PVC vs WOOD/MELAMINE CAGES

[newreptilecages]

I'm very interested in all your thoughts concerning PVC vs WOOD/ MELAMINE cages. I build the second variety (see Snake Cages) due to personal experience/ preference but I see a lot of the PVC variety online. Pros? Cons? Should I carry both varieties at my store? I like wood but ultimately I want to offer what is best for both the pet and pet owner.

Thanks in advance!
Reptile Snake Cages

[zombieon3rd]

I can say I love my Melamine rack system. But a draw back is the weight. I do not have any PVC racks or cages, but I bet they are much lighter.

As of now weight is not really a problem since I do not have to move the rack around. But I know if ever I have to its going to be a job due to weight. Great question I hope this helps, Best of luck on your company.

[rabernet]

How are you sealing the wood? I personally wouldn't choose wood because it would be harder to clean - really clean. It's more porous, and so would, in my mind, be a breeding ground for bacteria and mold from urine and any other moisture that would seep into the wood.

I have that same design from another manufacturer in white PVC.

[OhhWatALoser]

i see pvc as being better but more expensive, 4x8 pvc is 120 a sheet (1/2 inch) while 4x8 melamine is 35 (3/4 inch), atleast thats the best prices I could find around here. so for over 3 times the cost, its a no brainer for what I use, so I gotta spend a couple dollars on caulk to seal it

[kitedemon]

With out entering into the debate of plastic over wood, lets look at the market. Melamine is what cheep furniture is made from so in the mind of the consumer melamine is cheap. Reality has nothing to do with it. A custom plastic box has the impact of wow that was designed and made for my new ___. Not made in some guys basement.

I don't think this applies to racks at all, and if you are running a store I expect that selling racks is a special order anyway. Personally I believe the difference is between wood and plastic is one of roughly equal pros and cons the question is not which is better (neither just different) but which to sell.

I think that you offer custom wood enclosures custom made on a special order (make the consumer special and that it is different than any other again perception here not reality) and carry a few plastic enclosures ready off the shelf.

Opinion here folks!

[newreptilecages]

wow. thanks for the quick response and well wishes. we've started offering the option of a plywood core with melamine overlays so you can have a stained wood exterior with either a white or black melamine interior. this seems to address both the weight/ strength issue (plywood is 30% lighter than particleboard and less likely to bow or chip) and the cleaning issue (melamine face is smooth and non-porous.) this is still not as light as PVC but is has some cost/ appearance advantages at least in my mind. the PVC/ WOOD decision is probably too subjective, too personal to satisfy everyone in every scenario and unfortunately i don't have unlimited shelf space.

Snake Reptile Cages