DIY Cat Tree Supply List: Wood, Sisal and Hardware

To make a cat tree, you’ll need a sturdy base panel, wood posts or boards for the supports and platforms, and hardware such as screws, bolts, and brackets to hold the structure together. Plywood is a practical choice for platforms because it offers a solid surface, while solid wood posts can provide firm support; choose dimensions that give your cat room to turn around and keep the finished tree stable when they jump.

Check the product’s listed specifications when evaluating start with a stable base and frame.

Sisal rope is a common choice for wrapping scratching posts because its coarse texture gives cats a satisfying place to scratch; secure the ends so they cannot unravel. For platforms or enclosed resting spots, you can add low-pile carpet, durable upholstery fabric, or removable cushions, keeping in mind that fabric collects fur and may need more frequent cleaning than bare wood.

A saw, drill, screwdriver or driver, measuring tape, and sandpaper cover the basic cutting, assembly, and finishing work. Use fasteners long enough to join the parts securely without leaving sharp tips exposed, and countersink or cover screw heads wherever your cat might step, climb, or rub against them.

Before buying materials, sketch the base, post locations, and platform heights so you can estimate quantities and avoid building a tall, narrow structure that tips easily. If you want a piece that combines climbing, scratching, and a surface that fits into your room, our guide to the Modern Cat Climbing Tree with Multifunctional Table and Scratching Post can help you think through that layout; for a DIY build, our team recommends sanding rough edges and testing every connection before your cat uses it.