This Jazzy DIY Mid-Century Modern Cat House Doubles as an Accent Table
Stacy Zarin Goldberg Photography LLC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
On This Page
What You Need
1. Prep the Boards
2. Secure the Sides
3. Attach the Top
4. Cut the Hole
5. Attach the Front
6. Attach the Back
7. Add the Finishing Touches
Who says pet furniture can't be stylish? This DIY cat house gives your fur baby a place to curl up without sacrificing the mid-century modern style of your space.
"We love our kitties, Henry and Blanche, and we like to give them special places around the house," says Brittany Goldwyn Merth, of the blog By Brittany Goldwyn, who designed and built this project. "I try to make their cozy caves and hiding spots part of a room—not just a piece of cat furniture."
She built this plywood cat house side table for about $40 over a few evenings and a weekend. She says if you can saw, sand, and drill, it should only take you about four hours of working time total. Check out these step-by-step instructions on how to make this DIY cat house.
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What You Need
Tools:
Table saw
Random orbital sander
Kreg pocket-hole jig
Drill
Pocket-hole bit
Clamps (a pair should be fine)
6-inch hole saw and bit
220-grit sanding block
Finish nailer
Materials:
One 4-by-8-foot sheet of 3/4-inch plywood
Set of four 6-inch hairpin legs
1-1/4-inch pocket-hole screws
3/4-inch wood screws
Wood stain
Polyurethane
Wood glue
Cuts:
Two sides: 14-1/4" x 14-1/4"
Two front and back pieces: 15-3/4" x 15-3/4"
Two top and bottom pieces: 15-3/4" x 14-1/4"
1. Prep the Boards
BRITTANY G. MERTH
Cut the plywood into six pieces according to the cut list above. You can use a table saw to cut them yourself, or head to your local home improvement store and have them cut the plywood for you.
Thoroughly sand the cut boards using an orbital sander. On the side pieces, drill five pocket holes along two opposite edges and three pocket holes along one edge. Clamp the bottom piece to the workbench.
2. Secure the Sides
BRITTANY G. MERTH
Apply wood glue along one short edge of the bottom piece. Place one side piece on the glue so the five pocket holes face inward. Attach the side piece to the bottom using 1-1/4-inch pocket-hole screws. Repeat these steps to attach the other side piece.
3. Attach the Top
BRITTANY G. MERTH
Place the top piece on the workbench. Glue along both short edges, then place the open end of the three-sided piece onto the glue. Screw the sides to the top using the five pocket holes on each side.
RELATED: How to Build a DIY Cat House Your Kitty Is Sure to Love
4. Cut the Hole
BRITTANY G. MERTH
Using a 6-inch hole saw and corresponding bit, drill a 6-inch-diameter hole in the center of the front piece. Alternatively, you could use a jigsaw to cut the hole. Sand the edges with 220-grit sandpaper until smooth.
5. Attach the Front
BRITTANY G. MERTH
Place the front piece on the workbench, and apply wood glue along each edge. Position the box on the glue with the unused pocket holes facing down. Screw the box to the front using the three pocket holes on each side piece.
6. Attach the Back
BRITTANY G. MERTH
Glue along the exposed ends of the box. Position the back piece on the glue and press to seal. Secure the pieces together using a finish nailer.
7. Add the Finishing Touches
Stacy Zarin Goldberg Photography LLC
Stain the box to achieve your desired finish. When dry, apply two coats of polyurethane to protect the finish. And to complete the look in mid-century modern style, screw hairpin legs to the bottom.
Decorate the top like an accent table with cat-safe houseplants or a decorative table lamp. (Note: the plants in this photo are fake, as their live versions are toxic to cats).
When you've completed this DIY cat house, we'd love to see it! Tag us in your photo via @DailyPaws on Instagram
