With careful planning it is possible to build the lid in a box shape , with the heating and lighting apparatus being concealed inside . The apparatus is separated from the inmates by mesh . In other cases , heating and lighting apparatus can be simply suspended over the mesh lid . The Wooden Terrarium Glass-fronted wooden terraria are easy to construct and can be made to look most attractive . They are , however , only suitable for those species that require low to medium humidity , as the wood will otherwise be prone to rot from the dampness .
Wooden terraria can be free-standing or constructed to fit into an alcove in the house .
Glass access and viewing panels can be framed or unframed , sliding or hinged . During construction , one should ensure that there are no gaps left through which the snakes could escape . The simplest freestanding wooden terrarium is virtually a box with a glass viewing panel in the front . Hardboard or chipboard may also be used , but as these materials are more prone to damp they must be given coatings of primer , undercoat , and a couple of topcoats of good , non-toxic gloss paint . Plywood should be given at least two coats of clear exterior marine varnish .