Looking for a fun and practical woodworking project for your feline friend? Mike Montgomery from Modern Builds has created an amazing DIY cat tower that combines functionality with style. This guide will walk you through the steps, materials, and tools needed to build a sturdy and stylish cat tower that your cats will love.
Materials and Tools Needed
- Half-inch birch plywood
- Wood glue
- Spring clamps
- Circular saw
- Miter saw
- Jigsaw
- 2-inch wooden dowels
- Inch and a quarter 16 gauge finish nails
- Wood filler
- Sandpaper (150 or 220 grit)
- Hot glue gun
- Dollar store hand towels (for pillows)
- Poly rope (for scratching posts)
- Maker Brand Simple Finish (optional)
Step 1: Cut the Plywood
Start by using your circular saw to cut the birch plywood into strips: one that’s 18 inches wide, one that’s 15.5 inches wide, and one that’s 14.5 inches wide. Then, cut your pieces to the appropriate lengths. The base will consist of two pieces measuring 18 by 24 inches.
Step 2: Assemble the Base
Apply wood glue to the edges of the base pieces and use spring clamps to hold them together while the glue dries. While waiting, continue cutting the remaining pieces to length.
Step 3: Create the Cubes
Next, create cubes by cutting four pieces that are 15.5 by 14.5 inches, one piece that’s 15.5 inches square, and four more that are 14.5 by 14.5 inches. Mark where you will shoot your nails to minimize blowout and nail these pieces together.
Step 4: Add Reinforcements
To reinforce the structure, cut two-inch wooden dowels to length and insert them into the bottom level of the tower. These will serve as DIY scratching posts once wrapped in rope.
Step 5: Assemble Shelves
Cut two more dowel pieces for an additional shelf. Drill holes in the ends and in the shelf to make alignment easier. Add glue to the joints to ensure strength.
Step 6: Create the Crow’s Nest
The top level will be a round crow’s nest with a six-inch radius. Make a DIY compass to mark and cut this out using a jigsaw. A high tooth count blade will help reduce chipping.
Step 7: Final Assembly
Assemble the structure, ensuring each tier is 15.5 inches tall for a total height of 62 inches. Use finish nails or screws to secure the pieces, filling in any recesses with wood filler.
Step 8: Create the Fronts for the Boxes
Using the remaining plywood, cut out the fronts for the boxes. Draw a 7-inch circle in the center and cut it out with the jigsaw. Install wood blocks to ensure the fronts are recessed.
Step 9: Make the Pillows
For comfort, cut dollar store hand towels to size for the boxes and the top platform. Hot glue the seams and fill with stuffing from an old pillow.
Step 10: Add Finishing Touches
Wrap the bottom dowels with poly rope for scratching posts. You can also add hooks for hanging toys on the second level. Your DIY cat tower is now ready!
Conclusion
This DIY cat tower is not only a fun project but also a stylish and functional addition to your home. Mike’s design is customizable, allowing you to create a unique space for your furry friends.