Safe Wood and Sealant

[Brad and Alena]

Hello,

I have decided to build my own enclosure for my leopard tortoise. I will be making a rather large enclosure, my big question is in regards to materials. I have read conflicting things online and would like some solid opinions from this forum.

1. What types of wood are safe?
2. Any brand or type of sealant reccomendations?
3. Is pine ok if it is sealed?

Thanks in advance!

 

[mike taylor]

I made my enclosures out of pine . Then went to the auto parts and got spray in bed liner for trucks . They have it in spray cans for 10.00 $ a can . It makes ut 100% water proof . You will have to let it sit in the sun for a week .

 

[Brad and Alena]

I will be tiling the bottom portion where the substrate is. My concern is sealing the wood for the rest of the enclosure so there are no mold/moisture issues.

 

[mike taylor]

You will need to seal under the tile to . So water will not stand under it .

 

[LABZOO]

Can you use veg oil or butcher block oil to "seal" the wood?

 

[AZtortMom]

It may not be durable enough

 

[Len B]

Linseed oil may work for what you are trying to do, boiled dries much quicker than raw.

 

[Brad and Alena]

Great ideas. I am guessing a non toxic sealant should do the trick, just need to research more unless anyone has any suggestions. I am in Canada. I will need a consider amount as the foot print of the enclosure is 8' x 2'.