The Ultimate DIY Cat Tree: Building a Skyscraper for 20lb Cats#

I have a graveyard of cat trees in my garage. Most of them lasted about six months.

The story is always the same: I buy a “Large Cat Tower” online. It arrives. The pillars are made of cardboard tubes. The platforms are particle board stapled together. Atticus jumps on it once, the whole thing sways like a palm tree in a hurricane, and he never touches it again.

If you own a Maine Coon, you know that standard pet store furniture is dangerous. A 20lb cat generates significant kinetic energy when they launch themselves. They need stability, not cardboard.

The solution? Build it yourself. Using real wood, PVC, and sisal rope, you can build a tree that will outlast your house for a fraction of the cost of a luxury brand.

The “Base” Rule: Physics is Non-Negotiable#

The #1 reason cat trees fall over is a narrow base.

The Rule: The base of the tree must be at least 1/3 the height of the tree in width, or heavily weighted.
Material: Use a double layer of 3/4" Plywood or a solid slab of butcher block.
Counter-Weight: I hide 25lb dumbell plates or bags of sand inside the base box of my trees to lower the center of gravity.

The Pillars: PVC vs. 4x4 Lumber#

You have two choices for the upright posts.

Option A: 4x4 Fence Posts (The Strongest)

Pros: Indestructible. You can lag-bolt platforms directly into them.
Cons: Heavy. Requires a saw to cut.
Verdict: Best for permanent, “furniture grade” trees.

Option B: 4-inch PVC Pipe (The Easiest)

Pros: Lightweight, cheap, easy to wrap with rope.
Cons: Harder to attach platforms (requires flange fittings).
Verdict: Best for “gym” style trees.

Amelia’s Choice: I use kiln-dried 4x4 lumber. It holds the staples for the sisal rope much better than PVC.

The Platforms: Size Matters#

Standard cat tree perches are 12x12 inches. A Maine Coon hangs off the edges.

Minimum Size: 16x20 inches for lounging.
The “U” Shape: Instead of flat shelves, cut a “U” shape or a cradle. Maine Coons love to curl up against a side wall. It makes them feel secure while sleeping.

The Wrapping: Sisal Rope Technique#

Wrapping a post takes forever, but it is the most important part.

The Rope: Buy 3/8" or 1/2" Oiled Sisal Rope. Do not buy the thin stuff; a Maine Coon will shred it in a week.
The Glue: Do not rely on glue alone. Use heavy-duty construction adhesive (like Liquid Nails) and staples.
The Tightening: Every 5 wraps, hit the rope down with a hammer to pack it tight. Gaps in the rope allow claws to get stuck or the rope to sag.

Carpet vs. Wood: The Traction Issue#

Do not leave the wood platforms bare. Maine Coons have furry paws (Snowshoes) and will slip on polished wood.

Carpet: Use low-pile commercial carpet (berber loops can catch claws). Staple it underneath the platform for a clean look.
Sisal Mats: You can glue woven sisal mats onto the shelves for extra scratching surface.

Conclusion#

Building your own tree takes a weekend and some elbow grease. But when you see your 22lb giant launch himself at full speed onto the top perch, and the tree doesn’t move an inch, you will know it was worth it.

Resources & Further Reading#

Instructables. (n.d.). Building a Solid Wood Cat Tower.
This Old House. (2021). How to Build a Cat Tree.