[beth123]

Morning all

We are building a run that is big enough to walk in and I've got a few questions about the design of it.  I want to put a roof on the run, what is the best material to use?  Should I use wood, clear corrugated plastic or just use wire?  I was concerned about the run getting too hot in the summer however there will be some shade from an overhanging tree.

Its going to be really difficult to bury the base of the run due to old tree roots so I intend to put a solid base on it.  Again am I best using wood or wire.  If I use wire should I then line the base before I put wood chip down?  It will be sat direct on to earth so I was thinking wood will rot quite quickly.   

[bullielover]

We're still in the process of building our new run but we plan on putting plastic corrugated sheets to cover. Ideally any wood needs to be sat on slabs to stop it rotting
Catherine

[Aidy]

I use Onduline for the roof on mine, its a bit more expensive but should last much longer, also it provides shade in the summer.
The frame work on mine is all wood, tanalised for everything coming into contact with the ground and I use weld wire from Hills of Devon, about the cheapest and really fast delivery.
As regards the base, again I have weld wire going 6inches down and comes out 24inches to stop anything trying to dig in. Below is a photos to give you an idea when we were building it.

[hillfooter]

Aidy's system is what I'd suggest.  Make sure you use weld mesh not chicken wire which can be untwisted by a fox chewing it.

Rather than burying the wire you can turn it outwards and put paving slabs on it if your ground isn't suitable for digging.

HF

[beth123]

Thanks for the suggestions, it would definitely be easier to slabs on the wire.