Wood does more than decorate an enclosure. It's a climbing route, a basking spot, a hide and a place to mount plants. Different woods behave very differently in humid, bioactive conditions, so it pays to choose the right one for your build.
Quick comparison
| Wood | Best for | Mould resistance | In water | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cork bark | Hides, backgrounds, climbing, planting | Excellent | Floats | Very light |
| Spiderwood | Arboreal climbing, aquascapes | Good once aged | Floats until soaked | Light |
| Malaysian driftwood | Aquariums, paludariums | Fair to good | Sinks | Heavy |
| Mopani | Aquariums, basking spots | Good | Sinks | Very heavy |
| Grapewood | Climbing, mounting air plants | Fair (best in drier builds) | Floats | Light |
Cork bark: the best all-rounder
Cork bark is harvested from the outer bark of cork oak trees, which regrow it, so it's a renewable material. It's naturally resistant to rot and mould, extremely light and easy to cut, stack and silicone into place.
- Tubes make instant hides for geckos, snakes and tarantulas, and vertical climbing for arboreals.
- Flats and half rounds work as ledges, caves and plant mounts.
- Backgrounds cover glass walls, insulate cold sides and give plants something to root into.
Spiderwood: for climbers
Spiderwood is the root system of a rhododendron-type shrub, with a thin, twisting, branching shape. It's the go-to for crested geckos, chameleons and tree frogs. Red Mekong has fine branches, Amur comes in large statement pieces, and Yamuna has dramatic twists. Expect a short period of white fuzz in humid tanks; it clears as the wood ages and springtails get to work.
Malaysian driftwood and mopani: for water
Dense woods like Malaysian driftwood and mopani sink and last for years underwater. They release tannins that tint water amber, which many keepers like for blackwater fish, shrimp and paludarium water features. Soak new pieces for several days, changing the water, if you want less colour.
Grapewood: for drier builds and plant mounts
Sandblasted grapewood is light and full of natural holes that are perfect for air plants and moss. It's lovely in semi-arid and moderately humid setups but breaks down faster than cork in constantly wet conditions.
How to prepare new wood
- Rinse and scrub with hot water. No soap or bleach.
- Soak or boil smaller pieces to remove dust and reduce tannins.
- Let it dry, then position and anchor it before adding soil so heavy pieces can't shift onto animals.
Can I use wood from outside?
Many Canadian keepers try branches from the yard. Hardwoods like oak and maple can work, but outdoor wood can carry pests, mould spores, pesticides and road salt, and resinous woods like pine and cedar should be avoided. If you collect your own, choose dead, dry hardwood away from roads, scrub it and bake it at low heat. For hides and anything in humid builds, cork is the safest choice.
FAQ
Which wood is safest for reptiles?
Cork bark, spiderwood, mopani, Malaysian driftwood and grapewood are all widely used and safe when cleaned. Avoid aromatic softwoods such as cedar and pine.
Why does my new wood have white fuzz on it?
That's a harmless mould that feeds on fresh wood. It usually disappears within a few weeks. Read our mould guide for more.
Shop cork bark and spiderwood & driftwood, shipped from Ontario and priced in CAD.