5 DIY Cat Bunk Beds You Can Make Today (with Pictures)
Updated on
So, your cats need a new bed. What better idea for a multi-cat home than for your kitties to have their very own bunk bed? After all, cats always land on their feet anyway, right? If you have some extra time on your hands, you can save some money by putting together a DIY project that ultimately results in a brand-new bunk bed for your feline family members.
Even if you do not have a lot of time, there are still some DIY options that can be thrown together relatively quickly. We’ve gathered a list of the best DIY cat bunk beds you can find online. You are sure to find one that fits your experience level. Take a look!
The 5 DIY Cat Bunk Beds
1. DIY Cat Suitcase Bunk Bed by Hallmark Channel
| Materials: | 3 suitcases, 4 stair spindles, 4 bun-feet table legs, 8 dowel screws (double-ended) 5/16 machine screws on one side, 8 5/16 nut, 8 5/16 washers, bedding |
| Tools: | Drill |
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
If you have a spare suitcase (extra points if it is vintage), then we have a great DIY cat bunk bed idea for you. This is not a super-easy, throw-it-together-in-a-couple-of-minutes kind of project, but it’s not super hard either!
The directions are simple and the only tool you need is a drill. The blogger shows you step by step how to create this unique and crafty cat bunk bed. A vintage suitcase is used in the sample, but this can be created with any suitcase with similar construction.
So, whether you choose to go vintage or take a more modern approach, you really cannot go wrong with this DIY idea and it’s not as time-consuming as some of the others.
2. DIY Cat Bunk Bed from Scratch by STick
| Materials: | 1″ x 4″ x 8′ select pine board, 1″ x 3″ x 8′ select pine board, 1.5″ 0.25″ x 8′ pine lath, 1″ x 2″ x 8′ select pine board, 1″ x 2″ x 6′ select pine board, 2″ mending plates QTY 16, zinc corner brackets QTY 8, #6 – 5/8″ wood screws QTY 96, #6 – 1.5″ wood screws QTY 14, 1″ 16-gauge #6 nails QTY 16, pillows, wood stain |
| Tools: | Drill |
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
If you are ready to have a go at doing a DIY kitty bunk bed straight from scratch, we have the perfect project for you. Instead of using old or recycled materials, you go straight to the home improvement store and buy all the wood and needed materials.
There is a lot of work to this project, but the instructions are very easy to follow and the DIYer that gave us this genius idea breaks it down beautifully for even the most inexperienced DIYer. They even provide step-by-step pictures to help guide you through the process.
What’s even better about this project? You can get creative and design the wood per your taste when you put on the finishing touches. Don’t like the color used in the tutorial? Just grab one that suits your cat! The amount of time it takes to put this together can vary depending on how much time you have during the day, but overall, it won’t take you as long as you think!
3. DIY Cat Bunk Bed with Stairs by Shadetree Woodworking (Dean)
| Materials: | Wood, nails, wood stain, paint, bedding |
| Tools: | Drill, table saw, sander, hammer |
| Difficulty Level: | Difficult |
If you are looking for a DIY project that will put your home improvement skills to the test, try this made-from-scratch DIY bunk bed with stairs. Okay, okay, it is labeled a dog bed but that doesn’t mean our kitties can’t use it right?
The fact that this design has you putting in some stairs is our favorite part about it. Cats may like to jump and climb all over the place but this DIY project comes complete with seniors in mind. If you have a kitty that has trouble getting around, this one is perfect. Even if you have perfectly healthy cats that get along great, this bunk will last them into their senior years.
This is definitely one of the more difficult cat bunk bed DIY’s but if you are up to the challenge, this can be a very rewarding experience that will yield a great-looking bunk bed that you can customize to your taste. Another perk? This bed is very sturdy and hardy.
4. DIY Crate Bunk Bed for Cats by My vethosp
| Materials: | 2 crates, 2 cushions, wood stain, stain brush, 1/4″ wood dowel, sandpaper, steel wool, wood glue |
| Tools: | Drill, ¼” drill bit, hammer, saw (or wire cutter), measuring tape, drop cloth |
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
Do you happen to have two extra wooden crates? If so, they can make a great choice for a DIY cat bunk bed. Even if you do not have any spare crates, one simple click or a trip to the store can get you just what you need. If you want a DIY project that will keep you busy and result in a great-looking cat bed, this option is worth a look!
The instructions are simple and the results look amazing. Honestly, the needed tools and materials aren’t too bad compared to other DIY projects either. Thankfully, getting wooden crates takes most of the work out of this project since you just have to stack them appropriately and make two become one.
The DIYer that walks you through this project used simple wood stain. If you want to get extra creative, you can customize this bed with wood paint that suits your (or your cat’s) fancy.
5. DIY Doll Bed Turned Cat Bunk Bed by Apartment Therapy
| Materials: | IKEA doll beds, bedding |
| Tools: | Drill, hammer, nails |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
Are you looking for a simple and customizable DIY bunk bed idea? Try the IKEA doll bed DIY. This simple little DIY project doesn’t take all the hard work of a built-from-scratch bunk bed. You simply get two or three (yes, you can stack even higher!) IKEA doll beds and carefully attach them. Voila! You have a new cat bunk bed.
The double or triple stack isn’t even the best part. You can choose to keep the bed simple and as-is, or you can put some creative touches on it and make it into your own unique creation. Your cat is bound to love this human-looking bed. Just throw on some comfy, cozy bedding when you are all finished and your cat will have an excellent spot to spend most daylight hours.
Conclusion
Whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or seasoned DIYer, there is undoubtedly a cat bunk bed DIY that will suit you perfectly. Some of these projects may require a lot more material, tools, and skill, but some are quite simple and easy to throw together. Regardless, your cat ends up with a super-comfortable bunk bed of their very own.
Featured Image Credit: Ben Schonewille, Shutterstock
