I have a friend who's asked me to build a large hut for their guinea pigs. I'm aware that plywood is off-limits due to the chemicals and glues used in it. My question is whether S4S pine lumber carries the same risks as plywood. Since I'm unable to make my own plywood, I'm looking for some advice on this.
3 Answers
S4S lumber typically doesn’t have glue, but it might be treated for fire resistance. It’s best to look for timber that hasn’t been treated. If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask at your lumber store for details.
S4S is fine for what you're trying to do, just make sure it's not pressure-treated (though it’s unlikely you'll find S4S as PT). Wood glue is safe for guinea pigs—just steer clear of tiny nails or staples that could be ingested. I use glue for my builds, and they turn out great!
As a guinea pig owner for 15 years, I’d advise against using pine, even if it's debated. It’s better to be safe than sorry! You might want to look for alternatives like poplar or maple instead.
Thanks for the tip! I definitely want to keep my pets safe. I'll check around for those options.
I appreciate the advice! I plan to use simple joinery with glue since there's not much out there for guinea pigs in my area. I bet your hedgehog huts are super cute!