Quick question about building a Cat enclosure

AFK_Matrix

AFK_Matrix

AFK_Matrix

Soldato
Joined
17 Dec 2004
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Crawley, WEST SUSSEX
Hi,

I am wanting to build a cat enclosure in the back garden and I just have a very simple question really.

I have attached a pic showing the whole frame of the enclosure, the raised section will be sitting on the raised terraced section of grass I have. Now I have also attached a zoomed in view of the base and one of the upright posts.

Now my question is what is the best way to construct this junction. Is it to glue the base together with miter joints and then screw up from the bottom of the base into the upright? Or would you get some kind of bracket to attach the upright to the base?

All help gratefully received. Thanks

Full Frame

CatEnclosureImage1_zps9d23b1e6.jpg


Zoomed in View[/u]

CatEnclosureImage2_zps9ce909e4.jpg
 
I like this idea cause my cat fights EVERYTHING :(

Cant help with the joints however my Dad always glued and fixed any joints on anything to make doubly sure that the joints wont fail
 
jimbob27 said:
Depends on the material you're using. Screwing from the bottom into the base of the upright isn't ideal as you'd be screwing into the end grain.

A dowel joint and plenty of glue would probably be sufficient.
Click to expand...

Thanks Jimbob,

It will be 70x70mm smooth timber for the main frame and then some 50x50mm for the door frame. So if I get some dowels and then drill the right size holes in the upright and base and then apply glue and use a clamp or a weight or something to hold it all together?
 
Dowels with glue would be a good start then maybe a screw through the bottom as well. If you wanted something super strong i would recommend getting a L shaped bracket to join it on both sides. It all depends on how strong you want the build to be.
 
You can get 90 degree steel plates in screwfix (and other diy shops)
They are pretty cheap and would give some fairly serious reinforcing.

Or ask a blacksmith to make up some steel guides that the individual woods can push into then screw into place

What are you covering the outter with, something fairly strong I assume.

Also what did you use to draw the pictures? Looks quite handy that wouldnt mind a play with the software.
 
AFK_Matrix said:
Thanks Jimbob,

It will be 70x70mm smooth timber for the main frame and then some 50x50mm for the door frame. So if I get some dowels and then drill the right size holes in the upright and base and then apply glue and use a clamp or a weight or something to hold it all together?
Click to expand...

Yup. When I've done them I whack a couple of tiny nails in to secure it when it's drying (and just leave them in there). It's easier than cutting a mitre joint and looks cleaner than using L brackets. It could be reinforced with gussets if needed.
 
robskinner: Thanks for the plate idea and I'll have a look at screwfix etc. I plan on either putting up trellis or some wire mesh to secure the sides so the cats can see out etc. And I used Google Sketchup to draw up the model, its free and easy to use and you can also upload your models to Google Earth with it.

krooton: I would definitely love to use something like that but it would mean I would have to redo all of my fencing as when I bought the house last year it was in a poor state. I'll have a think about it though but thought this might be the cheaper solution in the short term, as I am saving up to do the fencing etc.
 
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