Are you a proud owner of a snake, lizard, turtle, or bearded dragon? Or maybe looking to get your first reptile pet? Either way, giving them a great enclosure will make them feel safe and welcome in your home. If you’re the crafty type, you’ll be interested to know that there are plenty of options for DIY reptile enclosures that you can build today! So, when you’re ready to learn how to build a reptile enclosure for your scaly friend, take a look through our list of the 9 best DIY plans for reptiles of every species.

The 9 DIY Reptile Enclosure Plans Are:

  1. Upcycled Bookshelf DIY Reptile Enclosure from Instructables

Check Instructions HereWe love any DIY plan that can take disused furniture and make it into something great. If you have an extra bookcase that’s not storing your novels any longer, why not turn it into an awesome reptile enclosure with these plans from Instructables? It’ll take a little bit of DIY know-how to finish, but is well worth the time and effort.

Materials

Old bookcase Wood filler Deck screws White contact paper Silicone caulk Fence post topper and 2x4s for legs (optional) Construction adhesive Trim nails Crown molding (optional) Acrylic sheeting or sign holders and 1x2s for doors ½” C-channel for sliding doors 1” PVC pipe and window screen for vents

Tools

Tape measure Drill and drill bits Jigsaw T-square Sander Scissors Hammer Clamps Hot glue

  1. Upcycled Windows DIY Reptile Enclosure Plans from Animals at Home

Check Instructions HereAnimals at Home has provided these unique plans to turn old windows into a custom enclosure for your reptile friend. They’re quite tricky to build, but the video found with the plans will clear up any questions you might have along the way. Materials

(8) 36” x 21” windows Mineral oil Painters tape GE Silicone I Black indoor/outdoor latex paint Oak trim (1) 1” x 3” and (3) 1” x 2” Polyurethane stain Acrylic sheet for door (2) 3” door hinges (6) bolts & acorn nuts and (6) wood screws for hinges No More Nails Cam locks Headlight buff kit for cleaning acrylic (optional) Storm door panel clips

Tools

Glass cutter Paintbrush or roller Sandpaper or fine steel wool Drill and drill bits Jigsaw Pencil Tape measure

  1. Simple DIY Reptile Enclosure Plans from Aussie Pythons

Check Instructions hereThe reptile-lovers from down under at Aussie Pythons were kind enough to share these clear and concise instructions for a custom-built DIY snake enclosure. You’ll need a fair number of tools to get it done, and an electric saw such as a jigsaw makes it much quicker and easier. With directions to install your own wiring, it’s truly an all-in-one DIY plan. Materials

2400 x 1200 x 16 mm melamine sheet Off-cut of melamine or a piece of pine 1200 x 70 x 19 1200 long glass track Vent White iron on edging White screw caps White sikaflex Buildex chipboard screws, 8-10 g x 32 mm PVA glue Small nails – 20 mm x 1.25 mm

Tools

Example Electric or cordless drill Jigsaw Hacksaw Handsaw Drill bits Screwdriver bit for cordless Ruler Tape measure Pencil Paper Work horses or bench Iron File

  1. Wooden DIY Reptile Enclosure Plans from Reptile Range

Check Instructions HereWe love the simplicity of these DIY plans from Reptile Range. Anyone with basic tools and a desire to learn should be able to make this after a trip to the hardware store for supplies. Materials

(2) wood sheets 900 mm x 450 mm x 10 mm (1) wood sheet 900 mm x 470 mm x 10 mm (2) wood sheets 450 mm x 450 mm (2) Perspex sheets 450 mm x 445 mm x 5 mm (2) glass runners 88 mm long and about 10 mm high Wood screws Silicone adhesive

Tools

Drill Tape measure Pencil Saw

  1. Entertainment Center DIY Reptile Enclosure Plans from Instructables

Check Instructions HereAnother awesome option for upcycling old furniture, this reptile enclosure from Instructables is made out of an old entertainment center! Since most of the construction has already been done for you, it’s a great project for people short on time who are willing to follow directions closely. Plus, it’s one of the largest DIY reptile enclosures you can build. Materials

5 shelf wooden bookcase Acrylic sheet at least 29” x 48” (16) corner braces (2) flat braces (4) butt hinges Weather stripping LED strip kit Saran wrap Styrofoam sheets Coco fiber

Tools

Drill and bits Silicone Hot glue Polyurethane finish

  1. Custom DIY Reptile Enclosure Plans from Instructables

Check Instructions HereIf you have access to the tools of a woodworking shop, these DIY plans from Instructables make for a sturdy and easily customized enclosure. Equally suitable for snakes, turtles, or lizards, it’s a fairly advanced project that requires considerable time and effort. Materials

Wood screws 1 ½” Screws ¾” and 1″ Pine wood 1″ x 2″ and 1″ x 3″ 2″ x 2″ wood Plexiglass .093″ thickness Plywood about ¼” Screen clips 1″ hinges 1½” bolt latch Mesh screen (screen door screen, optional) White pegboard Stain Mold resistant paint

Tools

Table saw or circular saw Drill and bits Jigsaw with wood and plexiglass cutting blades Hot glue gun Staple gun Sander Clamps L square

  1. Acrylic Terrarium DIY Reptile Enclosure Plans from Instructables

Check Instructions HereSmall reptiles don’t get as much love in most DIY plans, but this tiny acrylic enclosure from Instructables more than makes up for a lack of options. For how impressive it looks, it actually requires very little in the way of tools or skills – just a willingness to learn new things as you work with acrylic. Materials

Lock or screen clip Hinges (3) pieces acrylic 6” x 10” (2) pieces acrylic 6” x 6½” (1) piece acrylic 6” x 3½” (1) piece acrylic 6” x 1½” (1) piece acrylic 6” x 5”

Tools

Router table (if cutting acrylic yourself) Corner clamp Measuring tape Rivet gun X-acto knife Electrical tape Applicator bottle Torch Weld-On 3 Sanding block Marker ½” spade bit Step drill bit Clamps Funnel Drill Carpenters square

  1. Bookcase DIY Reptile Enclosure Plans from Instructables

Check Instructions HereYou can turn any thrift store bookcase find into a fully outfitted reptile enclosure with these plans from Instructables. Since most of the wood construction is already done for you, all you’ll need to do is install the windows, decorations, and heat lamps to make it a complete home for your lizards or snakes. Materials

Bookcase (5 shelves) Window screen material Caulk Branches Sand (safe/appropriate for animal) Heat lamps and other lizard supplies Hook and eye closures Hinges Screws Nails Paint (for decoration, if desired)

Tools

Drill and bits Jigsaw Staple gun and staples Hammer Paintbrushes (optional)

Looking for food that won’t escape the enclosure? Try: 9 Best Worms for Bearded Dragons 

  1. Bearded Dragon DIY Reptile Enclosure Plans from Instructables

Check Instructions HereSpecially designed to house a bearded dragon, this enclosure from Instructables has simple materials but requires quite a few power tools. If you’re willing to put in the effort to make it though, you’ll be rewarded with an all-in-one home for your bearded dragon that’s durable and customizable. Materials

(1) sheet ½” Baltic birch ply-wood ¾” x 1″ x 8′ poplar (2) ⅛” – ¼” thick Plexiglass sheets measuring 15½” x 17″ ¼” hole Poultry fabric for the top 1¼” screws

Tools

Cordless drill Cordless screw gun Table saw Crosscut sled Wire cutters Sander

Final Thoughts Caring for reptiles requires specialized habitats, and these can often be quite expensive to buy from the store. With these DIY enclosure plans, we hope that you’ve been inspired to learn how to build a reptile enclosure for your reptile that will keep them happy and healthy for years to come.  

For more DIY projects check out these posts:

8 DIY Hamster Cages You Can Build Today 10 DIY Hamster Bin Cages You Can Build Today 5 DIY Chinchilla Cage Plans You Can Build Today 12 Guinea Pig Cage Plans You Can DIY Today

Featured Image Credit: PIRO4D, Pixabay

Are you a proud owner of a snake, lizard, turtle, or bearded dragon? Or maybe looking to get your first reptile pet? Either way, giving them a great enclosure will make them feel safe and welcome in your home.

If you’re the crafty type, you’ll be interested to know that there are plenty of options for DIY reptile enclosures that you can build today! So, when you’re ready to learn how to build a reptile enclosure for your scaly friend, take a look through our list of the 9 best DIY plans for reptiles of every species.

The 9 DIY Reptile Enclosure Plans Are:

  1. Upcycled Bookshelf DIY Reptile Enclosure from Instructables

Check Instructions HereWe love any DIY plan that can take disused furniture and make it into something great. If you have an extra bookcase that’s not storing your novels any longer, why not turn it into an awesome reptile enclosure with these plans from Instructables? It’ll take a little bit of DIY know-how to finish, but is well worth the time and effort.

Check Instructions Here

We love any DIY plan that can take disused furniture and make it into something great. If you have an extra bookcase that’s not storing your novels any longer, why not turn it into an awesome reptile enclosure with these plans from Instructables? It’ll take a little bit of DIY know-how to finish, but is well worth the time and effort.

  • Old bookcase

  • Wood filler

  • Deck screws

  • White contact paper

  • Silicone caulk

  • Fence post topper and 2x4s for legs (optional)

  • Construction adhesive

  • Trim nails

  • Crown molding (optional)

  • Acrylic sheeting or sign holders and 1x2s for doors

  • ½” C-channel for sliding doors

  • 1” PVC pipe and window screen for vents

  • Tape measure

  • Drill and drill bits

  • Jigsaw

  • T-square

  • Sander

  • Scissors

  • Hammer

  • Clamps

  • Hot glue

  1. Upcycled Windows DIY Reptile Enclosure Plans from Animals at Home

Check Instructions HereAnimals at Home has provided these unique plans to turn old windows into a custom enclosure for your reptile friend. They’re quite tricky to build, but the video found with the plans will clear up any questions you might have along the way.

Animals at Home has provided these unique plans to turn old windows into a custom enclosure for your reptile friend. They’re quite tricky to build, but the video found with the plans will clear up any questions you might have along the way.

  • (8) 36” x 21” windows

  • Mineral oil

  • Painters tape

  • GE Silicone I

  • Black indoor/outdoor latex paint

  • Oak trim (1) 1” x 3” and (3) 1” x 2”

  • Polyurethane stain

  • Acrylic sheet for door

  • (2) 3” door hinges

  • (6) bolts & acorn nuts and (6) wood screws for hinges

  • No More Nails

  • Cam locks

  • Headlight buff kit for cleaning acrylic (optional)

  • Storm door panel clips

  • Glass cutter

  • Paintbrush or roller

  • Sandpaper or fine steel wool

  • Drill and drill bits

  • Jigsaw

  • Pencil

  • Tape measure

  1. Simple DIY Reptile Enclosure Plans from Aussie Pythons

Check Instructions hereThe reptile-lovers from down under at Aussie Pythons were kind enough to share these clear and concise instructions for a custom-built DIY snake enclosure. You’ll need a fair number of tools to get it done, and an electric saw such as a jigsaw makes it much quicker and easier. With directions to install your own wiring, it’s truly an all-in-one DIY plan.

Check Instructions here

The reptile-lovers from down under at Aussie Pythons were kind enough to share these clear and concise instructions for a custom-built DIY snake enclosure. You’ll need a fair number of tools to get it done, and an electric saw such as a jigsaw makes it much quicker and easier. With directions to install your own wiring, it’s truly an all-in-one DIY plan.

  • 2400 x 1200 x 16 mm melamine sheet

  • Off-cut of melamine or a piece of pine 1200 x 70 x 19

  • 1200 long glass track

  • Vent

  • White iron on edging

  • White screw caps

  • White sikaflex

  • Buildex chipboard screws, 8-10 g x 32 mm

  • PVA glue

  • Small nails – 20 mm x 1.25 mm

  • Example

  • Electric or cordless drill

  • Jigsaw

  • Hacksaw

  • Handsaw

  • Drill bits

  • Screwdriver bit for cordless

  • Ruler

  • Tape measure

  • Pencil

  • Paper

  • Work horses or bench

  • Iron

  • File

  1. Wooden DIY Reptile Enclosure Plans from Reptile Range

Check Instructions HereWe love the simplicity of these DIY plans from Reptile Range. Anyone with basic tools and a desire to learn should be able to make this after a trip to the hardware store for supplies.

We love the simplicity of these DIY plans from Reptile Range. Anyone with basic tools and a desire to learn should be able to make this after a trip to the hardware store for supplies.

  • (2) wood sheets 900 mm x 450 mm x 10 mm

  • (1) wood sheet 900 mm x 470 mm x 10 mm

  • (2) wood sheets 450 mm x 450 mm

  • (2) Perspex sheets 450 mm x 445 mm x 5 mm

  • (2) glass runners 88 mm long and about 10 mm high

  • Wood screws

  • Silicone adhesive

  • Drill

  • Tape measure

  • Pencil

  • Saw

  1. Entertainment Center DIY Reptile Enclosure Plans from Instructables

Check Instructions HereAnother awesome option for upcycling old furniture, this reptile enclosure from Instructables is made out of an old entertainment center! Since most of the construction has already been done for you, it’s a great project for people short on time who are willing to follow directions closely. Plus, it’s one of the largest DIY reptile enclosures you can build.

Another awesome option for upcycling old furniture, this reptile enclosure from Instructables is made out of an old entertainment center! Since most of the construction has already been done for you, it’s a great project for people short on time who are willing to follow directions closely. Plus, it’s one of the largest DIY reptile enclosures you can build.

  • 5 shelf wooden bookcase

  • Acrylic sheet at least 29” x 48”

  • (16) corner braces

  • (2) flat braces

  • (4) butt hinges

  • Weather stripping

  • LED strip kit

  • Saran wrap

  • Styrofoam sheets

  • Coco fiber

  • Drill and bits

  • Silicone

  • Hot glue

  • Polyurethane finish

  1. Custom DIY Reptile Enclosure Plans from Instructables

Check Instructions HereIf you have access to the tools of a woodworking shop, these DIY plans from Instructables make for a sturdy and easily customized enclosure. Equally suitable for snakes, turtles, or lizards, it’s a fairly advanced project that requires considerable time and effort.

If you have access to the tools of a woodworking shop, these DIY plans from Instructables make for a sturdy and easily customized enclosure. Equally suitable for snakes, turtles, or lizards, it’s a fairly advanced project that requires considerable time and effort.

  • Wood screws 1 ½”

  • Screws ¾” and 1″

  • Pine wood 1″ x 2″ and 1″ x 3″

  • 2″ x 2″ wood

  • Plexiglass .093″ thickness

  • Plywood about ¼”

  • Screen clips

  • 1″ hinges

  • 1½” bolt latch

  • Mesh screen (screen door screen, optional)

  • White pegboard

  • Stain

  • Mold resistant paint

  • Table saw or circular saw

  • Drill and bits

  • Jigsaw with wood and plexiglass cutting blades

  • Hot glue gun

  • Staple gun

  • Sander

  • Clamps

  • L square

  1. Acrylic Terrarium DIY Reptile Enclosure Plans from Instructables

Check Instructions HereSmall reptiles don’t get as much love in most DIY plans, but this tiny acrylic enclosure from Instructables more than makes up for a lack of options. For how impressive it looks, it actually requires very little in the way of tools or skills – just a willingness to learn new things as you work with acrylic.

Small reptiles don’t get as much love in most DIY plans, but this tiny acrylic enclosure from Instructables more than makes up for a lack of options. For how impressive it looks, it actually requires very little in the way of tools or skills – just a willingness to learn new things as you work with acrylic.

  • Lock or screen clip

  • Hinges

  • (3) pieces acrylic 6” x 10”

  • (2) pieces acrylic 6” x 6½”

  • (1) piece acrylic 6” x 3½”

  • (1) piece acrylic 6” x 1½”

  • (1) piece acrylic 6” x 5”

  • Router table (if cutting acrylic yourself)

  • Corner clamp

  • Measuring tape

  • Rivet gun

  • X-acto knife

  • Electrical tape

  • Applicator bottle

  • Torch

  • Weld-On 3

  • Sanding block

  • Marker

  • ½” spade bit

  • Step drill bit

  • Clamps

  • Funnel

  • Drill

  • Carpenters square

  1. Bookcase DIY Reptile Enclosure Plans from Instructables

Check Instructions HereYou can turn any thrift store bookcase find into a fully outfitted reptile enclosure with these plans from Instructables. Since most of the wood construction is already done for you, all you’ll need to do is install the windows, decorations, and heat lamps to make it a complete home for your lizards or snakes.

You can turn any thrift store bookcase find into a fully outfitted reptile enclosure with these plans from Instructables. Since most of the wood construction is already done for you, all you’ll need to do is install the windows, decorations, and heat lamps to make it a complete home for your lizards or snakes.

  • Bookcase (5 shelves)

  • Window screen material

  • Caulk

  • Branches

  • Sand (safe/appropriate for animal)

  • Heat lamps and other lizard supplies

  • Hook and eye closures

  • Hinges

  • Screws

  • Nails

  • Paint (for decoration, if desired)

  • Drill and bits

  • Jigsaw

  • Staple gun and staples

  • Hammer

  • Paintbrushes (optional)

  • Looking for food that won’t escape the enclosure? Try: 9 Best Worms for Bearded Dragons

  1. Bearded Dragon DIY Reptile Enclosure Plans from Instructables

Check Instructions HereSpecially designed to house a bearded dragon, this enclosure from Instructables has simple materials but requires quite a few power tools. If you’re willing to put in the effort to make it though, you’ll be rewarded with an all-in-one home for your bearded dragon that’s durable and customizable.

Specially designed to house a bearded dragon, this enclosure from Instructables has simple materials but requires quite a few power tools. If you’re willing to put in the effort to make it though, you’ll be rewarded with an all-in-one home for your bearded dragon that’s durable and customizable.

  • (1) sheet ½” Baltic birch ply-wood

  • ¾” x 1″ x 8′ poplar

  • (2) ⅛” – ¼” thick Plexiglass sheets measuring 15½” x 17″

  • ¼” hole Poultry fabric for the top

  • 1¼” screws

  • Cordless drill

  • Cordless screw gun

  • Table saw

  • Crosscut sled

  • Wire cutters

  • Sander

Final Thoughts

Caring for reptiles requires specialized habitats, and these can often be quite expensive to buy from the store. With these DIY enclosure plans, we hope that you’ve been inspired to learn how to build a reptile enclosure for your reptile that will keep them happy and healthy for years to come.

 

For more DIY projects check out these posts:

  • 8 DIY Hamster Cages You Can Build Today
  • 10 DIY Hamster Bin Cages You Can Build Today
  • 5 DIY Chinchilla Cage Plans You Can Build Today
  • 12 Guinea Pig Cage Plans You Can DIY Today

Featured Image Credit: PIRO4D, Pixabay