Our Materials
Overview
For the main vivarium construction, we use two types of PVC materials available in black and white. We started with our standard black and white material and recently introduced our premium black and white material. Our personal favorite is the premium white. Both materials are 10mm thick, and through extensive testing, we have confirmed that this thickness is more than adequate for our purposes.
Why PVC?
PVC is increasingly becoming the preferred material for vivariums, replacing water-damaged wooden vivariums due to its superior properties. Unlike wood, PVC does not absorb water, making it waterproof and highly durable. Additionally, PVC is ultra-lightweight, being a foam material that provides insulation, helping reduce heating costs. It is also self-extinguishing, meaning it will not catch fire.
Standard Black and White
Our standard black and white materials are the more budget-friendly option. They have a soft-faced finish and are ultra-lightweight. This material is excellent for all builds, though larger builds may require additional hidden supports due to its lower density compared to our premium material.
– Finish: Soft-faced
– Weight: Ultra-lightweight
– Support: Requires hidden supports for larger builds
– Ideal For: Budget-friendly, smaller to medium-sized builds
Premium Black and White
Our premium material is our preferred choice and the one we use for housing our animals. It features a hard-faced semi-gloss finish for both black and white versions. This material is denser than the standard option, requiring less support, and only weighs an extra 1kg per 8×4 sheet.
–Finish: Hard-faced semi-gloss
– Weight: Slightly heavier than standard (1kg more per 8×4 sheet)
– Structure: Two thin layers of solid PVC with a foam core
– Aesthetic: The white is white on the outside and black on the inside, while the black is all black
– Ideal For: High-quality, durable builds, all sizes
Conclusion
While both materials offer excellent properties for vivarium construction, the choice between standard and premium materials depends on your specific needs and budget. The standard option is cost-effective and ideal for smaller builds, whereas the premium option offers superior durability and aesthetics, making it worth the extra investment.
