[Jemcass]

Hi all... there's been a lot of work happening here these past few weeks and it's been a little hectic but at last I'm back with some progress pics of the pergola/enclosure. Still a little way to go but we're slowly getting there.

I'm not sure if I've posted in the right place here.. it's not really a Home Made enclosure. We've done the planning and organising and some of the work ourselves... we've stacked bricks and shovelled dirt and will probably do the paving and finishing off, but most of it's been done by tradesmen. I think an existing veranda or pergola could fairly easily be enclosed in a similar way though.. we actually bought the wire mesh about 7 or 8 years ago to enclose the fernery and veranda at our previous house.. but due to one thing or another it didn't ever happen. So I'm quite excited that it's being put to use at last!

Basically it's been built as just a pergola or fernery and made into a cat-safe space with the addition of the wire mesh, which is in separate panels for easy removal if ever they were no longer needed.. just to make it a bit more versatile and possibly more appealing if we were to sell the house at some time in the future.

But for now I think it's working out okay.. I'd been a bit concerned about the appearance of the wire but it seems to be fairly unobtrusive. I'm keen now to get on and finish the paving, will probably just put some plants in pots in there and I've also thought of a small area of artificial grass. Anyway.. here's some pics.

Before we started.. the outdoor area at the end of the house..






And this is now... base bricked up, slats on the roof, steel pickets and wire
mesh in place.




We're also hoping to add some cat climbing posts and things for Tinkerbelle although we're not sure yet if she will even want to go out there... she's still very wary of any strange noises or unfamiliar activity going on outside and has been hiding under the bed most of the time while all the building has been going on. She does like to be with us though so hopefully we'll be able to encourage her out there to enjoy a bit of fresh air and sunshine.

We've yet to enclose the section at the front so I'll add some more pics later when it's been finished off a bit more... hopefully soon!

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[sealhope]

Looks fabulous! (Are those footing bricks loose or cemented in? I've had cats push bricks out of the way, is all.)

ETA I have looked again and they must be mortared in.

[Kicol]

Very nice construction, and looks very solid too! I'm sure Tinkerbelle will enjoy it once she gets used to the new surroundings. Very very lucky girl!

[Kicol]

Are you planning on adding some mesh to cover the open space at the bottom? Do you think Tinkerbelle might get out through there?

[smocker]

looks great your cats will love it. i need to take some photos of around my house as i can't work out where an enclosure will go

[Jemcass]

Yes the bricks are cemented in on concrete footings and there still needs to be a bit more fill and sand, then the pavers will go on top, filling the gap around the base under the pickets. We're planning at least a couple of rows of pavers right around the edges to prevent any digging by our two dogs. Will probably pave most of it except for a small patch of artificial grass.. again for the dogs. And I also like Heather's idea of a gap between the pavers with cat grass and cat mint planted so might try that in one section too.

[oriental cats]

that is just what i had in my mind but couldnt quite visualize, i have a pergola and as part of the renovations we are going to take down the catnip cat park and enclose the whole area, who did you get to build it? is is just fabulous!

This post has been edited by oriental cats: 29 April 2009 - 02:03 PM

[Doreen]

Wow, that is looking great! Well done! Lucky Tink too.

[bearsmum]

Lucky tinkerbelle i love the idea hmm may even use something similar when we do build an enclosure eventually. i know it wont be in this house but what a great idea for the next and so versatile to

[CatsRU]

It is looking great Megan. I am sure Tink will come around and try it out.

[metaltiger]

It looks great Megan, boofas are packing there suticases (they have lots of stuff) and planning a country retreat LOL

[Heather Sharada]

That looks stunning - well done.....and all for one special little cat and her puppy dog friends....she'd better like it.....lol.

[NHill]

Megan, it looks fantastic - well done! I'm sure Tink will love it too!!

[Pam]

What a wonderful enclosure you have made. It is fantastic. I am sure with time Tinkerbele will love her own special place.

[Jemcass]

who did you get to build it?

A friend who works in steel construction has done the building work.. the posts and slats and pickets are all steel. We've also had the brick work and painting done by tradesmen.

boofas are packing there suticases (they have lots of stuff) and planning a country retreat LOL

Boofas are always welcome.. ... And you too of course Leanne.. Tinkerbelle is very friendly with visitors these days