How much does a catio cost?
What drives the cost of a DIY catio — size, framing, mesh, roofing, doors and hardware — and how to estimate yours without false precision.
· 3 min read · OpenCatio3D editorial · general guidance, not veterinary, legal or engineering advice
The honest answer is "it depends" — but on a short list of things you control. This guide explains what drives the cost of building a catio yourself, and how to estimate yours.
The cost drivers
Size and shape. Materials scale with the area of the walls and roof, not the floor. A lean-to shares a wall with the house, so it needs less mesh and framing than a freestanding catio of the same footprint.
Framing. 2×2 lumber is light and cheap and suits window boxes and tunnels. Walk-in catios commonly use 2×3 or 2×4 for stiffness. Wood that touches soil or concrete should be rated for ground contact, which costs more.
Mesh. Usually the biggest single line. Welded wire varies widely in price with gauge, opening size and coating (galvanised after welding, vinyl-coated, stainless). Heavier gauge and smaller openings cost more and last longer.
Roof. An all-mesh roof is cheapest. Clear polycarbonate or corrugated sheet adds shade and shelter — and cost, plus the framing to carry it.
Doors and hardware. A human door needs framing, hinges, a latch and ideally a closer. Fixings add up: screws for every joint and washers or staples every few inches along every mesh edge.
Extras. Shelves, ramps, beds, scratching posts and planters. A cat door or window kit for access from the house.
What is usually not in a materials estimate
- Tools, blades and bits
- Stain, paint or sealer (and the time for it to cure before cats use it)
- Delivery, tax and waste disposal
- Labour if you hire a builder
- Permits or inspections where required
How to estimate yours
- Pick the type and rough size.
- Work out the framing: posts at each corner and at a maximum spacing along each wall (often around 4 ft), plates top and bottom, rafters, and a mid rail on tall walls.
- Work out the mesh area of every open face plus overlap at joins, then round up to whole rolls.
- Count roof sheets if you use them.
- Add hardware and extras.
- Price each line with a range from your local stores.
The free catio cost calculator does this for common shapes and lets you type your own prices. The OpenCatio3D planner does it for your exact design, with a cut list packed onto the board lengths you buy.
Ways to save without cutting safety
- Choose a lean-to or window box over a freestanding catio.
- Size the walls to the mesh roll width and board lengths to reduce offcuts.
- Use a mesh roof with a partial cover rather than a full solid roof.
- Reuse sound materials — but never compromise on mesh strength, latches or fixings.
Where not to economise
Mesh that a cat or a raccoon can tear, latches that pop open, and fixings into trim instead of structure are false economies. So is chicken wire: it is thin and easily pulled apart.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to build a catio or buy a kit?
It depends on size and the kit. Kits save design and cutting time; DIY lets you fit the space exactly and choose materials. Compare like for like, including mesh gauge and roof.
Why does OpenCatio3D give a range rather than a price?
Prices vary by region, season and store. A range with dated, editable assumptions is more honest than a single number that will be wrong at your lumber yard.
How much extra material should I buy?
The planner shows waste explicitly. Many builders add a little extra for mistakes and warped boards; decide on a margin you are comfortable with.