DIY Dog Crate (9 Design Ideas and Plans)

Quick Summary

• You can make DIY dog crate using different wood, metal wire, furniture, and recycled materials such as a baby crib.
• Some of the tools you will likely need are cordless drill, framing square, hammer, level, miter saw, sander, safety glasses and gloves, screwdriver, tape measure, wood glue, and many more.
• Make sure to measure your dog correctly first before building the crate. Do not make the crate too big or too small. Keep in mind that your dog should still be able to stand up and stretch when laying down.

Pet supply companies and online sellers offer a wide array of dog crates for sale. Many people choose the standard wire crate that can collapse and store easily. However, more dog owners are searching for the best dog crates that are comfortable for their pup and fit in with the decor of their home. Sometimes, a DIY dog crate is the answer. I’ve done many DIY crates in the past, and those made of wood are my favorite as they go with my home nicely.

Even with the wide selection of crates that are available, many dog owners still can’t find one that fits the bill and will make a comfortable den for their dog. Another issue with finding the ideal dog crate is many suppliers don’t make them for extra-large breeds, so you have to improvise. You can take advantage of your creative side and design your dog’s crate to make it unique and cozy for your pup. Keep reading to find

Materials And Tools You Need Before Building The Perfect DIY Dog Crate

Before you get started, you’ll need tools and materials to create cozy quarters for your pup. If you don’t have experience with home improvement projects, you may want to enlist the help of someone that’s familiar with carpentry. Plywood sheets or pine boards that are approximately one-half inch thick are easy to cut to the appropriate size with the proper power tools. The lumber or plywood that you require for your DIY projects depends on what you’re building. You can check online sources for recommendations.

Tools readily available in your local hardware store that you’ll likely need to design and build your custom dog crate include:

• Cordless Drill
• Framing square
• Hammer
• Level
• Miter saw
• Sander
• Safety glasses
• Safety gloves
• Screwdriver
• Tape measure
• Wood glue
• Pocket hole screws
• Right-angle clamps

Here are some suggestions for creating a unique crate that your pup will love.

1. Wooden Slat Dog Crate

A wooden slat crate is a perfect project for the dog owner that wants to create a simple and functional crate for their pup. The crate is made from scratch and is attractive and comfortable for your dog. You’ll need long pieces of lumber for the frame and slats, plywood sheets for the roof and floor, and hinges for the door. This is a great DIY wooden dog crate.

2. Do-It-Yourself Wire Dog Crate

A wire crate that you build is the perfect solution when you have a large breed dog and can’t find a suitable crate. When you create a wire crate for your dog, it will look similar to crates sold in a pet store. All you need to put this crate together is:

• Welded wire panels, including one for the door
• Plywood sheets for the roof and floor
• Screws
• Nails

3. Furniture Quality Custom Crate For Dogs

When you want a unique crate for your dog that you create from a furniture-quality piece, there are many options from which to choose. A furniture-style crates that complement the decor of your room may be more expensive and require more advanced carpentry skills. However, if you want a cozy den for your pup that’s different from standard crates, the results can be amazing. If you want an outstanding crate you’ll be proud of, you can use a metal grate to insert in the door. The grate provides plenty of air for your dog and adds an elegant touch.

End tables and nightstands are excellent choices for furniture-style crates. A side table can be converted into a wood and wire dog crate with two doors for easy access. 

A single-door furniture dog crate can be created with wire and a wood table that can be taken apart and serve as a dog gate. The single-door crate is the best, multi-functional style. 

A wood and stainless steel nightstand table are durable and sturdy so that they will last. The dog crate is easy to assemble and lightweight. The top of the crate is perfect for all the supplies you need for your pup, including bowls, blankets, and toys.

4. Recycled Baby Crib Dog Kennel

Instead of selling the crib when your child outgrows it or storing it in the garage, recycle it for your dog. A repurposed baby crib makes an upscale dog crate perfect for large dogs. Not only will you save money by creating this crate for your pup, but you’re also helping the environment by not disposing of the crib. Crating a dog crate from a crib is a real timesaver. You’ll need plywood sheets cut to fit as a roof and floor. One side of the crib can be cut in the center to make double door panels. Add a sturdy latch, so your dog doesn’t decide to go exploring the house in the middle of the night. It’s an easy DIY dog crate project! Woof!

5. Recycle Your Entertainment Center For Your Dog

The type of wire used to build a conventional dog crate can be attached to the back and side panels of an entertainment center you no longer use. Measure the front of the unit to create a door that’s suitable for your dog’s size, with wire on either side. Add a latch and your former entertainment unit is perfect for your dog to relax or sleep in at night. This is the type of crate perfect for the family room.

6. An Innovative Idea For An Existing Dog Crate

One of the most unusual and innovative ideas is to create a table for your kitchen using an existing dog crate. A kitchen table crate for your pup is a solution for the dog owner who lives in a small space like an apartment. The table/crate idea is perfect for the owner who likes to have their dog with them, even when preparing meals. The kitchen table dog crate is affordable and relatively easy to create, even if you have no carpentry experience. 

Use a medium-sized, metal dog crate and prebuilt table legs to fit. Cut a pine board for the top of the table. You can add a cafe curtain in any style to the sides and back of the crate for extra privacy for your dog. Place a warm cushion or bed in the crate, and your dog is ready to move into the new den.

7. All-In-One Dog Crate

The all-in-one crate is one of the most functional for the dog owner with two small pups. The unit features a wire-style crate with a latching door on either end of the piece. The center features three drawers for storing your dog’s food and supplies. The bottom drawer pulls out to reveal a tray that holds food and water bowls. 

8. A Cupboard Under The Stairs DIY Dog Crate

The unusual cupboard crate is like something straight out of Harry Potter. Storage space under the stairs in a two-story home can easily convert into a cozy den for your dog to sleep at night or relax and get away from a lot of activity. You can place a dog bed that’s elevated and has a warm cushion or blanket in the space. Measure the area to create a latching door, and your pup’s new room is ready.

9. Recycled Bathroom Vanity Dog Crate

To create this unique space for one or two small dogs or one larger pup, remove the doors from the front of the cabinet and replace them with wire, latching doors. You may want to add a new floor or plush carpeting to the space to keep your dog from getting cold. Place beds and blankets inside, and your dog or dogs will love having a quiet space of their own. 

Adding a dog to your family is fun and exciting for any dog lover. You need a comfortable and sturdy home for your dog that will be its den for several years. While some dog owners opt for the conventional wire crate that can collapse for storage, many pet parents are choosing innovative crates that complement the style of their decor. If you shop for designer dog crates, you can spend a lot more than you intend. If you follow the suggestions here, you can create a beautiful and functional crate for your pup that you’ll be proud of.

FAQs

How do you make a homemade dog crate?

You can make a homemade dog crate from a variety of materials. You can start with a conventional wire and metal crate that’s sold at pet supply retailers and online. To make the crate more functional you can build a table around the crate and use it as furniture and a den for your dog. Another option is to buy the wire used by pet supply companies to create an extra-large crate for a giant breed dog. Crates for larger breeds aren’t as easily accessible and can be expensive. You can customize it to suit your pup. Recycled furniture is always a great idea. By using your imagination you can create a cozy space for your pup. 

What can I use instead of a dog crate?

You may fence in your backyard and buy a doghouse to use for the time you’re away at work. Even if your dog lives inside with you, there should be suitable shelter for your pet when you’re away from the house. Another option is to buy pet gates and put them in doorways to keep your pup confined to one room while you’re at work. Dog daycare is an excellent choice for an owner who wants their dog to have plenty of company during the day. If daycare isn’t in your budget you may hire a pet sitter to take your dog for a walk once a day. the sitter will play with your pup and make sure there’s fresh food and water are accessible.

How do you make a dog crate out of furniture?

If you don’t want to start with a traditional dog crate you can recycle your child’s baby crib when it’s no longer in use. Convert a vanity table into a comfortable den. An entertainment unit can be recycled and put to use as a dog crate. Another practical option is to convert a table into a crate by using wire and adding a door with a latch. 

Is crating a dog overnight cruel?

Crating a dog overnight is actually a good practice and isn’t cruel. A dog that’s crated overnight won’t get aggressive. Domesticated dogs have the same instincts as their wolf ancestors and want a den of their own. Crate training a puppy is important. Here are the general rules for crating a dog [1]:

1. Crating a dog overnight is fine as long as the dog has had sufficient out-of-crate time during the day. 
2. Dogs are social animals and need the companionship of their families and other animals. Your dog should never be crated for longer than eight hours, at the most.
3. Older dogs and puppies need more time out-of-the-crate for potty breaks. You should make sure they go out at night before being crated.
4. A crate should never be used as a form of punishment.
5. With proper training your dog will see its crate as a safe haven.