Okay, let’s dive into my little project of making a mid-century modern cat litter box. I’ve always loved that sleek, vintage furniture look, but let’s be honest, a standard plastic litter box is a real eyesore. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands!
First, I brainstormed. I knew I wanted something that looked more like a piece of furniture than a pet toilet. I sketched out a few ideas, mostly simple box shapes with tapered legs – that classic mid-century vibe.
Gathering Supplies
Next up, I had to make the plan.
- I picked up some plywood from the local home improvement store. I didn’t need anything fancy, just something sturdy enough to hold a litter pan and a cat.
- I also grabbed some wood stain in a walnut color. It’s my favorite, and I find it gives that authentic vintage feel.
- Of course, I needed tapered furniture legs. I found some online – there are tons of options out there!
- And, let’s not forget the basics: wood glue, screws, sandpaper, and a drill. I have a decent toolkit.
The Build
I started by cutting the plywood according to my sketch. I’m no master carpenter, that’s for sure, but I managed to get the basic box shape assembled. Lots of measuring, a bit of sawing, and a healthy dose of “measure twice, cut once” – a lesson I’ve learned the hard way in the past!
Once I had the box, I sanded everything down to make sure it was smooth and wouldn’t give my kitty any splinters. Then, I applied the wood stain. I always love this part – it’s where the project starts to come to life! I applied two coats to get a nice, rich color.
After the stain dried, I attached the legs. This was probably the trickiest part, just making sure they were all even and the box wouldn’t wobble. A little bit of fiddling, and they were on!
Finishing Touches
Finally, all that’s left to do is place the plastic litter pan inside, and the work is done!
It’s not perfect, but I’m pretty happy with how it turned out. It definitely looks a whole lot better than the old plastic tub, and my cat seems to like it just fine. Plus, I got to spend a weekend getting my hands dirty and making something, which is always a good time in my book!
