Melamine vs plywood

[Jsvargas13]

Hello everyone,

Im trying to buy a custome closed chamber for my sulcata but I was asked if I prefer melamine or plywood? I’m not sure which one would be better since the substrate would be moist? Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[method89]

I would think melamine would be preferred as it it a plastic like material that covers the particleboard inside. You should still seal the seams though

 

[Maro2Bear]

Whats the price difference? And how large on an enclosure are you having made? Sullys grow rather quickly, so be careful not to spend too much on an enclosure that won’t last long.

 

[Jsvargas13]

They’re both $175. It will be 40x24x24

 

[Maro2Bear]

Might as well go with the Melamine.

 

[turtlesteve]

Umm, I personally would not use melamine for ANYTHING related to a tortoise enclosure. Particleboard disintegrates when it gets wet, and moisture will get underneath the plastic at the edges. Plywood (painted and sealed) will last much longer.

I spent much $$ and many hours ripping particleboard out of my house because it had rotted, and the plywood it was in contact with was in perfect condition. How this material is still legal to use in construction boggles the mind.

 

[Chubbs the tegu]

Ive used melamine for many of my enclosures and they wrk great and last forever. Just be sure to silicone all the seams very well. Downside is they are heavy as all hell

 

[sue white]

Here in Missouri Melamine cost a lot more than plywood,and is very heavy, so bought the plywood and coated the inside with the waterproof coating "FlexSeal". When all together calked the corners. It works great.