How to Build a DIY Cat House

Cut Out Parts from Plywood

• Cut your parts on the table saw using the plywood layout diagram and cut list as a guide.
• Rip the cleats and build up pieces to width and then cut to length on the miter saw.

Pro tip: Have your home store or lumber yard cut your 4×8 sheet of plywood into two 4×4 sections for easier transport home and safer handling on the table saw. The cut diagram provided reflects this approach.

Assemble Sides

• Using wood glue and 1-1/2-in. nails, attach the cleats to the sides, keeping one edge flush with the side’s inner face.

Attach fronts and backs

• Glue the cleats and nail them onto the fronts and backs, using 1-1/4-in. nails.
• Make sure the cleat edges are flush with the edges of the fronts and backs.

Assemble the platforms

• Glue and nail the build-up to the bottom of each platform using 1-1/4-in. nails.

Pro tip: Do a dry fit first before gluing. Adjust the miters so the build-up is flush with the platform edges.

Lay out and Cut the Portholes

• Make cardboard (or scrap wood) template the same size as a front.
• Lay out the 8-in. high x 6-1/2- in. wide diamond 1-1/2-in. from the edge of the face and a 1/2-in. from the top and bottom of the template.
• Using the template, draw the portholes on the front of the upper box and the back of the lower box. Lay out the portholes in the middle platform as well.
• Drill two 1/2-in. pilot holes in opposite corners of each porthole and cut the holes with a jigsaw.
• Smooth the cut edges with a sanding block or file.

Pro tip: Make a sanding block using sticky back 120 grit sandpaper and a scrap of 3/4-in. plywood, about 1-1/2-in. wide by 4-in. long.

Sand Edges Flush

• Sand all the exposed plywood edges flush using a random orbital sander with 120 grit paper.
• Round over any sharp corners with a sanding block.

Attach Platforms to Boxes

• Apply paint or finish to the box interiors before assembly.
• Attach the bottom platform to the bottom of the lower box with 2-in. trim head screws.
• Attach the top platform to the top of the upper box with 2-in. trim screws.
• Attach the middle platform to the bottom of the upper box with 2-in. trim screws.
• Attach the upper box assembly to the lower box by sharply angling 2-in. trim screws along the sides of the upper box into the sides of the lower box.

  

Finishing

You can either paint or clear coat the cat house. I will probably clear coat because I like the look of the exposed plywood edges. If you want to up your woodworking skill set, try some peel and stick birch veneer on those exposed edges for a super-fine finished appearance. Learn to build a DIY cat tree and tower.