- Joined
- Dec 19, 2015
- Messages
- 122
Hi,
My sister and I are building Otis, a 2-year-old Hermann's, a new indoor tortoise table now that summer is upon us. We've chosen the DIY route and have some questions to confirm before starting anything, to ensure we have what's best for Otis, and we'd love to hear your answers
First off, we're planning to build a 100x80cm table. That's roughly 39"x31" if you need the conversion; is this big enough? We want longevity with this table but as it is an indoors we have to satisfy the entire family and don't want it to takeover the room, if that makes sense. Of course space can be sacrificed for Otis' needs and that is agreed, should a larger table be needed/optimum.
Secondly, we are thinking on buying the wood from our local Homebase store (it's the equivalent of a Home Depot or similar) and having it cut there for free - the perks of being family friends with a worker - but was wondering on what wood is best to use. Is *untreated* 'softwood' ok? I would obviously check in person what the vague label entails, but I'm guessing pine. I'm aware hardwood is the best option, but if we made sure the 'softwood' was thick (round an inch?) enough, surely it would be sustainable. I know there's a lot of stigma around pine. Obviously we just want what is totally safe, but I have in my head from research the general idea is as long as pine is untreated and used just for the structure of the table and not for the substrate (it would also be sealed, but I'll come onto that later) it's safe for torts? There are a lot of pine tortoise tables out there, but of course, I don't trust all retailers either.
My third and final question regards the sealant. Is it completely necessary? The substrate would be topsoil, and although Hermann's don't need an overly wet environment it's my understanding that over time the wood would rot, and softwood all the more susceptible?
I'm thinking of using Thompsons Clear Water Seal for a sealant. It's waterproof and rot-proof, suitable on wood, has an annoying 2hr drying time but hey-ho. I'd probably apply two coats, if not more. It's apparently odour-free but I'd let it dry a few days besides before allowing Otis in. Is this suitable? Has anyone used it, or had experience with other sealants as I'm very open to other options should they beckon. I'd probably prefer sealants opposed to waterproof liners, just for the sake of longevity, but like I said, I'm open.
Thanks so much, and sorry for the ramble.
To summarise:
Olivia
My sister and I are building Otis, a 2-year-old Hermann's, a new indoor tortoise table now that summer is upon us. We've chosen the DIY route and have some questions to confirm before starting anything, to ensure we have what's best for Otis, and we'd love to hear your answers
First off, we're planning to build a 100x80cm table. That's roughly 39"x31" if you need the conversion; is this big enough? We want longevity with this table but as it is an indoors we have to satisfy the entire family and don't want it to takeover the room, if that makes sense. Of course space can be sacrificed for Otis' needs and that is agreed, should a larger table be needed/optimum.
Secondly, we are thinking on buying the wood from our local Homebase store (it's the equivalent of a Home Depot or similar) and having it cut there for free - the perks of being family friends with a worker - but was wondering on what wood is best to use. Is *untreated* 'softwood' ok? I would obviously check in person what the vague label entails, but I'm guessing pine. I'm aware hardwood is the best option, but if we made sure the 'softwood' was thick (round an inch?) enough, surely it would be sustainable. I know there's a lot of stigma around pine. Obviously we just want what is totally safe, but I have in my head from research the general idea is as long as pine is untreated and used just for the structure of the table and not for the substrate (it would also be sealed, but I'll come onto that later) it's safe for torts? There are a lot of pine tortoise tables out there, but of course, I don't trust all retailers either.
My third and final question regards the sealant. Is it completely necessary? The substrate would be topsoil, and although Hermann's don't need an overly wet environment it's my understanding that over time the wood would rot, and softwood all the more susceptible?
I'm thinking of using Thompsons Clear Water Seal for a sealant. It's waterproof and rot-proof, suitable on wood, has an annoying 2hr drying time but hey-ho. I'd probably apply two coats, if not more. It's apparently odour-free but I'd let it dry a few days besides before allowing Otis in. Is this suitable? Has anyone used it, or had experience with other sealants as I'm very open to other options should they beckon. I'd probably prefer sealants opposed to waterproof liners, just for the sake of longevity, but like I said, I'm open.
Thanks so much, and sorry for the ramble.
To summarise:
- What's the ideal measurements for a table? Is 100x80cm big enough?
- Is 'softwood' suitable - untreated, sealed pine?
- Opinions on sealants and their necessity - Thompsons Clear Water Seal?
Olivia