Share
Hello @Benk
Thanks for sharing your question about building a cat enclosure. I propose attaching 31 x 11mm 5.4m H3 FJ DAR Primed LOSP Treated Pine to the top of the Colorbond fence using self-tapping steel screws. It appears that a steel rod was passed through the net and attached to the fence, you'll be able to apply this technique using Paslode 15 x 2.0mm 100g Galvanised Staple Nail. It's probable that the net was sewn together. In regards to your fascia, you should be able to attach the same type of timber and nail into that to hold the net in place.
However, one other idea you can propose to your client is to build a square 10m x 10m timber frame that's 2m tall and covered with pet mesh. This will save you a lot of custom work as it is just a timber frame, and you won't have to worry about leaving a gap in the net for the cat to get out of.
Here are some cat enclosure projects our Workshop members have shared:
Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.
If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.
Eric
Thanks @EricL for the simplified solution. I realized i made a typo on the dimensions as it is actually 10m x 5m and it is along the house. I have attached some photos to give it more context.
Morning @Benk
Ive done the same too many times!
Well @EricL was the one who mentioned the timber strip on the fence first I thought the same but really he is the one who had the bright idea
To go through your issues -
1. The design - How big a post do i use?
Depending on how many you wnat to use, 90 *90mm posts would be ok. (tho really for the 5m span I am not worried about the fence moving, especially with the timber strip idea which id still suggest to use.
2. What fixtures do i need for the cat netting onto the timber and the facia board?
Coolaroo Green Timber Fasteners - 50 Pack or Coolaroo Shell Timber Fasteners - 50 Pack
3. How do i make it tight so it looks neat and professional? (avoiding putting posts in the middle as the client wants open space she can chill with her furry friends.
I would start by tacking the net for an area (only partially putting the clips into the timber) and getting the right tightness across the span. Then go back and put more tacks in to secure the holes between the few ones to start with. (one every 2m along the fence and facia) I would probarly suggest to do opposing corners (like how you tighten wheel nuts) and that will give you less chance of looking like one section is too tight. also you could use the timber strip say for the facia and on the ground roll the timber over the material and fasten it on the side that will go towards the facia, that way you will have a consistant tension and the mess will be hidden. You could do it both sides of the house and fence but suspect the fence side would be hard to roll and clamp
4. What design for the undercover area approx 5x5 triangle)
Same process as step 3, id choose the 2 widest parts and "tack" the cloth and then work back towards the pointed end. You have facia on the house tho high, and I would bolt a piece of H2 timber to the brick wall. Then you could do the same with a timber strip over it if you wanted or just stay with the green fasteners.
To join the nets together -
Ive thought about this lots I was going to do the samething for my veggie garden in the back yard and was trying to figure out how to.
id buy some thin wire Jack 0.70mm x 75m Wirepak Galvanised Tie Wire and pretty much thread it through the holes in the net, (maybe fasten one end of the wire to something and then thread it through bot sides of the nets you want joined on the ground before lift it up. I would suggest to fasten this first then work your way backwards to keep the taughness in the net.
Dave
You might also like
