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 probably center around what kind of materials you should use.

This article will give you tips for selecting and purchasing the right type of mat to cover the base, posts, and shelves of your cat tree.

where to get carpet

One of the best ways to get a rug is to buy it straight off the roll. All carpet stores and most building supply stores will allow you to purchase carpet this way. However, you may be limited to buying it only in certain foot increments (often 12′).

If buying the roll leaves you with too much excess, you can try buying leftovers. Most rug stores have remnants of rugs that they sell at a discount price.

They are often brand new and are simply scrap pieces left over from new installations in houses, apartments, office buildings, etc. Spending a little more time shopping can help you score amazing deals on rugs.

What kind of carpet is better?

When you build your own cat tree and are ready to cover it with carpet, you’ll 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’ll need to decide what stack, 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’s best to go for a rug without loops. This will prevent your kitty from getting hurt by making sure her claws don’t get caught.

If you want a cat tree with the most visual appeal and the least frustration during the construction process, then use a medium-pile (3/8″ to 1/2″ long) and medium-weight carpet.

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’s too short or skinny, the backing shows through when folded over the edges and around the corners.

How much carpet is needed?

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 cute, average-sized cat tree with around 50 square feet.