Last Updated on January, 2025
This guide will teach you the best DIY dog crate plans you can build at home with little to no effort.
If you’ve been thinking of buying your dog a pocket-friendly, creative little crate but are not a fan of the mainstream wire crates and metal crates every pet store sells, worry not.
I bet you will enjoy building your dog crate, which can be fun and rewarding while ensuring your dog’s comfort and safety in the long run.
Below, I have listed a few of my favorite DIY dog crate projects that fit all types of dog owners.
Whether you live in an apartment or a house, you will likely find one that perfectly fits your needs.
You won’t have to worry about spending a fortune to buy your dog a crate or even buying dog crates.
Let’s build a dog crate!
Quick Summary
DIY dog crate plans offer customizable solutions for dog owners to create a comfortable and secure space for their pets.
These plans cater to various skill levels and styles, with the potential for cost savings and personal satisfaction.
Factors such as time, budget, skill level, and desired customization determine whether DIY or readymade crates are better suited for individual needs.
Table of Contents
- Best DIY Dog Crate Plans
- 1. DIY Dog Crate Project From This Old House
- 2. Bed Side Table Dog Crate From PopSugar
- 3. Upcycled Crib Dog Crate From MyRepurposedLife.com
- 4. End Table Dog Crate From AnaWhite.com
- 5. Rustic Barn Door Dog Crate From Shanty 2 Chic
- 6. Hidden Dog Crate Table From Snazzy Little Things
- 7. Console Dog Crate Table From Rumfield Homestead
- 8. Cupboard Under the Stairs Dog Crate From Tommy & Ellie
- 9. Converted Cabinet Dog Crate From Measure & Mix
- 10. All In One Dog Crate From Shanty 2 Chic
- 11. Geometric DIY Dog House From AdorableHome.com
- Safety Tips and Guidelines
- DIY Dog Crates Vs. Readymade Dog Crates
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Best DIY Dog Crate Plans
DIY dog crate plans provide a practical and customizable solution for creating a comfortable and secure space for your furry companion.
These plans encompass a range of designs and instructions that empower dog owners to construct crates tailored to their dog’s size, needs, and home decor.
Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a first-timer, these plans offer a rewarding project that results in a cozy retreat for your canine friend.
1. DIY Dog Crate Project From This Old House
DIFFICULTY: Hard
This old house enhances DIY wooden dog crate projects with exquisite craftsmanship reminiscent of a seasoned artisan.
A shining example of their expertise is creating furniture-style crates, which boast an elevated elegance.
It cleverly conceals its dual purpose as a highly functional wooden dog crate for your dog.
This remarkable transformation ensures that the final product not only serves its practical role but also seamlessly blends into your home decor, subtly eluding the awareness of most visitors.
Materials
Tools
2. Bed Side Table Dog Crate From PopSugar
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
Suppose you already possess a conventional wire crate for your beloved dog yet find its appearance not aligning with the aesthetic of your living space.
In that case, Popsugar comes to the rescue with uncomplicated and wallet-friendly blueprints.
These ingenious plans entail the transformation of your existing crate into a chic bedside table, seamlessly merging functionality and style.
The beauty of this endeavor lies in its simplicity, as you will only require readily available materials from your nearby hardware emporium, a handful of power tools, and a modest investment of your time.
Materials
Tools
3. Upcycled Crib Dog Crate From MyRepurposedLife.com
DIFFICULTY: Hard
Repurposing aged furniture is an ingenious avenue to bestow your dog with an expensive and distinctive crate.
This endeavor contributes positively to the environment by breathing new life into preexisting items and saving precious time, exertion, and money.
My Repurposed Life offers comprehensive guidance on transforming a previously used crib into a sophisticated and practical dog crate.
There’s still hope for those without a disused wooden crib readily available.
Exploring platforms such as Craigslist, a pet store, or a local hardware store might yield the possibility of finding a suitable candidate for this innovative transformation project.
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Tools
4. End Table Dog Crate From AnaWhite.com
DIFFICULTY: Hard
Embracing the concept of end table kennels presents a brilliant solution where a single space serves a dual purpose, rendering them particularly advantageous for individuals residing in compact living environments such as apartments.
Ana White presents an array of meticulously crafted blueprints detailing the construction of a no-fuss dog crate employing a handful of plywood sheets and lumber components.
This venture proves ideal for those possessing intermediate woodworking skills, aiming to procure a resilient crate for their beloved canine companions.
The resulting creation holds the potential for seamless integration into any preexisting interior aesthetic, as it can be effortlessly customized through painting or staining.
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Tools
5. Rustic Barn Door Dog Crate From Shanty 2 Chic
DIFFICULTY: Hard
Delving into rustic-infused sophistication, Shanty 2 Chic provides easily accessible architectural blueprints for crafting an alluring barn door dog crate.
This DIY dog crate imparts a sense of security to your furry friend and presents a practical tabletop that opens up additional storage or decorative arrangement possibilities.
With the presence of visitors, you can expect the enchanting barn door entrance to function as an engaging conversation starter, creating a sense of anticipation.
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Tools
6. Hidden Dog Crate Table From Snazzy Little Things
DIFFICULTY: Easy
Blogger Snazzy Little Things introduces another remarkable endeavor for creatively concealing a wire crate.
This straightforward cover effectively masks your dog’s crate and gives it an added layer of privacy while serving as a versatile tabletop surface.
While a handful of essential woodworking tools will be required, the beauty of this undertaking lies in its surprisingly swift and effortless execution.
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7. Console Dog Crate Table From Rumfield Homestead
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
The enduring allure of rustic, barnyard-inspired decor has captivated home enthusiasts for several years.
Rumfield Homestead takes the spotlight by providing comprehensive guidance on crafting a fusion of a console table and a wooden dog crate.
Seamlessly melding functionality and aesthetics through scrap lumber and chicken wire.
As elaborated in Rumfield Homestead’s informative blog post, the brilliance of this creation lies in its adaptability.
You can make this innovative piece even better by adding curtains later.
This will address your dog’s privacy needs while keeping an outstanding balance of design and usefulness.
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Tools
8. Cupboard Under the Stairs Dog Crate From Tommy & Ellie
DIFFICULTY: Easy
Should your abode feature an under-the-stairs cupboard, the creative minds at Tommy & Ellie have laid out an intricate guide.
I am walking you through converting this often-neglected space into an ingenious one-side in-wall dog crate.
This transformation presents an intelligent approach to making the most of an area that might otherwise remain idle or gather miscellaneous household items.
Naturally, it’s imperative to acknowledge that this process may not be suitable for those dwelling in rented accommodations or lacking the convenience of a built-in closet structure.
Materials
Tools
9. Converted Cabinet Dog Crate From Measure & Mix
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
Measure & Mix presents readily comprehensible blueprints for repurposing a dated bathroom cabinet, guiding you through transforming it into a versatile wooden dog crate.
In a specific instance showcased, the top panel of this ingeniously converted crate serves a dual purpose as a practical laundry-folding table.
As you start creating your version of this project, remember there are limitless possibilities for creativity and customization.
Materials
Tools
10. All In One Dog Crate From Shanty 2 Chic
DIFFICULTY: Hard
If your aspirations encompass a dog crate that seamlessly fulfills many roles, your search concludes with the remarkable DIY dog crate venture from Shanty 2 Chic.
This wooden dog crate project goes beyond the usual by offering space for two small dogs, a practical tabletop, two doors, and a cleverly hidden drawer for their food and water bowls.
You do not have to worry about your dog getting its head stuck between the wired side panel.
And that’s not all—two additional drawers grace this creation, offering dedicated storage for treats, collars, toys, and other essentials.
In essence, this remarkable project transforms the concept of a mere dog crate into a comprehensive and multifunctional dog crate.
Materials
Tools
11. Geometric DIY Dog House From AdorableHome.com
DIFFICULTY: Hard
The DIY dog crate project curated by Adorable Home offers more of a cozy nook or bed-like structure than a traditional dog crate, as it doesn’t feature a conventional door.
Nonetheless, this is an impressively stylish dog crate with its modern aesthetics.
It boasts a design that seamlessly complements a range of home interiors, giving your dog a little wiggle room to rest.
While the original instructions may not include painting, a splash of color would elevate its appearance even further.
It’s important to note that this option might not be optimal for larger dogs, as adapting it to their size would necessitate deviations from the provided plans.
This change might involve getting thicker plywood, making the great project more expensive and the finished product heavier.
Materials
Tools
Safety Tips and Guidelines
- Choose Pet-Friendly Materials
Ensure to select materials that are non-toxic and pet-safe. Avoid using materials that could be harmful if swallowed or cause allergic reactions.
- Ventilation
If using paints, adhesives, or other chemicals that release fumes, ensure proper ventilation in the workspace to prevent your pets from inhaling harmful substances.
- Secure Wires and Cords
Keep tools such as wires, cords, and cables out of reach or secure them using cable organizers.
- Avoid Small Parts
Basic woodworking tools like screws, bolts, and nuts can cause choking risks if swallowed by pets. Please keep them in sealed containers and clean them up thoroughly after each DIY session.
- Follow Instructions
It is vital to follow instructions when building your DIY dog crate. This will help ensure the final product is safe for you and your pets.
- Properly Dispose of Waste
Dispose of any waste materials, scraps, or leftover materials properly to prevent your pets from accidentally ingesting or playing with them.
- Reward Positive Behavior
If your pets behave well and stay away from the work area, reward them with treats and positive reinforcement.
- Minimize Noise and Stress
Power tools and loud noises from DIY projects can stress out pets. Schedule your projects when your pets are less likely to be anxious or frightened.
DIY Dog Crates Vs. Readymade Dog Crates
DIY Dog Crates
Pros
Cons
Readymade Dog Crates
Pros
Cons
The choice between DIY dog crates and readymade crates depends on factors such as your skill level, time availability, budget, and desire for customization.
DIY crates offer personalization and cost savings but demand time and skills, while readymade crates provide convenience and various options but might lack the exact customization you seek.
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Conclusion
Once you get into building your custom dog crates, you will never go back to traditional wire crates ever again.
Although you might find it challenging, the process can be enjoyable, engaging, and rewarding.
You will not regret the feeling of homeliness the self-built dog crate can add to your environment.
Yet, it’s essential to recognize that only some approaches will work for all dog sizes and breeds.
The bond between you and your pet grows more vital when you put love and effort into their well-being.
You’ve created a comfortable space for your canine companion and had a blast while doing it.
So, cherish every moment with your dog, let them keep wagging those tails in their brand-new, custom-made crate!
FAQs
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