Cat tree assembly in Exeter
Professional cat tree assembly services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60-£85
Typical Duration
1-1.5 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Cat tree assembled properly with all parts secure and stable. Professional setup that prevents wobbling, toppling, and disappointed cats - your tree will be ready to climb straight away.
Cat Trees: Simple in Theory, Fiddly in Practice
A cat tree seems straightforward - some posts, a few platforms, bit of assembly. Then you open the box and there are 47 different parts, instructions in broken English, and bolts that don't seem to match any of the holes.
Two hours later you've got a wonky tower that wobbles when the cat breathes near it. Not exactly what you had in mind.
Professional assembly means it's done right - stable, secure, and ready for vigorous cat use. I've built dozens of these things and know exactly how they go together properly.
💡 Pro tip: Position cat trees near windows (cats love bird-watching from height) or on routes between rooms (creates vertical territory on cat highways). Location matters as much as assembly quality.
Why Proper Assembly Matters
Here's what separates safe cat furniture from a toppling disaster:
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Done Wrong |
|---|---|
| All bolts properly tightened | Wobbles when cat jumps on it |
| Platforms level and secure | Lopsided, cat feels unsafe |
| Tall trees anchored to wall | Tips over when cat climbs |
| Takes 1 hour | Takes you all afternoon and looks wonky |
What You Get
🔧 The Service
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Unpack | All parts checked against instructions |
| Assembly | Tree built following manufacturer steps correctly |
| Tightening | Every connection secured properly (this is critical!) |
| Stability check | Wobble test and wall anchoring if needed |
📦 You're Left With
- Cat tree assembled correctly
- Stable and secure
- Positioned in ideal spot
- Ready for immediate cat use
Pricing Guide
| Cat Tree Size | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Small tree (<1.5m tall) | 45-60 mins | £60 |
| Medium tree (1.5-2m tall) | 60-75 mins | £60 |
| Large tree (2m+ tall) | 75-90 mins | £60-£85 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Complex trees with lots of platforms take longer.
Perfect For Your Project If...
✅ Hate flat-pack assembly - save yourself the frustration
✅ Want it done right - stability and safety matter
✅ Limited time - 1 hour vs your whole afternoon
✅ Tall trees - proper anchoring is essential for safety
Why Choose Us for Cat tree assembly in Exeter?
Assembled correctly - no wobbly bits
Securely anchored to prevent toppling
All platforms level and secure
Quick professional setup
What to Expect
Step 1: Unpacking & Check
I'll unpack all parts, check against the instructions, and identify any missing bits (rare but it happens with online purchases).
Step 2: Assembly
Build the tree following manufacturer instructions but using experience to avoid common pitfalls. This includes knowing which connections need extra tightening and how to align wobbly platforms properly.
Step 3: Stability Testing
Once assembled, I check for wobble, ensure all platforms are level, and for tall trees, recommend wall anchoring (and install brackets if you want). Quick position discussion to get it in the best spot.
Step 4: Cat Introduction
Most cats investigate new furniture immediately, but some are cautious. I'll suggest how to encourage use (treats work brilliantly) and what signs show it's been assembled correctly.
🔧 DIY Tips
Want to assemble a cat tree yourself? Here's how to do it properly:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Allen keys (usually supplied)
- Screwdriver (usually supplied)
- Adjustable spanner (helpful for tight bolts)
- Rubber mallet (for gentle persuading)
- Spirit level (check platforms)
📋 Assembly tips
- Lay out ALL parts first, match to instructions
- Don't tighten anything fully until it's all together
- Platforms must be level - check with spirit level
- Tighten progressively - bit on each bolt, then move to next
- Final tightening: really firm, but don't strip threads
🔨 Common parts
- Base plate (largest platform)
- Posts (wrapped in sisal rope usually)
- Platforms at various heights
- Hanging toys, hammocks, boxes
- Bolts, washers, Allen keys
⚠️ Common mistakes
- Tightening bolts fully before everything's aligned (causes wonky tree)
- Not tightening enough (wobbles when cats use it)
- Forgetting washers (connections come loose)
- Forcing parts (usually means wrong part or wrong orientation)
- Not checking platforms are level
💡 Pro trick: Assemble on carpet if possible - gives better grip than hard floors and prevents slipping during use. If you have hard floors, get a rug for under the base.
🏗️ Anchoring tall trees
- Trees over 1.8m should be wall-anchored
- Use angle brackets (often supplied)
- Fix to wall studs or brick, not plasterboard alone
- Prevents toppling if cats get vigorous
🐱 Encouraging cats to use it
- Place treats on different levels
- Sprinkle catnip on platforms
- Dangle toys from hanging parts
- Position near windows for bird-watching
- Be patient - some cats investigate immediately, others take days
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🐱 Multiple cats? Get a tree with multiple levels and perches - cats like their own space. Trees with 3+ platforms let cats share without conflict.
Cheap vs expensive trees - Budget trees (sub-£50) often have poor quality posts that shred quickly or platforms that sag. Mid-range (£70-150) usually offers decent quality. Expensive trees (£150+) have sturdier construction but aren't always necessary unless you have large cats or many cats.
Replacement parts - Sisal posts wear out eventually (cats scratch them - that's the point!). Some manufacturers sell replacement posts. Otherwise, you can re-wrap posts with sisal rope from DIY stores.
Location matters - Position near windows (bird TV), near radiators (warm sunny perches), or on routes between rooms (vertical highways). Cats use trees more when they're in desirable spots.
Older Exeter houses with high ceilings can accommodate tall cat trees brilliantly - gives cats impressive vertical territory. Just ensure proper wall anchoring if ceilings are 2.5m+ and trees are near that height.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why pay someone to assemble a cat tree?
Cat trees look simple but have dozens of parts, vague instructions, and critical stability requirements. Get one bolt wrong and it wobbles or topples when cats jump on it. I've assembled loads - I know which bits need extra tightening, how to anchor them properly, and how to avoid the common mistakes that make them unsafe.
Do I need to buy the cat tree first?
Yes - I assemble trees you've already purchased. Most people buy online (cheaper than pet shops) then book me to put them together. If you haven't bought yet, I can advise on what size suits your space and cats.
How do you stop cat trees toppling over?
Tighten all connections properly (most DIY jobs are under-tightened), position on level floor, and anchor tall trees to walls with brackets. Cats are vigorous - they jump, climb, and launch themselves. Trees must be rock-solid or they're dangerous.
How long does cat tree assembly take?
Small tree (1-1.5m tall): about 45 mins. Medium tree (1.5-2m): about 1 hour. Large multi-level tree (2m+): 1-1.5 hours. Much faster than struggling with confusing instructions yourself!
What if parts are missing from the box?
Happens occasionally with online purchases. I'll identify what's missing and advise whether it's critical or can be worked around. You can contact the seller for replacement parts. Sometimes I can improvise with similar fixings if it's minor.
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