How to Build a Pallet Cat Tree: The Complete Guide

A store-bought cat tree can be pricey and doesn't always suit your home. Building one from pallets lets you recycle wood, cut costs and create a custom wooden cat tree designed for your space and your pet.

Not only do you give your cat a space of their own, you also have full control over the shape, size and materials.

That way, you can create a safe play area with resting spots, a scratching post, elevated platforms and modules that fit their habits. It's an ideal way to meet their natural instincts: climbing, watching, scratching and resting up high.

By choosing pallets, you get eco-friendly, affordable furniture that's 100% customizable ✨.

Step 0: Gathering Your Supplies

To make a cat tree from pallets, you'll need:

• 2 or 3 wooden pallets stamped HT (heat treated)
• Jigsaw or circular saw
• Drill/driver + wood screws
• Wood glue to reinforce some of the joints
• Sandpaper or a sander
• Safety glasses, gloves and a dust mask
• Wooden posts or battens for the frame
• Sisal rope for the scratching post
• Fabric, mats or cushions for the play and rest areas

No saw or pallets on hand? The Cat Tree with 2 Condos and Metal Hammock gives your cat a ready-made climbing spot, at $174.99, free shipping.

With these supplies, you can build a truly sturdy cat tree that stands up to your cat's weight, jumps and scratching without wearing down. Even for beginners, this kind of project is very doable 💪.

Step 1: Prepare the pallets

Before building your cat tree, take the pallets apart to salvage the boards. Clean them, then let them dry thoroughly. Next, sand each board to get rid of splinters.

Wear gloves, a dust mask and safety glasses to stay safe while you work.

Then cut the boards to size (base 50 × 50 cm / about 20 × 20 in, platforms 30 × 30 cm / about 12 × 12 in). The wider the base, the more stable the cat tree. Take the time to measure: a good wooden cat tree needs to be solid so your cat can climb without risk.

Step 2: Build a stable base

Join several boards together to form a heavy, solid base. Screw the pieces together and, if needed, reinforce them with a little wood glue. Then attach the vertical posts to the base.

Check that nothing wobbles: a wobbly wooden cat tree isn't safe for pets. If you like, you can also add a small module fastened to the wall for even more stability or for an extra platform.

Step 3: Add platforms, a scratching post and play areas

Cut several boards from your pallets to make the platforms. Screw them onto the posts at different heights so your cat can climb easily. To turn the structure into a real play space, you can add:

• A sisal rope scratching post
• A small hideaway nook
• Hanging toys

You end up with a complete homemade wooden cat tree, with spots to sleep, watch the world and scratch, perfectly suited to your four-legged companion.

Step 4: Finishing touches and decor

The finishing touches give your cat tree its final look. You can varnish the wood or leave it raw for a natural look. Cover the platforms with cushions, mats or fabric for extra comfort. That way, you get a wooden cat tree that matches your living room.

Try to balance style and function: pick colors that go with your decor, but keep surfaces that are easy to clean. Add a cat bed, a cat hammock or a small wall-mounted shelf to complete the play space.

How much does it cost to build a pallet cat tree?

There's no fixed price when you decide to build a pallet cat tree yourself.

It mostly depends on how you go about it: either you buy new materials, or you rely on salvaged ones (free pallets, wood scraps, old fabric and so on).

If you're resourceful, you'll often only pay for screws, a bit of wood glue and, if needed, some sisal rope for the scratching post.

In practice, for about $11 and a few hours of work, you can already end up with a great homemade cat tree. It can even cost about $0 if you salvage everything. With premium materials, expect to spend up to about $165.

An affordable, durable and fully customizable solution 💸

To keep your pallet cat tree

safe and comfortable, clean it regularly. Vacuum up loose fur, check the screws, and replace worn fabric when needed. Simple upkeep extends the life of your wooden cat tree.

With a few pallets, a little time, and this guide, you've just built a cat tree that's practical, sturdy, and one of a kind.

It's a simple way to make a cat tree from pallets, recycling wood while giving your feline a space of their very own ❤️.