This step by step woodworking project is about free window catio plans. This is a small catio that you can attach to the window. This is a basic and small extension that you can add to the exterior of your home, so your pet can take a breath of fresh air. This catio is super basic and you can adjust its dimensions to suit your needs. See my other DIY projects HERE.
We recommend you to invest in the best materials you could afford. Therefore, you should buy weather-resistant lumber, such as pine or cedar. Always take accurate measurements before adjusting the size of the components at the proper size. Drill pilot holes trough the components before inserting the wood screws, to prevent the wood from splitting. See all my Premium Plans HERE.
Made from this plan
Free Window Catio Plans
Building a window catio
Materials
- A – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 24″ long, 1 piece – 22 1/2″ long 4xBRACES
- B – 2 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 72″ long, 4 pieces – 21″ long 2xFRAME
- C – 8 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 24″ long SUPPORTS
- D – 1 piece 3/4″ plywood – 22 1/2″x72″ long FLOOR
- E – 1 piece of 1×2 lumber – 72″ long SUPPORT
- F – 1 piece of polycarbonate – 25″x74″ long ROOF
- 3 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8′
- 7 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 8′
- 1 piece of 1×2 lumber – 6′
- 1 piece of polycarbonate – 3’x7′
- mesh cloth
- 2 1/2″ screws
- 1 5/8″ screws
- stain, wood filler, wood glue
Tools
- Safety gloves, glasses
- Miter saw, jigsaw
- Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
- Drill machinery and drill bits
Time
- One Weekend
How to build a 2×6 catio
Assembling the braces – window catio
Use 2×4 lumber for the braces. Make 45 degree cuts to both ends of the slats.
Fitting the diagonal brace – window catio
Use 2×4 lumber for the diagonal braces. Make a jigsaw to make the curved cut. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the brace and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock it into place tightly.
Building the frames for the window catio
Use 2×2 lumber for the frames. You need 2 identical frames, one for the floor, one for the top. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the 21″ components and insert 2 1/2″ screws to assemble the frame.
Assembling the frame of the catio
Use 2×2 lumber for the vertical posts. Drill pocket holes at both ends and then insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock everything together. Make sure the corners are square.
Attaching the catio frame to the braces
Fit the braces to the wall and use a spirit level to make sure they are all level. Plumb the braces, drill pilot holes and insert the appropriate screws to secure them to the wall. Fit the catio to the braces, drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock them into place.
Fitting the braces to the window catio
Plywood floor – window catio
Use 1/2″ plywood for the floor. Make the notches to the floor sheet, as shown in the diagram.
Attaching the floor to the window catio
Fit the floor to the catio. Drill pilot holes and insert 1 5/8″ screws to secure the floor into place tightly.
Fitting the hardware cloth
Attach the mesh cloth to the exterior of the catio. Staple the mesh to the frame of the catio.
Top roof support
Use a piece of 1×2 lumber for the roof support. Drill pilot holes and insert 1 5/8″ screws to secure it into place tightly.
Fitting the roof – window catio
Use polycarbonate for the roof. Cut the piece at 25″x74″ and secure it to the top of the catio.
Window Catio Plans – Side view
Build a wooden window catio
Apply a few coats of paint / stain over the components, to protect them from the elements. This is a super simple catio that will help your cat to enjoy the sunlight and the fresh air, while being protected from the predators. Check out my large catio plans, as well.
Window Catio Plans
See all my cat plans HERE. If you like my project, don’t forget to SHARE it on Facebook and Pinterest. You can easily add shelves to the interior of the catio, so the pets can climb and have fun.
Window Catio Plans – dimensions
How to build a window catio
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