It is a little bit of a Frankenstein job using materials I already had on hand, but it should work. The small area that was open from the cat room to under the stairs is now blocked off.
I was so focused on getting it done that I spaced taking a good after photo before I put everything back, so I was only able to a photo of one small section. That section is how I did all 3 of the sections and the angled piece to the right just had a smaller piece nailed over it.
Once the door is on the storage area, they will no longer be able to access that space. Hopefully, I managed to rig this enough that the cats can’t still push through, but they really shouldn’t be able to. Granted, our introverted kitty, Midnight, is going to be royally pissed at us as this was her favorite place. She is also the most destructive of the two, so if either one of them can, it will be her.
I also did an initial clean up job, getting most of the drywall dust off the floor and walls. I will need to do a major wipe down and mopping before I can paint or put the floor down, but it is one step closer to being ready for me to get busy.
I had a major moment of being absolutely freaked out that I’ve bitten off more than I can chew when it comes to building the cabinets. I realized that the few test runs I’ve done with the circular saw were with thicker material. I realized when cutting the pieces for this that the thinner stuff I’m going to need for my cabinet doors is going to be a nightmare because it is incredibly difficult to keep the saw completely straight. It isn’t horrible, but it wasn’t completely straight and means that my cuts are not going to be nearly as clean as I’d hoped.
I mentioned it to Hubby and, as much as I hate it, I’m going to have to look at table saws. I haven’t a clue where the damn thing is going to go if I do get it, but I don’t think I can pull this off without it.
One plus side? My new speakers sound phenomenal in the space. Now I REALLY want to get in there and work!
TJ Fox: Sharing the Experience 