LF: Cabinet Maker in Pittsburgh area?

[ironwill723]

Does anyone know of a good place locally that could build a custom aquarium canopy? I was thinking of finishing the top myself for my 220g peninsula but I seem to never have the time lately. I'm trying to get an idea of prices to decide if it will be worth DIY'ing or having built by someone.
Thanks..

 

[hybridazn]

i had caruso cabinets custom make me a bathroom vanity. beautiful workmanship. sirusX saw the cabinet and can vouche as well. they are located in north huntington pa

 

[Raceimage]

Make sure that the inside surface of the hood is sealed also. Most cabinet makers use oak plywood with solid faceframes and doors. They only finish the surfaces that can be seen. The humidity inside can make the plywood separate and can also make the outer oak surface turn black if the inside surface gets wet often. Minwax has a special wood poly finish for areas that are subjected to high humidity.

 

[NaClH2Opgh]

These guys are great. They built a custom corner entertainment center around my TV and also a monster desk/Hutch that is 8ft tall by 6 foot wide and the desk top is 3 feet deep. I drew both up and they made them pretty much how I wanted them. If you call ask for Rocco. I'm pretty sure they did a lot of work at Nemacolin Woodlands resort. I am going to be putting in a vent-less gas log fireplace and have them build a mantel for me.

Here is their web page:
http://www.harborplacewoodcraft.com/index.htm

Oh, they are located in Bethel Park

 

[raynist]

I had the guy who owned wilkinsburg aqaurium custom build a stand for my 180. It was barely more than the standard stand. I think they are out of business now though, haven't been over that way in a few years.

 

[hybridazn]

Make sure that the inside surface of the hood is sealed also. Most cabinet makers use oak plywood with solid faceframes and doors. They only finish the surfaces that can be seen. The humidity inside can make the plywood separate and can also make the outer oak surface turn black if the inside surface gets wet often. Minwax has a special wood poly finish for areas that are subjected to high humidity.

dunno if i would use a stain, i would use something with a more reflective finish to it.

 

[cloakerpoked]

dunno if i would use a stain, i would use something with a more reflective finish to it.

For inside a canopy it shouldn't matter if he has decent reflectors. Since if it were a naked reflector hanging, all of the light that would hit the inside of the canopy would be lost into the room, not into the tank anyway. You use a canopy mainly to hide the lights, not to improve their efficiency.

 

[ironwill723]

The canopy will be used to hide three PFO 250w DE pendants that will be hung from the inside top of the canopy framing. Depending on the cost to custom build, I may stain and seal myself. I was planning on painting the inside with Kilz primer or something similar. I will be installing 4 fans as well on the top of the canopy for circulation. I will look into everyones suggestions. Does anyone have a ballpark idea on how much the going rates are for custom canopies?

 

[rgsa8892]

i don't think i would use kilz over a reef tank it will leach chemicals ,if not into the water, at least into the air above.I would just use an exterior polyurathane that will harden and seal the wood

 

[jamesd74]

there is a place on mcneilly road by keystone oaks high school i think they are la woodworkings? they are above my familys garage

 

[Masterderrull]

I am a trim carpenter by trade, and will never turn down work. If you'de be interested I could show you some of my work and then give you an estimate. I do many built-in's and and bench seats as part of my job. I doesn't sound like you want anything really super fancy so it wouldn't cost to much. I'm just throwing it out there, but let me know.