Pedestal Habitat Materials

Construction Materials

• Taxidermists almost always construct pedestal habitats from wood. Oak is the most common type of wood used in the construction of taxidermy pedestals, though other types of wood such as walnut also figure in the construction of these pieces. Laminating a wood surface gives it a shiny quality and can protect against water damage and absorption. Because of this, some manufactures use laminate on their pedestal habitats. Rubber sometimes appears in pedestal habitats as a lining material to prevent a pedestal from impact damage in case it falls or something or someone runs into it.

Parts

• The parts included in a pedestal habitat depend upon the individual pedestal. Pedestals range in complexity from flat wooden surfaces to ornate pieces that resemble tables. Flat pedestals for habitats that sit on the floor often contain straight pieces of wood extending from the piece to help anchor the animal placed on the pedestal. Tall pedestals, known as table pedestals, contain four sides and a large flat top on which the animal, or animal head, rests. Some tall pedestals assume a pyramidal, rather than rectangular, shape. Their sides rise up at an angle to a flat top. These pedestals can contain ornate, carved feet and specialized mounting devices such as angled pieces of wood.

Accessories

• Accessories help transform a basic pedestal into a pedestal habitat. These materials can make an animal seem at home in its natural environment or add aesthetic value to the piece. For instance, a bear pedestal habitat may come with fake bushes, tree branches or even a boulder to stand on. The same goes for deer. You may want a fire hydrant for your family dog to forever mark. You can purchase many accessories, including partially buried wagon wheels and tree knotholes, from taxidermy supply companies, or make your own. Accessories contain wood, plastic, stone and other materials.

Building a Pedestal Habitat

• You can build your own pedestal habitat with basic woodworking tools and some wood. Tools you need for such a job include a saw or some other shaping device, such as a lathe, sand paper or a power sander, measuring tools. If you want to assemble a complex pedestal, you also need a hammer or nail gun and nails or a screwdriver or drill and screws. You can build your own accessories by carving and painting wood, which requires more complex tools such as awls, files and chisels, or you can purchase accessories and add them to your habitat.