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[Ridgeback]

G'day Leezel,
I made a pretty good background for my geckos (hey, modesty is a virtue, not an obligation!) using some 3-ply as the backboard and then gluing shaped polystyrene to it. I used a bit of ply nailed through the back as the support for one of the bigger ledges. I then used exterior grout to coat the whole lot and seal it. I made some of the grout up with some white sand through it and swirled it across the surface to try and achieve a mottled sandstone look. I siliconed the backboard into place. The exterior grout is great as it has a sandy texture and is waterproof. On cleaning day I just remove the flora and fauna and hose the whole thing out.

I am just about to rip it out and start again as I have some improvements I want:
- a hollow in one of the lower ledges to allow water to pool in
- some deep hollows for plants (I have my enclosure planted out with real plants but the soil is too thin) so I can plant some hanging plants on the ledges to spill over.
- instead of mixing sand into the grout (which is grey) I will scatter it on the surface. The mixing gave too much of a swirl appearance - pretty but unnatural.
- a wide but thin slot in the back to allow me to slip a heat mat in if desired, and out for cleaning day.

I would recommend you just make something simple and live with it for a few months. In this time, take note of what you like (or don't) and gather materials. You also get a chance to practice your skills. Then build the uber-background you have dreamed of.