Make A Modern Cat Tree Out Of PVC Pipe

By Trisha Sprouse Updated Mar 21, 2021

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Skip the expense of carpet-covered cardboard cat trees you can buy at the store by creating your own modern version using PVC pipe. Not only will you save money, but you'll add some serious style to your living space. Your lucky kitty will have a sturdy yet sleek space to nap, play, and exercise.

Trisha Sprouse

Gather your supplies

Head to your local or hardware store to gather the following supplies.

1-inch PVC pipe, 40 feet
PVC pipe cutter or hacksaw
1-inch furniture-grade 4-way Tee PVC fittings, 14.
1-inch furniture-grade 3-way PVC elbows, 6
1-inch PVC end caps, 4
1-inch 2-hole pipe straps
1/2-inch screws, 20
1/2-inch plywood (enough to make five 18" x 18" boards)
Power drill
PVC cement
Spray paint (optional)

Although plain white PVC pipe and fittings are easy to find in your local big box hardware store, you can add even more flair by ordering FORMUFIT Furniture Grade PVC Pipe and PVC Fittings online.

Tip: You may be able to find the 3-way PVC elbows in most big box hardware stores, but if 4-way fittings will likely be hard to find. I ordered [these](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MNIZMBO?&linkCode=ll1&tag=cuteness-web1-20&linkId=da949cb61b65d431afc32bf531fe3a34&language=en_US&ref=as_li_ss_tl) online from Amazon. Be sure to get furniture-grade fittings for both the 3-way and 4-way connectors. Also, ask the hardware store to cut the plywood into five 18" x 18" boards for you._

Step 1: Cut the pipes

Use a PVC pipe cutter to cut the PVC pipe into the following lengths:

19.5 inches x 10 pipes
17 inches x 6 pipes
1. 5 inches x 2 pipes
12 inches x 10 pipes
7.5 inches x 8 pipes
6 inches x 4 pipes

Smooth and wipe away any burrs or dust that remain on your PVC pipe to ensure an airtight fit when you glue.

Trisha Sprouse

Step 2: Assemble the first level

Two 19.5-inch pipes form the long sides of the rectangle, two 12-inch pipes form the short sides of the rectangle, and a 4-way connector secures each corner as shown. Do a dry-fit of all pieces before gluing to make sure everything fits together correctly and is cut to the right length.

Trisha Sprouse

Apply PVC cement — Black Swan Manufacturing 7079 Wetordry PVC Cement works well — to each connector and pipe end as you fit the pieces together. For the most secure bond, make sure to remove all the plastic burrs from the pipe ends that you'll be fitting and apply a primer to both the inside of the fitting and the outside of the pipe. You'll have approximately 10 seconds between applying the primer and having to apply the cement, so work quickly on one piece at a time.

Trisha Sprouse

Next, insert a 6-inch pipe into each of the four corner connectors and place end caps on all four pipes. Be sure to prime and glue each piece together as you go.

Trisha Sprouse

Once assembled, flip the piece over so it's standing on all four caps.

Trisha Sprouse

Step 3: Assemble the second level

You'll need two 19.5-inch pipes to form the long sides of the rectangle, two 12-inch pipes to form the short sides of the rectangle, and a 4-way connector in each corner. Glue as you go.

Trisha Sprouse

Insert two 15.5-inch pipes into two of the connectors on one side of the rectangle, and then insert two 7.5-inch pipes into two of the connectors on the other side of the rectangle as shown. Place an end cap on both 15.5-inch pipes.

Trisha Sprouse

Once assembled, flip the piece over and insert the 7.5-inch pipes into the connectors on the first level of the cat tree. The 15.5-inch pipes should touch the ground.

Inserting second level into first level of cat tree

Trisha Sprouse

Step 4: Assemble the third level

You'll need two 19.5-inch pipes to form the long sides of the rectangle, two 12-inch pipes to form the short sides of the rectangle, and a 4-way connector in each corner. Glue as you go.

Trisha Sprouse

Insert two 17-inch pipes into two of the connectors on one side of the rectangle, and then insert two 7.5-inch pipes into two of the connectors on the other side of the rectangle as shown.

Trisha Sprouse

Once assembled, flip the piece over and insert the 7.5-inch pipes into the connectors on the second level of the cat tree. Insert the 17-inch pipes into the connectors on the first level.

Inserting third level into second level of cat tree

Trisha Sprouse

Step 5: Assemble the fourth level

You'll need two 19.5-inch pipes to form the long sides of the rectangle, two 12-inch pipes to form the short sides of the rectangle, two 3-way connectors in two corners and two 4-way connectors in two corners. Glue as you go.

Trisha Sprouse

Insert two 17-inch pipes into two of the connectors on one side of the rectangle, and then insert two 7.5-inch pipes into two of the connectors on the other side of the rectangle.

Trisha Sprouse

Once assembled, flip the piece over and insert the 7.5-inch pipes into the connectors on the third level of the cat tree. Insert the 17-inch pipes into the connectors on the second level.

Inserting fourth level into third level of cat tree

Trisha Sprouse

Step 6: Assemble the fifth level

You'll need two 19.5 inch pipes to form the long sides of the rectangle, two 12-inch pipes to form the short sides of the rectangle, and a 3-way connector in each corner. Glue as you go.

Trisha Sprouse

Insert two 17-inch pipes into two of the connectors on one side of the rectangle, and then insert two 7.5-inch pipes into two of the connectors on the other side of the rectangle.

Trisha Sprouse

Once assembled, flip the piece over and insert the 7.5-inch pipes into the connectors on the fourth level of the cat tree. Insert the 17-inch pipes into the connectors on the third level.

Trisha Sprouse

Step 7: Paint the pipes

This is optional, but if you plan to paint the cat tree, you'll want to spray paint the pipes now. Be sure to spray outside or in a well-ventilated area, and protect the surrounding surface areas with a tarp or newspaper. Allow complete drying time in between coats.

Trisha Sprouse

Step 8: Attach the wood boards

Place an 18" x 18" wood board on each level of the cat tree. Your hardware store may cut them for free, or you can order project panels such as Woodcrafter 3/4" Thick Baltic Birch Plywood Square 18 Inch online.