We're thinking of doing a permanent playpen setup, but I'd like to get some ideas before going forward with it. (Don't want it to be really bulky or awkward looking, etc.)

Does anyone have this kind of thing? Do you have pictures of it? I'd love to get some ideas.

We use that hardboard too. We have changed the shape( by adding or subtracting panels) and location of the playpen many times so it is really semi permanent.It is put together with duct tape hinges. We added a plexi glass panel but that piece is shorter than the hardboard. Luckily they don't think to jump that high...but some would.
On my wish list is a 100% plexiglass one ( same idea they even make the same precut size panels as the hardboard)...I think that would be very cool.

You know what we do over here...    You are moving into a 2-bedroom place... 

Need I say more?

Wait... hold the phone.... we aren't getting bunk beds?!   

I have been thinking about getting a Martins playpen for my boys. How do you like it? Do you have to assemble it? I had to have someone assemble my Martins 695 that I bought for the boys. I could not have done it in a thousand years

The playpens come assembled. They're collapsible so they fit in the box just fine.

I am a Martin's fan and have been looking at the playpens.  What size do you have/recommend?  I know- bigger the better- but it's a difference in $58 and $72.  I have 3 girls.  I currently have a home made cardboard pen that works but takes time to set up with clips, etc.
 

I'm going to order the large playpen for my boys. I know I only have two boys but like you said they will be able to stretch their legs. Maybe this will help cheer Stuart up. He has been so sad since we lost Albert. Now if I can find some really cool toys to put in there it will be great.

I have a coffee table that I cover in hammies, toys, treat, wheel, hideouts, & food! They love it..

We had an outside playpen for the summer which they love so my hubby made another bigger one. we put one on the grass and one on the concrete and have connected them with a tube so the rats have a choice of "hard or soft" to play on.

How cool, multi texture outdoor play pens!

I have a hardboard playpen, but I don't leave it up all the time. I usually set it up every other day, and leave it up for a few days, then take it down and the rats get playtime in the chair with me instead. It's hinged (but they only fold one way so that the anchoring wood is on the outside for the whole thing), so I just take two panels off (there are 6 altogether), fold the two in half, fold each end of the 4 panel section in, and slide it all under my bed.


My playpen has 2'8" high sides, so that I can leave them in and leave the room without them jumping out. I think a few inches less would be fine, and probably easier to get over (I have fairly long legs and am averagely tall, someone shorter then me wouldn't be able to get over though). The only reason it's 2'8" rather then something a bit lower is that we were using one 4' by 8' sheet, and that's just what the hight ended up being when cut into thirds.

I just ordered a Martin's Large Playpen I can't wait to get it!