Insulated Plywood

Yvonne G

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I'm not a carpenter nor a wood worker, and have only a housewife's knowledge of building stuff (none), but I don't like to use that particle-glued-together stuff firstly because the glue they use to stick the particles together really stinks, and secondly I don't know if it holds up well under moist conditions.
 

goReptiles

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I'm not a carpenter nor a wood worker, and have only a housewife's knowledge of building stuff (none), but I don't like to use that particle-glued-together stuff firstly because the glue they use to stick the particles together really stinks, and secondly I don't know if it holds up well under moist conditions.

I agree with that. I didn’t realize that’s what that was. I’m not knowledgeable in that area. I figure I should just ask my husband. But I was trying to get him a list of my suggested items.

Sounds like it’ll best to build the walls with the insulation foam board and whatnot. I saved a few threads from here to use for shopping and building.
 

Tim Carlisle

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I am building my enclosure using 1x6 boards for walls, inside and out, with R14 insulation in between. The outside walls will be weatherproofed using a tinted deck stain that is supposed to last 10 years. I dont plan to do anything with the inside walls due to the odor factor. I plan to start purchasing the materials in a couple or few weeks and will post pics of the progress. I'm in the middle of running the electric if it ever stops friggin raining here. Ugh.
 

goReptiles

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I am building my enclosure using 1x6 boards for walls, inside and out, with R14 insulation in between. The outside walls will be weatherproofed using a tinted deck stain that is supposed to last 10 years. I dont plan to do anything with the inside walls due to the odor factor. I plan to start purchasing the materials in a couple or few weeks and will post pics of the progress. I'm in the middle of running the electric if it ever stops friggin raining here. Ugh.

That’s basically what I was planning on doing until I saw the boards. Now I’m back to the plan. Can’t wait to see your progress
 

Tom

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Two reasons not to use the linked item: Particle board will disintegrate over time and can not stand up to moisture, and it says that it "allows moisture and air to move freely". What is the point of insulating if the air is going to move freely?

The best way I've found to make them is with 1.5" rigid foam sheets, framed with 2x4s and 2x3s, caulked with lots of GE Silicone 1, and sandwiched between two layers of 11/32 plywood.

Show these to hubby. This will show him exactly what I mean:
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/another-night-box-thread.88966/
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/my-best-night-box-design-yet.66867/
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/double-door-night-box.129054/
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/h...g-of-toms-night-box-with-exploded-view.97697/
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/what-youll-need-to-build-a-night-box.171435/

The last two will probably be the most helpful.
 

goReptiles

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Thanks @Tom. I had some of those saved. I’ll save the rest so I can print them and show him. Do you recommend pine or birch? He told me birch is better but pine is cheaper.

Also, I’d likely build a 4x4x2 box for one. Is that too small for an oil heater? I assume so but thought I’d ask.

I didn’t realize the linked product was particle board. I searched plywood and that came up. I didn’t really look that closely at the wood, itself.
 

Markw84

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Thanks @Tom. I had some of those saved. I’ll save the rest so I can print them and show him. Do you recommend pine or birch? He told me birch is better but pine is cheaper.

Also, I’d likely build a 4x4x2 box for one. Is that too small for an oil heater? I assume so but thought I’d ask.

I didn’t realize the linked product was particle board. I searched plywood and that came up. I didn’t really look that closely at the wood, itself.
You want to use an exterior grade plywood. 2 main reasons. They are made with a water resistant glue that holds up much better. They are also made of better woods which is most always a fir as opposed to a pine. Stronger and more durable. Also fir is better wood to use around tortoises.
 

Tom

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Thanks @Tom. I had some of those saved. I’ll save the rest so I can print them and show him. Do you recommend pine or birch? He told me birch is better but pine is cheaper.

Also, I’d likely build a 4x4x2 box for one. Is that too small for an oil heater? I assume so but thought I’d ask.

I didn’t realize the linked product was particle board. I searched plywood and that came up. I didn’t really look that closely at the wood, itself.
I just use regular plywood and 2x4s.
 

goReptiles

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I just use regular plywood and 2x4s.

Cool thanks. And is 4x4 too small to use an oil heater? My husband is an electrician, so running wire for wires is not an issue. I just like the idea of the oil heater with a thermostat.
 

EllieMay

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IMG_1406.jpg

We built this according to Toms plans and I stained all the outside and Lid with the 10yr deck stain Mizcreant was talking about. I put a Kane mat and a mini oil heater inside on separate thermostats along with a small fan.. our temps dropped in the 30’s (f) last night and it stayed 82 inside and around 90 on the mat.. it took 4 men to move it but I’m so glad we did it. We off set the door so that we have the option to make it a double in a couple years if we need. These box’s are built to last.
 

Tom

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Cool thanks. And is 4x4 too small to use an oil heater? My husband is an electrician, so running wire for wires is not an issue. I just like the idea of the oil heater with a thermostat.
I'm running an oil heater in a 4x4 right now. No problems.
 

Tom

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And there’s plenty of room with the oil heater divider box and the adult tortoise?
Its a divided box for a male and female Chersina. I think there would be plenty of room for a single female sulcata.
IMG_7256.JPG

IMG_7258.JPG


For a larger single tortoise, I'd put the heater over in a corner.
 

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