A homemade enclosure can take up a lot of room and can be a lot of work. But in the end it is a very rewarding process that can bring years of entertainment to your pets.

More pictures of the enclosure can be found here: Outdoor Pet Enclosure In Pictures

The first things we will look at are the materials needed to build the structure.

Our list for this particular model includes:

• 4 – 4”x4”x8’
• 16 – 2”x4”x8’
  • ^^ (or more depending on how you manipulate your creation)
• Many straight and corner brackets
• Screws
• Fastening nails (to apply the fence)
• Fence
• Hinges (for the door)
• Handle (for the door)
• Lock (for the door)
• Wood sealer (to protect the wood from water damage)

Tools needed for this project are:

• A drill
• A circular saw
• A hammer
• A level (Every part should be checked as you go along)
• A shovel
• A step ladder

The first and most painful part of the process is building the frame. Once the frame is put together the rest of the process is much easier and can be a lot of fun.

In our design we dug a trench to place the 4”x4” and the bottom 2”x4” in so that the pets could not dig their way out, and other creatures could not dig their way in. Once you have your trenches you want to place your 4”x4” firmly in the corner’s and using the corner brackets, screw the bottom 2”x4”’s into the bottom of the 4”x4”’s.

Your next step will be to fasten the top 2”x4”’s using the same method as attaching the bottom.

Next you want to attach the horizontal and vertical mid bars using the same method above. The only difference is that you will need to split one of the mid bars and attach them to the other mid bar using straight brackets. On one side remember to leave room to place the door.

In the space you left for the door, you will need to measure and construct a door. After constructing the door you will need to screw in the hinges and fit the door into place so that it can swing easily. After the door is in place attach the lock so that your pets can not just push the door open and no one else can enter.

Once the frame is completed you can begin attaching the fence. Using the fastening nails you can attach the fence fairly fast. Pull on the fence some after attached to see if there are any places more fasteners need to be added.

After the fence is attached you can use any remaining boards to construct levels and walking paths for any pets you have out there.