Things You'll Need
- Post hole digger
- 50 pound bag of fence post mortar
- 5 gallon bucket
- 4 pieces of lumber 4 inches by 4 inches by 10 feet
- 8 pieces of lumber 2 inches by 2 inches by 10 feet
- Water
- Shovel
- Electric drill
- Box of 3 inch long wood screws
- Tin snips
- Wire mesh with 1 inch wide holes
- Staple gun
Instructions
Dig four post holes into the ground using the post hole digger. Position the holes in the outline of a square so that each hole serves as a corner and each is 8 feet apart. Dig the four corner holes approximately 6 to 8 inches in diameter and 2 feet deep.
Mix a batch of the fence post mortar in the 5 gallon plastic bucket.
Insert the 4 inch by 4 inch by 10 feet pieces of lumber into the corner post holes. Hold the pieces of lumber straight upright and use a level on top of the lumber to achieve a level standing beam. Pour fence post mortar into each hole while holding the corner post upright and allow mortar to set and dry.
Attach four of the 2 inch by 2 inch by 10 feet pieces of lumber to the four corner posts to create a square roof frame. Use the electric drill and the 3 inch long wood screws. Place one of the 2 inch by 2 inch by 10 feet pieces of lumber against the outside edge of one of the corner posts and parallel to the ground so the other end meets the other corner post. Make the ends of the lumber flush and use two wood screws on each end of the roof support, drilling them into the corner post. Repeat using the other three pieces of 2 inch by 2 inch by 10 feet lumber.
Attach the four remaining 2 inch by 2 inch by 10 feet pieces of lumber to the bottom of the four corner posts where the posts meet the soil line. Attach the lumber to the outside of the corner posts and parallel to and against the soil using the electric drill and 3 inch long wood screws.
Cut five square pieces of the 1 inch gauge wire mesh to 8 feet by 8 feet. Use the tin snips and make straight cuts.
Attach the wire mesh squares to the sides and top of the wood framework. Lay the wire mesh squares against the wood frame one at a time and use the staple gun to tack into place. Fold the top edge of the wire mesh around the roof supports to create a tight fitting seal. Use a generous amount of staples and staple them into the wood in an even, uniform manner to ensure a clean looking cage.