IKEA Catio Hack: Build One for Under $100
You do not need a lumber yard, a table saw, or a construction background to build a catio. You need an IKEA store, some wire mesh, and a free afternoon. The result is a functional outdoor cat enclosure for under $100 — often well under.
IKEA furniture is engineered for easy assembly, and that same modularity makes it surprisingly good raw material for catio builds. The frames provide structure. You provide the mesh. Your cat provides the enthusiasm.
This guide covers three specific IKEA hacks using products you can buy today, with step-by-step instructions and total costs. For a full comparison of catio types and where IKEA hacks fit in, see our complete DIY catio guide.
Why IKEA Furniture Works for Catios
The traditional catio build starts with measuring, cutting, and assembling a custom wood frame. That frame is the most time-consuming and skill-intensive part of the project. IKEA furniture eliminates it.
Here is what makes IKEA units good catio candidates:
- Pre-cut, pre-drilled lumber — no sawing required
- Included hardware — bolts, screws, and cam locks come in the box
- Modular design — many units can be stacked or extended
- Affordable — IKEA wood furniture costs a fraction of equivalent raw lumber
- Flat-pack portability — you can carry it up apartment stairs
The trade-off is durability. IKEA pine is softer than construction-grade lumber and is not weather-treated. Sealing the wood for outdoor use is mandatory (covered below).
Hack 1: HEJNE Shelf — The Best All-Around Catio Frame
The HEJNE is a utilitarian pine shelf system designed for garages and basements. It is IKEA’s most catio-hackable product.
What to Buy
| Item | IKEA Price (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| HEJNE shelf unit (31”W x 19.5”D x 67”H) | $27 | One section = one catio column |
| HEJNE shelf unit (second, optional for width) | $27 | Bolt two together for a wider catio |
Additional materials (non-IKEA):
| Item | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 16-gauge galvanized welded wire mesh (25 ft roll) | $40 | Home Depot / Lowe’s |
| Galvanized staples or staple gun staples | $6 | Hardware store |
| Exterior wood stain (quart) | $12 | Hardware store |
| Cable ties (100 pack) | $5 | Hardware store |
| Total | $90 (single) / $117 (double) |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Assemble the HEJNE frame according to IKEA instructions, but leave the included shelves off for now. You want the open frame only — four vertical posts connected by side rails.
Step 2: Seal the wood. Apply two coats of exterior wood stain or polyurethane to all surfaces. Let dry completely between coats (check label for dry times). This step is not optional for outdoor use. The raw pine will rot within a year without treatment.
Step 3: Cut wire mesh panels. Measure each open face of the frame (front, back, sides, top) and cut mesh to size using wire cutters or tin snips. Add 1 inch extra on each edge for overlap when stapling.
Step 4: Attach mesh to the frame. Starting with the back panel, lay the mesh flat against the outside of the frame. Staple every 3 inches along every wooden edge. Fold sharp edges inward and press flat with pliers.
Repeat for the two side panels and the top panel. Leave the front panel partially open — see Step 6.
Step 5: Install shelves. Now add two or three of the included HEJNE shelves back into the frame at staggered heights. These become your cat’s climbing platforms. Position them at roughly 18 inches, 36 inches, and 54 inches from the floor.
Step 6: Create an access door. On the front panel, attach mesh to the top two-thirds only. For the bottom third, create a hinged door by attaching a separate mesh panel using two small hinges on one side and a simple latch (hook and eye or barrel bolt) on the other. This lets you open the catio for cleaning and loading/unloading your cat.
Step 7: Position the catio. Place it against a window or on a balcony. For window mounting, align the back opening with an open window. For balcony use, place it with the back against the building wall.
Finished dimensions: 31 inches wide x 19.5 inches deep x 67 inches tall (single unit). Two units bolted side by side: 62 inches wide.
Hack 2: KALLAX Shelf — The Indoor Window Catio
The KALLAX is IKEA’s iconic cube shelf. Turned on its side, a 2x4 KALLAX becomes a window-adjacent catio that sits inside your home with one open face pressed against a screened window.
This hack is ideal for apartment dwellers who cannot modify anything exterior.
What to Buy
| Item | IKEA Price (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| KALLAX 2x4 shelf unit | $70 | The 2x2 works for a smaller version ($40) |
Additional materials:
| Item | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware cloth mesh (10 ft roll) | $25 | Hardware store |
| Cable ties | $5 | Hardware store |
| Zip-tie mounts (adhesive) | $5 | Hardware store |
| Small hinges (x2) | $4 | Hardware store |
| Barrel bolt latch | $3 | Hardware store |
| Total | $112 (2x4) / $82 (2x2) |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Assemble the KALLAX per IKEA instructions. Place it on its side so the open cubes face forward and the solid back panel faces the wall.
Step 2: Remove the back panel from one end section. This end will press against the open window so your cat can enter from outside. Use a flathead screwdriver to pop out the cardboard/fiberboard backing from that section.
Step 3: Cover the open front face with mesh. Cut hardware cloth to cover the entire front opening. Attach using cable ties threaded through the mesh and around the KALLAX shelf dividers. Space ties every 4 inches.
Create a hinged access door in one cube section using small hinges and a latch — the same technique as the HEJNE hack.
Step 4: Position against the window. Open the window. Press the open-backed end of the KALLAX flush against the window opening. Secure the KALLAX to the wall on both sides using L-brackets or furniture straps so it cannot shift.
Step 5: Add enrichment. Line the cube floors with washable mats or carpet tiles. Add small cat toys, a catnip mouse, or a piece of fleece bedding in each cube. The cube structure naturally creates separate “rooms” that cats love to explore.
Important note: The KALLAX is made of particleboard, not solid wood. It cannot get wet. This hack is strictly indoor or covered-balcony use only.
Hack 3: IVAR Shelf System — The Modular Premium Option
The IVAR system is IKEA’s most flexible shelving line. Solid pine, wall-mountable, and configurable in dozens of ways. It costs more than HEJNE but offers more design possibilities.
What to Buy
| Item | IKEA Price (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IVAR side units (2) 12”D x 49”H | $15 each | Vertical frame posts |
| IVAR shelves (3) 33”W x 12”D | $7.50 each | Climbing platforms |
Additional materials:
| Item | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Galvanized welded wire mesh (15 ft) | $30 | Hardware store |
| Staples or cable ties | $6 | Hardware store |
| Exterior wood stain | $12 | Hardware store |
| Hinges + latch | $7 | Hardware store |
| Total | $93 |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Assemble the IVAR frame. Connect two IVAR side units with the IVAR shelves placed at your desired heights. The shelves pin into pre-drilled holes in the side units — you choose the heights.
Step 2: Seal all wood with exterior stain (same process as HEJNE).
Step 3: Wrap with mesh. Cover back, sides, and top with welded wire mesh. Staple to the wooden frame every 3 inches.
Step 4: Add a front access door. Hinge a mesh panel on the front for entry and cleaning access.
Step 5: Customize shelf heights. Unlike the HEJNE, IVAR lets you reposition shelves by moving the shelf pins to different holes. Experiment with heights to see what your cat prefers. Start with three shelves evenly spaced and adjust from there.
Finished dimensions: 33 inches wide x 12 inches deep x 49 inches tall. The narrow depth makes this ideal for balcony catios where floor space is tight.
Sealing IKEA Wood for Outdoor Use
This step is critical. Skip it and your catio lasts one season. Do it properly and you get three to five years.
What to use:
- Exterior wood stain (oil-based or water-based) — easiest option, adds color and protection
- Marine-grade polyurethane — clear coat, strongest water protection
- Exterior deck sealant — clear or tinted, designed for outdoor wood exposure
Application process:
- Sand all surfaces lightly with 120-grit sandpaper to help the sealant absorb
- Wipe dust with a tack cloth
- Apply the first coat with a brush or foam roller, following the wood grain
- Let dry per label instructions (typically 2 to 4 hours)
- Apply a second coat
- Let cure fully (24 to 48 hours) before exposing to weather or cats
Re-seal annually at the start of the outdoor season. Inspect for peeling or bare spots and spot-treat as needed.
Tips for Keeping Costs Under $100
- Use a single HEJNE unit ($27) instead of doubling up — one column is enough for one to two cats
- Buy mesh in bulk — a 25-foot roll covers any single-unit hack with material to spare
- Skip the stain if the catio will be on a covered balcony or porch (reduced UV and rain exposure)
- Use leftover materials — many households have wood stain, cable ties, and basic tools already
- Check the IKEA As-Is section for discounted shelf units with minor cosmetic damage
For a complete material pricing reference, see our catio materials and cost breakdown.
Where Each Hack Works Best
| Hack | Best Location | Indoor/Outdoor | Renter-Friendly | Cat Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HEJNE | Balcony, patio, yard | Outdoor (sealed) | Yes (freestanding) | 1–3 cats |
| KALLAX | Indoor by window | Indoor only | Yes | 1–2 cats |
| IVAR | Balcony, covered porch | Outdoor (sealed) | Yes (freestanding) | 1–2 cats |
For more apartment and renter-specific methods, see our no-drill catio solutions guide.
The Takeaway
An IKEA catio hack is the fastest, cheapest, and most beginner-friendly path to giving your cat safe outdoor access. The HEJNE gives you the best bang for the buck. The KALLAX keeps everything indoors for apartments. The IVAR offers the most flexibility. Pick the one that fits your space, add mesh and sealant, and your cat is lounging outdoors by the end of the day.
Read the full guide: DIY Catio: The Complete Guide to Building a Safe Outdoor Cat Enclosure
Related: See the full materials and cost breakdown and explore no-drill solutions for renters.
For budget-friendly cat supplies and starter kits, visit Pet Starter Kits.