how thick does the ply wood have to be? is 1/4 inch ok?

[batmanjosh5000]

because the thinner it is the cheaper it is and then i can get really nice looking wood

 

[Tannaros]

because the thinner it is the cheaper it is and then i can get really nice looking wood

Are you meaning to make a cage from?

If so you'll find 1/4" to be incredibly flimsy as compared to 3/4". Most of the time you'll end up running your screws straight through the wood, or the wood just won't hold it well overall. The vertical and horizontal load berring capacity just isn't there.

Just spend the extra money to get 3/4". If you're really looking to save cash you can make the top of 1/4", though plan on running a cross beam to support it. Don't worry about the outward look of the wood, go for wood that doesn't have any voids.

 

[Josh]

I second what Tannaros said. If you can afford it, definitely opt for the 3/4"
You can get away with 1/4" for stuff other than the floor but it probably is going to be more difficult to work with and really not the best choice for the job. Sometimes you can find free scrap wood on Craigslist...

 

[Tannaros]

Sometimes you can find free scrap wood on Craigslist...

That's actually very good advice. Craigslist in my area very frequently has dimensional lumber, either left overs from some project or cuts off of a lumber order you can get for free or very cheaply.

You could always do a 1/4" frame (except the bottom) and reinforce the joints with dimensional lumber. You could also create the bottom out of 2x4 or 2x2s by setting them through a planer or jointer.

 

[TegusRawsome80]

Use 3/4 inch Oak. Cage will be much more sturdy and you won't have to put in a ton of supports for it to be functional.

 

[batmanjosh5000]

awsome! thanks for the advice im gonna try craigslist, and if not ill just spend more money

 

[batmanjosh5000]

what do you guysthink about pin sheathing plywood?