Build a cage without chemically treated wood in Hong Kong

We would like to build a cage for our two chinchillas and are wondering where we could buy timber that hasn't been chemically treated. Also, who could cut the wood to our specifications and where can we buy the necessary hinges and so on?

Hop Sze Timber, 425 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai (tel: 2833 6069), sells a selection of timber for indoor and outdoor use that hasn't been chemically treated. You can choose from pine, maple, oak or a mixed light hardwood, all available in a variety of sizes. Bear in mind, however, that untreated timber will need to be painted if you want the wood to retain its appearance and to prevent warping from exposure to the elements.

You can apply this safely with an environmentally friendly, weather-proof and UV-repellent wood stain. The German brand Osmo makes a range that is derived from plants and is safe for animals and children (HK$240 per 500ml can from Hop Sze Timber).

Depending on the complexity of your design, Hop Sze Timber should be able to cut the wood for you. If not, the English-speaking staff could direct you to a wood shop nearby that will do so for a small fee. If the wood requires precise cutting, it might be better to approach a carpenter, who would also be able to assemble the cages for you. Ask around for recommendations or look in local expat forums and directories.

For a good range of hardware at reasonable prices, try Wing Lee Hardware.

What Untreated Wood Is Available in Hong Kong?

Finding genuinely untreated timber in Hong Kong takes a bit of legwork, but it is out there. The key is knowing which species naturally resist rot and insects without needing chemical treatment -- and that matters enormously when you are building something an animal will live in and chew on.

Here are the best untreated options I recommend for pet enclosures in Hong Kong:

• Camphor wood (樟木) -- Naturally insect-repellent and rot-resistant. Available from timber merchants in Wan Chai. Expect to pay around HK$80-120 per board foot depending on thickness. It has a pleasant smell that most animals tolerate well.
• Teak -- The gold standard for durability in humid climates. Teak contains natural oils that repel moisture and insects. It is more expensive at HK$150-250 per board foot, but it will last for years without any treatment at all.
• Untreated pine -- The most affordable option at around HK$40-60 per board foot. Pine is soft and easy to work with, but it will need a protective finish in Hong Kong's climate or it will warp within months.
• Oak -- A solid middle-ground hardwood. Dense enough to resist moisture reasonably well. Around HK$100-150 per board foot from Hop Sze Timber.

If you are building for chinchillas or rabbits, avoid any wood from fruit trees that may have been sprayed with pesticides. Stick to the suppliers I have mentioned above -- they can confirm the wood's origin and treatment history. For more on choosing the right timber for outdoor projects, have a look at my guide on choosing wood for a gazebo, which covers many of the same hardwood options.

How Do You Protect Untreated Wood from Hong Kong's Humidity?

This is the big question. Hong Kong's humidity regularly sits above 80% for months on end during the wet season, and untreated wood will absorb that moisture like a sponge. Left unprotected, you will see warping, mould growth, and eventual rot -- sometimes within a single summer.

For a pet cage, your finish options are limited to products that are non-toxic once cured. Here is what I recommend:

• Raw linseed oil -- Not boiled linseed oil, which contains chemical drying agents. Raw linseed oil soaks into the grain and provides a decent moisture barrier. Apply two to three coats, allowing 48 hours drying time between each coat. Around HK$80-100 per litre from hardware shops along Hollywood Road.
• Osmo wood wax finish -- This is my go-to recommendation. It is plant-derived, hardens to a durable finish, and is certified safe for children and animals once dry. At HK$240 for a 500ml can from Hop Sze Timber, it is not cheap, but a little goes a long way.
• Beeswax polish -- Good for indoor cages only. It gives a lovely finish but offers minimal protection against serious humidity. Around HK$60-80 per tin.

Whichever finish you choose, apply it in a well-ventilated area and allow a full week of curing time before introducing your pets to the cage. Even plant-based finishes can off-gas slightly when fresh.

If the cage will sit on a balcony or near a window where it catches direct sun, you will also want to consider UV protection. The Osmo range includes a UV-repellent variant that prevents the wood from greying. I have seen untreated pine go from golden to dull grey in as little as three months on a south-facing Hong Kong balcony. For tips on dealing with sun damage after the fact, see my article on repairing sun-damaged wood.

When Should You Call a Professional?

If your cage design is straightforward -- a simple rectangular frame with mesh panels -- most handy people can manage this with basic tools: a saw, drill, screwdriver, and some wood glue. The timber merchant can do the major cuts for you.

However, if you want something more elaborate -- multiple levels, hinged doors with proper latches, or a design that needs to fit into an awkward space -- it is worth getting a carpenter involved. A custom-built cage from a local carpenter typically runs HK$2,000-5,000 depending on size and complexity, including materials.

I would also strongly recommend professional help if the cage needs to be wall-mounted or if it will be particularly large and heavy. In older Hong Kong buildings, the walls are not always what you expect behind the plaster, and drilling into the wrong spot can cause real problems. If you need advice on any woodworking project, browse our full range of garden and outdoor guides or give me a call.

Last updated: March 2026