If you have the idea of building your own cat tree, but have never done it before, you may have a lot of questions. Many of those questions will probably focus on what kinds of materials you should be using.
This article will give you tips for selecting and purchasing the correct type of mat to cover the base, posts, and shelves of your cat tree.
Where to get a rug
One of the best ways to get a rug is to buy it straight off the roll. All carpet outlets and most building supply stores will allow you to buy carpets this way. However, you may be limited to buying it only in certain standing increments (often 12 ‘).
If buying the roll will leave you with too much excess, you can try buying leftovers. Most carpet outlets have carpet scraps that they sell at a discount price.
Often times these are new and are simply scrap pieces left over from new installations in homes, apartments, office buildings, etc. Spending a little more time shopping can help you land some great deals on rugs.
What type of carpet is better?
When you build your own cat tree and are ready to cover it with a carpet, you will need to address a couple of considerations. First, what color do you want it? This is really a personal choice, so I’ll leave it between you and your cat.
Second, you will need to decide what hair, texture, and weight you want to use. If you are unfamiliar with carpet terms, pile simply refers to the length of the carpet fibers and weight refers to the thickness of the carpet. In terms of texture, it is better to go for a rug without loops. This will prevent your kitty from injuring herself by making sure her claws don’t catch.
If you want to make a cat tree with the greatest visual appeal and the least frustration during the construction process, then stick to a medium pile rug (3/8 “to 1/2” long fibers) and a heavyweight rug medium.
If the carpet fibers are too long or the carpet is too thick, it will be difficult to fold and staple around the edges and corners of the shelves. If it is too short or thin, then the backing shows when it is folded over the edges and around the corners.
How much carpet do you need?
Obviously, when building your own cat tree, the amount of carpet needed will depend on how extravagant your design is. In most cases, you can create a nice, medium-sized cat tree that is around 50 square feet.
