Hello!
I want to build a simple wooden structure to put up a cat net on my balcony and wonder how I can make it reasonably stable in the easiest way. The balcony protrudes from the house, measuring 120 x 200 cm. I cannot attach anything to the facade, and for purely aesthetic reasons, I don't want to attach the net to the balcony above.
My idea is to secure four posts in each corner of the balcony (about 2 m high) and attach them to the balcony railing with zip ties. Then place three beams of some sort on top to stabilize and which the net can be attached to.
Question 1: Is that enough, or should I put it together better (and if so, how)?
Question 2: What wood and dimensions should I use?
I realize this is a very simple question, but I haven't built anything more complicated than a cutting board in school woodshop before... And I've searched for building instructions online without finding anything (maybe it's too simple for that). In other words, I would be very grateful for help!
I want to build a simple wooden structure to put up a cat net on my balcony and wonder how I can make it reasonably stable in the easiest way. The balcony protrudes from the house, measuring 120 x 200 cm. I cannot attach anything to the facade, and for purely aesthetic reasons, I don't want to attach the net to the balcony above.
My idea is to secure four posts in each corner of the balcony (about 2 m high) and attach them to the balcony railing with zip ties. Then place three beams of some sort on top to stabilize and which the net can be attached to.
Question 1: Is that enough, or should I put it together better (and if so, how)?
Question 2: What wood and dimensions should I use?
I realize this is a very simple question, but I haven't built anything more complicated than a cutting board in school woodshop before... And I've searched for building instructions online without finding anything (maybe it's too simple for that). In other words, I would be very grateful for help!
You don't need any large dimensions. 45x70 pressure-treated will do the job. Place the top rails on edge. Attach
the top rails down into the post with angled decking screws, for example. Alternatively, use a galvanized steel angle which you secure with outdoor anchor screws.
Cable ties work well to secure the posts if you have something sturdy to wrap around.
the top rails down into the post with angled decking screws, for example. Alternatively, use a galvanized steel angle which you secure with outdoor anchor screws.
Cable ties work well to secure the posts if you have something sturdy to wrap around.
Thank you! Does it matter for the construction if it is pressure-treated, or is it just to make it last longer? And skråskruva - do I pre-drill through the railing and then at an angle down into the post itself?
Yes, you can certainly build with untreated timber. If you paint it, it can last for decades. The most important thing is to protect the end grain, for example, by not placing them directly on the balcony slab, but using some form of spacer.
To "skråskruva," you screw diagonally from the side into the post. It might be good to pre-drill as you mentioned to reduce the risk of splitting. Use deck screws like 4.8x75. Alternatively, use wood screws of equivalent size. Also screw the top rails together.
Otherwise, angles like https://www.byggmax.se/vinkel-p234055#267=987&776=14627&884=14617&914=14622. I think they look uglier, but it's easier to achieve strength with some anchor screws.
To "skråskruva," you screw diagonally from the side into the post. It might be good to pre-drill as you mentioned to reduce the risk of splitting. Use deck screws like 4.8x75. Alternatively, use wood screws of equivalent size. Also screw the top rails together.
Otherwise, angles like https://www.byggmax.se/vinkel-p234055#267=987&776=14627&884=14617&914=14622. I think they look uglier, but it's easier to achieve strength with some anchor screws.
Okay, I'll do that. Thank you very much for the help!