When I first got Tabitha (18 years ago!) I had to go away for work, and my parents took care of my girl. They weren't thrilled, as they weren't "cat people". But they knew I had no one else I could trust. So, I come home a week later, and find ALL KINDS OF CAT TOYS ALL OVER THE PLACE.... and a scratching post that my Dad had made!

Believe it or not, we still have it to this day. Tabby used to sit on the top of the post and look outside more than she "used" it. Sasha actually uses it, and sometimes she like to just lay across it and look outside. (She is too big to sit on top of it!)

It is just a base made of board with carpeting on it. Then he took a piece of post, wrapped carpeting around it and attached the post to the base. Very simple, but works fine!