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Cement Board?

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1Bob

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Does any one know of problems with using cement board (Wonderboard) for the bottom of an enclosure? I am building some stackable enclosures for leopard geckos. When sealed, it can be very moisture resistant and mold resistant. It should also radiate heat very well and evenly. And it is considerably cheaper than glass. I plan on using paper towel or unprinted news print as a substrate and flexwatt underneath to heat the enclosures. It is a bit heavy but just as heavy as wood based products if not lighter. One concern would be dust but that's not a problem if it's sealed. The only major worry I have is when it is heated are there any toxic fumes from the binders or the fiberglass laminate. Any help is much appreciated.
 
do a engine search

to several sites that i brought up and go to customer service FAQ. I see that while it doesn't state absolutely that it needs to be painted, wallpapered or tiled, if it use is for moisture resistant, I don't see why it couldn't be used in a closed off cage type scenario. We used the plywood years ago that was used for cement retaining walls that the oils or what ever eliminates from cement when applied to wood without any problems. Yes we had a seepage and very small seepage of something that would come out every once in awhile but we kept pythons and large monitors in the cages for years. I know that this is only a comparison and don't know ( I guess I could of spent more time on this on the sites ) the chemical make up of Wonder Board. One site said for use in saunas and that is a constant high humidity situation.........
 
Didn't ask this 1 Bob

what is the expense of this product ? and can it be cut simple ? Does it come in sheets or pre-cut. Just curious.......
 
I didn't go with the cement board

Cement board is a little under $10 a 3'x5' sheet for 1/4" thick. They also make 1/2" for walls. I went to the depot to purchase supplies and the wonderboard brand has a very strong odor of chemicals; so, I would not use that. But there was another brand of cement board called handiboard. It had a grid of grooves for easy cutting and absolutely no odor, but if it's heated who knows. I ended up going with neither. There was a small stack of birch plywood with a small router nick in the end (about an 1" long and 1/4" wide) and so had some spay paint on them, but very little for only $10 a 4x8 sheet. I dug through and found enough pieces with no paint only the nick. I believe, and some on correct me if I'm wrong, that birch is very safe for reptiles (no aromatics). This type of plywood is usually $20 to $30 a sheet and it will look beautiful as well. I plan on using tile board on top of the plywood for the base. If anyone knows a reason I should not use this material please let me know. I am new at this. Tile board is for use in shower enclosures and is completely water proof on one side. That was only $10 for a 4x8 sheet. The only thing left I have to figure out is the sliding glass doors in the front.
 
Most hardwoods normally do not have aromatic oils (unlike cedar and pine), so you should be good with birch.

With the cementboard - I'd be nervous about the chemicals involved, even if it doesn't smell - I don't know exactly what is in it (is cement actually part of what makes up cementboard? I'm just speculating) - but normal cement and concrete contain lye and I'd imagine long term contact with a sensitive animal's skin wouldn't be so good. Cementboard with tile on top would be good but heavy, but as you say, if you seal it properly it might work out great if you had used it :)
 
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