Maximum PVC Enclosure Size

[CottonMouth]

Hello,

Had a question for the PVC experts or the DIY folks. I have seen some incredible Enclosures that are about 6 Feet High. But every time I call a place that builds enclosures and ask them for a 6 Foot High PVC enclosure they always respond with, 2 Feet is the highest, biggest they could build is 8 feet wide, 2 feet high, 2 feet deep.

I am looking for something around 6 feet wide, 6 feet high and 2 feet deep. Is there a reason no one does it? I am in the process of talking with a few handymen about building our own out of PVC, should we not do it with PVC and go with wood? Any issues with going that big I should be aware of before I start other than heating? Maybe the sheets bend in overtime or something along those lines?

Also a side question so I don't make a new thread, if you use PVC, do you guys still use a liner for extra water protection on the base or leave it as is?

Thanks!

[Craiga 01453]

I've worked woth PVC sheets in the past. They come in 8x4 sheets, so there would have to be a frame built first, and there would be a seam because the sheets are only 4 feet in one direction. There are strips you can buy to make the seam a little more appealing to the eye. You can use PVC cement to hold these in place with no risk of the animal pulling them off.
The trick will be building the frame properly to support all the weight, especially at the seam.

[Prognathodon]

For 6’ tall I’d definitely do a central pillar in the front front and probably also the back, in addition to leaving a center-front bit of the front panel ala AP cages - the pillars don’t have to be huge, something like a 1x2 or 1x3, I’d be inclined to do edge-on to the front/back - you can get PVC lumber/boards instead of ripping down PVC sheet, and glue/screw it in. I’d also do a center ridge on the roof - another 1x2 on edge front-back on the roof, connected to the pillars.

Thinking about it some more, I’d probably beef up the corners with additional 1x2 pillars (flat-on to the walls) - basically building a frame not just relying on wall strength.


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[Prognathodon]

And thinking about it even more, I’d be considering some of the options here, like the square tubing, for framing:
https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/de...arentcatid=795


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[CottonMouth]

Thank you very much for the information Craig and Prognathodon.
Very helpful, building a frame did not even cross my mind.

Will hopefully be starting soon.

[C.Marie]

What about Animal Plastic T100 it's 96 ×48 × 48. I know two feet less than what your desired height but close

[Craiga 01453]

Thank you very much for the information Craig and Prognathodon.
Very helpful, building a frame did not even cross my mind.

Will hopefully be starting soon.

Yeah, you're basically going to need the frame to support the weight. With smaller enclosures the weight is able to be supported by the actual walls standing on edge (the strongest way). You'll need supports, as well as "nailers" which are pieces that add structural support as well as providing a place to screw or "nail" your sheets of PVC. So your "nailers" will run along the seams where the box sheets meet. Aside from giving you something to screw to, it'll provide structural support.
You could also add a "shelf" style perch wherever the seam lands to hide it, but that's just an option. The snake may enjoy it and it may be nice aesthetically.