Yeah I decided on melamine just cause its sturdy, and I've heard people not having any problems with it. I want to build one out of the PVC animal plastics uses, but for the life of me I can't find it ANYWHERE!
Temp wise,thanks for the head up, I was wondering how the bottom shelf would hold heat. I'm in an apartment so it's going to be sitting straight on the carpet next to my bed. I guess we will see how it holds and if it doesn't hold heat well ill add some insulation.