Littleredfootbigredheart
Well-Known Member
I’d go thicker than 6mm, I believe the thickest is generally 18mm
Wood Base Instructions
- Thread starter maxgirlie
- Start date
maxgirlie
Member
I've got these in my cart! I really like the rounded one better as it seems like maybe they wouldnt get stuck in the corners as much? But the covers are all rectanges. I wonder if I could still pin it to my liner with the rounded one? Or would you suggest just going rectangular? Thank you by the way, I know I am firing questions every minute lol. This is so helpful.Sounds good, it’ll definitely do the job, I’d personally just get a solid base board that’s the same size(preferably slightly bigger so it sits nicer) perhaps a melamine board, then rest the frame on that, so long as it’s lined well, you won’t have to worry about moisture from the substrate getting through, it’ll be more the condensation dripping down from the cover, but again, if you can line so it’s going all over the sides, then pin the lining in place with the topper, you should be good to gohopefully all that made some kind of sense
I just re-read your thread about all the supplies needed and see you show a tent that is larger and advised just putting pond liner down for the condensation.Sounds good, it’ll definitely do the job, I’d personally just get a solid base board that’s the same size(preferably slightly bigger so it sits nicer) perhaps a melamine board, then rest the frame on that, so long as it’s lined well, you won’t have to worry about moisture from the substrate getting through, it’ll be more the condensation dripping down from the cover, but again, if you can line so it’s going all over the sides, then pin the lining in place with the topper, you should be good to go
Littleredfootbigredheart
Well-Known Member
I don’t suppose you’ve found a cover with a 2foot height? Unless you’re planning quite a thick layer of substrate? Just checking cause sometimes the taller you go, the trickier it can be keeping humidity at tortoise level, if you’re planning a nice think layer to make some burrows and hides in, perhaps this height will work for you. If going with that height, I’d go with a 2ft deep frame to allow for more substrateI've got these in my cart! I really like the rounded one better as it seems like maybe they wouldnt get stuck in the corners as much? But the covers are all rectanges. I wonder if I could still pin it to my liner with the rounded one? Or would you suggest just going rectangular? Thank you by the way, I know I am firing questions every minute lol. This is so helpful. View attachment 381014
I just re-read your thread about all the supplies needed and see you show a tent that is larger and advised just putting pond liner down for the condensation.
either shape will work so long as the cover fits nicely
Yeah I added that bit mainly for those who have a base and struggle to find an exact fit for their cover, I wouldn’t want anyone damaging their floors, but generally speaking, the more snug fit the base, the better
maxgirlie
Member
I pulled the trigger! Since I plan on going with a lot of substrate, decided on the 2 footer. Yay! Now I just need the bottom. Found these on Marketplace. Would this work? 2 of them next to each other should work out measurement wise.I don’t suppose you’ve found a cover with a 2foot height? Unless you’re planning quite a thick layer of substrate? Just checking cause sometimes the taller you go, the trickier it can be keeping humidity at tortoise level, if you’re planning a nice think layer to make some burrows and hides in, perhaps this height will work for you. If going with that height, I’d go with a 2ft deep frame to allow for more substrate
Yeah I added that bit mainly for those who have a base and struggle to find an exact fit for their cover, I wouldn’t want anyone damaging their floors, but generally speaking, the more snug fit the base, the better
Attachments
Littleredfootbigredheart
Well-Known Member
Yeah don’t see why not!
maxgirlie
Member
Okay I've got it narrowed down to 3 options for a bottom to the 6x3 raised bed.Yeah don’t see why not!
1) Shelf board pictured above - it is 4 sheets of 36x24 which means it will just hang over on the width 6" on each side. The only downfall of this one is it's kind of far away to pickup.
2) Plywood sheet I found that's 4x8 - This would hang over 6" on all sides. I have some spray I can use to potentially waterproof it.
3) The below metal shelves I found that's right down the street. They are 37 x 18 each which would be basically a perfect fit. He said they are very sturdy. Wasn't sure about metal?
Littleredfootbigredheart
Well-Known Member
Were you thinking of using the shelving unit as a base instead of the flower bed? Or resting the flower bed on this laid flat without the shelving?
maxgirlie
Member
I was thinking of removing the shelving and laying them flat underneath the raised bed I bought.
Littleredfootbigredheart
Well-Known Member
Ooo ok, I think if you’re doing that you probably may as well leave the shelves in there for more strength underneath, as in flip it over so the shelves are floor side.
Think the only thing I’ll say, is I’d want to see how the cover fits over the base to see if you need that few inch boarder around the side, with this being a perfect fit, I worry that if the topper slots over as opposed to sitting on top, that there won’t be enough edge to around the sides to support the topper? Hopefully that makes sense!
Littleredfootbigredheart
Well-Known Member
Whereas with the plywood, you’d have a few inch boarder
maxgirlie
Member
Looks like the issue with Plywood is they are ALL stinkin 4x8 which won't fit in my crossover. Back to the drawing board.. how about a "fire-rated door"? This measures 80x36. No width excess but I think the ends is where I'm going to need a little more because of the rounded shape of the bed.
Attachments
Hi!
If it's inch-to-inch matches width of the garden bed, there can be troubles aligning the garden bed over the base.
Did you check plastic sheets in HomeDepot or Lowes? Thin sheets can be bent to fit in your car or just cut to size at the shop.
If it's inch-to-inch matches width of the garden bed, there can be troubles aligning the garden bed over the base.
Did you check plastic sheets in HomeDepot or Lowes? Thin sheets can be bent to fit in your car or just cut to size at the shop.
maxgirlie
Member
Would I be looking for corrugated, plexiglass, or polycarbonate sheets? What would be my min thickness?
maxgirlie
Member
Looks like they are all pretty expensive.
If you lay it on the floor, thickness won't be very important. Polycarbonate and plexiglass are rather expensive and not what you need for the base. Foam PVC or HDPE are suitable.
Like this: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Palight-White-Foam-PVC-Sheet-Actual-24-in-x-48-in/5014342553 - you'll need to "stitch" them with PVC glue (this glue melts plastic parts together and very durable).
It can be more expensive than door you've posted (I don't know how much does it cost). Plywood can be cut to size too in HD or Lowes so you can still consider it.
If you lay enclosure directly on the floor, this stuff can work: https://www.homedepot.com/p/4-ft-X-...act-Polystyrene-HIPS-Sheet-21118103/326764587 Or just vinyl or PVC flooring. Or the second layer of pond liner.
There is an advantage of making a "hard base" - you can add castors and make enclosure movable.
maxgirlie
Member
The best thing about the door is that it's free! I may just take my chances with the sides since it's free. Worst case scenario is I put it out with the trash if it doesn't fit. Fortunately I'm building the bed soon, so I will know. If it doesn't work, I will go the other route with home depot plywood cut or one of your other above suggestions. Thank you for all the good info!
Please, keep us updated on enclosure progress!
maxgirlie
Member
Will do!
Littleredfootbigredheart
Well-Known Member
Will keep an eye out for updates on how it goes! This is always the tricky bit, getting set up, once it’s all figured out you’ll be able to enjoy your new shelled companion
Similar threads
