I am currently building/modifying a cat tree where I am adding larger platforms and making some stability improvements. One of the things I want to do is add a 6 foot climbing post next to the cat tree and cover it in sisal rope. The current base of the tree is tiny, so I am going to attach a larger piece of wood underneath it for added stability. It will also serve as the base for the PVC post.The PVC I have is 4" in diameter, in two 3 foot segments connected in the middle with a coupling. To connect the PVC pipe to the wooden base, I am going to use a toilet flange.However since this is such a tall pipe I am wanting added stability. My question for you guys is if I add weight to the inside of the PVC (like rocks) will it add stability to the pipe and the rest of the tree or will it do the opposite? If it WILL help with stability, then a follow-up question I had is if I add weight higher (4.5-6 feet vs. the bottom 2 feet) will that add more stability, make it top heavy and unstable, or would it not make any difference? I'd assume that since the pipe being vertical, all the weight will transfer to the bottom. So even if it was a 9 foot pipe filled to the top with a dense material, it will not become too heavy.I was thinking of using something like gravel rocks or sand. I can put it in a bag or pillowcase to keep any mess away and to make it easier should I have to move it. I was also considering putting rocks/sand in a 2" or 3" diameter PVC pipe and then inserting that into the 4" pipe- again for convenience.I have researched adding sand/rocks in PVC on Google, and at least horizontally speaking it does add stability. Then there's some workout routine that involves putting water or sand in PVC, however I'm not finding anything in regards to adding weight to a PVC that sits vertically for structural integrity.I am trying to ask around for some input if this would even work before I go and buy a bunch of gravel, then make a mess only to find out it doesn't do anything besides make this contraption 20 pounds heavier.I am also open to any suggestions on denser/heavier material I can use that will fit into the PVC, and any suggestions to the cat tree itself. (Or suggestions of more appropriate subreddits to post to if this isn't the best one.)I know I could just anchor the cat tree to the wall, but I'd like to refrain from that. I am a renter so holes in the wall aren't the best option, and I'd like to build a structure that doesn't rely on being near a wall.The photos are of the 'diagram' of the post and random ideas I scribbled down. The second photo is the cat tree, it still looks pretty rough as of yet, I've still got a few skeletal things to do before making it pretty.https://ift.tt/2Gc78Ya via /r/DIY https://ift.tt/2pIvazI
