need help building cage plz

[Aquaseafoam]

I have never built anything out of wood before so please bear with me!
I would like to build a new cage for my cham. My idea so far is to use 2x2's for the frame and wrap it with aluminum mesh or cage wire from lowes. There are pre-cut pieces used for decking or something in the lumber section with mitered and straight cut edges in 42" and 36" lengths. I would like the dimensions to be 36"x24"x42" (or 48" if I go with straight cut not mitered). I am going to use a 36x24x8.5" cement trough for the bottom. Should i use the mitered lumber or not? What about straight edge for the frame and mitered for the door, which will be the full length and width of the 36" side. Should I use treated pine or untreated? Can I stain treated pine? Does anyone have a link to some blueprints?
Sorry for all the questions- I'm a total newb to all this!

 

[DkRhodes]

search through the forum pages and you find allot of info, also use the
search key .It's super helpful

 

[DkRhodes]

i searched the word "wood" found this click:https://www.chameleonforums.com/cage-blueprints-5149/

 

[Jordan]

One thing to remember is wood dimensions are not what they seem. A piece of wood labled as a 2"x2"x8' is actually a 1 1/2"x1 1/2"x8'. Not sure if you knew that or not but was throwing it out there just in case. That could throw off some plans real quick.

 

[Aquaseafoam]

I've been looking at a lot of other's cage designs and such, but haven't really found any step by step instructions to follow- I will check out that link though!
And I did not know it was actually 1 1/2" thanks!

 

[davemailcall]

You're in luck. I just built my first cage this week. I based it off some designs that I've seen on here. I'm sure there are many people on here who will give suggestions and tips about how I built mine and what I should do different. But thats how you learn.

I haven't taken any pictures but I'll be sure to take some detailed one of how I put it together. But I used 2x2s. 8 footers Be on the lookout for my pictures!

 

[Aquaseafoam]

Waiting impatiently!
I'm trying to figure out the exact dimensions I need so the 36x24 cement trough base will sit inside the frame like this one.
I need to get it cut at lowes b/c I don't have a saw :/
I'm going to look like a looney sitting on the floor at the hardware store piecing stuff together before I buy it aren't I?? lol...
I really like your cage DK, and i'm wanting to do something similar

 

[davemailcall]

I liked DK's cage too. In fact I found the mortar tub at Lowes. But I started looking at it and I had concerns about the ability of it to hold up over time, especially when I load it up with three potted plants. The other issue I had is that it was a really weird dimension. I built a 24x24x48. I think all told it cost me about $60-70.

I don't have an elaborate drainage system. I went to Goodwill and bought a bunch of towels to place along the bottom and soak up any extra water. When they get dirty, I take them out and throw in some clean ones.

Aqua, for my screen I used some fiberglass stuff from lowes. The actually have some that is designed for pets, mainly dogs and cats. Its 1/8 mesh and at first I was concerned abotu being able to see her inside, but when its lit up, you can see quite well. I used a different type of screen on the roof to help with the UV light.

 

[DkRhodes]

found this guy pics of how he builthttps://www.chameleonforums.com/gallery/browseimages.php?c=3&userid=517

 

[elise]

Non treated wood

I had my whole cage almost built when I realized I could not use treated wood. So, I had to disassemble and redo the whole thing with non-treated wood. If you use treated wood it can burn or let off a scent that will kill the lizard. So just use caution when you purchase the wood.