A while back I saw some posts on how to convert Ikea furniture into a litter box hider, which I thought was a great idea. Then I stumbled across the "Shanty-2-Chic" blog and the Kentwood Nightstand (and then of course Ana's site). I LOVED the stand and thought it'd be great to modify that plan into a bench version, so I could hide the litter box. I loosely followed the original plans and modified them to suite the dimensions of the litter box. I also wanted a lid that would lift so I could easily clean the litter box. I also cut a hole in one end so the cats could get in and out. I loved the look of the door on the Nightstand version, so I made two to fit the bench shape. I made one door first, then re-measured for the other door so that they would fit perfectly (good thing I did as the second one ended up needing to be a little longer than the other). In the photos I haven't added the bottom of the box yet, but I'll use L-brackets, attach leftover 1x3 as a border, then lay down old ikea shelves I had kicking around. The shelves will actually work out quite well as they have a laminate finish - making it easier to clean. I have a little carpet square to lay in there are well to catch the litter before the cats walk out. I intend to get a cushion for the top, so that my guests can sit on it when we're hanging out in the kitchen. I won't tell them they're sitting on top of the litter box :) Over all the project took me a really long time, but that was partly because I didn't have all the right tools, was often working in my living room (due to rain and working late at night), and I'm super anal about measuring! I'm really really happy with the way it turned out! P.S I bought the $20 Kreg Jig and must say that I LOVE that thing.
2) Rust-Oleum Varathane Wood Stain in Dark Walnut
3) Rust-Oleum Varathane Water - Based Wood Finish (for the inside of the box).
I used wood conditioner on the exterior of the box, let sit for about 1/2 hour then painted on the stain with a sponge brush. I wanted it dark to I left the stain on for a while.
I don't like shiny finishes so I didn't treat the outside of the box, however I did use it on the inside to prevent the wood from absorbing any smells.
Comments
Pam the Goatherd
Mon, 02/18/2013 - 11:06
Very creative way to hide
Very creative way to hide that litter box!
wannabuildit
Mon, 02/18/2013 - 17:20
Great Idea!
I really like this idea, I have to put the cat box in the farthest corner of my kitchen also. This is a great idea I hope you dont mind if I use :) Thanks for sharing
EstTexas80
Sat, 01/28/2017 - 11:35
plans?
Did you ever happen write down cut lengths and and building plans for this. It's EXACTLY what my wife and I are looking for, for the entry way of our house. If you do, I'd really appreciate it. Thank you.