Build a Roof With Reclaimed Cedar Fence Panels

Someone was giving away cedar fence panels and thought it would make a good material for a roof to protect my angora rabbits from the snow. I know that they will be fine on their own, but I was hoping for additional comfort when going out each morning to fill their water buckets. Also, since they provide me with luscious wool and are a bit of an investment, I didn't want any excuse to lose them.

Step 1: Design the Roof

I designed the roof horozontally (instead of the "usual" framing methods) because the 6' fence panels run vertically over the three joists.  The kennel was about 12', so to be on the safe side, I used a 2x6x10' for the spacing on the front.  I laid all of the wood on the ground to make the frame for the front and the back.  Not real scientific, but since I'm not a carpenter, I made do.

Step 2: Assemble the Roof Like a Fence

I made a jig out of a plastic table so I wouldn't have to measure all four fence panels. The 2x4s fit between screws, and the string is centered in the middle of the 2x4s on each end so I know where to drill the pilot holes for the nails.  This prevented me from splitting the panels. 

Step 3: Attach the Fence Panels to the Roof

The 2x4s that the fence panels are attached to rest on the horizontal joists.  They have been screwed into the joists to prevent a strong wind from ripping them off.  They will be easy to remove when I need to cut a hole in the panel for the greenhouse glass in the Spring.

Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches

Figuring out the angles for the front was a bit difficult.  I cut the panels a little longer than the roof and used an awl on the back side to score the cutting line.  I added a little trim to hide the screws that attached the front panels and a small, decorative detail to hide the gap between the triangular panels on the right and left.  No matter how accurate my jig was, it was difficult to ensure everything would be square because some of the fence panels had warped a bit.

Step 5: Room for Expansion

The patio doors and large windows are leaning against both sides of the kennel because one day I hope to remove the wood around the glass and frame them in to make a greenhouse.  Until I can work on that phase in the Spring, the doors keep the wind from whipping through the kennel.

Step 6: The Inspiration for This Project

Here are photos of the buns; the indoor/outdoor cage I built them has been published as another instructable.