Congratulations! If you have been browsing Pinterest for ways to give your pup their very own comfy, stylish space to call home, then you have found the perfect curated list of ideas. I wanted to create this list of DIY dog crate ideas because yes, store-bought crates do the trick. However, they are not always the prettiest furniture pieces to have sitting in your living room.
Lucky for you, there are TONS of ways you can easily build or transform a dog crate. Crates that look like real furniture that your dog will actually love spending time in. No matter your skill level or your budget, there is at least one option on this list for you.
Why Are DIY Dog Crates Awesome?
Hold up. Before we jump into all the fun ideas, let’s talk about why you might want to build your own dog crate instead of buying one. When I started my research on crate options for dogs, I was appalled by some of the prices for even the cutest crates. And many of the expensive ones just did not go with my room decor. Cue DIY. When you make your own dog crate, you can control the size, the stain or paint finish, the materials, and the style.
You can make it match your furniture, blend into the corner of the room like a built-in, or go all out with something extravagant that looks like a million bucks. Not only will you be able to make your crate more appealing to your own personal style, but you can also make it more comfortable for your dog, longer lasting, and completely personalized. Not to mention, there is nothing more satisfying than building something yourself that your fur child gets to enjoy every day.
Before You Build: Things to Consider
Like with any DIY project, there are a few things you should consider before choosing a build. First, measure your dog. Dogs need a crate that is just big enough for them to stand up, turn around, and lay down comfortably. Many people make the mistake of building too small. Second, be conscious of the materials you use.
No sharp edges, harmful paint or stain finishes, and pick materials that will not splinter. If your dog likes to chew on things, steer clear of thin materials that they can easily chew through. Third, ventilation. Dogs need crates with proper ventilation. They will be spending a lot of time in there, so you want to make sure there is ample airflow no matter what kind of design you choose. Alright! Now that we have gone over the basic dos and don’ts, let’s dig into these fun ideas!
Build Your Own
The Basic Wooden Crate
This is by far the most popular DIY dog crate idea. Basic wood planks create the 4 sides of the crate, and then you can add a slatted wood panel or wire mesh on the front. Sand it down nicely, paint or stain to match your home decor, and add a plush pillow on the inside. It looks like real furniture and will keep your dog comfortably stuffed.
Upgrade a Piece of Furniture
TV Console Makeover
An old TV console or media unit is perfect for conversion into a dog crate. Most of these pieces are already deep enough to fit medium to large dogs and have that furniture-facing appearance already. Empty it out, add in some ventilation holes or a wire mesh panel, and install a cute little door. You have yourself a simple, modern dog crate that no one will give a second glance.
Coffee Table Dog Crate
Repurpose an old coffee table into the cutest crate for your pup. Like with the TV console idea, start with furniture that is deep and wide enough to comfortably fit your dog. Remove the top section of the crate and replace it with a durable, sturdy panel with hinges. Add a soft cushion for your dog to sleep on and maybe sneak in a hidden drawer to keep dog treats or toys.
The End Table Crate
This is another great option if you want to hide the fact that it is a crate from your guests. Find an old end table that you no longer use, remove the bottom shelf, and add a small square door on the front. Using hinges and either a zipper or small latch, you have now created your dog their very own private hangout spot where they can escape to when they want to be alone, and your guests may not even know it’s a dog crate.
Turn a Bookshelf into a Crate
If you have an old IKEA bookshelf lying around or an old thrifted shelf that you have been meaning to upcycle, here is your chance! Remove some of the shelves that come with it, create a doorway for your dog to enter and exit, and add a comfortable mat on the inside. This idea is great for small to medium dogs. It really gives the dog crate a built-in look that blends into your home.
Use Pallet Wood
If you love rustic and farmhouse style, then pallet wood is the way to go. Head to your local hardware store and ask for free pallets they are wanting to get rid of. Use the wood to create any of the crate ideas below and stain it to match your home. Pallet wood crates are extremely durable and long-lasting. Just remember to sand down the pallets before using them. You don’t want your dog sticking themselves on any splinters.
Hang a Crate
Floating Wall Crate
For a modern look, you can build a crate box then secure it to the wall so it looks like it is floating. This is such a chic design choice that looks like a genuine feature in your home. Bonus points if you add this to your living room and grab your dog a comfy cushion to rest their front paws on. Your dog gets an elevated space to lounge while keeping your floor space clear.
Try Something New
Wicker or Rattan Crate Idea
If your dog already owns a wire crate, upgrade it with some wicker basket material and transform that eyesore into a home magazine-quality photo shoot. You can buy woven wicker or rattan material at your local craft store and DIY this project in one afternoon. It does not require any woodwork or paint. It is simply covering the existing crate with a soft-looking basket weave material.
Corner Crate
Maximize unused space by building a crate designed to sit in the corner of a room. Not only will this fit your pup nicely, but most dogs love feeling safely enclosed in a corner space. Similar to how they would hug your leg if they were curled up sleeping. This works especially well in kitchens or living rooms.
Go BIG
Kennel Cabinet
If you have the room and the materials, why not go for the full cabinet option? This DIY dog crate builds what appears to be an entire piece of cabinetry, complete with decorative paneling on the front of the crate door. When your guests come over, they open up what looks like a cabinet. When your dog needs his cozy space, you open the door to reveal his crate on the inside.
Use Your Imagination
The Luxe Crate House
Take that kennel cabinet idea and kick it to the ULTRA-LUXE level. Build your dog a miniature crate house complete with a peaked roof, painted white trim, and even a cute little front porch. Personalize it with your dog’s name above the “front door.” This is without a doubt the biggest and baddest DIY dog crate idea you can build. But we promise it is so worth it once you see your pup chilling inside it.
Get Creative
Wood Crate with Built-In Planter Top
Whether you buy a crate or build one yourself, get creative with the top. Instead of leaving it flat, create a shelf on top that can double as a planter for flowers or plants. This gives you and your dog double the function while looking super cute. Plus, if you place it near a window like we did with our photo, it gives it an even more organic feel.
Outdoor Crates
Cinder Block Crate
Not only will this DIY dog crate idea last you a very long time, but it is also extremely cheap to build. Head to your local hardware store and pick up some cinder blocks and wood planks. Instead of building around your dog’s crate, create a base and frame out of cinder blocks. Perfect for outdoors or an in-home dog office area.
Play Around
Dog Crate + Built-In Dog Toy
Another way you can maximize your dog’s crate space is by turning it into their fun and play area. Incorporate dog tunnels, play ropes, and maybe some platforms into their crate design. This is not only perfect for bigger dogs that need more room to play, but it is also great for puppies to safely play inside.
Make it Comfy
Fabric Crates
Remember those crates we talked about from back when your dog was a puppy? Or maybe you want a softer option for your dog while traveling. Buy some fabric and create a tent-style crate. This gives your dog a den-like space to cuddle up in and sleep. Bonus points if you add some fun patterns or prints to really make it your dog’s own.
Bonus Crate Idea: X-Frame
Use lattice wood or make your own X-frame to create a unique, open-style crate for your pup. This allows for tons of ventilation and visibility for your dog, while still allowing them their own personal space to sleep and rest. This DIY dog crate idea is great for dogs that may feel trapped in a small space.
Doorway Crates
Frame it. Instead of building your dog a full 4-sided enclosure, simply create a doorway for your pup to step in and out of. This works great for dogs that you want to confine to a room but still have access to the rest of the house. You can even add some curtains or a curtain rod to really make it your own.
Decorate It
Chalk Paint Crate
Take any DIY crate idea and paint the exterior with chalkboard paint. This allows you to get creative and write your dog’s name, quotes, doodles, or even chalk art right on their crate. Not only is this super cute, but it is also easy to change up anytime you want.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed our list of DIY dog crate ideas. Every single one of these ideas can be adapted based on the size of your dog. From pitbull crates to chihuahua crates, there is something here for everyone. Don’t forget to get creative and have fun with this project. After all, it is something you and your furry bestie will enjoy every day.
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