Raised Platform Turtle Treehouse
This platform design is great for large turtle, including full-grown chonky ones! The platform support and legs are made using 1/2-inch PVC piping which gives it a ton of strength and durability. On top of the supports is a platform of egg-crate louver which is a commonly used material in ponds and aquariums for custom decor and support structures. This is the platform I recommend for anyone with a fully-grown adult turtle.
There are links below to the materials I use for the platform, feel free to build one yourself! I want every turtle to have a nice place to bask to keep them healthy and happy, and help keep their turtle parents happy too!
Materials
Some of the links for the materials are Amazon links, but other materials aren’t available (or at reasonable prices) online so I definitely recommend checking your local hardware store for those.
1/2-inch PVC pipe
These typically come in 10-foot pieces and you generally only need one to build a platform. Here are links to some US based hardware stores: Home Depot, Lowes, Menards
If you want to remove the printed information from your PVC pipes you should use acetone. The main ingredient in Nail Polish Remover is acetone, and it’s the perfect solvent to use for removing the printed text. It actually works by dissolving the top layer of the pipe (and the ink that’s on it). Be sure to use a rag you can throw out or paper towels and follow any safety instructions on the bottle.
3-way PVC fitting x4
These fittings will be what you use to connect the legs to the main base support of the platform. You’ll need 4 of them, one for each corner/leg. Home Depot, Lowes, Menards
1/2-inch PVC Endcap x4
You’ll need four of these, one for the bottom of each leg. Home Depot, Lowes, Menards
Egg Crate Louver
This is the material used for the main platform and the ramp. It cuts easily using wire cutters. It typically comes in 2-foot x 4-foot sheets which is more than enough for a platform and ramp. Home Depot, Lowes, Menards
I use these exact wire cutters and they are awesome. I like the ‘flush cut’ type because it allows your to cut and leave a smooth finish instead of having a small piece leftover.
You’ll use these to attach the egg crate to the PVC frame and to attach the ramp to the main platform. You’ll want to use 8-inch or longer as shorter ties are also thinner and not as strong.