CAT box SIDE TABLE

A

nyone who’s ever had a cat knows they love boxes! But instead of a cardboard carton from the grocers cluttering up your home or buying a pricey piece of cat furniture, why not make your own kitty cubby? With just a sheet of plywood and a couple of power tools you can build a simple box with a cut-out. A pocket hole jig is easy to use and lets you create strong joints without any screw holes on the exterior. Finish with varnish and hairpin legs, and your kitty cave doubles as a mid-century modern side table.

EASY STEPS TO YOUR CAT BOX Gather your supplies

• 1200 x 897 x 12mm plywood

• 200mm hairpin steel table legs (4)

Components

Sides 350 x 350mm plywood

Front and back

375 x 375mm plywood

Top and base

350 x 375mm plywood

You’ll also need

Circular saw; orbital sander; pocket hole jig; drill; various drill bits; clamps; PVA wood glue; 25mm wood screws; cloths; 4-litre paint can (to trace cutout); pencil; jigsaw; fine sandpaper; hammer; 40mm nails; water-based clear varnish; paintbrush

Here’s how

STEP 1 Cut plywood components using a circular saw. Sand cut edges. On sides, use a pocket hole jig to drill 5 pocket holes along 2 opposite edges and 3 pocket holes along one edge. Clamp base to workbench.

STEP 2 Spread glue along one edge of side with 5 pocket holes. Butt into short side of base. Screw through pocket holes in side into base using 25mm screws. Wipe off excess glue with a damp cloth. Repeat with other side.

STEP 3 Spread glue on other edges of sides with 5 pocket holes. Position top on sides, then screw through 5 pocket holes in sides into top.

STEP 4 Place paint can in centre of front piece and mark around it. Cut out hole using a jigsaw, drilling a starter hole first. Sand cut edge.

STEP 5 Apply glue along edges of sides with 3 pocket holes, and adjacent top and base. Position on front piece and screw through pocket holes into front. STEP 6 Apply glue on other side, top and base edges, position back on top and hammer in nails to secure. STEP 7 Apply 2 coats of varnish to unit. Allow to dry and sand lightly between coats. Screw hairpin legs to the corners of the base.

BOXED IN

You can make as many of these as you need or adapt the size to suit – think kitty side table, hall table, window box... The possibilities are endless!

STEP 1