Alright I know there are a hundred threads like this, but I want fresh opinions.

I deal mostly with ball pythons, but I have a few others as well. Two big ones now, one of which is a 12ft male tiger retic that I was just given yesterday. He is currently in a 6'x2'x3' glass tank - thats what they had him in and gave it to me.

He needs a bigger house, and so does my female burm. I was thinking about building a double decker type enclosure. Thoughts on measurements were 8'x4'x4'(2' for each cage) I think this should be plenty sufficient as far as size goes, but I am curious about materials.

I build everything I have, because I can't bring myself to pay retail prices for anything. With these big snakes, would I be able to get away with using 3/4" melamine? Or Oak Plywood the same size? I know I would need to seal both options. What type of sealer do you suggest that isn't harmful? Also, as for the doors, I imagine either plexi or lexan. I don't like dealing with glass because I can't cut or drill it myself. If I use Plexiglas what thickness do you guys use? I have 1/2" available but that seems like it may be overkill. Same with lexan, what thickness?

OR...

If anyone knows someone who is getting rid of giant visions or boaphiles for next to nothing I may consider buying them.... Yeah I know its not realistic but may as well throw it out there.

Thanks in advance everyone!