Aviary lining

[Finchman18]

Hi guys i am constructing a new aviary, and i would really appreciate any opinions on what to line it with my current thoughts are fibro, core-flute or laminated plywood, what would be the best out of these? i realize this question is probably dependent on funds and what I'm willing to spend.

Would laminated plywood be suitable, or would it harbor mites?

Thanks in advanced.

[Budgie_Smugglers]

Im building my first aviary atm, joining an extension to an existing metal hexagonal aviary. I've also been looking for the best, easiest and cost effective way to build. I haven't decided yet.
Some good options so far... cement sheet for cladding. Bunnings have brand new colourbond sheets (green/charcoal/cream) for $13 !!! Coolroom panels (sheetmetal sandwhiched with polystyrene), some affordable panels on Gumtree ! I sourced some cheap polystyrene locally to use between whatever panels i decide to use. Also pine lining-boards can be sourced cheap from demolition yards.
Search building materials on Gumtree, loads of left over materials.
I've been told not to go over board. A lot of people just screw some chipboard or ply on the inside of their tin aviaries and thats it. It just helps the tin from getting red hot, and the birds getting hot up against it ! I bought some 12mm white melamine/laminex sheets for $10 which will show the birds up nice, and should be easy to clean !
And yes, i might use Twin wall Polycarbonate Core Flute for roof and one side to let more light in ! Greenhouse companies use it instead of glass. It is still very expensive ( iv been quoted $169 a meter...pfff). I found some for about $35- $40 a sheet ! I have even seen "Double" and "Triple" thickness core flute !
Another option is Dakron polyester insulation as an alternative to polystyrene (bout $30 for a massive bag) !

[mickw]

Coolroom panels would be the go if you get hold of enough.....build the whole shelter out of them, almost no need for a frame.

I used cement sheet (fibro).......l.....only draw back is it can be a bit tricky to do it on your own......they're a bit heavy & cumbersome, especially when you're fitting them into the plastic joining strips.....but once they're in, works great, paintable, cleanable, no gaps, and insulates quite well..........do you have a timber frame?........I havent fixed fibro to steel.....could be fiddly.

Corflute is great, I've used some on my ceiling in my suspendeds.........so easy, but expensive....unless of course you have access to a heap at the right price

You could even try a roll of the insulation they use on sheds......some of them look like industrial strength bubble wrap.

Now I've got my own creative juices flowing......have to jump on to Gumtree & see whats around

[Tiaris]

I have fibro fixed to metal RHS frame & its easily done with small flat-head tech screws. To make fixing sheets on ceiling easier, I made up a couple of large T-shaped props which jam up under the sheet to hold each end whilst you screw it into place.

[Finchman18]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys, yeah my frame is made from 25mm rhs, the outer walls are sheet metal, i think I'm going to go with fibro.
The aviary is 4 bays.
I bought the aviary second hand so now that majority of the work is done, frame painted with gloss black, cleaned etc, i have the bastard of a job of getting the heavy frame onto the slab, will upload some pictures when i get a bit closer to completion.

[Woody]

I used 16mm chipboard/melamine cover-sheets from the cabinet making factories in my area.
Every pack of sheets comes with a blemished sheet on the top and bottom.
Some give them away, the most ever paid is $5 for a 2400 x 1200 sheet.

[E Orix]

Over the years I have used cane-ite, AC sheet and Marine Ply but in my opinion the best are the Core Flute sheets.
They are the coolest to touch when fixed to a metal wall and also far less cold in the winter.
If you are lucky your local Real Estate Agent may have old unwanted for sale signs, these are fine and there normal size
1100mm x 900mm. If possible fit them as 900 wide x 1100 high(for walls). By doing this the core holes will run up and down which will keep them even cooler in the summer

[Diane]

By doing this the core holes will run up and down which will keep them even cooler in the summer

That's a good tip, never crossed my mind about the way the tubes run, my main aim would have been the best way they fit on the wall or roof.

[Finchman18]

Over the years I have used cane-ite, AC sheet and Marine Ply but in my opinion the best are the Core Flute sheets.
They are the coolest to touch when fixed to a metal wall and also far less cold in the winter.
If you are lucky your local Real Estate Agent may have old unwanted for sale signs, these are fine and there normal size
1100mm x 900mm. If possible fit them as 900 wide x 1100 high(for walls). By doing this the core holes will run up and down which will keep them even cooler in the summer

Is core-flute easy to cut to size?

[vettepilot_6]

cut it with a stanley knife....