3 replies to this topic

[Zula]

I’m looking for some wood to build a variety of new platforms soon, and was wondering where a good place to buy formaldehyde free plywood in the UK is? I haven’t had much luck, and many places such as Wickes or B&Q don’t specify either the type of wood or “glue” used.

Any help on this, or other suggestions much appreciated

[ajuniceu~]

Maybe look on amazon for sheets of balsa, or similar?

I've also seen sheets of craft wood at dollar stores, and as long as the hamster doesn't chew it, it'd probably be okay.

 

Sorry if this isn't much help haha. 

[Zula]

Maybe look on amazon for sheets of balsa, or similar?
I've also seen sheets of craft wood at dollar stores, and as long as the hamster doesn't chew it, it'd probably be okay.
 
Sorry if this isn't much help haha.

Thanks for the suggestions! I’ve had a look at balsa sheets on Amazon and HobbyCraft, however the main problem is that because they are designed for small craft projects, I can’t find any the right size. The largest platform needs to be around 50cm long and at the widest point around 25cm (I think) for the dig box. And most either come in tiny sheets or long strips. Do you know of anywhere that sells larger ones?

What is confusing me, is the platforms I’ve seen people build in the UK, are all made of plywood. Which normally is unsafe from my understanding, so I’m not sure where they have sourced safe types from. By all means I’d love to support these people by buying the ones they’ve made, but unfortunately I’d rather not spend £50+ on all the different platforms, most of which wouldn’t fit the specifications of size and bedding depth I need.

[katkin21]

I know you can get formaldehyde free ply in the uk but I don’t think most of the stuff in diy shops is completely free I think we have reduced amounts compared to USA and I would use it to build an enclosure but not for internal cage items. I use solid pine for anything inside the enclosure I’ve found the range and b and q stocks so wooden shelves that are solid pine they do quite a lot of sizes and corners too!

https://www.therange.co.uk/storage/shelves-and-racks/shelving-units/natural-wood-corner-shelf-unit/

https://www.therange.co.uk/storage/shelves-and-racks/shelving-units/sanded-pine-shelf-kit/

https://www.diy.com/departments/form-pine-shelf-board-w-800mm-d-230mm/3663602764427_BQ.prd

https://www.diy.com/departments/form-kosto-shelf-l-300mm-d-230mm/3663602764403_BQ.prd