STACKED HOUSING versus DOUBLE DECKER HOUSING

HOUSING FOR MULTIPLE CATS

For those customers that need larger housing to accommodate a colony of cats and/or have space limitations, we offer all our house sizes in either stacked versions or double decker versions.  Below are the differences between the two:

STACKED HOUSING is simply taking 2 houses of the same size and stacking them on top of one another.  A platform shelf is provided for the top house and is to be secured just under the entrance .... on the top of the bottom shelter's roof.  The purpose of this ledge is to allow cats to jump onto it and be able to enter the top shelter.  Escape doors can be ordered for each shelter and do not require any type of ledging.  To order stackable housing, simply order 2 houses separately in individual transactions.  In that way, you can include any options you would like for each house as well as selecting entrances and their locations.  There is a location chart located on the right side of the website and that can be used as a reference to indicate the locations of any options ordered (ie windows, escapes, entrances, etc).  The picture above on the left is  a picture 2 stacked MEDIUM houses.  This particular set up is on a platform.  Platforms are sturdy enough to hold 2 stacked houses of any size.  There is also a way to connect houses together, if desired.  In addition, there is a way to anchor the platform to the ground so that there is no concern of the setup being top heavy or susceptible to wind blowover.  If selecting the CEDAR SEAL option for the houses and you also want the platform sealed, you will need to order the platform through the platform tab and not as an option.  The platforms in that tab section have the CEDAR SEAL option available there.  All platforms ship FREE.  Detailed instructions are included regarding everything mentioned here as well as step-by-step instructions that will guide you through the setup of the stacked system.

ORDERING STACKED HOUSING:  Stacked Housing is simply ordering 2 houses (possibly 3) in the same transaction and then letting us know that you intend to stack them.  In the ordering process, there will be a section called SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS and you can leave notes there.  When we know that the houses are intended to be stacked, we include include a platform shelf that attaches between levels.  The platform shelf we send attaches just below the entrance of the top house.  This is so that cats can jump onto it and then be able to enter the top house.  One could even order a third house and we would attach another leveler and include another platform shelf.   The way to order via the website is to go ahead and order the first house, include the options needed, then click ADD TO CART.  Then, click the CONTINUE SHOPPING button and it will take you back to the homepage where you can select the second house.  In doing it this way, you are able to order houses with different door locations, and different options that you might want for each level.  We have had customers even order different sizes for stacking.  For example, a LARGE HOUSE on the bottom and a MEDIUM HOUSE on the top or a JUMBO HOUSE on the bottom and a LARGE HOUSE on the top.  Pricing is the same for each house and shipping charges are calculated for each house.  PLATFORM SHELVES are included free.  We also include a detailed booklet of instructions/illustrations/pics on how to put the system together and the steps to follow.  Once again, the SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS section is a place to leave us notes and indicate which house will be the top house and which will be the bottom.  As always, we summarize order specifics in the DETAILED ORDER CONFIRMATION that we send later.  Once you place your order and make payment, the website will send you an order confirmation immediately.  You will also receive a DETAILED ORDER CONFIRMATION usually within a few days of your order.  It can sometimes take longer due to increased work load in the workshop.  This confirmation is sent by us and it will summarize your order again, include any special instructions that you shared, and provide an estimated date of delivery.  Turnaround times are based on the date that you order/your payment date and the orders that are currently ahead of yours.  When an order comes in, it is simply scheduled into the next available workshop opening and we complete orders in the order that they are received.  Therefore, it is always best to order earlier than later so that your order gets into the queue.  If it would be easier, you are also welcome to call us at 765/296-2227 to place your order by phone.  If the machine picks up, just leave a message with your phone number mentioned in the beginning of the message and also again at the end of the message.  Thanks. 

DOUBLE DECKER HOUSING is creating one house out of 2 houses.  It is similar to the stacked housing in that it provides the same amount of inner room space.  However, the top level is designed to slide down into the bottom level like a sleeve.  The top level is then secured to the bottom level (with screws provided) in order to make one complete unit.  The entire house has one sloping roof that pivots up/down.  Cats gain access to the top house from inside the house.  The top house has an opening in the floor whereby cats use that to enter the top level.  If wanting escape doors, it would be recommended to get them for each level as cats will use both houses.  Some customers like to add several windows on the top house so that cats can see out while customers can also see when the top level is in use.  If ordering many windows, a separate invoice may need to be sent since the website listing usually only offers 1 per house.  There is a customization option of $25 and $50 and you can calculate the extras and select the appropriate option.  As usual, other options are also available.   To order double decker housing, simply order 2 houses separately in individual transactions.  In that way, you can include any options you would like for each level as well as selecting entrances and their locations.  There is a location chart located on the right side of the website and that can be used as a reference to indicate the locations of any options ordered (ie windows, escapes, entrances, etc).  The picture above on the right is a picture an XL size DOUBLE DECKER.  Some customers use this type housing as a combo HOUSE/FEEDING shelter whereby the bottom level is devoted toward where the cats feed.  In those situations, we can create a side door for the adding of food.  We included a picture here of how that looks. 

The $50 customization would need to be selected for that feature to be included.  It does not come with the original order.  It’s also important to know that using one of the levels as a feed area will mean that the entire system will not provide sleep areas for as many cats.  Platform can also be used with the DOUBLE DECKER system.   Platforms are sturdy enough to hold DOUBLE DECKERS of any size.  In addition, there is a way to anchor the platform to the ground so that there is no concern of the setup being top heavy or susceptible to wind blowover.  If selecting the CEDAR SEAL option for each level of the double decker and you also want the platform sealed, you will need to order the platform through the platform tab and not as an option.  The platforms in that tab section have the CEDAR SEAL option available there.  All platforms ship FREE.  Detailed instructions are included regarding everything mentioned here as well as step-by-step instructions that will guide you through the setup of the double decker setup.  When ordering, there is a section on each order form titled SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS and you can leave any notes for us there.  Letting us know which house is the top level and which is the bottom level would be needed.  You can also send a separate email to the.arkworkshop@gmail.com    Once you place your order and make payment, the website will send you an order confirmation immediately.  You will also receive a DETAILED ORDER CONFIRMATION usually within 48 hours of your order.  It can sometimes take longer due to increased work load in the workshop.  This confirmation is sent by us and it will summarize your order again, include any special instructions that you shared, and provide an estimated date of delivery.  Turnaround times are based on the date that you order/your payment date and the orders that are currently ahead of yours.  When an order comes in, it is simply scheduled into the next available workshop opening and we complete orders in the order that they are received.  Therefore, it is always best to order earlier than later so that your order gets into the queue.  Turnaround times tend to get longer as we get closer to Fall and Winter.  If it would be easier, you are also welcome to call us at 765/296-2227 to place your order by phone.  Ordering the double decker housing is a little trickier than ordering our other items and we’re happy to help.  If the machine picks up, just leave a message that includes your phone number in the beginning of the message and also again at the end of the message.  Thanks.