Question about treated wood

[Saldarya]

Evening All,

I have always used basic screen cages which are convenient for me, but am considering building some DIY cages due to wanting a non standard size.

Question is, should I use regular wood (pine) and seal it? If so, with what?

Or....can I use treated wood and just go with it.

Thanks for any feedback.

Bobby

 

[sulley]

treat it with floor varnish.give it at about 3 coats.

 

[Lathis]

I wouldn't use treated wood that had not been well sealed for anything exposed. Pressure treating for lumber typically uses chemicals known to be skin irritants and carcinogens. One on of the more common (and cheaper) treatment process uses an arsenic-bearing compound. While arguably acceptable for small doses to humans (many, many people disagree with this, including me), these compounds will leach from the wood when wet or damp. I would also be concerned about off-gassing, even of water-based pressure treating.

My thought is that you would not want to expose a small pet trapped in a confined space to these chemicals, just in case. Use untreated lumber and seal it really well with a aliphatic urethane sealer - aliphatic will give you extended protection from UV and water. Let it cure outside or in the garage for at least a week, but as long as possible would be better.

You might try working with lightgauge aluminum. I think it is probably just as easy to handle as lumber, about the same price, and no chemical concerns or sealing needed. Just wash it down really well.

 

[Saldarya]

MAny thanks for the feedback