Today after work I went to Home Depot to get a few more supplies, including a fancier staple gun than the one I bought last year. I also bought stainless steel staples, galvanized door hinges and a handle, and seat cushions for the enclosure!
Since I was rained out yesterday, I decided to attach the shelving to my enclosure today after work. First step was notching the 5 slats that abut the enclosure [then staining the edges]. Then I got to nailing!
Last weekend I got the frame of the cat enclosure stained and built. Today I got the shelf slats cut and stained. They’re not nailed down yet, that will be the next step. It’s supposed to rain tonight through tomorrow, so even though I’m STILL not feeling well, I pushed myself to work on the slats today.
I’m home sick this afternoon, and we just had a band of rain sweep the area, so I got to see how my cat enclosure fared. It’s completely WATERPROOF – woohoo!!!
Despite battling a stomach bug, sore throat, and major headache, I managed to get myself to Home Depot and buy 16 of the connectors my Dad suggested. He also suggested I buy the matching screws, which are sold in the same end-aisle display, and don’t require pilot holes because their tips chew right into the wood. Brilliant!
Thanks to your suggestions, everyone! And thanks for the call, Ab – sorry I missed you – I’ll touch base tomorrow! My parents came over this morning to discuss the cat enclosure. My Dad is a DIY expert – he’s been doing it since before I was born. And my Mom is a very good consultant. So we put our heads together and made some decisions.
First, off, thanks very much Mom & Dad for all the advice you gave me after work – it helped me to talk it through! Now I am here to ask my readers for help, since you all have done such amazing projects! I’ve never worked with 2×4’s before, and have never built anything for outside, so I’m hoping you can help me answer some basic questions.
So yeah. It’s been quite a day off from work! This morning I framed my first ever wall, and this afternoon I removed a small lilac tree and [most of the] stump from the part of the yard where the cat enclosure is going to go.
Finally, FINALLY I am starting work on the outdoor cat enclosure I’ve wanted to build the kitties since 2 years ago. Or forever. Whichever came first. It’s #1 on my 2015 Projects list. And I’m finally doing it!
After work Monday I cut the new platform and primed it. Last night after work I added 2 coats of paint. And tonight after work I hung it up! I started by drilling holes for 3 IKEA shelf brackets, and screwing them in.
