end up with mold and things growing on it.


dr del

Wood shouldn't be used unless you seal it, Melamine is "sealed" as it has a plastic coating over the wood.
My 10 space melamine rack is 5 high and 2 wide so it isn't too tall but it weighs a ton :(

If you build 5 tub single stack melamine racks it shouldn't be so heavy that 2 people can't carry it even up stairs.

Why not use XPVC? Lighter, cheap, and no issues with cleaning or humidity. I put up a DIY thread not too long ago and you're located in the same state so I bet you have access to the same $85 sheets of 1/2" XPVC. They even cut it to my spec.

Regards,

B

If you have access to a good cabinet supply shop you could ask for some prefinished plywood. It has a 2 part epoxy finish that is baked on. It comes in 3/4, 1/2, and 1/4. It is WAY lighter than melamine ant when you buy as much as we do it is only 4 bucks more a sheet.

Heres some i built with it.

http://ball-pythons.net/gallery/file...3/dsc06047.jpg

http://ball-pythons.net/gallery/file...3/dsc06048.jpg

If you are looking for light weight the expanded PVC would be the way to go...but...it is more expensive than melamine. I would suggest using melamine and keeping the individual racks small, 3-5 tubs, then stack them to conserve space. They are sturdy enough they will stack just fine.