Wooden platform ideas

[Hamtastic]

I've built more wooden platforms recently and thought I'd share them with you for some design ideas.

Here is Isabel's current set up with DIY platforms on both sides:

http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff446/stereotypical11/Habitat%20platforms/P1030016.jpg?t=1333492524

For reference, the aquarium is 36" long (91cm) and 13" tall. The wheel is 9".

The left set of platforms has a digging box area (far left) as a part of the complex. The right platform is a simple rounded platform that was pretty easy to make out of an unfinished wood corner shelf from Home Depot.

Decorated wood molding is from Home Depot--I just cut it to size.

Originally, the platforms were supposed to be in 2 levels, with a ramp going from the second level to the digging box:

http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff446/stereotypical11/Habitat%20platforms/P1030001.jpg?t=1333492173

But I decided not to use the top small platform and instead just use the bottom + digging "box"

http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff446/stereotypical11/Habitat%20platforms/P1030003.jpg?t=1333492338

http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff446/stereotypical11/Habitat%20platforms/P1030010.jpg?t=1333492499

http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff446/stereotypical11/Habitat%20platforms/P1030008.jpg?t=1333492441
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These are the platforms in Maxwell's home:

The left one is the same as the right rounded platform I have for Isabel, except I added dowel pins as a border to keep bedding put

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7280/6896912598_7869b60d57_z.jpg

The right platform is made of plywood. I connected the two platforms with OVO tubing, though they can also be connected with a long bridge that has railing.

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This is my robo's set up (8" wheel):

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7209/7019626861_ee1dcac114_c.jpg

The platform to the right is simply a wooden box for knives and forks and such that I lined with contact paper and attached legs to. The far left small platform is made of a wooden IKEA cutlery holder standing on its side with a piece from Karlie Wonderland Treehouse attached on the right, and a platform made of plywood attached on top of the whole structure.

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One of Lucy's old set ups, but the platform is a constant

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7023/6414887075_85f724efc2_z.jpg

(I've since shortened the legs, as seen above)
http://www.hamstercentral.com/community/attachments/diy-do-yourself-hamster-projects/3799d1304232930-simple-shelf-idea-bin-style-cage-shelf-lucy-front.jpg

[Keflan]

I am jealous of your homes! Looks great. Sometimes I wish I was a hamster, you'd have a load of fun in some of the houses that you see on this forum. Seems so entertaining.

Loving the platforms on the first set of pictures. I need to make some platforms for my bin cage.

[Cupcake]

Your DYI skill is...wow. That's all I gotta say! I wish I was that skilled :)
Great setups and gorgeous platforms/ramps! I really need to get into DYI!

[gutterglitterxx]

You've got skills, girl! They all look great and are made so well.

[hammy_luver]

Fabulous!!! You should give classes, make some extra cash. I was gonna buy that kidney shaped dish just yesterday but then decided against it, cause I have no room left to put it, lol.

[sully]

Really good!!!

[Kissa]

Wow, they look awesome! So jealous of your skills :D

[StarlightSerenity]

These are fantastic - I love all your cages, you must have some very, very happy hamsters :D

What tools do you use to make them? I'd love to do some myself one day but I have to admit I don't know where I would start. Maybe you could do some tutorials? Pretty please :D

[samzyzg]

They look amazing.. and i'd definitely like to hear a bit more of how you started, materials... kind of like step by step instructions xD since i would like to include some platforms into my current cages.

[MommaHammie]

They are all so nice. Almost everything is made of wood!
I just bought the same corner house that you've got on the last pic. Waiting for its arrival lol

[Hamtastic]

Thanks, all. I actually just use a hand saw, nontoxic wood glue, sandpaper, skinny nails and a hammer, and very occasinally strong drywall screws. I'll see about tutorials.

[racinghamster]

Your layouts and accessories are so lovely Hamtastic. :) It makes such a difference to the hamster(s) to have some upper levels that are just raised high enough to be comfortable without being too high. I do the same with my hamsters cages and they do love a little shelving and solid ramps/log bridges. These make it easier and safer for them to clamber up and down. I tend to use my drill, small screws and pin nails to add legs or blocks for the legs underneath. My little robo really loves his under shelf dark spaces. he never had these in the six months previous to coming to live with me and he`s loving them.

I like those little corner jervik (?) wooden houses too because they are bottomless and act as a level on their own as they can be cornered inside a cage to save space. :)

[Hamtastic]

The darker smaller corner house is Trixie Jesper, and the larger one with round windows is from a S.A.M. Lumberjacks series. I do love those and have one of each, but 3 of my 7 hams don't have any houses and instead sleep in deep areas of bedding under platforms (their preference). Dora sleeps in deep bedding under a slanted half-log, and Lucy does the same. Max has the Jesper house but usually sleeps under the platform it stands on or in a little OVO pod. I've noticed some hams like to rotate their sleeping areas like this periodically, so I make sure they can find a cozy spot in multiple areas.

[Lynternette]

They're fantastic! Very practical and stylish at the same time. :)

[MommaHammie]

Thanks, all. I actually just use a hand saw, nontoxic wood glue, sandpaper, skinny nails and a hammer, and very occasinally strong drywall screws. I'll see about tutorials.

One word, excited! If you ever do make some tutorials, I'm soooo in there >_<

[Noa]

I could stare at these pictures all day! @A@

[Hammymad]

Wow,they are amazing!! Putting the puzzle playgrounds together is as far as my DIY skills go I'm afraid lol ;) xx

[Lynternette]

Amazing ! I have a couple of dolls houses, both brand new. I wonder if I could do anything with them. I'm in splints at the minute so it could be a while.

[sully]

Amazing ! I have a couple of dolls houses, both brand new. I wonder if I could do anything with them. I'm in splints at the minute so it could be a while.

That sounds very interesting!

[kiania]

Now you have me mulling about corner shelves and doweling. I gave up on wood for my shelves as I was worried about what type of wood to get (and couldn't get a definitive answer anywhere), as well as wee. The doweling would 'solve' the wee (using bedding).

I am inspired :) Thank you :)

[AliKati]

I love the natural look that you've achieved. You're really good at DIY! Lucky hams!