🖼️
The project:
After retiring from the sport of pigeon racing, I was faced with making a decision on what to do with the old pigeon loft in the backyard. Being raised in the era of "waste not - want not" it seemed a natural process to make something useful out of it - and the result is a bright and cheerful outdoor retreat, still paying tribute to the previous residents of the space (the pigeons). It has become a favourite spot in which to enjoy a morning cuppa or a twilight drink overlooking the fire pit.
- Materials:
Selley's Sugar Soap (plenty of it !)
Dulux Weathershield Paint (bargain price Mis-tint from Bunnings) for interior walls
Dulux Weathershield Paint - (Monument for trims) (Jasper for cement floor)
Fence palings cut to required length at Bunnings and used for privacy screening on verandah
Custom-made bull-nosed verandah, complete with posts.
3metre Wide Coolaroo crankshaft blind (selected from positive reviews on Bunnings website)
Selleys Pro-Trade Wet Area Sealant
- Tools:
Angle-grinder
Ryobi Battery-operated drill
Ryobi Battery-operated leaf blower
Ozito Sander
Ryobi Pressure Cleaner
Paint Rollers and Brushes (recommended by Bunnings as the best for far-from-perfect surfaces)
- Step 1:
The most difficult step, emotionally, was the relocation of the original residents, but it was time to send my beloved pigeons off to their new homes.
- Step 2:
Dismantling the interior workings of the loft was a slow, dirty, back-breaking task. As you can see, there was much to be rid of. Some perch systems went to other pigeon flyers so not all was wasted.
- Step 3:
Slow progress but the loft is almost bare. One set of perches and a drink station on the right hand side of the loft was retained as a nod to the loft's previous life. At this point, we had good mate, Scott, assist in the bracing of the front of the loft, also installing the framework in readiness to accommodate the Coolaroo crankshaft blind, which spans the entire width of the new space.
- Step 4:
The cleaning and scraping continues. I am not sure that I had mentioned to my wife that she could take a rest break, however. Parker, the dog, was visiting for a sleepover and he did indicate that the space had the makings of a nice sunny spot to snooze. The space is now at painting stage, using Mis-tint paint from Bunnings for the walls and Dulux Jasper for the floors.
- Step 5:
The bull-nosed verandah had to be custom built and installed by a contractor (photo shows the work in progress). We believe this step went a long way in making our little space something special. Since this photo was taken, fence palings (painted Dulux Monument) were used to create a screen at the end of the verandah. The interior painting has been completed and the space waiting to be "styled".
- Step 6:
"Styling" was done on a budget, with items gathered from the roadside, the local dump shop and assorted Op Shops. Pigeon feathers, collected from the backyard over a time, were placed around an existing mirror, using Selleys Liquid Nails. Various pieces of furniture and memorabilia were cleaned and/or spray painted and given pride of place. Even the potted plant was rescued from the discount trolley at Bunnings many years ago.
- Step 7:
An old drinking water station was retained as a reminder of the history of the loft - now home to a black duck adorned with a string of pearls.
- Step 8:
More assorted "stuff" was added to an old set of perches, previously used by the pigeons.
- Step 9:
We are thrilled with our project and need to thank our mate, Scott, for his hard work in helping us get to this point. Plans are still in place to include some solar-powered lighting so that the space can be used safely at night…….and now all that we need to do, is SIT BACK AND ENJOY OUR NEW RETREAT WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
